Are physically active kids smarter?

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On the playground, kids enjoying physical activity.

In an interesting article summarizing several studies in the US and Denmark, Gretchen Reynolds of the New York Times suggests that being physically active and fit is correlated with brain size in kids — particularly in the sections of the brain responsible for “executive function” that keep kids focused during school. This, in turn, is related to higher IQ scores even between active and inactive pairs of twins.

Though the causes of increased brain size in the more fit children are not yet well understood by scientists, the takeaway is clear: Motivate your kids to be physically active, and they will have a better chance of success in both school and later life!

In health, Dr. Philip

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