75 woman this month | September 2011 | There has been a significant rise in the levels of overweight children globally. The four per cent of children between six and 12 years that was overweight has grown to 13 per cent in the last 35 years and among 12 to 19 year olds, the figure has risen from five to 14 per cent, which is really quite shocking. Researchers have found a relationship between physical fitness and the brain in children of nine and ten years old. By way of elaboration: those who are more fit tend to have a bigger hippocampus, which means they perform better in memory tests, spatial reasoning and other cognitive tasks. So, if you don’t want to feel you are hampering your child’s mental development, it would be a good idea to ensure their physical fitness! When researchers analysed the data from a selection of MRI scans, they established that physically fit children had a hippocampal volume which was up to 12 per cent bigger, relative to the total brain size, than that of their out of shape peers. The children who were in better physical condition also did better on tests of relational memory — the ability to remember and integrate various types of information — than their less-fit peers. The brain is made up of cells, just like the rest of the body. Neurons are specialised cells that enable us to think and behave, but just like other cells, they need nutrients and fuel to function. Several studies have shown that good nutrition is crucial to brain development. Good nutrition is critical in utero (as the brain is developing in the womb) and post-partum (just after the baby has been born). In addition to good nutrients, the brain requires oxygen to function. The better a child's circulatory system, the better the brain can perform. A recent study by T.M. Hung demonstrated that the brains of five year old children who participate in habitual physical activity generate faster electrical responses than those of sedentary children. Exercise increases the flow of blood to the brain. The blood delivers oxygen and glucose, which the brain needs for heightened alertness and mental focus. Because of this, exercise makes it easier for children to learn. According to researchers, exercise builds new neurons in a brain region called the dentate gyrus, which is linked with memory and memory loss. Exercise also stimulates nerve growth factors. Those who exercise regularly have superior short-term memory, display faster reaction time, and can display a higher level of creativity. Exercise builds up the body’s level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor or BDNF. BDNF causes the neurons to branch out, join together and communicate with each other in new ways, which leads to your children’s openness to learning and more aptitude for knowledge. Childhood plumpness and obesity is a rising problem and something that we really need to bring under control. as a Fiddle For feedback, comments or questions contact Dr Jinan Darwish via email at: [email protected] Facts: • Children today have a shorter life expectancy than their parents for the first time in 100 years, because of the obesity epidemic. • Childhood Obesity is likely to lead to adult obesity: The likelihood of becoming an obese adult, if obese at age six is 50 per cent. The odds of becoming an obese adult, if obese at age 13 is 70 to 80 per cent • The American Heart Association recommends: All children age two and over should partake in at least 60 minutes of pleasurable, moderate-intensity physical activity every day, which are developmentally appropriate and diverse. • If your children do not have a full 60-minute activity break each day, try to provide at least two 30 minute periods or four 15 minute periods in which they can engage in vigorous activities appropriate to their age, gender and stage of physical and emotional development. • Children who achieve better on standardised tests have more favourable body composition and lipid profile. Tips Fit
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