Kids learn in school and they have time for play and physical activity, but the relationship between the two? That was the subject of a new study released Monday.
Running, jumping and playing has always been a part of school but, the time for it has diminished in recent years as the pressure increases to give children more academic time.
Researchers wanted to know how physical activities might affect academic learning.
They reviewed 12 studies on the subject and found a suggestion that being more physically active is positively related to improved academic performance in children.
Exercise may help learning and thinking by increasing oxygen to the brain, say the authors but they also say it's a subject needing more study.
Another study Monday finds visceral fat carries a hormone that could raise a woman's risk of dementia.
Visceral fat is the one that lies deep within the abdominal cavity and carries a lot of health risks because of its proximity to vital organs.
In a study of over 800 patients, women who had the hormone "Adiponectin" in their visceral fat had a higher risk of developing dementia than men or women without the hormone.
This study appeared in the Archives of Neurology.
Concern continues about the shortage of the drug adderall, which treats ADHD in children.
One reason is a pharmaceutical ingredient in the drug, API.
The DEA, the Drug Enforcement Administration, regulates its manufacture, but prescriptions written have outrun the amount of the drug available.
Manufacturers say it may be a while before the 2012 quota can be turned into new product.
One out of 11 school aged children is diagnosed with ADHD every year.
It's one of the most common childhood disorders.
Whether lawmakers, doctors or regulatory agencies take the initiative to solve this issue remains to be seen.
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