Better focus with exercise

If you or your children have problems focusing, we have a simple recommendation that may help.

"In addition to good nutrition and a good night's sleep, not too much TV or devices, exercise looks like a major way to improve their performance," explains sports cardiologist Dr. John Higgins from UT Health and Harris Health System. He's referring to a large study out of Europe that shows exercise benefits all aspects of schooling for students. 

"When you exercise, it helps improve blood flow to the important parts of the brain, like the hippocampus, which is involved in memory, and it wakes up the person as well," adds Dr. Higgins. "They're more active and alert!  Children who exercise on the same day as they're having a lesson, they're more likely to remember the contents of the lesson. You can exercise anytime you want -- either before school or during or after school, and still get the benefit. It might be time to do more, but some places it's kind of fairly light.  I'd recommend getting the whole family on a routine -- go on a bike ride or go to the park, wear them out, it's important for them to get a good night's sleep! Having computers off and bright light before bed can really ruin sleep. For those who do this, will remember things better, perform better and be better as a person."

For more information, visit https://med.uth.edu/ or http://www.aspenprojectplay.org/the-facts.