http://blogs.mercola.com/sites/vitalvotes/archive/2008/12/31/Exercise-Proven-to-Make-Your-Kids-Smarter.aspxSeveral researchers have been making the case that aerobic exercise improves not only a student's fitness level, but also their test scores. The federal No Child Left Behind program encourages schools to focus more of the school day on the core academicenCommunityServer 2008.5 SP1 (Build: 31106.3070)http://blogs.mercola.com/sites/vitalvotes/archive/2008/12/31/Exercise-Proven-to-Make-Your-Kids-Smarter.aspx#130954Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:09:03 GMT24451277-a5aa-4add-96dc-64081bfd86fa:130954The Dreamer&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While attending school for most of my developmental years in a suburb of Chicago, I was exposed to first class physical education daily and studied practical health standards on a regular schedule.&nbsp; <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We were shown how to properly execute and perform practically every activity you can imagine from table tennis to cross country. We learned how to use gymnastic equipment, lift weights and use weight lifting machines, the rules of team sports and discussed proper diet and nutrition with properly trained and dedicated teachers and coaches.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The last time that I heard, Illinois and California were the only states left that have maintained&nbsp; the value of daily physical activity and exercise for our kids.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I am now 53, and still use what I have learned with every type of ball you can think of, I swim, and lift weights -- because I know how to do all of it, and because I was taught the value to overall health-- <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I certainly agree that this is a must for kids. If they don't get it in school, enroll them in a variety of after-hours activities at school or in community provided activities (so they can find one that they also enjoy), or plan a regular activity as a family -- It all becomes part of a lifetime of physical AND brain fitness.<br /><br />Is Dr. Mercola amazing or what? -- This is my "most trusted" website. Thanks.<br /><img src="http://blogs.mercola.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=130954" width="1" height="1">http://blogs.mercola.com/sites/vitalvotes/archive/2008/12/31/Exercise-Proven-to-Make-Your-Kids-Smarter.aspx#130952Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:47:18 GMT24451277-a5aa-4add-96dc-64081bfd86fa:130952WellnessMom<p>It starts in elementary school and continues in high school where kids such as mine were forced to be on block schedules, meaning they had 3 classes a day with about 2 hours of classtime for each class per day. Non-Activity is one of the worst things you can do for a kid. They have all that energy and it needs to be put to use. </p><br> <br><p>My son suffered in elementary school from having too much study and not enough physical interaction. In high school, he only had to take gym for 3 years and then as a senior they didn't have to and he was happy about it. Gym class was always my favorite, I just can't see anyone not liking that!</p><img src="http://blogs.mercola.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=130952" width="1" height="1">