The article quotes the researchers as saying "The take-home message from our study is that we want our kids to be fit for as long as possible and it will show in their academic performance. But if we're to intervene on those children who are not necessarily fit and get them to physically fit levels, we may also see their academic performance increase."

The article notes that the Canadian Paediatric Society suggests that children who are inactive should begin with 20 minutes of moderate physical activity and 10 minuts of vigorous activity per day for the first month. They should build up their total exercise time to at least 90 minuts per day. In 2001, however, only 33 percent of Canadian schools had formal physical education classes, while most schools offecer half the recommended provincal requirement for physical education.

Physical activity can improve academic performance

This may be one more reason to get kids off the couch with their DS's or watching TV and to send them out to play, to go for a bike ride or head to the park.

An article in the Mar 4, 2010 edition of the Globe and Mail discusses the results of a recent study done at West Virginia University. Researchers evaluated the fitness levels and standardized test scores of 725 Grade 5 students at a particular school and re-examined the results two years later in Grade 7. The study found that academic performance dipped when the students' fitness declined and increased when their fitness improved. The childern with the highest standardized test scores, which included reading, math, science and social studies, were also the ones who were deemed fit at the beginning and end of the study. Children who ranked second highest in academic performance were those who were not fit in Grade 5, but had become fit by Grade 7. Those whose fitness level slipped during the 2 years ranked third academically, and the children with the worst academic performance were those who were not physically fit in either grade, the study found.

Xylitol gum or mints used three to five times per day (for a total intake of 5 grams) is considered ideal. Frequency and duration of exposure is important, therefore it is important for gum to be chewed for approximately 5 minutes and mints to be allowed to dissolve slowly. Using xylitol immediately after meals and snacks to help reduce plaque and inhibit adhesion of bacteria to teeth, and to reduce the contact time of sugar is what dentists recommend. Human consumption of xylitol has been confirmed for safety. Pet owner should note, however, that xylitol is harmful to dogs.

Products containing xylitol have been around for years, but only recently have they become mainstream. Xylitol can be found in chewing gum, toothpastes, mouthwashes and other oral care products, candies, and some pharmaceuticals. On food labels, xylitol is classified broadly as a carbohydrate and more narrowly as a polyol.

Dr. Mike Recommends

Xylitol is a sugar based sweetner that is found in birch tree bark, beets, corncobs, rasberries, mushrooms, and other natural sources. Its sweetness is equal to that of sugar, but it has about 40% fewer calories which makes it a popular sugar substitute. Xylitol not only cuts calories, it also helps prevent cavities!!

Xylitol helps prevent streptococcus mutans, the primary bacteria associated with cavities, from attaching to teeth and tissues in the mouth. Xylitol cannot be metabolized by bacteria; as a result, the process that creates harmful, enamel-eating acids is drastically slowed. Regular use of xylitol has been shown to help reduce dental plaque - the first stage of cavity formation, tartar formation and tooth staining - and promote better oral healthx.