How much exercise do you really need? Experts say that 30 minutes a day will improve your overall health. There are many benefits associated with daily physical activity. These include a lower risk of heart disease and obesity, healthy bones, muscles and joints, and lower body fat. Physical activity also reduces the risk of diabetes and colon cancer. Research is also suggesting that physical activity is integral to keeping cognitive processes working on all valves. Tests conducted on a group of fourth grade students in Phoenix, Arizona found that aerobic activity improved grades and self-esteem and lowered depression. Dr. Jennifer Etnier, Assistant professor of exercise and physical education at Arizona State University, says that physical activity is very important in improving cognitive abilities in adolescents. Exercise may be stabilizing children from having big hormonal level swings, which would allow them to concentrate better. Also, activity helps with tension. If a child is having behavioral problems, exercise could bring about fatigue preventing them from having many outbursts. As soon as they do that, they start learning more because they can pay attention. If you exercise and attain these accomplishments in the physical activity realm, you feel better and more confident and that transfers into the classroom. If you feel better about yourself, you may perform better. You can find out more information about staying healthy from childhood to adulthood by logging on to the following websites: www.kidshealth.org/ www.healthylivingproject.org/physical.html