Nature's One Encourages Healthy Lifestyles, Higher Classroom Performance

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- WebMD reports that a new research study reveals a link between physical fitness and classroom performance. According to the study, kids who are in better shape score higher on classroom examinations. Nature's One^®, the leader in organic pediatric nutrition, encourages healthy lifestyles. The company understands that classroom performance is reliant upon many factors, and that physical fitness and nutrition play a key role in the ability of a child to keep up with academic expectations.

The study was presented at the American Psychological Association's annual conference. During the presentation, researchers highlighted the discovery that "the fitter the middle school students were, the better they did on reading and math tests."

To conduct the research, 1,211 students from five different middle schools in Texas were tested. Academic self-concept, socioeconomic status, social support, fitness, body composition, and other factors were considered throughout the study. Sudhish Srikanth, a researcher who worked on this initiative, asserts that cardiorespiratory fitness was the most influential regarding academic performance.

Although previous studies have looked at the link between fitness and academic performance, Srikanth asserts that "this new study also looked at several other potential influences." The hope is that this study will encourage parents and educational professionals to take the importance of physical activity more seriously.

Nature's One understands that overall health, including nutrition and regular exercise, plays a large role in academic success. As such, the organization supports the findings of the study and encourages parents and guardians to increase daily physical activity.

"Nutrition, exercise, and school performance all go hand in hand," states Nature's One CEO Jay Highman. "Quality nutrition, not junk food, is fuel for the body. A well-fueled body performs more efficiently, which increases the quality of any physical activity and success. There are tremendous benefits for children who exercise, for even a short amount of time, each day. But exercise isn't the only variable that impacts a child's performance in the classroom. A child with good overall nutritional health is more likely to perform better at school. Studies show that children who receive quality nutrition and regular exercise will sleep better, have improved memory and concentration, and develop higher self-esteem. These all significantly influence classroom performance."

By considering all of the factors associated with academic excellence, parents and educators can pinpoint new ways to assist students in achieving their goals. Although this study is far from conclusive, it upholds previous findings that underscore the importance of physical fitness in children.

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Nature's One, founded in 1997, is a pioneer in organic pediatric nutrition. Highly regarded for its Baby's Only Organic^® Formulas, Baby's Only Essentials, PediaSmart^® Organic Complete Nutrition Beverage, and PediaVance^® Electrolyte Solution brands, Nature's One has dedicated a decade and a half to developing, researching, and creating the highest quality products in an effort to offer nutritional solutions to parents.

SOURCE Nature's One