Physical education in schools is becoming a popular discussion topic. Are children getting enough gym class time? Is the amount of physical activity directly correlated with their test scores? More and more studies are indicating that a good physical education is vital in growing healthier, smarter and more creative young people.

For years, gym class has been seen as a necessity in schools. Children have a need to be active and they thrive when instructors let them play organized sports and games. Scientists are beginning to understand why exactly this physical activity makes them thrive.

Aside from the obvious need to let children have a physical outlet for energy, some scientists see a correlation between physical education and mental health. Children that are more active are showing signs of higher amounts of serotonin. This compound acts as a neurotransmitter and has shown connections to an increased sense of health, happiness and well-being. Greater amounts of serotonin in the bloodstream can quite simply mean happier children.
Read the rest of this entry »