Active children may lower their risk of heart disease and even cancer in later life: Exercising in youth permanently ‘turns down’ genes that cause inflammation

Aug 1, 2017

The Daily Mail – Alexandra Thompson

“Children who exercise may be at less risk of heart disease and even cancer in later life, new research suggests. Mice who are physically active before reaching sexual maturity have ‘turned down’ genes for inflammation, even if they eat a high-fat diet, a study found. These effects continue even once the mice reach adulthood, the research adds. Past research demonstrates eating a fatty diet increases the activity of genes that cause inflammation. Inflammation has previously been linked to an increased risk of obesity, heart disease and cancer. (more)

Kids, cash, and snacks: What motivates a healthier food choice?

Aug 1, 2017

Medical X-Press – Staff Writer

“What determines how children decide to spend their cash on snacks? A new study shows that children’s experience with money and their liking of brands influenced purchase decisions – and that for some children, higher prices for unhealthy snacks might motivate healthier choices. The study is published in the journal Appetite. Besides parents, many actors such as schools, governments and food manufacturers influence and modify the consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor snack food among children through a multitude of venues such as parental guidance and restriction of such foods and snacks available to children at home, school programs (school lunch and vending machines), governmental mandates (taxation, nutrition education campaigns) and marketing messages. (more)