Neuroscience Researcher Releases Book to Help Parents Improve Children's Brains

Dr. Simon Evans, a brain research scientist at the University of Michigan, is stepping out of the lab and into the public to educate parents. He is concerned with the declining health of today's children and the consequences for kid’s brains and behavior. Dr. Evans is turning his focus toward teaching parents about the interaction between lifestyle choices, like nutrition and exercise, and brain function of their children.

Ann Arbor, MI (PRWEB) September 6, 2006 -- Dr. Simon Evans, a brain research scientist at the University of Michigan, released a book on helping kids build better brains. Dr. Evans studies the interaction between nutrition, exercise and mental health and he is concerned with the declining health trends in today’s children. His book explains to parents the consequences of following those poor trends and what they can do instead to maximize their own children’s potential.

The health of today’s kids is in serious danger. The center for disease control predicts that one out of three children born after the year 2000 will develop type II diabetes, and many before the age of 18. Recent studies show that about 1 out of 5 school age children are overweight and 20 percent of high school age kids already have early markers of heart disease.

One problem is that the early signs of serious health problems are not obvious in kids. However, parents need to realize that early damage from poor nutrition and lack of physical activity adds up. Damage usually does not turn into measurable disease until later life but this can start when kids are very young. The more parents can do now; the better off their kids will be later.

Another thing that most people don’t think about when it comes to a healthy lifestyle is the effect on the brain. In his new book, ‘Feeding Dreams’, Dr. Evans discusses the consequences of unhealthy lifestyles on brain function and behavior and what can be done about it. “It is clear that nutrition, physical activity and needed rest effect how kids behave. Healthy living is not just affecting the heart, lungs and muscles. It is actually affecting brain chemistry, intelligence, emotion and academic performance as well. Most people just don’t think about this” says Dr. Evans.

In addition to Dr. Evans role as a research scientist, he is parent and an active youth sports coach. He holds a national coaching license from the United States Soccer Federation and is actively involved in youth sports where he lives. This gives him a real-world perspective on kid’s health. “In my book, I balance the research with a realistic plan on what parents can do today to ensure their kids reach their potential tomorrow,” says Dr. Evans.

Parents are often overwhelmed with the sea of advice that they get today from medical professionals and the media. ‘Feeding Dreams’ is a book that helps parents return to using their own common sense to do what’s right for their kids.

You can learn more about Dr. Evans’ project and his new book at http://www.raisingsuccessfulchildren.com.

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