A study published in the Journal of Sports Science followed 627 children in Finland over three years to explore how early physical activity influenced their coordination and movement skills by age 11. Researchers examined two types of physical activity: organized sports, such as team sports or lessons, and unstructured outdoor play. The aim was to understand how these different forms of movement impacted motor coordination, balance, and overall movement abilities in the long term.
The children underwent assessments that measured jumping, throwing, running, and balance using standard physical skills tests and a jumping test. These tools are commonly used to evaluate basic motor functions. The study categorized movement into four areas: locomotor skills like running and hopping, object control skills such as throwing or dribbling, a combined score of these two, and dynamic balance, which was tested by counting how many side-to-side jumps a child could complete in 15 seconds. Findings revealed that children who participated in multiple sports showed greater improvements in motor skills compared to those who played just one sport or none at all. Specifically, children involved in two or more sports achieved 10.1% higher jumping scores and up to 14.5% better coordination than their peers who did not engage in sports. While playing a single sport still provided benefits, the improvements were less pronounced, particularly in tasks involving jumping and running.
The study highlights the significant advantages of engaging in diverse physical activities during childhood. Participating in multiple sports appears to enhance a broader range of motor skills, including coordination and balance, more effectively than focusing on just one sport. This suggests that varied physical experiences may better prepare children for physical challenges and activities later in life. Overall, the research underscores the importance of encouraging children to explore multiple sports and forms of physical activity. By doing so, they can develop stronger coordination and movement skills, which are essential for their physical development and overall well-being.
Florida has become the second U.S. state, after Utah, to ban water fluoridation, with the law taking effect on July 1, 2025. Governor Ron DeSantis described fluoridation as "forced medication" without informed consent. Public water systems must cease adding fluoride, and state regulators will enforce the ban. A National Toxicology Program review of 72 studies found consistent evidence linking fluoride exposure to lower IQ scores and impaired cognitive development in children. Research also associates fluoride with thyroid dysfunction and neurological harm, even at doses as low as 2 to 5 milligrams daily. While fluoride was introduced in 1945 to reduce cavities, mounting evidence suggests the risks, including neurodevelopmental and endocrine issues, outweigh the benefits. Many European countries rejected fluoridation decades ago, with 98% of Western Europeans now drinking non-fluoridated water. Other states, such as Ohio and Texas, are considering similar bans, and federal agencies are reevaluating fluoride recommendations. Currently, 63% of Americans drink fluoridated water, but this policy shift may prompt widespread reassessment of its safety.
Sitting too long many decrease your life span: Prolonged sitting has quietly become a major risk factor for heart health, even for those who regularly exercise. Research reveals that sitting more than 10.6 hours daily increases the risk of heart failure by 45% and cardiovascular death by 62%. This underscores the urgent need to break up sedentary time, as reallocating just 30 minutes of sitting to light activity can reduce heart failure risk by 7%. Sitting still for too long impairs circulation, decreases insulin sensitivity, and hampers mitochondrial activity, progressively damaging cardiovascular health over time.
The detrimental effects of sitting aren't offset by regular exercise alone. Movement throughout the day is critical to protecting heart health and metabolic function. Even active individuals who meet the recommended weekly 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise remain at risk if they spend prolonged hours seated. The key lies in shifting how we perceive movement—not just as a scheduled task but as a consistent practice integrated into daily life.
A study involving over 89,000 participants, tracked using wrist-based activity monitors, reinforced this point. It revealed that people who sat for over 10.6 hours daily faced significantly higher risks of heart-related conditions compared to those sitting less than 9.4 hours. Importantly, participants who incorporated small breaks in their sitting patterns by standing or walking benefited from observable reductions in heart health risks. Even minimal changes, like standing for 10 minutes every hour, have meaningful health payoffs.
The bottom line is simple yet powerful. Our daily routine, often centered around desks, cars, and screens, may be undermining our health without obvious signs. By incorporating regular movement into our days and breaking up sedentary periods, we can safeguard our cardiovascular health and overall well-being. The solution doesn't require monumental changes but rather mindful action to stand, stretch, or take light walks consistently throughout the day.
Small steps can lead to life-changing improvements.
