Need
another way to keep your kids healthy? Encourage athletic
participation! Exercise has long been associated with stimulating
natural immune cells in adults, but what about its affects
on the immune systems of adolescents?
Researchers from the University of California, Irvine, and
UC San Diego conducted a study to determine if immune function
is enhanced in adolescent boys by intense exercise. The study
examined 11 healthy boys, 14-18.5 years old, who were evaluated
before and after they engaged in an hour-long wrestling practice
session.
Following exercise, blood samples of the participants showed
an increase in natural killer cells, T helper cells, and granulocytes,
monocytes, and lymphocyte subpopulations - all important components
for healthy immune function. Researchers concluded that although
the wrestling session stimulated immune function, the role
of these changes on the overall status of the immune system
could not be definitively determined.
One thing, however, is certain: Exercise benefits people
of all ages - mentally and physically. Encourage your children
to participate in an athletic activity, or better yet, why
not get out there and play with them? Engaging in athletic
activities can be a great way for your family to spend time
together while doing something good for your health.
Reference:
Nemet D, Mills PJ, Cooper DM. Effect of intense wrestling
exercise on leucocytes and adhesion molecules in adolescent
boys. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2004;38(2):154-158.
For additional information on pediatric health, visit www.chiroweb.com/find/archives/pediatrics.
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