New Update to Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans

The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans is out now. Learn more about the new recommendations, what has changed, and how to live a healthier life....

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Whole child health leads to whole child success

Setting your student up for success starts long before that first bell rings. Eye exams are critical to ensure that they perform well in the classroom, in the gym, and in extra-curricular activities....

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Vision and Fitness is Key to Student Achievement

Good vision and eye health are key to students' ability to do well in the classroom and on the playground. Poor vision not only affects what children are able to learn, but also how well they are able to learn. By noticing when kids are struggling, teachers can not only help improve their grades, but also their vision, their fitness, and their quality of life....

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Message from the CEO: Heart Health is Key to Brain Health

President and Chief Executive Officer of The Cooper Institute® Depression, anxiety, and memory problems are key mental health concerns for all Americans. These illnesses can impact life for both the affected individual and their family in devastating ways....

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Rise up: Creating a Culture of Health in Georgia

Since 2012, Georgia SHAPE has been helping schools teach kids to live happier, healthier and more active lives. Led by Governor Nathan Deal, the Georgia SHAPE initiative is dedicated to improving Georgia’s future by improving child health and wellness in a program that is rooted in research. [READ MORE +]...

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How to Separate Reputable Health, Fitness, and Nutrition Information from Myth and Hype

It’s easy to be overwhelmed or confused by the vast amount of information on health, fitness and nutrition - much of it with claims seem too good to be true. So how can you tell between fact and fiction, between sound science and marketing hype? Read more to learn how to objectively evaluate the validity of various sources of health information....

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Vision Screenings Are Key to Academic and Athletic Success in Students

Imagine trying to learn or play sports with blurry vision. Would you know the difference between a circle and a square if you could not see a square's sharp corners? Could you accurately throw or hit a ball if you couldn’t see it or see the target? Poor vision can have a detrimental effect on a child’s success in all areas....

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Is There an Association Between Low Vitamin D Levels and Depression? The Cooper Center Longitudinal Study

Low serum vitamin D (SVD) levels are associated with numerous medical conditions, including neurologic disorders. In a joint study by The Cooper Institute and The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, researchers examined the association between SVD levels and depression. Read on to learn more....

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Research Study Summary: The Connection Between Heart Health and Brain Health

Mental health is a hot topic across the country. We know that exercise can ward off depression and heart disease, but can a single measure of aerobic capacity at midlife predict the risk of both in later life?...

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Can Being Fit Decrease Your Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death?

Sudden cardiac death is a common cause of death in the United States, but little is known about the risk factors for it. Could having a moderate to high level of fitness decrease your risk of sudden cardiac death even if you have hypertension or are overweight? Recent data from Cooper Clinic patients helps to answer that important question....

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Power Training is for Everyone

Muscular strength refers to the maximum amount of weight lifted at one time; power is proportional to the speed at which you can apply this maximum force. While many attributes of power such as speed, acceleration, and deceleration come to mind when thinking about sports, they are equally as important in activities of daily living such as standing up, stopping a fall, jumping, pushing a door, etc. Because power plays a crucial role in sport and everyday activities, it is imperative that all individuals, young and old alike, train this skill-related component of fitness. Follow these Fit Tips to enhance your performance in sports, fitness, and activities of daily living....

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The 10 Minutes of Aerobic Exercise Rule: Does it Still Apply?

Can you really get fit in only 10 minutes? For nearly a decade, we’ve heard that we can improve our fitness by incorporating moderate to vigorous aerobic activity throughout the day in as little as 10 minutes at a time. A recent paper in the Journal of the American Heart Association examined whether or not this ‘10 minute rule’ was still valid....

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