The organisations this afternoon announced $2.8m for 10 child health projects which focused on obesity, mental health, literacy and autism spectrum disorder. Mental health, obesity, literacy and autism spectrum disorders were common, complex problems faced by one in three New Zealand children, he said. She believed the projects could quickly make a material difference to the health and well-being of the country's children. Emerging evidence had suggested a link between vigorous physical activity and mental health outcomes while it was thought shorter periods of exercise may be more palatable for teenagers, Harris said. The primary outcome would be improvements in mental health, measured across a range of parameters at a three-month and 20-week follow up.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 04, 2017 03:56 UTC