Project to improve poor childrens intellect led to better health

Summary:

In 1972, researches began to follow two groups of babies. The first group received full time day care up to the age of five which included most of their daily meals, talking, and games along with other stimulating activities. The other group received no extra or special care besides baby formula. The scientists were testing to see whether the special treatment would lead to better cognitive function.Forty two years later the scientists discovered that the group that received better care were healthier, with lower rates of blood pressure and diabetes, as well as higher levels of good cholesterol or HDL.




Analysis:

The study is a part of a growing body of evidence that hardship in early childhood will result in complications in later life. This study is proof that adversity matters and it does affect health in adulthood. Programs started during early childhood, possibly even in infancy, will help prevent illnesses in later adulthood.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/28/health/project-to-improve-intellect-of-poor-children-led-to-better-health-too-research-finds.html?ref=health&_r=0 Project