7 Healthcast: Brain exercise

The high school freshmen in this pre-algebra class at Naperville Central High School in Illinois solve math problems using calculators and pencils like you'd expect.

But they also play video games in class! Teachers are using a game called "Brain Age" to work the brain cells of students who may need extra help in math and reading.

"Through research...every time they use ‘Brain Age' more electricity, more blood flow is happening in the brain, where you're connecting more neurons," said teacher Jeff Yanke.

The other brain boost starts at 7:45 in the morning, in PE class.

The early workout wakes them up, and research shows exercise actually builds new brain cells.

"It helps and encourages the learning process," said Paul Zientarski of the Learning Readiness program. "It gets the brain ready to cognitively take in information."

Test scores are up for the early PE kids.

"I used to be like a B or C student, now I'm an A/B student," said freshman Matt Bray.

Harvard brain researcher Dr. John Ratey has written a new book with several chapters about exercise and learning.

"With exercise, we promote the growth of those nerve cells more than any other activity or drug or anything that we've found," Dr. Ratey said.

Dr. Ratey says even ten minutes of brisk exercise can help anyone be more focused at work or at school.

Dr. Ratey's book is called "Spark."

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