Exercise Prevents Aging

A new study out of McMaster University in Ontario, Canada revealed some astonishing results about exercise and aging. Researchers used mice that contained a genetic mutation that prevented them from completely repairing their mitochondria (think of mitochondria as the life force or powerhouse of your cells). They separated the mice into two different groups. One group did not exercise at all. The other group was allowed to run on a wheel for 45 minutes three times a week. After 8 months, the mice that did not exercise were in a very poor state of health. Their brains shrunk, their muscles were weak, and their hearts were enlarged. None of these mice survived a year. As for the group of mice that exercised, after 8 months they were all thriving and healthy. Even though these mice contained the same genetic mutation, exercise seemed to prevent those genes from causing poor health. This study proves that exercise has the power to alter our genetics in favor of health!



http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/can-exercise-keep-you-young/

2011 Syracuse Middle School Girls Basketball

The Syracuse Middle School Girls basketball team finished their season with a record of 8 wins and 1 loss. A big part of their success was the stifling defense they played. Many of the opponents had a hard time dealing with the aggressive 1-3-1 pressure. Every member of this team contributed in a positive way and helped the team achieve at a high level.

Thanks for a fantastic season girls. I really enjoyed coaching all of you and I have high hopes for your future. Stay focused and never lose that desire to learn and improve. Good luck with everything and don’t hesitate to contact me if you need help with anything.

P.S. Thanks again for the frame with the collage of pictures – it is very awesome.

Team Averages:
Offense: 28 points per game
Defense: 11 points allowed per game

Syracuse 17
Elmwood 15
Scoring:
Kahner – 2
Kensie – 2
Kayla – 4
Rachael – 1
Sarah – 2
Kylee – 2
Mariah – 4

Syracuse 33
Conestoga 13
Scoring:
Kensie – 2
Kayla – 2
AnnaLee – 2
Karley – 8
Rachael – 2
Sarah – 2
Sydney – 6
Mariah – 3
Shae – 4

Syracuse 20
JCC 13
Scoring:
Kayla – 4
Karley – 4
Sarah – 2
Sydney – 8
Shae – 2

Syracuse 32
Palmyra 18
Scoring:
Kahner – 2
Kensie – 2
Kayla – 6
Karley – 8
Kaylee – 2
Sydney – 10
Shae – 2

Syracuse 23
Louisville 4
Scoring:
AnnaLee – 4
Karley – 4
Rachael – 2
Sarah – 2
Sydney – 9
Shae – 2

Syracuse 38
Auburn 4
Scoring:
Kensie – 2
Kayla – 6
AnnaLee – 8
Rachael – 6
Sarah – 2
Kylee – 4
Sydney – 8
Shae – 2

Syracuse 16
Lincoln Lutheran 21
Scoring:
Kensie – 2
Kayla – 2
AnnaLee – 4
Sarah – 2
Sydney – 6

Syracuse 36
Auburn 6
Scoring:
Kahner – 4
Kayla – 8
AnnaLee – 2
Karley – 4
Rachael – 6
Sarah – 4
Kylee – 2
Sydney – 4
Shae – 2

Syracuse 39
Neb. City 8
Scoring:
Kayla – 10
AnnaLee – 7
Karley – 2
Rachael – 4
Sydney – 8
Mariah – 2
Shae - 6

2010 Syracuse Middle School Boys Basketball

The Syracuse Middle School Boys basketball team finished their season with a record of 7 wins and 2 losses. This team featured a strong inside-outside game that was difficult for many opponents to deal with. Every member of the team contributed in a meaningful way and aided to the team’s success.

Thanks for a great season boys. It was a pleasure coaching all of you. There are many great things that await your future. Stay driven, work really hard, and keep learning. Good luck with everything and feel free to contact me if you need help with anything.

Team Averages:
Offense: 36 points per game
Defense: 27 points allowed per game

Syracuse 33
Auburn 13
Scoring:
Scoring:
Aaron – 6
Chris – 2
Hunter – 4
Connor – 4
Will – 2
Matt – 8
Logan S. – 7

Syracuse 29
JCC 28
Scoring:
Aaron - 6
Hunter - 2
Logan T. – 7
Connor – 2
Matt – 8
Logan S. – 4

Syracuse 43
Ashland 35
Scoring:
Aaron – 10
Anthony – 2
Chris – 3
Jameson – 2
Matt – 18
Logan S. – 8

Syracuse 47
Palmyra 12
Scoring:
Aaron – 4
Anthony – 2
Chris – 5
Hunter – 4
Tim – 1
Logan T. – 2
Connor – 3
Matt – 15
Logan S. – 10

Syracuse 49
Conestoga 35
Scoring:
Aaron – 13
Chris – 2
Jameson – 5
Tim – 4
Logan T. – 9
Connor – 1
Matt – 4
Logan S. – 12

Syracuse 44
Raymond Central 19
Scoring:
Aaron – 4
Anthony – 2
Derek – 4
Chris – 2
Hunter – 4
Tim – 2
Logan T. – 6
Connor – 2
Will – 2
Matt – 7
Logan S. – 9

Syracuse 19
JCC 34
Scoring:
Aaron – 7
Hunter – 2
Tim – 2
Connor – 2
Matt – 5
Logan S. – 1

Syracuse 21
Falls City 44
Scoring:
Aaron – 4
Jameson – 3
Tim – 4
Hunter – 4
Logan T. – 3
Connor – 1
Logan S. – 2

Syracuse 36
Lincoln Lutheran 22
Scoring:
Aaron – 11
Hunter – 5
Tim – 4
Logan T. – 6
Will – 2
Logan S. – 7

Frisbee Golf - 2011

Exercise Benefits Health

So far in PE class (4th & 5th grades) we have discussed 5 ways that exercise can positively impact health.

1. Improved Energy - trains the body to make energy more efficiently
2. Improved Cardiovascular health - strengthens the heart and blood vessels; improves circulation
3. Improves Mood - releases dopamine and endorphins to give us a sense of well-being
4. Improves Brain Health - releases BDNF to protect & rejuvenate brain cells
5. Improves Detoxification - stimulates sweating and respiration to remove toxins from the body

* Writing assignment coming up Wednesday & Thursday

February Stars

Once again, we have some outstanding students to honor from physical education class. These students displayed the following characteristics often throughout the month of February: work ethic, focus, positive attitude, sportsmanship, leadership. Here are the students who attained the most votes from their peers & Mr. Recker.

3rd Grade



4th Grade


5th Grade

Is Chocolate good for you?

New research on the health benefits of chocolate is emerging. One study done by the Hershey chocolate company compared the antioxidants in cocoa to those of fruit. The study found that cocoa's antioxidant profile was even more powerful than the fruit profile. Remember, antioxidants help protect our cells from wear and tear.

Another study out of Japan showed that chocolate could aid in the production of HDL cholesterol, which helps keep cardiovascular circulation healthy.

Now keep in mind, the health benefits occurred in these studies with the use of minimally processed dark chocolate. The higher the percentage of cocoa, the healthier it is going to be. I recommend 50% cocoa or higher. If you are eating highly processed chocolate filled with lots of added sugar and preservatives, don't expect any gains in health.


References:
http://journal.chemistrycentral.com/content/pdf/1752-153x-5-5.pdf
Akiko Yasuda, Midori Natsume, Naomi Osakabe, Keiko Kawahata, and Jinichiro Koga. Cacao Polyphenols Influence the Regulation of Apolipoprotein in HepG2 and Caco2 Cells J. Agric. Food Chem. 2011 January
Food and Health R&D Laboratories, Meiji Seika Kaisha, Ltd., Saitama, Japan.

The Importance of Protein and Immunity

There is a relatively high prevalence of Influenza getting passed around SDA schools right now. With that being the case, I want to emphasize the importance of adequate dietary protein and immune function. Your immune system is what allows you to fight off an invader like a nasty influenza virus. The number one nutrient your body needs to make new immune cells is protein. You've probably noticed how weak and achy your muscles feel after going through a week of the flu. That's because your body will tap into your protein reserves (muscle tissue) to combat the flu virus. Thus the importance of having high quality protein in the diet.

I highly recommend protein sources rich in the amino acid leucine. Leucine is key to helping your body make immune cells quickly when you need them. The best sources for leucine include whey protein, cottage cheese, eggs, animal meats, nuts, and seeds. The amino acid glutamine (found in protein) is also very important. Glutamine also helps make immune troops, especially those lining the digestive tract - which is the first line of defense if a virus is breathed in.

If I had to recommend one food to help fight off any type of pathogen, it would be whey protein isolate. Whey protein isolate is a protein food that is made from dairy. It has many wonderful health benefits that I will be writing more about in the future. In regards to the immune system, whey has been shown to boost "glutathione" levels significantly. Glutathione is a very important cellular antioxidant that helps protect your body. Whey contains lactoferrin. Lactoferrin is a component in whey that helps your immune system recognize a virus better, and helps the body tolerate inflammation to a greater extent. Whey can also "power-up" your neutrophils, allowing them to mount a stronger attack against invaders.

Prevention and rejuvenation from a tough bout of influenza or any other illness can be improved with adequate dietary protein. Keep this in mind as we go through the remaining flu-season. I also recommend avoiding sugar as much as possible if you are sick. Sugar decreases the ability of your immune troops to communicate and fight an invader.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to post them below. You can also email me at "brecker@esu4.org." Thanks for reading!