Study says Exercise Increases Brain Power

Researchers from Sweden recently found that teenagers who increased their cardiovascular health between the ages of 15-18 had higher intelligence scores (IQ), and were more likely to go to college and be successful. This makes total sense because when you exercise, you increase blood flow to the brain. Increased blood flow to the brain means more oxygen and nutrients to the brain. When the brain is nourished, brain cells can grow and new brain cell connections can be made. This leads to better focus, concentration, and memory.

Researcher Nancy Pederson commented: "The results provide scientific support for educational policies to maintain or increase physical education in school curricula,” “Physical exercise should be an important instrument for public health initiatives to optimize cognitive performance, as well as disease prevention at the society level.”

Chalk one up for Physical Education!




Maria A. I. Åberga, Nancy L. Pedersen, Kjell Toréne, Magnus Svartengrenf, Björn Bäckstrandg, Tommy Johnssonh, Christiana M. Cooper-Kuhna, N. David Åberga, Michael Nilssona, and H. Georg Kuhna. Cardiovascular fitness is associated with cognition in young adulthood. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2009 November
Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.

Strength Training

Last week, 4th grade students at SDA Elementary were introduced to strength training. Strength training is exercise in which weight is moved. Often times that weight is moved by a pushing motion or a pulling motion. Some of the benefits of strength training include increased size and strength of the muscles, improved bone density (thickness & hardness), stronger connective tissue (tendons & ligaments), improved heart health, improved blood sugar control, and improved metabolism. It's a great way to improve your overall fitness and athletic ability. Students used 9 lb and 12 lb barbells to complete the workout.

Eggplant

Eggplant became a new favorite of mine last summer. It has a delicious texture and flavor, whether you’re grilling, frying, or baking it. Eggplant is loaded with antioxidants, which protect your cells from oxidative damage. In fact, it is a top 10 vegetable in antioxidant content. The most common eggplants are usually dark purple or black, but also come in other types like pale green or white. Eggplants should be picked at two-thirds their full size when they have a high gloss to their skins. They should have a slight give when you press down on them with your thumb that rebounds easily. They have a short shelf life so leave them on the counter and eat them within a couple days of buying.

Thank You Raw Revolution!

Thank you Raw Revolution for the awesome organic food bars! The students and I appreciate your generosity. Keep up the great work in providing healthy choices!

Raw Rev Student Feedback

In the videos below, students comment on the Raw Revolution bars. The overwhelming favorite amongst the flavor choices was the "Spirulina and Cashew." Students were encouraged to give honest feedback on the snack. Regardless of whether they liked the bars or not, everyone was excited to try something new and healthy!

Healthy Raw Foods

The best thing about the Raw Rev bars is the organic raw ingredients used to make them. Some of those ingredients include: cashews, dates, almonds, sprouted flax seeds, agave nectar, cocoa, coconut, raspberries, and spirulina. Natural plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds help to protect, repair, and energize the body. There are other healthy food sources available too, but a diet rich in raw plant-based foods goes a long way in promoting a healthy mind and body!

Raw Revolution Snacks

Students at Syracuse Elementary are taking part in “Raw Revolution” healthy snack week. Mr. Recker teamed up with Raw Revolution, makers of 100% raw, organic, live food bars, to provide healthy snacks to all 2^nd through 5^th grade students in the building. The Raw Rev organic food bars provide a nutritious alternative to many processed snacks. They contain NO refined sugars, trans fats, preservatives, or artificial colors. Raw Rev bars contain fruit, nuts, seeds, and other healthy natural ingredients. This is a food bar that can truly energize your body physically and mentally! Check out http://www.rawindulgence.com for more info on this great product.