SPARK:The Revolutionary

New Science of Exercise and the Brain

By John J. Ratey, M.D.

Exercise is the single most powerful tool

you have to optimize your brain function.

Dr. John J. Ratey

Exercise and Learning (Kids)

Exercise as Medicine

Exercise and Aging (Adults)

Nationwide, only 6% of U.S. high schools offer daily P.E.

And…our youth spend 5.5 hours daily in front of a screen…

Our youth are less active than at any time in history!

The story of Naperville…

Sophomores: 30% vs. 3% obesity rate

TIMSS results: First in Science and Sixth in Math in the world…

Naperville’s P. E. program

Daily Zero Hour P.E. Heart rate monitors Active vs. team sports Assessed on effort rather than skill

Square Dancing – Mandatory for Freshmen Scripts New partners each dance Final exam: facts about partners

Titusville

Cost to change their system: $ 0.00

State test results: from below average in reading and math to 17% above average in reading and 18% above average in math

Not one fist fight since 2000 Heart rate monitors donated and

used beyond P.E. classes

What’s happening at your school?Any ideas to

share?

“Exercise has a profound impact on

cognitive abilities and mental health. It is

simply one of the best treatments we have for

most psychiatric problems.”

Exercise as Medicine…• Stress• Anxiety• Depression• Attention Deficit• Addiction• Hormonal Changes

(women)

Exercise and Aging

1. Small interventions yield big results

2. Consistency is more important than intensity

3. Should include a focus on… •aerobic capacity •strength •balance •flexibility

Sweat is your passport to the body electric.

Christopher Bergland