Brain Gains

PE Jumps First Legislative Hurdle- with a small bruise

Thursday morning, February 19, the physical education bill (HF 439) passed the House K-12 Education Policy committee! The bill now heads to the House K-12 Education Finance committee. We are still waiting for our Senate hearing to be scheduled.

Deskercise: Staying Jazzed And Focused At School

Students at Mitchell Elementary School in Charleston, S.C., don't just write their multiplication tables. They jump them.

 

An ADHD Med Without Side Effects
"Think of exercise as medication," says John Ratey, M.D., an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. "For a very small handful of people with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD ADD), it may actually be a replacement for stimulants, but, for most, it's complementary — something they should absolutely do, along with taking meds, to help increase attention and improve mood."
Exercise Seen as Priming Pump for Students' Academic Strides
Seven or eight years ago, studies offered mixed results on the question of whether exercise can boost brain function in children and adolescents. Experts are beginning to contend, however, that the case is getting stronger.
"There's sort of no question about it now," said Dr. John J. Ratey, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. "The exercise itself doesn't make you smarter, but it puts the brain of the learners in the optimal position for them to learn."
US NEWS June 2008 How to Make Your Workout Quick and Sweaty
To get the most from limited exercise time, plan ahead and vary your routine
Exercise Helps Brain?


NAPERVILLE, Ill. -- Many of us suffer from mid-day brain fog, but did you know exercise can help with human focus and improving the structure in the brain? Harvard researchers say a Chicago-area school is proving it works. The freshmen in Naperville Central's pre-algebra class solve math problems using the calculators and pencils you would expect, but they also play video games in class with the teacher's OK.
 

SPARK is a groundbreaking exploration of the connection between exercise and the brain’s performance that shows how even moderate exercise will supercharge mental circuits to beat stress, sharpen thinking, enhance memory, and much more.

SPARK will change forever the way you think about your morning run---or, for that matter, simply the way you think.
 
Where is John?
 
 
 
February  2   2010     
Odyssey School - A Community dedicated to educating children with dyslexia
 
The Odyssey School is a unique, co-eduational independent school that meets the specialized needs of bright dyslexic children, ages 5 years - 8th grade, who have language based learning differences.  Widely recognized for academic excellence and research-driven teaching techniques, Odyssey's effectivenss is well established, its graduates continue their education successfully at challenging mainstream schools.
 
 
 
HOSTING DR JOHN RATEY MD, TO SPARK THE ODYSSEY SCHOOL WITH THE REVOLUTIONARY NEW SCIENCE OF EXERCISE AND THE BRAIN.
 
 
 
February 7-12 , 2010

 

Harvard Continuing Education  ESALEN      
EXERCISE AND THE BRAIN                      
John J. Ratey, MD      February 7-12 2010

This course is designed so that participants will be able to

 Instruct their patients on the brain changes resulting from routines of physical aerobic exercise that will help manage mood Instruct parents and children as to the many ways aerobic exercise makes the learner better prepared to learn by changing the attention, motivational, and impulsive control level as well as the many alterations that make the neurons ready to learn at the cellular level; Prescribe aerobic exercise regimens for patients to be maximizing their emotional health and cognitive function as they age.

 

     PRESIDENT'S DAY 2010   

   RENAISSANCE WEEKEND - SANTA MONICA 


  Renaissance Weekends ® are about the transforming power of ideas and relationship

The participants' widely divergent interests, backgrounds and views enliven panels and conversations in historic and scenic settings, over meals, on beaches, mountain trails, golf courses, tennis courts and bike paths. Every Renaissance Weekend ® fosters lively exchanges which transcend ideological, political, economic and religious differences.

This eclectic, non-partisan group - CEOs, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs, Nobel Laureates and Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, artists and scientists, admirals, astronauts and Olympic athletes, judges and journalists, volunteers, diplomats and work-at-home parents, Presidents, Prime Ministers, professors and priests, Republicans, Democrats and lots of Independents, innovators from across America and several nations share innovative achievements on a national or regional scale and a "renaissance spirit" with broad-ranging intellectual interests.

Dr. Ratey will be presenting the science of exercise and the brain to this influential group of thought leaders, in his continued effort to spread the exercise revolution and reclaim physical and mental health.  

 

      March 9, 2010    

    UNITY LECTURE SERIES - LEXINGTON

    Unity in Education Lecture series is a collaboration of the Sayre School and The Lexington School -Recognizing youth as our most valuable resource, the mission is to enhance the role of parents and teachers by empowering them with practical skills.

On Tuesday March 9, 2010 Dr. John Ratey, author of Spark - The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, will challenge our organization to return to our evolutionary roots, to get in sync with our metabolic design to optimize mental and physical health to unlock  human potential.

 

              MARCH   29   2010  7PM  UMASS LOWELL

  Dr. Danielle Day, Professor of Exercise Physiology utilized Spark - The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain as the text book for her class.  Dr. Day reports an excellent  response...students gained a new understanding in their chosen field and Spark inspired a new dedication from students to exercise in their personal lives.  The biggest gauge was that students were not going to sell this text book. 

To keep the momentum going, Dr. Ratey has been invited to present to the entire exercise physiology department, physical therapy, and general student body.  UMASS LOWELL is an example of what happens when one teacher steps up, changes the curriculum and sparks a fire that can spread campus wide.

 

 

        APRIL 19, 2010         

       MERCER ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT 

 

APRIL 27 -30, 2010         

ALBERTA CANADA

APRIL  27       EVER-ACTIVE SCHOOLS / MOUNT ROYAL UNIVERSITY LEADERS SYMPOSIUM

APRIL 28-30    HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS - HPED OF ALBERTA CANADA CONFERENCE

 

MOTIVATE - ACTIVATE - CELEBRATE !!!   RED DEER, CALGARY

   

      MAY 5-6, 2010              

    SASKATCHEWAN CANADA 

    MAY 5, 2010      SASKATOON SCHOOLS

    MAY 5-6, 2010   SASKATCHEWAN PHYSICAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION 

                    SPEA/SHEA CONFERENCE SASKATOON

 

 

May 8, 2010  9 am - 12 pm     The Forman School
 
 
Dr Ratey will address The Foreman School's annual Forum on Learning beginning at 9 a.m.  The event will take place in Johnson Art Center and is open to the public.  Dr Ratey will discuss his latest book, SPARK, The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain. He will discuss the important role that exercise can play in the lives of children and adults with ADHD and detail the significant effects of exercise on the brain, including improved learning, thinking and stabilized mood and behavior.  Seating is limited and registration is required.  To register for seating, please contact Helen Waldron, Assistant Head of School for Internal Affairs, at:  helen,waldron@foremanschool.org 
 
Since its founding in 1930, The Foreman School has served to educate students with learning differences such as dyxlexia and attention deficit disorder.  It is located at 12 Norfolk Road, Litchfield CT




July    13-14               2010                      

FIA Flame Conference   is   a 24 hour 'hothouse' of new ideas delivered by internationally renowned experts, which combines 'lessons from the masters' with an opportunity for peer-learning, all of which is underpinned by an unparalleled chance to network..   Our business is fitness, and   is   critical as physical activity is required for optimal mental and physical health.

A highlight of this years summit….Dr John Ratey author of Spark The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain.

"Exercise or physical movement is an evolutionary mandate...our body, brain and   genes evolved during man's long evolutionary history. The genes we have today were programmed during millenniums of time and require physical activity for proper gene functioning.   Without it our cells become cellularly deranged which leads to the myriad of chronic disease conditions we face today. Physical Activity is a Health Imperative."   A world leader in the study of the effects   of exercise on the brain, Dr John Ratey will present incredible research proving that exercise physically transforms our brains for peak performance. An associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and a renowned author, Dr Ratey travels around the world speaking about the remarkable effects exercise has on the brain, showing that it is the body's best defense against numerous medical conditions, including menopause, Alzheimer's, ADHD and mood disorders. As the fitness industry in the UK looks at its potential as a champion of wellness. Dr Ratey's presentation will be informative and interesting and a highlight of this years summit.


    

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July    23         2010   

 

         Ojai California    -Sound Bodies Sound Minds

Executives from seventy-two school that have received fully equipped fitness centers will convene to focus on exercise and wellness.   Dr. Ratey will provide the evolutionary rational and scientific foundation upon which their newly developed PE philosophy will rest.
Equipment instruction will follow, providing the armaments in the war against chronic disease by implementing training for the   enculturation of a new generation into   physically   active   lifestyles.


August    9-13         2010              SEACREST                         

Harvard Medical School - Continuing Education

Dr. Ratey's   five day course first describes how important exercise is to us from an evolutionary perspective. It will show how exercise works by affecting the neurotransmitters and how this plays a huge role in moderating our moods and anxiety. The seminar will describe the role of exercise in making us more resilient and for stalling the aging process. It will elaborate on how exercise optimizes the person to be a better learner and help with ADHD, addictions and even bipolar and schizophrenia. This course is designed so that participants will be able to instruct their patients on the brain changes resulting from routines of physical aerobic exercise that will help manage mood; instruct parents and children as to the many ways aerobic exercise makes the learner better prepared to learn by changing the attention, motivational, and impulsive control level as well as at the many alterations that make the neurons ready to learn at the cellular level.

 

August   19               2010

Premier's Council asked to 'THINK BIG' about Alberta's future  

    Panel on harnessing the province's potential, to ensure Alberta's continued prosperity and quality of life over the next three decades.   An idea incubator , we will review the current state of affairs by reviewing Active Healthy Kids Canada – Mark Tremblay's work including overweight, obesity, an d inactivity stats. Dr Ratey will keynote this event with physical activity and the brain and research outcomes and discuss the economic drivers, the profound economic consequences of inactivity. The objectives of this initiative is to implement a mandatory activity program for all students in all schools.


Effects of Exercise and Nutrients on Brain Function Copenhagen                  23-27     August 2010

An esteemed group of international speakers will be presenting on the effects of exercise and nutrients on brain function. Jens Bo Nielsen-Brain Neuroplasticity, Zsolt Radak- Exercise on Brain Function, John Ratey- Exercise on Mood, Henritte van Praag – Exercise and Nutrients on Brain Function, and Arthur Kramer-Exercise on Cognition and Brain of older Adults, and many more.

The purpose of the course is to present and discuss the current understanding of the effect of exercise and nutrients on brain function. A central theme of the course is an understanding of the signaling pathways involved in mediating the effect of exercise and various nutrients on brain function. The course will also focus on the practical use of knowledge of the interaction of nutrients and exercise in cognitive and motor rehabilitation. The course will cover basic physiology of brain metabolism, basic physiology of brain-gut signaling and the neurobiological basis of plasticity in the brain.

   Join these world renowned scientists for the most cutting edge science in the field of exercise and nutrients on the brain.


September     13                        2010               Buffalo WYOMING

Johnson County Department of Education Conference

Keynote Speaker –Dr John Ratey

  Spark the New Year with Physical Activity – Mind and Body

Dr Ratey will present to the district leadership and staff the science of physical activity and its connection to optimal cognitive performance, learning and both mental and physical development. The goal of re-engineering education to incorporate greater physical activity thro9ugh out the day and minimize sitting time will be explored.


September    23 2010    

 

          

Priority for 2010: Impact on Individuals and Systems

Across the Foundation's program areas, AMB   is seeking investments that immediately touch the lives of children and families in greatest need. At the same time, to secure lasting benefits, the Foundation is investing in innovative ideas that will shape the region's future.  

Physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. In combination with healthy eating, it can help prevent a range of chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and stroke, the three leading causes of death. Physical activity helps control weight, builds lean muscle, reduces fat, promotes strong bone, muscle and joint development, and decreases the risk of obesity. Children need 60 minutes of active and vigorous play every day to grow up to a healthy weight.

                  Atlanta   AMB Family Foundation Speakers Series

The Link between Physical Fitness and Brain Development/ School Outcomes

By convening individuals around issues, innovations and ideas that will shape the quality of life for families in Atlanta and beyond, the Blank Family Foundation aspires to spur civic action and citizen involvement for positive change in people's lives.   On September 23, the AMB Foundation Speaker Series will host Dr John Ratey, author of Spark – The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain.    Hear from the expert the rational for physical activity and the challenge to implement and change our country.


September 25         2010     

Mark Your Calendar for Saturday, September 25th!

 

Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the BrainHea

Featuring John Ratey, MD

Location:  Kalamazoo Valley Community College

 

 

Kalamazoo County CHADD is honored to announce it is bringing internationally renowned Harvard physician, Dr. John Ratey, to Kalamazoo for a special half-day program on Saturday, September 25th from 1-4 pm.  Dr. Ratey has lectured and published extensively on the topics of Aggression, Autism, ADHD, and other issues in neuropsychiatry. Most recently, Dr Ratey authored, Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain.  In Spark,     

 

What does this mean for people dealing with AD/HD?  "While most of us focus on exercise as a way to trim our waistlines, the better news is that routine physical activity firms up the brain -- making it a simple, alternative ADHD treatment. "Exercise turns on the attention system, the so-called executive functions — sequencing, working memory, prioritizing, inhibiting, and sustaining attention."  "On a practical level, it causes kids to be less impulsive, which makes them more primed to learn.      Spark is fueling a movement to re-engineer school practices to establish curriculum and corporate practices based on scientific principles.


September 26         2010    

CARE/CHICAGO WOMEN'S INITIATIVE – AUMA OBAMA

 

 

CARE/Chicago Women's Initiative- - A work to empower and educate impoverished and
  marginalized girls and women in developing countries around the world.

 

September 26 2010       Care Conference - Auma Obama, President Obama's sister

CARE Projects in Kenya empower children and encourage education through   sports programs. Auma Obama is an active Care volunteer in Kenya, and has   joined our Illinois delegation lobbying Congress.   . Auma Obama, will be joined by Dr John Ratey author of Spark – The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain to empower our organization with the knowledge and know-how to advocate and lobby for daily physical activity for the youth of every country to allow them to reach their potential.  

September 27         2010       

 

         ````````` Wyoming NCA Fall 2010 School Improvement Conference

September 27-28, 2010     Little America Hotel and Resort
                                    Cheyenne, WY

Wyoming NCA CASI offers conferences that focus on helping accredited schools and districts advance their continuous improvement efforts. Fall 2010 conference will host Dr John Ratey   who will   address our   healthy school mandate and will present Spark – The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain.   With ground breaking science, and the re-engineering of physical education our goal is to develop a generation of healthy families and combat the chronic disease crisis.


October 1-8         2010  

Building up the Habit of Regular Exercise

Every school in Taiwan   - A Health Promoting School

Sponsored by the National Chung Hsing University, the MOE (Ministry of Education) and Taiwan Health Movement Alliance.   Dr Ratey will take a whirlwind tour of Taiwan promoting the principles of Spark.   Addressing the press, THMA and Association of Harvard Graduates he moves to the Sports Bureau of MOE and the Road Running of Yong Ching Cup in Taipei.   After an audience with Minister Wu of the MOE Dr Ratey will present at the National Taiwan Normal University followed by a presentation at the National Chung Hsing University.     Dr Ratey will also have the opportunity to dine with President Hsiao and President Lai. He will round out his trip speaking at the National Gheng Gong University   hosting a seminar with Professor Zhen.   Dr Ratey will be laying the foundation for Taiwan's national initiative for every school in Taiwa's   enculturation of exercise and a healthy lifestyle.


November     1               2010    

                        VAIS   ANNUAL CONFERENCE

                Richmond, Virginia

Dr Ratey keynote speaker will address Virginia's Independent School Association on the role of physical activity in achieving   optimum mental and physical health and enhancing cognition in the learning process.   His presentations include:

·       PLAY AND EXERCISE - How they Optimize the Brain to Learn

·       Exercise – How Movement helps Build Resilience.  

 

November    2               2010

  ESBOCES    SUPERINTENDENT    CONFERENCE

Professional Development   Conference - Suffolk County Long Island. Dr Ratey will be presenting on the topic of   exercise   and its impact on learning,   mood   and memory.

 

November   13              2010       ACTIVE DOCTORS, ACTIVE PATIENTS

November 12-14, 2010 in Boston, Massachusetts

Join distinguished faculty from Harvard Medical School and world class fitness and wellness practitioners for this highly interactive, exercise-centered course that will provide physicians with the necessary tools to assess and recommend changes in patients' levels of physical activity/exercise. Highlights include:

Dr. John Ratey, will present a keynote entitled:   Exercise and Play – Food for the Brain.


November     17               2010       

                              University of North Carolina

                            ADD & LEARNING DISABILITES

REALIZE YOUR POTENTIAL THRU EXERCISE   - Get Up and Learn

  "Exercise turns on the attention system, the so-called executive functions — sequencing, working memory, prioritizing, inhibiting, and sustaining attention."  "On a practical level, AHDA kids are wired differently…they have as we all do, an evolutionary mandate to move, but more so. Movement opens the door to allow the brain to work properly, it curbs   impulsiveness, has a settling effect, in the flow and primed to learn.      Spark is fueling a movement to re-engineer school practices to establish curriculum and practices based on scientific principles.

 

              During this interactive afternoon with Dr. Ratey, parents, educators and healthcare professionals will learn more about the science behind his research and its applications to everyday life, school settings and the workplace.  

 

 

·      November 20               2010

EUROPEAN COUNCIL OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS

November 17-20   2010                   Nice,   France

 

·          December     3               2010

       SWEDISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION   

In Gothenburg Sweden at the Swedish Medical Association Conference physicians from all specialties gather for Dr John Ratey's keynote on Spark – The Revolutionary Science of Exercise and the Brain.    As an integral part of medical practice, Dr Ratey will discuss the role of physical activity as an evolutionary mandate to achieve optimal mental and physical health.

 




 















 
Copyright © By John J Ratey. 2003-2007. All Rights Reserved.