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Even mild physical activity immediately improves memory function, UCI-led study finds

Originally published Sept. 24, 2018 by Eureka Alert and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

People who include a little yoga or tai chi in their day may be more likely to remember where they put their keys. Researchers at the University of California, Irvine and Japan’s University of Tsukuba found that even very light workouts can increase the connectivity between parts of the brain responsible for memory formation and storage.

In a study of 36 healthy young adults, the researchers discovered that a single 10-minute period of mild exertion can yield considerable cognitive benefits. Using high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging, the team examined subjects’ brains shortly after exercise sessions and saw better connectivity between the hippocampal dentate gyrus and cortical areas linked to detailed memory processing. Read More

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Dynamic PE Course at Pomperaug High School Honored

Originally published Oct. 5, 2018 in the Southbury Patch.

The course was developed with the intention of assisting students who are struggling in school through physical activity.

The Connecticut Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CTAHPERD) has awarded the “Dynamic Physical Education” course at Pomperaug High School (PHS) as an outstanding program.

Danielle McCauley, a Physical Education teacher at PHS, wrote the curriculum and syllabus for the dynamic PE course. The course was developed with the intention of assisting students who are struggling in school through physical activity, with a conscious effort toward developing a growth mindset and sense of mindfulness to improve calmness and focus through yoga and meditation. Read More

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Children across state have low levels of physical activity, finds UCLA study

Originally published Oct. 8, 2018 in the UCLA Daily Bruin.

By Celia Janes

UCLA researchers found two-thirds of children and four-fifths of teenagers in California fail to exercise for the recommended amount of one hour per day.

The study examined what environmental factors might discourage children from exercising. Susan H. Babey, a senior research scientist at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research who authored the study, said that children are more likely to exercise if they live near a safe area to play, such as a park or quiet street. Likewise, they are less likely to exercise if they live in an unsafe neighborhood or near a busy street, where parents might have more safety concerns about letting their children play unsupervised. Read More

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Parents join Eastside students for physical education class

Originally published Oct. 5, 2018 by the Log Cabin Democrat.

By Hilary Andrews

Students at Eastside Elementary in Greenbrier recently participated in the school’s Take Your Parent to PE (physical education) week Sept. 24-28.

Principal Mandi Dunlap said nearly 100 students brought an adult with them and some brought more. Read More

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Ottawa Hills schools receives donation to build fitness center

Originally published Oct. 5, 2018 by The Toledo Blade.

By Javonte Anderson

Ottawa Hills is getting a $500,000 donation from two alumni, the largest gift the district’s foundation has ever received.

Pete and Amy Kadens, entrepreneurs and philanthropists living in Chicago, donated the funds to the district to help construct a new fitness center at Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School and establish a fund that will be used to host prominent authors, scholars, and speakers. Read More