"How is never as important as why."
“A strong body makes the mind strong." -- Thomas Jefferson
Resilient mind → improved habits → Healthy body → improved brain chemistry → Resilient mind
"You have the mind, but you have not the body, and without the help of the body the mind cannot go as far as it should. You must make your body. It is hard drudgery to make one's body, but I know you will do it." -- Theodore Roosevelt Sr.
LEARNING AND HEALTH ARE STRONGLY CONNECTED!
According to the CDC, healthy students are better learners! The health of young people is strongly linked to their academic success, and the academic success of youth is strongly linked with their health.
Education is predictor of health outcomes! Children and young people who receive a high-quality education are more likely to be healthier, and likewise those who are healthy are better able to learn and complete their education.
Research has shown that our nervous system and digestive system are very closely connected. In fact, scientists refer to the gut as 'the second brain,' and part of our emotions may be tied to the nerves in our digestive system. Consequently, school lunch is critical to student health and well-being as it provides energy and nutrients to keep the body and brain working efficiently through the school day. Foods have a direct and long-lasting effect on our brain chemistry, such as diets high in refined sugars are harmful to the brain which can worsen emotional and intellectual development.
Exercise can make students better learners by sparking growth of new blood vessels to nourish the brain, producing new brain cells, improving working memory and focus, improving task-switching ability, elevating mood, and having a dramatic anti-depressive effect.
Schools must promote healthy food choices and provide physical activity, while educating students with cross-curricular nutrition education, because helping students stay healthy is a fundamental part of the mission of schools. After all, schools cannot achieve their primary mission of education if students and staff are not healthy.
Our Nation is facing a health crisis, which has grown over the last thirty years to epidemic proportions. "If we don’t work to build a healthy foundation for today’s young people, both the military and our nation will pay the price tomorrow" -- Richard R. Jeffries, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (Retired) and former Medical Officer of the U.S. Marine Corps
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tips-for-teachers.pdf
nutrition.pdfHealthy kids.pdfNutrition.pdfrecess.pdf
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1 (1).jpeg2 Nov 2024 at 06:24.jpgBased on the science of EPIGENETICS, good nutrition & physical activity can improve brain development, learning, emotions, and the behaviors of students!
'You are What you Eat' is supported by the correlation between dietary behaviors and academics, where students with high grades are more likely to eat vegetables one or more times per day.
'Food is Medicine' is supported by empirical evidence that healthy eating helps students feel better and think better! Most Americans usually eat enough protein, but not enough DIETARY FIBER (which is naturally found in plants, such as fruits & vegetables). Vitamin B12 is found in animal products and fortified foods, such as fish and plant milk. Processed foods and preservatives are mutagens that can change or mutate our DNA to increase the likelihood of cancer 🧬
The way you think—your mindset, stress levels, and emotional outlook—has a direct impact on your physical health. Similarly, your physical health has a powerful effect on how you think, feel, and process information.
A positive mindset reduces stress, improves coping skills, and strengthens the immune system.
A healthy gut (through diet and reduced stress) improves mental health and well-being.
Nutrient-rich foods (omega-3s, vitamins, antioxidants) support memory, focus, and emotional stability.
Regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which improves focus, memory, and problem-solving skills. Exercise releases endorphins, which reduce stress and enhance mood.
Mindfulness & gratitude encourage healthier behaviors, like better eating and more physical activity.
A negative mindset may lead to unhealthy habits like poor diet, lack of exercise, or substance abuse.
Sedentary lifestyles are linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression.
Poor diet (high in sugar and processed foods) can lead to brain fog, mood swings, and even depression. Dehydration can cause fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and unhealthy weight are linked to higher risks of dementia and mood disorders.
Lack of Sleep increases stress hormones, which makes people more irritable and anxious. Research shows that lack of sleep is strongly linked to academic underachievement in students across all grade levels.
Brain foods" refer to nutrient-rich foods that can help support brain function, improve memory, concentration, and overall cognitive health. These foods are typically rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that nourish the brain and promote its proper functioning. Here are some of the best-known brain foods:
RETURN BACK TO HOMEPAGE:
https://sites.google.com/student.dodea.edu/mrpierressciencegrade6/home (SCIENCE)
https://sites.google.com/student.dodea.edu/mr-pierres-practical-math-2024/home (MATH)
