“Humans evolved as physical creatures. When they're lulled into sedentary
lives, their bodies -- and their brains -- get flabby from lack of physical
exertion.”
-John Ratey, associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School
“Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while
movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it.”
-Plato.

If you park a car outside all winter, it will not run
properly in the spring.

Studies show that exercise is just as effective as
major anti-depressants in helping people with
depression
in England 22% of doctors suggest exercise to help
people with milder forms depression
Up from 5% 3 years ago

For some children exercise may act
As a replacement for medication
“I like to say that exercise is like taking a little
Prozac or a little Ritalin at just the right
exercise significantly improved
moment”
the behavior of ADHD
children between 5-12 years
-John Ratey, associate professor of psychiatry
of age.
at Harvard Medical School

Higher Self Esteem; Not only because of physical
Creates New Brain Cells looks, but also because of a sense of
accomplishment
Better Coping Skills; people learn to rely on their
own facilities rather than medications Leads to more restful sleep,
which is very important to
the developing brain.
Inactivity can cause dementia
Higher mental abilities
Exercisers less likely to smoke and drink due to a
better connection to bodies.

Why? How does it work?
We don’t know.

Exercise releases serotonin, dopamine and
norepinephrine, similar chemicals to drugs like
Prozac.

Exercise releases Endorphins, which are natural
opiates that help regulate mood.

Exercise provides more oxygen to the brain that a
sedentary child does not get.

A study at Yale in Dec of last year found there may
be an “exercise gene” named VGF that is activated
when one exercises, this gene works a s a powerful
anti-depressant in mice and it is expected to do the
same for humans. (They are in the process of
conducting further studies)

My Theory:
Elementary, common sense. We don’t live like we
were built to live. We are ignoring our physicality.

If we had a more physically healthy populous
How does this connect to education?
we would have less disciplinary problems.
Better rested, more alert students.
Students less likely to look to their peers and
succumb to peer pressure for validation and
self esteem.
Most likely a dip in alcohol and drug abuse.
With a healthy populace health care costs
would go down as well. (families could work
less, and less strain on social services)