It is my hope every member of our community had a blessed, restful holiday season filled with extensive time spent with loved ones.
Each New Year, many of us as individuals set resolutions. Likely among these are exercise, healthy eating, and more time spent on the activities we most enjoy.
Recently, I heard an interview with a medical researcher who specializes in Alzheimer’s disease.
Since my grandmother suffered through Alzheimer’s, I am particularly interested in this topic, including my own risk.
The researcher, Dr. Rudolph Tanzi, shared five adult lifestyles, activity, and intervention factors are key to a healthy brain (http://www.nextavenue.org/keepbrainhealthyowerriskalzheimers):
1. What’s good for your heart is good for your brain. Exercise is vital;
2. A shortage of sleep is akin to smoking. Seven to eight hours a night are vital;
3. Eat a healthy diet, including less red meat and more fiber, olive oil, and nuts;
4. Move mentally and socially, meaning learning in ways that truly challenge your mind and engage in positive, caring relationships; and
5. Manage stress and anxiety. (Set your DVR to record the entire PBS program, Alzheimer’s: Every Minute Counts , on Jan. 25 at 10 p.m.).
As I continually study the research on child development, talent and intelligence, wellbeing, and achievement, I am struck by the similarities found in the Alzheimer’s research.
Not just in middle age or older adulthood, but throughout the entirety of life, every single one of us, from birth through the end of life, needs these things, every day.
They are the keys to a happy, healthy, long, and successful life.
In my role as superintendent, there are many items that require my attention, including the budget, the bond, safety, and achievement.
Mostly, I am concerned about the emotional, social, and physical wellbeing of each of our children. In the new year, my driving question, and one I am asking you to consider with me, is, “How do our school system and community ensure wellbeing for every child?”
Relatedly, we will soon embark upon the Clarkston WellBeing Campaign. Please watch for details.
On another note, congratulations to the Clarkston High School Symphonic Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Mr. Michael Lewis, along with CHS vocal students, Alyssa Harbaugh and Wesley Hutchison, who will perform at the Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids on January 21.
These are distinct honors in the highly competitive, statewide assemblage of talent.
Happy New Year!!!
Dr. Rod Rock is superintendent of Clarkston Community Schools