Health Wellness and Knowledge: What's the Connection?

So this week has been really hectic and nerve recking.  Dealing with projects in my classes, preparing for a major murder case trial, and helping my children deal with the anxiety and nervousness that the STAAR test brings has really burned me out.  Nonetheless, I have been able to prioritize and focus on my children's needs first and foremost.  My 8th grader has tes anxiety and does not do well when taking tests.  As if that wasn't enough, she does not like to eat breakfast and loves to go to sleep late.  On the other hand, my 5th grader is more conscious of what is important.  She makes sure that she eats breakfast and gets plenty of rest at night.  She knows that a good night's sleep is essential to being a vessel for learning, but does it really matter?

The United States Department of Agriculture  says that certain nutrients and other key chemical compounds are essential to human brain function.  For decades, schools have asked parents and students to get a good night's rest and eat a healthy breakfast the day before the test.  Schools are now suggesting that students eat a good breakfast weeks before the test as well as get a good rest the night before because research shows that the days prior to the test define the outcome of student performance on the test.

Upon reading this research, I pushed my children to stick to the regimen.  Naturally, my 5th grader followed the guidelines and went above and beyond to try and achieve her best score on her exams, while my 8th grader couldn't get herself to bed early once or eat a healthy breakfast.  Tuesday and Wednesday they took their exams and my 5th grader mentioned how concentrated and focused she was, while my 8th grader couldn't concentrate and at times couldn't even stay awake.  Although I have not received scores, I can predict that my 5th grader probably did better than my 8th grader.

It is important to know what foods help provide the antioxidants needed to boost brain function.  Below is a chart that lists these values and may be helpful for teachers, parents, and students.

So the next time you, your children, or your students need a little "brain boost" nourish your body with healthy veggies and fruits.