Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/496582
BEING ACTIVE MAY BOOST BRAINPOWER IN CHILDREN. MOVE FOR THE MIND IN THE MODERN, technologically driven world, exercise and play may seem like little luxuries we can't always afford. But taking the time to get moving—and making the time to exercise regularly—is critical to maintaining the minds of adults and boosting the learning skills of children. "The mind and the brain are not separate from the rest of the body," says Sarah Rasmussen, MOT, OTR/L, Pediatric Occupational Therapist with HSHS St. Joseph's S.P.O.T.S. Pediatric Therapy Services. "Kids need to move to learn. The chemicals that our bodies release when we exercise can help us process and remember new information." THE BENEFITS Regular exercise may help improve attention span, language skills, and memory abilities. Plus, active play may help inspire imagination, fine and gross motor skills, problem solving, reasoning abilities, and self-esteem. So don't be afraid to give your kids a 10-minute break from homework or take a break from screen time yourself. Walking away and around the block may make everyone more productive. "Constant attention is counterproductive to learning," Rasmussen says. "Your brain just doesn't work that way. Make exercise as high of a priority as everything else." Running in place, stretching, and strengthening exercises like pushups are easy, convenient exercises to try to work into the day. Just five or 10 minutes every hour or so can make a big difference. For more information about activity programs for kids with special needs, visit stjoeschipfalls.com/SPOTS. DR. STUDT PROVIDES workplace health services through the Occupational Health and Medicine program at HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital. The program offers Department of Transportation medical certification exams, workers' compensation injury care, pre-employment physicals, drug and alcohol testing, and medical surveillance to help workers throughout Chippewa Valley remain safe, healthy, and gainfully employed. "The most rewarding part of my job is helping injured employees find ways of staying productive at work, which isn't always easy in industrial settings where light duty may not be available," Dr. Studt says. "We also connect employees to orthopedists, chiropractors, and other specialists who can help them get back on their feet sooner." AIRING INSIGHTS Dr. Studt is also known for his monthly "Ask The Doc" segments on WQOW, in which he discusses a variety of health topics prompted by viewers' questions. Dr. Studt says he tries to approach these questions the same way he approaches his workers' compensation patients. "I try to make people feel like I'm offering guidance rather than preaching to them," Dr. Studt says. "It's a bit outside my comfort zone to be on camera, but I really enjoy helping people improve their health." A HEALTHY OCCUPATION ONSITE OR ON AIR, LARRY STUDT, MD, CARES ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY'S HEALTH. To pose a health question to Dr. Studt, visit WQOW.com and click "Ask The Doc" under the "Community" tab. 3 S A C R E D H E A R T E A U C L A I R E . O R G