Smarter, Happier Brain—Harvard Psychiatrist John Ratey to Visit PA

Author of ‘Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain’ to Speak Oct. 21

October 19, 2009 —John Ratey will visit campus on Wednesday, Oct. 21, to present findings from his latest book “Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain.” The associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School will spend the morning visiting classes before addressing the entire community at All School Meeting. Ratey will then be available to the community for a luncheon and book signing.  His appearances are open to members of the Phillips Academy community only.

Ratey maintains that exercise is the best preventative measure and often a panacea for a litany of mental health issues. Through his writing, teaching, and private-practice, Ratey prescribes regular, vigorous exercise for the treatment of, among other conditions, depression, attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and anxiety.  Using the latest scientific finding in neuropsychiatry, Ratey asserts that exercise can not only help stave off and treat some of the most common mental health disorders, but can actually enhance brain power and boost the immune system.

“Dr. Ratey's message and the latest clinical research definitively proves the commonsense principle that exercise is good for you,” says Catherine Golas, administrator of Isham Health Center, who, along with director of athletics Michael Kuta, invited Ratey to campus. “He scientifically demonstrates that many of today’s modern illnesses and disorders are not only caused by a sedentary lifestyle but, by the same token, are preventable, treatable, and sometimes curable.”

Mr. Ratey’s visit is generously made possible by a grant from the Abbot Academy Association.