Owensboro Health | Lift | March 2018

www.owensborohealth.org   5 Nick Brake is not only the superintendent of Owensboro Public Schools (OPS), but he’s also an avid swimmer that you may find in the lanes of the Healthpark pool a few times a week. He knows the importance of making time to exercise, even with a busy schedule. Why do you swim? Dr. Brake: Swimming is a great overall body workout. When I get to spend time underwater, it gives me time to think, to process, to pray and to just be. It helps me refresh myself and gives me the energy I need some days. Spending that time in the water is a really good way to re-energize myself and make it through some long days. How do you fit it into your busy schedule? Dr. Brake: Well, that’s always a challenge. It’s really important to budget my time each week, so every week I sit down with my calendar and see when I can fit in at least three times when I can get into the water. Why is it important to find time to exercise? Dr. Brake: It’s meant a lot for my mental health as well as my physical health. I’ve lost weight because of it and it’s also helped me keep the weight off long term. It’s also lowered my blood pressure. I attribute that not only to the exercise, but also to the peace and serenity that I get when I’m under water. Is it important to encourage your employees to exercise? Dr. Brake: We’re really fortunate in the OPS to have a Board of Education and the means to support our employees with the employee benefit we have with the Healthpark. It’s really a great opportunity for employees to utilize this facility and to find time to exercise. And I know it’s difficult. We all have busy schedules and we all have commitments, but the Healthpark has really accessible hours—before school, after school and on the weekends. OPS has a discounted rate for all employees that the Board of Education subsidizes. We are very thankful to partner with the Healthpark for a program like this and we hope that our employees take advantage of it for the good of their health. The importance of an Fountain Drink or Coffee with the purchase of entrée exercise BRAKE Nick Brake, superintendent, Owensboro Public Schools One-hour massage gift certificate ½ off entrée Coupon must be presented to redeem offer. One per person. Cannot combine with other offers. Expires 3/31/18. FREE with the purchase of entrée $10 OFF Coupon must be presented to redeem offer. One per person. Cannot combine with other offers. Expires 3/31/18. Coupon must be presented to redeem offer. One per person. Cannot combine with other offers. Expires 3/31/18. Want to join the Healthpark? For more information about becoming a member of the Healthpark or about our corporate discount program, call 270-681-1115 . For extended interviews, go to www.owensborohealth.org/lift