Just two weeks ago, I attended an education conference in New York City on learning and brain activity in youth and children. The chief concern at this conference was the preponderance of screen time, primarily cell phone usage, teachers witness among their students. While studies have not made a direct correlation to the rise of anxiety and depression seen among children and youth to electronic device habits, bullying and obesity have been positively correlated to cell phone usage by these groups. Consistent with these findings is a greater sense of social alienation found among children and teens who are now logging long hours on their electronic devices and becoming sleep-deprived in the process.

If more laps in the pool are on your New Year’s resolution list, you are in luck. The Alaska Club in Eagle River opened its new pool and splash park facility during the holidays adding a welcome addition to indoor aquatic opportunities in the Chugiak-Eagle River area. The pool is 25 yards in length with four lanes across. A saltwater filtration system is used for the pool. The water, however, is not saltwater thus there is not full buoyancy in the pool.