The Valsalva Manoeuvre…thank you Antonio Maria Valsalva, for this one. A 17th Century physician, psychiatrist and surgeon Antonio was also an Anatomy Professor at the University of Bologna in central Italy. While Newton and Bach were his contemporaries, Mathematics and Music interested him not. Valsalva’s interests were focused resolutely on the anatomy of the human ear. His detailed investigations led to the identification of the Eustachian tube (that’s the little tube that links your ear to the back of your throat).
In studying how the tube opened, he devised the so-called Valsalva Manoeuvre. You may not have heard the name, but I’d wager that you’ll have performed said manoeuvre, if not once, then many times during your life. Close your mouth, pinch your nose, and then try to gently breathe out; that’s how you do it. Do it right, and you should feel pressure on your eardrums, as air travels up your Eustachian Tubes into the inner ear. The feeling is as if they’re bulging ever so slightly. In everyday speak, “you make your ears pop”.
You may have done this during the take-off or landing part of a plane trip to decrease increasing discomfort in your ears. Scuba diving devotees will understand the need to pop ears and equalise pressure. Indeed, the design of scuba masks allows the ability to pinch your nose, thus allowing you to perform the Valsalva Manoeuvre, ideally so your eardrums don’t implode.
There are many uses for the Valsalva Manoeuvre, from strength training to pain management to heart rhythm regulation. But ear pressure equalising would have to be the most common, using the technique to balance pressure, to adjust and adapt to new circumstances. As we enter Week 2, it’s timely to recognise that our young men will be doing their own versions of the proverbial Valsalva Manoeuvre as they adjust from the relaxed, reasonably low-pressure Christmas break to matching the higher-pressure pace of Term 1 school.
As Eddies Team members, we should always seek to support each other. In playing the “long game” of education here on the Hill, we can help our young men as they adjust back to the busyness of term time.
Firstly, ensure they have a comfortable focused environment in which to work and study. Background noise thresholds will be different for each student, so it may be good to observe where the sweet spot is for maximum productivity. If your son likes to listen to music while studying, this article may help clarify pros and cons.
Help them establish good habits and routines. Setting aside specific times for homework and study will be hard at first but will gradually become a habit as the term progresses (apparently, it takes 21 days to establish a habit, so hang in there).
Assist them in managing their time effectively. Ask them if they have a study schedule, maybe help them create one. Year 12 Student Leaders from the College Academic Committee have plans to assist younger students to make their own study timetables. It might be good to have a chat with your son about this.
Finally, communicate, communicate, communicate; it’s always a good strategy. Australian psychologist Michael Carr Gregg suggests productive conversations can always be had while doing something together. Going on a drive can afford an excellent opportunity for a quiet chat. In the car to or from school or perhaps to sport on Saturday, with everyone facing the same direction, so no one has to look at anyone else, there’s a great chance for some really lucid and productive exchanges.
As the action here on the Hill begins to ramp up, it might be timely for all of us to perform our version of the Valsalva Manoeuvre. Equalising, balancing and adjusting, we can support our Eddies Men now, at the beginning of Term 1 and then throughout the year. Given the support of the Eddies Team, they can have every chance to become the very best men they can be.
Interhouse Swimming Carnival
On Wednesday, Bundamba Pool was awash with a sea of House and College colours. Organising, cheering and even swimming were all in evidence throughout the day. Well done to our Year 12 students and Student Leaders for ably directing their Houses and assisting in making the day an enjoyable event.
It’s been many years since I participated in a swimming carnival but this year the drought was broken. For the first time in in a long time the Students Versus Teachers Swimming Relay took place. With friendly banter and healthy rivalry, it was great to have everyone participate!
I’m glad I have twelve months to recover before the next one!
Junior House Leaders
Congratulations to the following students who were commissioned as Junior House Leaders at Assembly today. I wish them well in their leadership roles.
| Ambrose House | Callan House | Elliott House | Finn House |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Kaelan McNamara
|
Tomas Jendra
|
Dean Powell
|
Nevin Jon Roy
|
|
Levi Siala
|
Cooper Simpson
|
William Schreiber
|
Johan Taylor
|
| Ignatius House | Morgan House | Rice House | Treacy House |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Harrison Rule
|
Joshua Rooner
|
Liam Costello
|
Benje Minz
|
|
William Tatt
|
Gabriel Shirley
|
Lawrenze Villanueva
|
Tyler Anstey
|
