Care and Feeding of your Brain

How many times have you hear the phrase "senior moments", "fuzzy thinking", "old-timers disease" or "mental-pauses"? How many times has it been in association with misplacing your car keys and an attempt to shrug off the fear that perhaps you are beginning to "loose it"?

In midlife, both men and women are concerned about what is happening to our minds. We look at diseases and conditions that affect older individuals and wonder what is to become of us? I've heard many people say they'd rather have a heart attack or get hit by a car than develop Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) or any of the dementias strike fear in almost all middle age, and virtually all older adults. Many have likened it to being imprisoned in a body with a mind that is no longer functions...like someone took away the key and lost it.

AD is a serious problem and it will become more of a problem as our generation - The Baby Boomers - age. While we do not have the answers as to what causes it, there are some things that can be done to protect our brains.

Briefly, Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes a gradual loss of a persons memory. It goes further than that in that it also causes personal and behavior changes. While there are several forms of dementia, AD is the most well known. The damage is irreversible and as of the time of this writing, there is no cure.

Forgetting where you have left your keys, or that something was in the oven is not necessarily a sign of AD. More likely, those are signs of living a stress life and tying to do many things at once. Despite popular belief, we do NOT multi-task very well.

While the cause is not known, we do have a few pieces to the puzzle.

On average, it seems that 1/3 of the risk for dementia is due to genetics. That means that 2/3 of our risk is due solely to our environment and life style choices that we make today! In other words, it appears we may have a good amount of choice in reducing our chance of developing AD.

Here is a list of things you can do now to keep your brain happy.

Keep your body healthy. Protecting your body against illness that damages your blood vessels (high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, smoking, strokes, etc) will also contribute to the health of your brain.

Avoid substances that have toxic effects on your brain such as air pollution, lead, smoking, excessive alcohol, and street drugs. Think of these things as "brain pollution".

Avoid injury. That means avoiding falls, wearing helmets and seatbelts, and avoiding motor vehicle accidents.

Learn to manage stress. Excessive exposure to stress causes negative long term effects in the brain and the body.

Exercise your brain - use it or loose it applies here! (See below)

Include foods in your diet that are high in antioxidants such as prunes, raisins, blueberries, cranberries, spinach, broccoli florets, avocados, oranges, red bell peppers and eggplant to name just a few.

Consider taking antioxidant supplements to protect your brain. This can include a MVI, Vitamins C and E and omega 3 fatty acids. (Discuss this with your health care provider to see what is appropriate for you).

Your brain is no different than your body. It needs exercise in order to stay fit. There are lots of programs, under various names out there, and basically they do the same things. You want to burn new neural pathways, stimulate the release of chemicals and just give it a good workout. Make sure it's something challenging.

Here are some suggestions to get you started.

Use the opposite hand when you brush your teeth and hair in the morning.

Go through a certain portion of your routine with your eyes closed.

Travel a different route to work.

Learn a new language

Puzzle books - words, math, brain teasers

With proper care and feeding of your brain, it should continue to serve you well for years to come.

How to Improve Your Memory With the Nintendo DS Lite

There are gaming systems and then there is the Nintendo DS Lite. This system offers more than just the ordinary games of violence, it offers learning opportunities for young kids as well as middle aged kids. For the generation who was born in the 1950's it offers games and puzzles that helps to keep their minds sharp as well as helps to regain memory loss. The cognitive aspects of this gaming system is great for dementia patients who seem to have lost the ability to remember. It offers them process that help the brain heal in some of the games that are available as well as gives children just learning to count and read the opportunity to learn quicker than children of the same age without this gaming system.

Scientists have proven that children that learn how to count and read from gaming systems advance faster than their counterparts. They have also proven that dementia patients can also hone their memory skills with these systems keeping their cognitive abilities longer. The Nintendo DS Lite offers this help to those who need it in the form of memory games. Some games are directed solely at the violence that seems to infect our children at a very early age but others consider the long term benefits of creating games that help children learn and dementia patient's cognition sharp.

Games for children include brain teasers like Professor Layton and the Curious Village, writing games like Scribblenauts, cooking games like Cooking Mama and many, many others that offer learning situations for children. Older children may want a more active game and less in the learning department and for those, there are games that are less violent like Star Wars, Super Mario Brothers and Lego Battles where they make soldiers with Legos© and allow them to destroy each other. These forms of fighting games are less violent and perfect for kids who are impressionable. Nintendo DS Lite offers many more children's games such as these at great prices. In fact many of the local gaming stores carry a wide variety of these games that are used and much cheaper than purchasing them new.

Games that benefit dementia patients and for simply the baby boomers of the world opt for more of the puzzle and less active games like Brain Age which includes, Sudoku puzzles, math and reading exercises. Big Brain Academy offer coin counting, matching as well as other memory enhancing games. These may sound like weak children's games but they are not by a long shot. They help you to improve your mind so it may be healthier. We can't forget the old favorites such as Mario Brothers and Super Mario Brothers either. They were a huge influence on many of the baby boomer's lives and are back with some new twists and moves. The best thing of all about the Nintendo DS Lite is the fact that it can be carried with you on a plane, bus or hotel for playing any time, day or night.

Your children will love the Nintendo DS Lite and play with it endlessly. But, you on the other hand, may have trouble deciding if you want to keep it for yourself after all. Learn more about it today, before its too late

Adult's Games - Play Them and Succeed

Playing online games are the buzzword. But not all games are rot and useless.  Instead there are brain teasers, riddles and puzzles that can stimulate your brain cells and make you lead active and healthy life. Adults' games are so designed to improve memory and to ward off age old diseases such as Dementia and Alzheimer.

Some researchers claim that playing adults games few minutes a day improve blood flow and overall brain functioning. It has been observed that with age, people find it difficult to recollect and also confront problems in doing simple things such as forgetting to switch off the gas stove, not remembering where the car keys are kept, missing out on important personal dates and so on. When this early signs of forgetfulness gets bigger, diseases such as Dementia or Alzheimer sets in.

To keep brain cells stimulated and mind rejuvenated, playing adults games is very necessary. Another greatest advantage of playing adults games is that the games are real stress busters. Playing those help you to unwind and fight loneliness as well.

Games for adults designed as brain teasers not only improves memory but enhances your attention span, accelerates your working memory, improves logical reasoning ability. Problem solving ability is also greatly enhanced by playing adult games. There are adult games that are created to improve visual recognition and spatial orientation.

Some adults games that help improve memory are Moneycomb, Memory Match, Monster Garden and many more. In the Money Comb game one needs to collect the coins in accordance with its value. What you need to remember is the location of the different types of coins that is the exact location of the coin need to register in your brain and then you recall that information to collect the coins with respect to its value. These kinds of adults games have proved to be extremely useful in remembering location of things and recalling visual patterns.

Another online game called Speed Match is an exciting one and it helps you to think quicker and analyze faster. One needs to remember each symbol and then needs to indicate if it matches with the previous one. These adults games help you to adapt faster to changing environment and also processes information with better response time.

Once you begin playing these adults games, additionally you need to keep a track of your BPI (Brain performance Index). BPI will be your scores with respect to different cognitive function. After some time, you can see perceptible improvement in your BPI scores.

Adults games help improve cognitive functions manifold.  

Methods For Memory Improvement Based on Finding Your Best Learning Style

Our memory is so important since it helps us to keep those life events in our mind for the years to come. Of course when you remember a memory from 15 years before but you forget the grocery list, it can be so irritating. There are many who want to find a way that they can improve upon their memory. Well, there are actually things you can do to help other than just dealing with frustration over things you forget.

It's important that we take a look at how things are learned before we get involved in methods for memory improvement. When you are involved in a new experience or you hear something new, the brain has to take that information and decode it. It takes the information and interprets it in certain ways. When you are focusing on something and you learn something new, the brain takes the information and files it.

It is much like putting information into a file cabinet that you open up. Once you want to remember that information again, the brain brings it out for you. It's just like walking back to the filing cabinet and retrieving the file you put in there before.

More than likely you can remember when your memory was great and you probably were used to that. When we don't work on keeping our brain in good shape and learning new ways that we can think, our memory skill may begin to slip a bit. Think of a dancer. While she may have spend time training for all her moves, when she stops training, she won't be able to get out there and start performing if she hasn't been practicing for many years. It's like that with the memory as well.

One way to improve memory is to constantly be aware of all that is going on around you. Many people only half listen when other people talk to them. It is easy to focus on another thing that you need to do instead of what they say. Make sure you start focusing on what is going on around you so you can store it and bring it back up in the future.

When you get new information, work to associate it with something that you already know to make it easier to remember. There are a variety of different learning methods, so find the one that works out for you. There are some people that remember best when they have visual aids to help out. Others learn best from actually hearing things. When you figure out your own learning style, you can work on it further to help improve your memory.

If you don't know something, find out more about it by researching it on your own. While it may seem difficult to learn, if you find a different way of learning it or a different explanation it may make more sense to you. Doing the research on something new helps you to acquire more knowledge, which will help you figure out which things you need to keep in your mind.

When you really want to ensure something is remembered, think about it and throw it around in your brain a few times. The more you repeat something in your mind, the better you'll learn it and be able to recall it in the future. Using visual aids and even word association can help with your memory too. Use the various memory aids available to help improve your memory.

Decreased Short Term Memory Treatment

Many women going through perimenopause complain of forgetfulness, difficulty in concentrating, and fuzzy thinking but actually they are going through short term memory loss like loosing the end of a thought while speaking or writing, not remembering where they kept their glasses or keys, forgetting appointments or important dates.

A conventional approach to treat memory loss during perimenopause is to keep your mind active by doing cross word puzzles, brain teasers, playing memory games with kids, remembering new names and places you visited. Intake of fish oil can also increase your memory power. Fish oils are easily available in the stores and are also called as Omega 3 fatty acids. Another way to fight the problem of short term memory is to carry an appointment diary, try to remember all the things you need to do and later refer to the diary in case you have forgotten anything.

Women having perimenopause usually complain of "brain freeze" which mean the failure to access information when required. It was once thought that when the levels of estrogen fluctuate it may cause short term memory loss since estrogen plays an important role in stimulating the neurotransmitters, which allows the brain to communicate with one another. Estrogen helps to increase the flow of red blood cells which help the brain to function. During perimenopause the estrogen levels drop giving rise to memory loss. In the past ERT (estrogen replacement therapy) use to be done but in the recent times it is discovered that estrogen actually does very little to improve memory.

Try and take adequate rest which would help the brain and mind to stay healthy and alert and would help you retain information better. It is a known fact that with the age the brain also slowly deteriorates, so the best thing to do is eat right and drink plenty of water. By having proper nutritious food, it will help the brain the lay down information properly.

For women going through perimenopause a check on diet is recommended like eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, grains and legumes, pinto beans, red lentils, sesame seeds, a balance of proteins and carbohydrates is a must. It is essential to avoid alcohol since it only impairs memory. Also avoid caffeine, hot drinks and spicy food. Certain food products have been said to improve mental acuity like blueberries, fish and soy products.

A herbal treatment is to use Black Cohosh which is also used to decrease painful menstruation. A homeopathic remedy is to take Lycopodium but it is better to consult a doctor before you start using it.

Stress management is a very important factor to improve short term memory loss. Stress causes the body to release a hormone called cortisole which blocks the memories from being registered. Since it is a known fact that all women going through early menopause have stress, it is essential to stay positive and stay stress free. Meditation, yoga, exercise, swimming, walking are few ways that you can reduce stress with.  There has been no concrete treatment discovered as yet to improve short term memory loss.

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Father's Day Gifts Kids Can Make

There is still time to do for the kids some great gifts for Dad! Try one of these simple, inexpensive ideas.

1) A tailor-made Board Game

Brainstorm on the interests of fathers and hobbies. Then choose a topic for a board game that can be done like Candy Land. Buy a piece of white or colored poster. (Cost: 1.00 USD or not) you write a title at the top of the subject as appropriate, "Dad's Dream Vacation game" or "Papa Crazy Car Show.

Draw a winding path with two lineslower left upper right corner. Writing to START at the bottom left and finishing at the top right. Share the way of rooms. Adding pictures and instructions to move many of the rooms, the players, both back and forth. Ideas

You forgot to change the oil in the car. Go back two spaces.
You stop and help someone change a tire. Go ahead 4 spaces.
Delays at the airport. Lose a turn of events.
Free food in the park. Take a train.

To play thisPlaying with Dad, you need a marker for each player. Coins or pieces of paper of different colors work well. You will also need a die from another game. Each piece dice and moves forward, the number of rooms. He follows the instructions in this space. The first player wins FINISH.

2) Credit Cards Dad's Choice

Make your credit card has very free Daddy! Draw a real credit card in a simple white or colored paper. Cut more cards to complete blank. Add Daddy fullA fancy name and account number on each card. On the back, write something that we have a father. Each different card. Here are some ideas:

Dad choice at Game Night. You choose to play the game we did.
Dad choice of ice. You can choose the flavor that we buy at the supermarket.
Dad choice for dinner. (Please see the cook 24 hours in advance).
Dad choice for television. Select the evening, and select the program.

Place them in your credit cardHomemade Father's Day card. When Dad opens the card on Sunday to tell him that he had placed in his wallet and spend ", whenever you want!

3) Go Nuts

Put some 'nuts most popular dad in an empty glass or plastic glass. Add a ribbon and a label that says: "Dad, I'm crazy about you!"

Copyright 2008 Ann Richmond Fisher

How to deal with teasing at school,

Inevitably happens at all. Some more than others.

That great because you wear glasses, you are not the most beautiful dress, you're too big or too small or too big or small - no kidding time "activities" that never goes out of fashion (unfortunately).

So as you can manage without resorting to physical violence?

Here are some tips I learned:

walk. When children, youth and adults tease each other, they dobecause they want a reaction from you. Enjoy your visit wind upset and feeling bad about themselves.

Usually they do so they can be heard better from other bad feeling about themselves. (Yes, I'm sorry for those teaser).

As you get to see the teaser to their teasing does not interest you, is no longer a reaction from you, stop inevitably (and most likely move to a different purpose). It is no longer funnyfor them.

So do not give them what they want. Do not answer, just go away and ignore them.

I found that tip # 1 best works, but if you can not go away? And if in the corner, and you can not escape? First I would like to keep ignoring them. There with a straight face (as if he expects to stop the stupidity) are.

If this does not work?

Shouts and yells "Help!" - Teaser carry, how much attention toas you can. If you need to be monitored at the school and teachers would hear around you come and help.

If you are off campus, I would yell "Fire!". If you yelled fire in the school, you may end up alone in trouble, so I make this for off-campus Reserve.
These two tips are what I found to work. Of course, every situation is different. Everyone is different.

If you or your child is teased at school or outsideSchool to discuss the baby and tell them they can not manage this problem alone. Seek professional help, in any case these recommendations as practical advice, but I hope that gives you a starting point.

Make the parties involved. Talk with teachers and principles as they have the responsibility to create a safe and comfortable learning environment.

You may also imply the need for parents as well as teaser. When you have a responsibility for the conduct of theirChild.

Alzheimer's May Be Preventable With Diet and Omega-3 DHA Supplements

What are we going to do with grandpa? Grandpa doesn't have Alzheimer's yet, but last year he didn't remember much of anything except to tell the same old stories. It's obvious his short term memory is fading fast and he often struggles with remembering the grand kid's names. His memory medication doesn't seem to provide much relief and it's very expensive.

Having a friend or family member suffering from cognitive decline is reason enough for us all to be concerned ourselves. Believe it or not, 40% of people in the U.S., and elsewhere, will face some form of cognitive decline in their lifetimes. At current rates, within the next decade, the number of persons with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia may double.

Now there is increasing evidence that dietary factors play a major role in onset rates. New research suggests the disease is increasingly preventable. Non-genetic factors include upwards of 90 percent of Alzheimer's cases. Genetic factors are linked to a receptor in the brain involved in fat metabolism.

Recent studies from the Swedish medical university Karolinska Institutet show mice given a high fat, high sugar and high cholesterol diet for nine months developed preliminary signs of Alzheimer's Disease using markers also seen in patients. The study results have yet to be reproduced, but are supported by numerous correlative studies in the scientific literature that suggest diet and lifestyle are increasingly considered central factors in the onset and prevention of the disease.

Top researchers are now reporting that Alzheimer's, the most debilitating form of dementia, may also be linked to chronic omega-3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) nutritional deficiencies. In what is known as the Framingham Study, trial subjects with low plasma DHA levels were at greater risk of onset plus DHA levels were lower in the brain and plasma of patients with dementia.

Doctors always will say diet and lifestyle are the first consideration. In addition, research suggesting DHA is the only omega-3 that protects cognitive function during aging, a topic reiterated by a recent Johns Hopkins Health Alert johnshopkinshealthalerts.com which states that appropriate levels of dietary DHA alone could help prevent up to 70% of new Alzheimer's cases. The FDA recognizes DHA levels are an essential part of the healthy structure and function of nerve cells in the brain.

Is prevention linked to something as simple as replacing the bad fats with the good fats? In the past 40 years, there is a correlation between increases in weight gain and Alzheimer's onset rates. Perhaps the growing rate of all dementia is partly linked to diet and DHA deficiency together. Therefore, one's diet and DHA intake is at the heart of the question: What are we going to do with grandpa?

What else can you do for yourself? Exercise both your body and your brain. Ironically, studies have found that people who regularly work crossword puzzles and brain teasers like Sudoku, significantly extend the time their brains stay sharp and improve their memory.

Be Social. Staying involved in your community, helping others, and generally staying involved in the world around you is shown to be another key way to keep your brain sharp and alert.

Strive to Learn. You should never stop learning and challenging yourself mentally. Every class you take, no matter how old you are, and every new activity or idea you undertake, exercises your brain and increases the chance it will keep working well for many years to come.

Effective techniques to remember names and faces of customers and business partners

In memory of names and faces of colleagues, partners and customers is an important skill for business success. Here are some effective techniques to commemorate this important information:

Before Associate someone you just met someone who has the same name. For example, if a new "Mr. Smith" which deliberately evoke the image in the mind of Mr. Smith, you already know the presidency. Whenever new knowledge is, your mind back in Flashknown man, and you will be able to remember the name. consolidate with interesting dream come Association. For example, think of the two Mr. Smiths as twin brothers.

According to the first time that learning a new name, write it several times. This reinforces the name of different sensory channels. At the hearing the name, as in writing, and physical memory through the appeal process of writing, you are less likely to forget the name.

Note the third personinteresting or distinctive facial features. What makes your new knowledge is different from other people? Note features such as eyes, ears, nose, lips, hair or face shape. Whereas the facial features of a person, they focus on a person's face and immediately create an impression much stronger mentally. You can also create a sense of interest, which is very important for the preservation of memory. Take, for example, were introduced to someone paying $ 1,000 bar at your next meeting promised.You will probably be automatically study his face and had no problems, recalls his image or his name. The interest is very important.

Fourth If you hear someone's name is said aloud to see the person intentionally, in which the name belongs. This strengthens the bond between the head in the person's name and face. If you forget the name, trying to remember his face, and you have a better chance of remembering.

Fifth Look carefully your environment and your feelings at the timeyou meet someone new. In memory of atmosphere as you felt, and what you did you may recall his introduction to help the person, appearance and other important details about the person.

Sixth Say the name of the person over and over in my head. Whenever possible, say the name aloud in context. For example, telling a colleague "I met Bob Norwiki today." Later, tell your wife "I met a colleague again today, Bob Norwiki. She wants to help with our newProject. "

With this simple but powerful technique, it will be better able to remember names and faces. This will serve you well is your business and personal life.

Top Ten reasons to buy wooden puzzle

Dear Readers,

This article is my top ten reasons why you should spend a wooden puzzle, rather than buy a different type of toy. This Top Ten is for parents out there who are friends and looking for suitable gifts for their children or great puzzles for their colleagues. E 'for anyone trying to decide what to buy for yourself or for others. So without further adieu:

10th Using a wooden toy, is to help reducenation's dependence on oil. Plastic comes from oil, so instead, millions of plastic toys, buy a wooden toy, and can start as a nation dependent on oil.

Ninth Wood is a renewable resource! Unlike fossil fuels (which comes from plastic), wood can be renewed at any time. wooden toy companies make it a priority, the sources they use to rebuild, because they recognize that these trees belong to the earth, more than any other. If you are a plastic toy,the earth is that fossil fuels are robbed. But with the wood, future generations of trees have to love.

8th wooden puzzles have children for subjects like math enthusiast. No child wants to sit around tables to memorize math or reading thick books trying to figure out some complicated theory behind algebra. Children want to play! The children want to have fun! Wooden puzzles math makes math fun! What better friend could ask parents and teachers? One tool, the smile and laughter of childrenlearning in mathematics.

Seventh Wood puzzles make buying gifts easier than ever. Who has not stressed here their annual Secret Santa? There is only one criterion for determining whether someone is enjoying puzzles and that is if they have brains! Anyone with a brain, large or small, would love a puzzle. So instead of buying kit espionage to find out what he likes your person will be a great game! This way, youspend more time on the money for your company, instead of seeking gifts for your colleagues.

Sixth While the children play in the wood used to watch your children play violent action and feel that jumping from a moving train at 100 km / h, dodging hundreds of bullets and fell three stories without a fracture.

Fifth Grandma and Grandpa do you remember most. Brain Games have both in the fight against deadly diseases such as pathAlzheimer's disease. Brain puzzles are like little brain, nerve cells grandmother brought the gym treadmill.

Wooden Puzzles fourth save families! In place of the father on TV in the living room, the mother on the phone in the kitchen, is the son of ninjas to kill your game console, and the daughter in her room and instant messaging, now all together and laughing and interacting with the family mystery. Wooden puzzle game of the family are taking the family to the great and stringingback as a unit!

Third Puzzles wooden puzzles particularly keen to make, great spirit. Just like Grandma needs a brain gym, so has everyone else. Wooden Brain Games teaches important skills such as problem solving, logic, and hand and eye coordination. It also teaches important visual process and storage capacity and strategies of error.

According wooden toys fosters trust. Anyone can press buttons on a video game, but compiling adifficult game, or close a puzzle neuron is a true feat. We would like to see confident children and elderly adults. The sensation feels good to complete a puzzle made of wood can not be replicated with a video game or a text message. Everyone should be able to hear in a great brain teaser to complete difficult.

Before Finally, and this is making the most important, fun wooden puzzle. Believe it or not, but in the 21st Century, a wooden game can be super fun. wooden puzzle notneed for the 18 Century reserved. In fact, the play of wood can be much more fun than modern technology. If the reproduction of a wooden puzzle before bed or in the office instead of working, wooden puzzles are great fun. Are challenging and rewarding. If there's one thing Wood Company, the enjoyment of their work. At least try it. If not, you can always go back permanently to video games and TV. But I tell a real test. For all you know that your a genius whenspeaks of wooden puzzles and brain games.

Don't Lose It - Try Some Brain Exercises Today

Brain exercises are the latest buzz. Why should you exercise your brain? Research into the brain as it ages, points towards the brain being like a muscle in your body. If you don't use your brain and challenge it, the functions deteriorate.

The brain starts to lose its capabilities after about the age of 30! Pretty scary! However, if you look after your brain, actively engage and challenge it, these losses can usually be reversed and the results maintained.

Most of us do use it.... However, I know I am guilty of not keeping my brain in tip top condition. So what can I do today to get my brain back on track?

There are of course many factors that contribute to overall brain health such as general health, nutrition, stress, environment, sleep and many more. This article is about what options are available for keeping your brain active using brain exercises.

Printed Puzzles, Games and Brain ExercisesYou can do some really simple things like checking the back of your daily newspaper for:

Crossword puzzles
Sudoku
Brain Teasers
Riddles
Wordsearch
Picture Puzzles

Specialized books with collections of puzzles are also a popular choice. The key is to do it regularly.

All of these things help keep your brain active in slightly different ways. I know that when I stopped doing a daily crossword regularly I was shocked to pick one up and find how slow I was at solving it. In our busy lives we just find it hard to keep doing these things.

Nintendo DS based Brain Training Games and Exercises

A couple of years ago Brain Training on Nintendo DS took the world by storm. Many parents bought these games for their children but became hooked on improving and maintaining their own brain age! Brain Training and Big Brain Academy (another game available for Nintendo DS) are firm favorites in our household, but they have their limitations - the major one for me was regular access to the Nintendo and also that my kids could check out my brain age!

Computer Based Software Programs

Software programs are available for your computer. They can be purchased and installed or downloaded from the internet. The choice of these comes to personal preference. Usually these programs cover only one aspect of brain exercises or cater to specialized areas such as those with brain injuries. They are generally fairly expensive.

To maintain your brain function you have to keep repeating the same games and programs. After an initial flurry of activity, I found it hard to make them a habit.

Online Brain Exercise Programs

Online Brain Exercise Programs fall into two categories - free and paid subscriptions.

There are some pretty good games out there that you can access for free online. Some of these free brain exercises are just games, some seem to have some science behind them and there are yet others that are likely to become paid subscriptions in the future but are currently in beta testing.

Generally, free games are not structured but can be great fun - whilst the paid subscriptions have varying degrees of structure and feedback.

The paid brain exercise programs have a few differences. Most allow you to try the games without the program or feedback or offer a free trial period. Everyone has different tastes. Although I like a challenge I don't want to feel stressed, plus they take different amounts of time, so you have to factor that into your usage.

What Will You Do?

How will you use it? Or will you lose it?

There really is no excuse for not exercising your brain by:

using a paper based game
taking advantage of some of the free brain games out there on the internet
subscribing to a brain training program that guides you through like a personal trainer.

The key is to work out which type is going to fit into your lifestyle regularly and make a long term difference to your grey matter.

Do your brain a favor today - Challenge it whilst having fun!

Bored, nothing to do this summer?

I was bored, nothing to do! "Bored I'm sure you've never heard that at home! Have you read the book by Peter Spier, to do nothing? These are two brothers who sends his mother to do something so boring. Out in the garage, building a plane and fly ... If you have not read the book, go to your library and get a copy. If you are 6, 16 or 36, you'll like. I think going to read it again!

The plane "project" results from boredom. There aretwo solutions for the ennui your children ', let me share with you. I think both were positive for your children this summer and hope to share this with your friends and family.

Last fall I read an article by our local librarian. He noted that produces boredom creativity in children. Think about it. If your children are bored often find something to do alone. It takes creativity to imagine and invent your own "project". Think of two brothersSpier book. They were boring, and certainly used their creativity to build and fly a plane.

In this sense, you must provide stimulating resources for children. Resources can be as simple as sticks in the garden or similar vehicles, baskets, boxes, lego involved. If you are bored, as these resources can overcome boredom sparks their imagination. Children usually find something to do because they will not be bored.

PermitChildren to overcome boredom with their creative projects allows you to see your true passions and interests of children.

Another solution to boredom is to report your child could go places, to cure their boredom. If your child is sitting on the couch and just staring at the ceiling, the boxes reminiscent of Lego into his cabinet, or parts under the track bed. If your daughter is on her bed and do nothing, we speak of the basket of art supplies in the family room. You get theIdea.

I realize that mothers employed do not always have time to remember the tips for your children, to encourage creativity. You can print, cut out the list and put each in a glass. Let your child choose one when they are "boring." (This is part of a list sent to me years ago, but I do not know its origin.)

In no particular order,

Before Cycling

According Roller blade along

Third Basketball

Fourth games

Fifth To make a tent of blankets

Sixth squirt with hoses

SeventhRun through the sprinkler

8th skipping rope

Ninth Reading books

10th Blow bubbles

11 make homemade play dough

12 ° Playing with play dough

13 Flower Print

14th Craft with pressed flowers

15th Write a letter to a relative, friend or pen friend

16th bedroom clean

17th Empty living room

18th clean bathroom

19th To do a job

20th Draw

21st Colour

22nd Color

23rd pull weeds

24th watch a movie

25th writeStories

With binoculars 26th

27th U.S. magnifying glass

U.S. 28th microscope

29th Bird watching

30th Write a play

31st place play

32nd invent circus

33rd Run a circus

34th Play Card Games

Making art in the 35th front walkway with sidewalk chalk

36th Play catch

37th play baseball

38th collecting rocks

Addressing the 39th leaves

40th Collecting feathers

41st Frisbee game

42nd Frisbee is to make old plastic lids,decorate with markers

43rd dust at home

Brush the 44th pet

45th Write Letters

46th read a magazine

47th Play Dress-up

48th Play Cowboys

49th Pick vegetables

50th play outside with the pet

51st The construction of a fortress in your rooms

52nd Construction of a fort in the backyard

53rd to do a puzzle

Playing on the 54th Geosafari

55th play on your computer

56th to hear a story or a book on tape

57th school do more to go

58th dobrain teasers (ie: crosswords, word searches, etc.)

59th Cook

60th prepare lunch

61st Surprise a neighbor with a good deed

62nd Play Save

63rd Prepare a restaurant lunch menus

64th Hold a tea party

65th have a Teddy Bear Picnic

66th playing with toy cars

67th Play Dolls

68th Theater

69th Chasing Butterflies

70th Collect caterpillars and insects

71st a garden or pot

72nd Collect seeds

73rd Fightershamrocks

74th Learn magic tricks

75th presented a magic show

76th Plant a container garden

77th sprout seeds or beans

Make sock puppets 78th

79th put on a puppet show

Making 80th Christmas gifts

81st make homemade wrapping paper

82nd to gift cards homemade

83rd make frames from twigs glued onto sturdy cardboard

84th crocheted or knitted

85th make doll clothes

86th Sew buttons in old drawings on T-Shirts

87th runRelay races

88th Creating bookmarks

89th a quiet rest time

90th to take a shower or bath

91st bathe a pet

92nd to feed birds or squirrels

93rd Watch the clouds

94th organize a dresser

95th Clean under the bed

96th dishwasher empty

97th vacuum under the couch cushions and keep any changes found

98th Write these ideas on a piece of paper and select one or two
do

99th sculpt

Have a great summer and hopeChildren show their boredom to be creative.

Mind Games Help Keep Seniors Sharp

What is the biggest fear of seniors? Developing Alzheimer's, dementia or a general loss of cognitive function ranks very high on the list. Is there anything you can do to decrease your odds of this from happening? More and more scientific evidence shows that we can dramatically increase the likelihood of staying mentally fit throughout our lives. Physical exercise, good nutrition, social connections, and mental stimulation are all important in keeping our brains sharp. It appears that building brain reserves, our brain's ability to generate new pathways and connections, for extra reserve capacity will help our minds function as we age.

The phrase "use it or lose it" applies to our neural pathways as well as our bodies. Learning new things and leading mentally stimulating lives will 'boot brain power.' Many studies have found that engaging in mentally stimulating activities can help keep our minds sharp. Computer games have been scientifically developed to be fun and possibly more effective than puzzles and traditional games at keeping the brain challenged and agile throughout life. 'Mind games' will:

- Directly change how the brain works by increasing activity in the targeted parts of the brain
- Speed up visual processing in about 87% of people who train
- Increase auditory processing speed by 131%
- Improve memory by about 10 years
- Help people keep up with the demands of daily living (such as counting change and finding a phone number) and improve their ability to maintain independence
- Reduce the risk of tripping and falling
- Help people maintain their health-related quality of life
- Help people maintain their zeal for life by reducing the risk of depressive symptoms

Of the people who have used these types of games, 3 of 4 people report positive changes in their daily lives.

Recent discoveries in neuroscience show that regular brain fitness through 'mind games' can provide considerable benefits to all ages suffering from disease, trauma or chemotherapy. People with Alzheimer's ADHD, MS, Parkinson's and chemo fog can use 'brain teasers' to recover, improve or maintain their cognitive health. While it is no way a cure for Alzheimer's or dementia, it may be able to slow the progress of the disease or even help a little bit.

If you really want to improve your brain function, look for games that have a solid scientific background and have been validated by independent sources. Make sure the product you are using was tested and showed positive results. Also, most 'brain teasers' only train a single skill, such as dividing attention or working memory. Shoot for games

5 Criteria For Choosing an Appropriate Game Or Puzzle

There are many games out there on the market - How do you decide what to buy for the perfect gift for him? Hopefully, this article offers some practical methods to reduce the options and find the right gift for him.

Things to consider when choosing a game:

First Difficulty:
Often puzzle game will be a star or a reference to the difficulty of the puzzle or not. Brain Teasers and Mind Benders often viewson them, and you should check before buying. If the recipient has not done many of these kind of puzzle before, best to start at a level much easier. However, they are not necessarily experts make no secret of the level more difficult - may naturally bright and have the intelligence to start with a challenge now!

Second Age of each:
These criteria for selecting a game is pretty self-explanatory and similar skill levels. Ensurethe game is age. If it's too kid-like for a teenager, it is very unlikely to play a "game" cool, but on the contrary, if this is a game or a puzzle that is beyond their reach because of his age to give, perhaps giving they may also review and reluctant when he is older.

Third Number of Players
If you want to buy a family gift or something to address the boy, or a game suitable for a party? Puzzles are a great family gift. Ihave fond memories of my family is always together with some friends on Christmas day and enjoy the delicious combination of puzzles and Christmas drinks. Jigsaws are ideal for small groups of all ages and are a great pastime, as you can be thorough, but still with a stimulating conversation in the activity. Most games are designed for small groups and would make a wonderful gift to the family.

There are many games out there for the individual. ForGifts for him, it is necessary to establish not just a game of cards to be filled with Solitaire and more! There are many puzzles table or coffee mind puzzle challenge on the market designed specifically for people. This often recommended once can be done in order to obtain a challenge to race against time. These puzzles do spirit especially appropriate gifts for him, for those who like a challenge and are systematic in nature. As mentioned above, there are several skillsLevels, so check first that the mystery to ensure it is the perfect gift for the recipient to buy.

While board games and puzzles make great family gifts or gifts for him, for parties or a night game that usually need something a bit 'more versatile and can be easily expanded or shrunk to your group size. Taboo, Scattegories, charades and Pictionary are all popular party games, and some can only play with a dictionary, or your creativity in order to saveBUY SHH official game. (.. No one heard me say that!).

Fourth dimension and number of pieces:
larger pieces, and without them, is much more likely for a younger audience. Give achievable targets, which is in the form of puzzles to stimulate the creativity of the child and what they are, they are frustrated to tears without unattainable because of the challenge before them. What should be able to present a fun easy to be a nightmare ifthe puzzle is too large or the instructions are too confusing for a game. If you want a more complicated puzzle or game to Provide for a younger audience, should a child or adult is working alongside the receiver, helping HIM or the rules Understand It (Displayed is to explain to more often) or help meet Them bite-sized segments of a mystery.

The fifth speed of the game:
I for one do not like slow games. I love action games and puzzles, such as speedScrabble (Scarabeo normal is too slow) and Dutch Blitz. If you give me one of those tricky puzzles that challenge the mind, I'd be bored and frustrated in a few minutes. However, given the same game with someone who loves the challenge, loves to solve problems methodically and systematically, and find the perfect gift for him! In general, personality or profession is a good indicator of what kind of games the individual might like. He is a human person and lovesactivity, or does he have a more subdued personality, enjoying pondering puzzles and thinking through the challenge himself?

In a nutshell, if you take into consideration the things you know about your recipient, you should be able to find games and puzzles to make perfect gifts for him, gifts for the family, and party games. Have fun, and happy puzzling!

Advanced Mathematics - What Does it All Mean?

If you think mathematics is a difficult subject, you should try studying some of the more advanced branches like abstract algebra before you come to such a conclusion. It is in these higher realms of this most distinguished subject that one learns about mathematical structures like groups, fields, and rings, and the properties inherent in these objects. After a jaunt through such mysterious realms, one comes away with a new appreciation of this most fascinating subject.

What does an advanced branch of mathematics like Abstract Algebra concern itself with? In a nutshell, this field attempts to classify and categorize mathematical sets with the end result of being able to solve problems that share certain characteristics. To make clear the previous declared mumbo jumbo, let's look at some specific examples. Take the set of linear equations, which take the form y = ax + b, where a and b are any real numbers and a is not 0. The set of all such equations forms a mathematical class and as a result any member of this set shares a number of similar properties. The variable constants a and b, determine such differences as the slope of the line and the point at which graphically, the line crosses the y-axis, also known as the y-intercept.

By studying such a set of objects, mathematicians can categorize properties inherent to the class and thus draw conclusions about what is and is not possible regarding this set. For example, in the linear equation class y = ax + b, we can rewrite this as ax + by = c, again where a, b, and c are real numbers and a and b are not 0. (If they are 0, then we no longer have a linear equation in x and y.) Now if we restrict a, b, and c into a subset of the real numbers, the integers, we have a new class called linear Diophantine equations. These become a curious set of objects, and one which finds itself abounding in real life. For example, many applications in the real world require the solution of such linear equations with the restriction that a, b, and c are whole numbers. An example would be in agriculture where such an equation might represent cattle production of milk.

Suppose on a farm, there are two types of cattle, which we shall call Cattle A and Cattle B. Cattle A outputs 30 gallons of milk per week, and Cattle B outputs 40 gallons of milk per week. In order for the farm to meet its delivery quotas, 1000 gallons of milk per week are needed. How many of each type of cattle will satisfy this quota?

Such a problem requires mathematicians to study the class of linear Diophantine equations. By analytically dissecting this class and finding common properties and characteristics, mathematicians can ultimately solve such "cattle" provoking questions. When studying this class, mathematicians will come up with certain unchanging or rigid properties which bind the class together. These rigid properties become theorems that can be used to decide whether a certain problem can be solved or not. In fact, it was the study of second-order Diophantine equations that led to the historical Fermat's last theorem, which was only solved recently. This problem lay unsolved for hundreds of years, after having been left in the margins of a manuscript by the French mathematician Pierre de Fermat.

Thus if you think more advanced mathematics exists just to confuse, think again. It is this higher realm which enables us to move relentlessly forward in our technologically oriented world. So that you come to appreciate this higher realm, in some future articles I will continue to explore this topic in more detail. For now chomp on what you have and start to appreciate this most extraordinary field.

See more on my articles page Articles Page and get some mental exercise here with these cool problems Problem of the Week and Cool Brain Teasers.

Brain Training - Does it Work?

Nowadays you get overrun by IQ and brain training websites and games. Of course this is a lucrative business since everybody, young or old, male or female, black or white wants to be smart. Brain training is supposed to make you smarter and above all is fun! But is this really the case? The fun part of course is a pure personal opinion however does brain training actually make you smarter?

At first we should take into account that your IQ is generally accepted as a measure of your intelligence, "how smart you are" so to say. If you would do several IQ-tests your IQ will always be more or less the same. At least this is how it should work, however an increase or decrease in IQ of as high as 20 points during a lifetime is not completely uncommon even without taking aging diseases e.g. Alzheimer into account. So this means you can be either more or less intelligent during certain periods of your life.

A lot of research to this subject has been done and one of the most interesting experiments was carried out for the first time in the 1950s, by the Canadian psychologist Professor Donald Hebb and it was repeated again in 2008 by Professor Ian Robbins. In this experiment several volunteers were left alone in the dark in solitary confinement for 48 hours. This already proved to be enough to decrease some volunteers IQ-test outcomes by more than 20 points, showing the subjects brain is adjusting to the situation. Simply put: "They don't use their brain so it starts deteriorating". Of course this is an extreme example since the subjects were completely deprived of sensory stimulation, but the fact that the subjects regained their "intelligence" after a while in the real world is very interesting. This shows that by stimulating the brain the subjects actually got smarter again.

This makes you wonder: "What if you have a dull job which does not stimulate your brain at all? Would your brain adjust to this situation too? Would you actually get dumber since you are not using your brain for 8 or more hours a day?" Research to these effects is way more complicated because of the large scale at which experiments will have to be performed to get trustworthy results. However looking at the results of the sensory deprivation experiments one would come to the logical conclusion that you have to train your brain to keep it in shape. This is what goes for your entire body e.g. muscles, organs, so why would your brain be any different?

Free Psychic Test - Do You Have Super PSI? Read on To Find Out

In this article we are going to examine the power of psychic phenomena in ordinary people, and see if there is the phenomenal powers of PSI in the general population is far greater than some would think. Read on as we explore this fascinating topic of human potentials beyond the brain!

There are many researchers and scientists who believe that psychic phenomena is NOT some special gift relegated so the talk show circuit, 900 hotlines and the odd woman with the neon sign at the mall, or boardwalk. While much of mainstream science hasn't lent its mental muscle to the study, for years a small but dedicated growing group of researchers have discovered incredible ways that the AVERAGE human mind may have FAR more potential than most of us realize. Continuing studies in remote viewing, simply ESP, mediumistic research and even the scientific study of the near death experience has shown repeatedly that our minds...may not be confined to our brains!

What does this mean for you and me? It's quite simple. Much like philosophers of many hundreds of years ago believed, our brains may simply be the tuning instrument that enables our minds, or "real" consciousness to filter through, and be interpreted by our bodies. And as such, we all have the ability to expand our non - ordinary awareness...or said differently, our psychic abilities that transcend the physical.

This of course lends itself to a more spiritual world view than one that believes that our brains are everything. The good news is you can TEST your OWN psychic ability pretty easily, as there is any number of good sites with fun, entertaining and ultimately incredibly informative games, tests and brain teasers designed to unleash your own psychic potential...and transform your world view in an instant!

Drugs Spell Danger!

Drug addiction is nothing new or unusual in our community. The rate of drug addicts seems to rise year after year, without failing to inflict problems on individuals, family members as well as the community in general.

A drug addict is unable to see the severity of their addiction and how this has led to a crisis. The development of a crisis should be looked as an opportunity in intervening drug addict's life in a positive way.

What is Drug Intervention

Drug intervention is an act of love, supportive and firm in its ultimate goal - to move the addict physically and mentally to the next step for professional help. It is essential for family members and friends to figure out an approach to the problem in advance before the problem arises.

Goals of Intervention

The first step of intervention is to get the drug addict out of denial and accept his predicament. One must show care for the chemically dependant person. Rapport must be established quickly as this will give confidence to all involved, especially the addict. To be credible, the intervention should be backed by a realistic treatment plan and intevention is the first step towards this plan. The addict's priorities should be addressed before options for treatment can be presented.

After initial assessment has been done, the realistic options are presented to the addict. The process has to make the addict feel empowered to seek treatment for himself. Invariably, there is a need for a support team to manage the crisis.

For more on drugs:

Click here for article on drug rehabilitation programs [http://www.for-the-touchdown.com/drug_rehabilitation.htm]

For alcohol intervention:

Click here for article on alcohol intervention [http://www.for-the-touchdown.com/alcohol_intervention.htm]

Effective Techniques to Remember Names and Faces of Customers and Business Associates

In memory of names and faces of colleagues, partners and customers is an important skill for business success. Here are some effective techniques to commemorate this important information:

Before Associate someone you just met someone who has the same name. For example, if a new "Mr. Smith" which deliberately evoke the image in the mind of Mr. Smith, you already know the presidency. Whenever new knowledge is, your mind back in Flashknown man, and you will be able to remember the name. consolidate with interesting dream come Association. For example, think of the two Mr. Smiths as twin brothers.

According to the first time that learning a new name, write it several times. This reinforces the name of different sensory channels. At the hearing the name, since writing, and physical memory through the appeal process of writing, you are less likely to forget the name.

Note the third personinteresting or distinctive facial features. What makes your new knowledge is different from other people? Note features such as eyes, ears, nose, lips, hair or face shape. Whereas the facial features of a person, the focus is on a person's face and immediately create an impression much stronger mentally. You can also create a sense of interest, which is very important for the preservation of memory. Take, for example, were introduced to someone paying $ 1,000 bar at your next meeting promised.You will probably be automatically study his face and had no problems, recalls his image or his name. The interest is very important.

Fourth If you hear someone's name is said aloud to see the person intentionally, in which the name belongs. This strengthens the connection in your mind between the person's name and face. If you forget the name, trying to remember his face, and you have a better chance of remembering.

Fifth Look carefully your environment and your feelings at the timethat you meet someone new. Remembering the atmosphere, how you felt, and what you did can also help you remember your introduction to the person, the person's appearance, and other important details about the person.

6. Say the person's name over and over again in your mind. Whenever possible, say the name out loud in context. For example, tell a co-worker "I met Bob Norwiki today." Later, tell your wife "I met a new colleague today, Bob Norwiki. He's going to help out with our new project."

By using these simple but powerful techniques, you'll be better able to remember names and faces. This will serve you well in both your business and personal life.

Brain Health Top 10 Books of 2008 - ready for a spiritual exercise?

Here you have the most popular 10 books Cognitive Brain Fitness & Health in 2008. I hope you are as stimulating as I do!

First Brain Rules: 12 principles for surviving and thriving at work, at home and school (Pear Press, 2008)

- Dr. John Medina, director of the Center for Brain Research Applied Learning to Seattle Pacific University, writes a binding and comprehensive introduction to the impact of all the many days of recent brainResearch.

According to The Beck Diet Solution: Brain Train your person to think like a thin (Oxmoor House, March 2007)

- Dr. Judith Beck, director of the Beck Cognitive Therapy and Research, linking the research-based cognitive therapy with traditional application: to maintain weight loss.

Third Change the brain, is: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science (Viking, March 2007)

- Dr. Norman Doidge,Psychiatrist and author of The New York Times bestseller list, leads us, "a collection of stories about the incredible strong brain's ability to ReWire, adapt and relearn."

Fourth Spark: The revolutionary new science of exercise and the brain (Little, Brown and Company, 2008)

- Dr. John Ratey, Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, summarizes research on brain growth of the movement.

FifthThe art of changing the brain: enriching teaching practice, exploring the biology of learning (Stylus Publishing, October 2002)

- Dr. James Zull, Director Emeritus of the University Center for Innovation in Teaching and Education at Case Western Reserve University, writes a must for educators and students to read throughout their lives.

Sixth Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain: How a New Science Books reveals our extraordinary potential to transform ourselves Ballantine (,January 2007)

- Sharon Begley, Newsweek science writer, excellent, comprehensive introduction to research on neuroplasticity in the Mind & Life Institute is based event.

Seventh Thanks: How the New Science of gratitude can make you happy (Houghton Mifflin, 2007)

- Link Prof. Robert Emmons, a psychology professor at UC Davis and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Positive Psychology, is writing a solid book, a summary based on the research topic andpractical suggestions.

8th The executive brain: frontal lobes and the Civilized Mind (Oxford University Press, January 2001)

- Dr. Elkhonon Goldberg, clinical professor of neurology at New York University School of Medicine, offers a fascinating look at the role of frontal executive functions and roles throughout the lifespan.

The Ninth Brain Trust Program: A three shares science-based plan to improve memory (Perigee Trade, September 2007)

-Dr. Larry McCleary, former acting Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Children's Hospital in Denver, covering many of the recommendations lifestyle for brain health, this practical book.

10th A User's Guide to the Brain: Perception, attention, and four theaters of the brain (Pantheon, January 2001)

- In this book (the year before Spark), Dr. John Ratey offers a stimulating description of how the brain works. The brain of an excellent book for every 101 newthe field.

I would ask, you know ... You have already chosen a book to read next?

Copyright (c) 2009 Sharp Brains

Healthy aging for the brain and body - Answers to Questions

Given the increasing and often conflicting media reports on aging and Alzheimer's disease subjects, you probably have a lot of questions you'd like to see one, Body and responded to a healthy brain aging.

Let's tackle some of them in a lively Q & A format.

* Question: What is aging?

- A: Wikipedia says that "Ageing or aging (American English) is the accumulation of changes in an organism or object over time. Aging in humansrefers to a multidimensional process of physical, psychological and social change. Some dimensions of aging grow and expand over time, while others sink. reaction time, for example, may slow with age, while knowledge of world events and wisdom may expand. "

Aging can not be the sexiest word in our vocabulary. Unless of course consider the most common alternative.

* Question: When is the target of anti-aging research to extend life span, there is the risk that weThe neglect of quality of life. Finally, people would really like to have more years afflicted by the disease and decline, which often come with age?

- Answer: We have enough good news to share. A recent study from the University of Southern Denmark found that the proportion of elderly Danes manage to remain independent holds steady at around 30-35 percent between the ages of 9-10. This means that from the perspective of society, exceptional longevity is not extraordinary levels of leadDisabilities. This pattern seems consistent across the different life.

* Question: OK, so at least it is not all doom and gloom. Now we can really expect to extend to one day be able not only possible, but long life?

- Answer: Well, maybe yes, but first we need better genetic and environmental influences on aging.

* Question: Let's talk about the concept of life cycle "plasticity" and the state of research today.

- Answer: The research labOrganisms such as yeast, worms and mice is the idea that life is plastic, this is encouraging, it can be extended. Nature just published a thorough review of anti-aging science, the combination of cautious optimism with an invitation to do with his head down too fast for the Hall of Natural Medicine of resveratrol in a pill, for example. caloric restriction, and some compounds seem to signal paths that affect the overall regulation of metabolism, and impact on life expectancy. However, none of the drugs tested showedLife expectancy in rodents extend healthy people much less. Also do not know whether the inhibition of pro-aging pathways in humans has the same effect it has in lower organisms.

* Question: In short, there is still much potential, but more research must be done. Well, to expand the existing measures to support specific research Healthspan (not just life but life in a healthy state).

- Answer: Exercise is an obvious step first. Numerous studies have shownconsistent cardiovascular exercise may be little impact on life expectancy (usually 8-12%) and also to maintain the functionality, thus contributing to more Healthspan.

* Question: Should we also Healthspan brain. Yet, "we" are a function of our brain. All we can do?

- Answer: Exercise helps there too, adding to receive both cognitive function and promoting neurogenesis and neuronal survival. The brain reserveTheory adds the importance of light lifelong mental stimulation, but have yet to undertand better the neurobiology of aging and cognitive decline.

* Question: Can food also play a role in maintaining brain health with age?

- Answer: For a thorough review of the major effects of diet on the brain can be controlled Fernando Gomez-Pinilla recently in the journal Nature Neuroscience Reviews, discuss the relative merits of-3, omega fatty acids, folic acid,Flavonoids, antioxidant foods. Please note that many studies show positive effects of these nutrients was performed in mice.

* Request to go: Let the concept of expansion Healthspan. There are significant to public health?

- Answer: I would say, prevention of falls among the elderly - falls are a major cause of serious injury and death among the elderly in the United States. Juergen Bludau, chief geriatrician at Brigham and Women's Hospital, says the medical community mustin support of a better life than work, which means two things: how much freedom from the ravages of the disease possible, and maintaining the function pretty for active engagement in the world.

In short, there are a lot of research on lifestyle and what interventions contribute to healthy aging.

The main recommendations today: ensure good nutrition, and follow a regime of frequent physical exercise and mental health.

Solving the puzzle Word - Nearly five points

Each word puzzle on rails, like a crossword puzzle can be big challenges, even the most experienced puzzle solvers us today. As long-time mystery writer, I will share some tips from the inside.

First Multiple meaning words

Just a name, a variety of meanings. Fair can mean 1) pleasing to the eye or mind - a pretty girl 2) non-storm - time 3) impartiality - a judge fair 4) is not dark - a light complexion, 5) is sufficient, but not sufficient - a fair amount of foodin refrigerator 6) A meeting of purchases and sales - an antiques fair 7) Carnival - the county fair 8) a baseball batted foul inside the lines - a fair ball, and many others.

So if you encounter a difficult crossword clue, consider that the answer to a word you already know, but with a meaning that is unusual. Can you guess an answer for this information? Hint: it has 7 letters.

Clue: a long and relatively narrow room, esp. one for public use, a fence or ornamental crestingEnvironment are the top of the table, desk, etc., made a passage of an animal. (Keep reading for the answer ...)

According to Spelling

Double-check the spelling of difficult words. Assuming that the key is to humiliate, for example. You decide the answer is embarrassing. But the puzzle requires a letter of response 9, and so the brain is about to start another word. A quick check of the dictionary or spell checker will tell you that embarrassment has made nine letters!

Consult a third referenceBook

If you really look up words and definitions in a dictionary, crossword dictionary, thesaurus, almanac, or a zillion online resources. Some puzzles that this is "fraud", but if you point to the answer key, rather than you call this? With a reference work in itself is an educational exercise. It is not always easy to know where to look, so it takes brains for research.

Fourth Pause

When you complete a puzzle darkened walkremoved. Move feed on a different, simpler puzzles, dog, or a walk. A relaxed brain is often easier to answer than one that the time has long been tense.

Keep it the fifth

Do not Quit! As to solve more puzzles can be solved. To increase vocabulary and learn the tricks for dealing with writer different puzzle. If you want a specific size puzzle you want to really solve a lot of them. But also try new formats. Research has shownthat brain health is improved, if we try new things.

The word of seven letters above the tunnel.

© Ann Richmond Fisher, 2008

Free Party Games: Free Fun for Everyone!

You have chosen a theme for your party, it is easy to think of fun game ideas, but if you can not, free party game ideas are easy to find online. Of course, the type of games you play will depend on the nature of the party, the age of players, where the party takes place, and other factors. party games and activities add excitement and prevent boredom at parties. party games and activities include puzzles, crafts physical games and quizzes. If it is aAdult party, theme parties, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, bridal or baby shower games will add entertainment to any party.

party games free party games are mainly activities especially effective when placed on a specific topic or music, and are particularly important in children, where they started the elimination games (such as musical chairs played). There must always be fun, quiet games for children parties, so that when a child is "out" have a little 'tooface are such as copying free game Coloring Book party theme, printed and made available in a special section "quiet party. Quiet activities are also needed for outdoor parties, such as pool parties.

free party games are often products of fantasy or employed by creative minds, but I do not feel bad if you need a little help with ideas from books, magazines and online sources. There are so many fun, party ideas, free, and most of the props needed for the games costvery small objects or the use of easy access in your home. Cutting-masks for a Mardi Gras theme in one part of black paper and left over materials, beads, sequins, glitter glue or costs virtually nothing, only by the imagination of guests limited.

Cutting party hats for New Year celebrations, from design to decorate with paper and objects that you have at home, and white glue, great ideas for children in your family to be. New Year's Eve celebrations are not onlyfor adults and free games and crafts can make a difference, what kind of party you have in mind!

ABC Reporter Bob Woodruff incredible recovery from head injury

You can have a couple of weeks ago, the conversation between former U.S. presidential candidate John Edwards and reporter Bob Woodruff saw. All the resulting media coverage of Edwards 'statements' centered. However, there is something much more remarkable that emerged in the interview: Bob Woodruff spectacular recovery.

This is the same reporter who suffered a severe brain injury injury when a street in an instant - Bob and Lee Woodruffbomb next to his car exploded29th January 2006, as was news on developments in Iraq.

Today I am happy, Lee Woodruff, Bob's wife and pillar throughout his recovery interview. Bob Lee and co-author of the book in a fantastic moment: A Family's Journey of Love and Healing.

Alvaro Fernandez (AF): Lee, thanks for your time. I was amazed reading your book, where your journey, and then see Bob interview John Edwards, the best display I can imagine his recovery. Can you please tell meTo summarize for us what Bob and-you-went through since January 2006?

Lee Woodruff (LW): As you know, Bob suffered a brain injury that threaten their lives in Iraq. He was immediately under the care and military has undergone a series of operations for head injuries, with a common army & Air Force neurosurgical team in Iraq, the U.S. Army Medical Command hospital in Germany, and Bethesda Naval Hospital, back here United States.

During this time, covering approximately four months, spent37 days in a coma, and his skull had to be surgically reconstructed. The cognitive rehabilitation process started then home to a medical facility closer.

AF: Can you explain what kind of cognitive rehabilitation bob is gone although in formal terms, a therapist, and informally, on their own?

LW: The first thing to say that I like is that rehabilitation is a long process. The doctors told me that Bob, despite the seriousness of his injuries, the greater the possibility of recovery of other victims, becausethe reserve of neurons and connections he had, thanks to an intellectually stimulating and varied life, including living in China for several years and made dozens of trips to countries that, he worked as a lawyer and journalist, and his overall curiosity and desire learning. It seems that more and more research shows how people mentally active throughout life, both through their work, or do puzzles, sudoku ... are, of course, at some point, better prepared to dealwith problems such as TBI.

However, restoration of a long process. Bob had six months of structured cognitive therapy focused on speech and languages areas, because that was part of the brain most damaged. The therapist identified the main tasks for him to work in a challenging, yet familiar way, usually asking Bob, for example, read The New York Times, then try to remember what they read and write a short essay on his thoughts and impressions.

Sincethen you are in a sense, his work has taken advantage of the documentation to Iraq and Back and other projects at ABC as his informal but very effective way to improve on. I am astonished to observe in real time, as now, as he is getting better. To retrieve a sample of his reasoning: he has recently taken Chinese lessons to see if work on this also helped.

AF: In the book, Bob says that if he had to say in one word what he lived for most of the upturn haswould the word "slow" to use. His brain was slower processing of new information, in memory of words. What progress has lived?

LW: A lot. Not exactly on the same level it was before the injury, but is still an extraordinary journalist, father and husband. And I see progress every month, so hopefully that continues to do better.

Sometimes Bob tells me that is not the man I married. And then, as I said in the book, I laugh and answer: "I amno. I'm older, wiser and more wrinkled. "I learned to trust him. Just in principle was not always easy to accept and fully comply with its pronunciation, but I've seen gradually perfectly able to grow his new role as husband and father, and Our restore their roles within the family. It 'was amazing to see that happen. It' was a miracle.

FA: Bob lesion was a very lucky survivor of brain injury. There are more thanmillion per year in cases of head trauma. Many of them are military (a recent RAND study estimates that more than 300,000 U.S. service members suffered during operations of TBI in Iraq or Afghanistan), but also in civil life to happen, mainly due to road accidents or sports concussions. What we now know how to prevent and treat TBI?

LW: The Iraq war has literally written the book to see again, the way researchers and doctors and solve the problem. Most of the progress madethe military, but I hope that transfers into benefits for civilians, too. From a preventive point of view, the military has been strengthened to improve the armor of the soldiers, and I can now see why the belt as we go and how we can make a big difference bicycle helmets.

In terms of recovery, is much more optimism and hope today than only a few years are going to improve as many TBI patients, if given the opportunity, through an enabling environment andphysical and cognitive therapy. The military should analyze the problem of the "Walking Wounded" and significant resources to the best options and treatments approved. As we discussed earlier, the Army recently announced that from now on is a soldier cognitive screening before they get used to obtain the panel so that when there are problems, the projection as a good basis for comparing functions can serve.

But improvements in the field has just begun.We need to see progress.

AF: Can you tell us more now for the Bob Woodruff Foundation for the traumatic brain injury, what are your priorities?

LW: Bob and I devote much time to find the awareness and the need to implement solutions and good for treating cognitive impairments. Our Foundation supports community based approaches to helping TBI survivors and their families. Given the magnitude of the problem between the military and the fact that Bobsurvived thanks to the excellent care received by soldiers along the way are: first, in support of military casualties.

For example, we recently funded four scholarships for TBI-related research and also bought 300 mattresses for a small nonprofit that helps patients and their spouses rebuild their lives after leaving his military base, not many can afford to move all their belongings, including mattresses, beds and the basics.

And there are many moreThings to do. For example, while many more soldiers are improving, which is not always the case with National Guard reservists, even if monitor gets its own branch of the armed forces on their progress, often not detected at greater risk of living with TBI, as bases do not have to report when they returned.

It is also not clear that the military (including insurance) are always willing to pay for long-term costs of care.

AF: What are somespecifically people can support the work of its foundation?

LW: You can visit our new website, Bob Woodruff Foundation (http://remind.org/) to know the problems and to donate funds, no matter how big or small.

But probably the most important thing you can do any, is the sacrifice of the soldiers have to recognize and find ways to actively search for them and help them in their community. The soldiers and their families, often in a culture of independence, the cultivatednot ask for help, all we need here to take the initiative to find out how we can help. Ask yourself: how can I help the TBI survivors in my neighborhood? Perhaps giving them a job or offer them assistance or training, one can surely? How can I help to keep their spouses and families healthy and happy? Maybe giving them free movie tickets? A massage?

AF Lee, thanks for the tips. Is there anything you wish, adding thateveryone would know to be aware of?

LW: I would say never give up. We have seen how Bob has recovered what I think is a miracle. We just try our best to help everyone out there.

Copyright (c) 2008 Sharp Brains

What makes a person intelligent?

In traditional theories of intelligence, if the question "What makes a person intelligent?" The most common responses often noted that a person's ability to solve problems using logic necessary, and to think critically. These characteristics of intelligence are sometimes grouped under the name of intelligence before. " a person's intelligence, traditionally speaking, is contained in their intellect. Rate In other words, as we understand, orrespond to external stimuli, whether it is a mathematical problem or anticipation of the next train to an opponent in a game that is our collective intelligence. Our intelligence is, therefore, our individual and collective capacity to act or react in a changing environment.

The main problem is that traditional theories of intelligence "to promote learning broken. Many educational reformers have clearly stated that" only show in teststhat a student is being tested as "qualified. At best, traditional tests focus on only about one tenth of the individual mind. Please note that Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison, two of the most famous examples of history's of brilliant minds that were terribly under traditional tests so terrible "school" in general. multiple intelligences theory shows that if the ability to take traditional tests almost exclusively in the field of logic -Mathematically
Intelligence. This intelligence is interpersonal intelligence later together with some students the ability to guess a teacher, the detailed structure of a test. Traditional IQ tests predict school performance with great precision, but only a predictor of indifferent performance in a profession after formal schooling.

In an interesting study, but questionable conduct in 1960 by biologist Marion DiamondUniversity of California at Berkeley, two groups of rats were raised in different environments: one was set to play with toys, romp, with playmates, and a box spacious, clean and fresh. The second set was placed in isolation, alone in a cage much smaller, with no toys to enjoy. After several weeks, as measured by the size of the diamond of rat cerebral cortex, the brain, which has department is responsible for more than nervous. The mice in the sociable, clean andstimulating environment grew larger brains that mice, the poor with the environment. "The enriched environment increased brain size, not the impoverished environment, you reduce the size of the brain?" Asked Diamond. "The answer is clearly yes." Similar results were obtained with cats, monkeys, and then replicated with humans. So stimulating, enriched learning environment essential for mental development. IfStudents take the different intelligences in our teaching, our success as our success as students, is significantly improved. That each of us has all the intelligences, each of them is even more so that these multiple intelligences together in a complex way, and in fact many different ways to be smart in a study, including Armstrong. Here, briefly, in retrospect, there are eight major intelligences of Howardgardener theory and its properties relating to:

The verbal-linguistic intelligence:
The ability to use words effectively, orally or in writing. It 'very developed storytellers, orators, politicians, poets, playwrights, editors, language teachers and journalists. that students with a high degree of intelligence in these words, learning to verbalize through listening, reading and. They enjoy writing, books, records, tapes and and have a good memory for lines, or texttrivia. tell first discussions, jokes and discuss, are characteristic of this intelligence. Maya Angelou is strong in this intelligence.

visual-spatial intelligence:
The ability to perceive the world accurately and transformation results for their perceptions. This is very developed guides, interior designers, architects, artists, designers and inventors. Students with a high degree of spatial intelligence think in pictures and photographs, as labyrinthsand puzzles. They like to draw and design things, and enjoy films, slides, video, graphics, maps, diagrams. The dreamer and those with strong opinions on things like the colors that can go together, the textures that are appropriate and attractive decoration and have this intelligence. Pablo Picasso was strong in the intelligence.

music recognition - Rhythmic Intelligence: the ability to discriminate, transform and express musical forms is verydeveloped in the music artists, music lovers and music critics. student learning with a high degree of musical intelligence through rhythm and melody, playing a musical instrument, or must be to study music. You remember, learn non-verbal sounds for the environment: the chirping of a cricket, rain on the roof, different traffic patterns, and usually, things more easily if sung, out, knocked or whistles. These people love music and rhythm patterns and can often reproduce a melody or a rhythm patternAfter listening once. various sounds, tones and rhythms can make a visible effect on them (ie, you can see a change of facial expression, body movements or emotional reactions). It has to imitate the singing and listening to a variety of music, and are often performed very solid, language accents, and other patterns of speech, and recognition of various musical instruments in a composition. Paul McCartney is strong in this intelligence.

Logical-mathematicalIntelligence:
The ability to use numbers effectively and well based. This intelligence is highly developed in mathematicians, accountants, statisticians, scientists, programmers and logical. Students with a high degree of intelligence so often things clearly and logically, look abstract patterns and relationships, often as puzzles, logic puzzles and strategy games. You can also use the computer and classified and. Categorize these people think conceptually and abstractly and are able to model and reports, see others that is often missing. You like to experiment, solve puzzles and have other problems, ask questions and think about the cosmos. They love the challenge of solving complex problems and always have a rationale or argument for what they do or think. Albert Einstein was strong in intelligence.

Bodily Kinesthetic Intelligence: Consists of expertise in dealing with the wholeexpress the body, thoughts and feelings, and to produce in complex with the help of hands or transform things. A highly developed intelligence actors, mimes, athletes, dancers, sculptors, mechanics and surgeons. Students with a high degree of bodily-kinesthetic intelligence process knowledge through the sensations of the body move, twitch, tap, or agitated while sitting on a chair or on a desk and learn by touching, handling and movement. In general, such as role playing and creative movement and generallylike physical games of any kind, and shows how to do something. They also communicate through body language and other physical gestures. Often you can perform a task only after someone else do it. Find it difficult to sit still for a long time and get bored easily if they are not actively involved in events around them. Michael Jordan is strong in this intelligence.

Interpersonal Intelligence:
The ability to perceive and make distinctions in the moods,Intentions, motivations and feelings of others. This intelligence can include sensitivity toward facial expressions, voice and gestures, and the ability to respond effectively to such information. understand students with a high degree of interpersonal intelligence and care of people, to learn how to make contacts more easily through and beyond the release and are in good teaching other students. These individuals learn through interaction from person to person. They have lots of friends showempathy for others and understanding different points of view. You are in another drawing, in a discussion, conflict resolution and mediation, where people are labeled as radical
The opposition to one another. Mother Teresa and Mahatma Gandhi were strong in this intelligence.

Intra-personal Intelligence
Self-knowledge and the ability to act adaptively on the basis of this knowledge, this group is defined. It is an intelligence that may have aaccurate picture of their strengths and limitations, awareness of their feelings and motivations, and capacity for self-discipline. Students with a high degree of intelligence that Appear to be motivated Themselves and Their own need quiet space, the rhythm of a different drummer and March are generally easier to learn by independent study, teaching self-pace, individual projects and games.
These people like to work alone and sometimes shy away from others. They areself-reflective and self-awareness and therefore tend, in accordance with their inner feelings, values, beliefs and thought processes. They are common carriers of wisdom and creative vision are very intuitive, and are inwardly motivated rather than relying on external rewards support. Often they are confident of strong will, and certainly well-considered opinions on any subject (even if sometimes off-the-wall). Other people who often come to them for advice andRath, but others sometimes see them as remote and strange. Emily Dickinson and Stephen King are examples of this intelligence.

Naturalist Intelligence:
knowledge of and ability to identify and classify plants, animals and nature, based on this knowledge. The naturalist intelligence include an accurate picture of the context, the awareness of the interrelationships of the natural elements and the ability to self-analysis of theseElements. Archaeologists found in many developed countries, animal handlers, animal trainers, veterinarians, biologists, horse racing jockeys, zoologists, ecologists, wildlife guide and naturalist. are students that seem natural for a high level of intelligence of the naturalist, try, outdoors or in entirety and learn more easily study nature and environmentally related activities and projects. They like to collect objects from nature, study, and group them.They tend to be aware of the subtleties can apparently not the texture and sounds that are weaker in this intelligence believe it. Charles Darwin, Jacques Cousteau and John James Audubon was strong in the intelligence.

One of the great promises of the theory of multiple intelligences in education is helping us and our individual paths students heads. Recent advances in educational psychology and research in applied theory educators MI offer a real possibilitydevelop the potential of all students. Both teachers and students should derive from Gardner's multiple intelligence theory that all people are different and learn differently, and that we should respect, promote and enhance this diversity.

Referring Sites:
The reference site for links and activities of multiple intelligences:
[HTTP: / / surfaquarium.com /] im.htm

Exploring multiple intelligences: new dimensions ofLearning
[HTTP: / / www.multi-intell.com/]

My multiple intelligences
http://www.theatreinmotion.com/resources.htm

Basic MI Theory
http://edweb.gsn.org/edref.mi.th.html

Multiple Intelligence Theory: Basics
http://www.harding.edu/ ~ CBR / midem / prin.html

Multiple intelligences: theory and practice in the classroom K-12
[HTTP: / / www.indiana.edu/ eric_rec ~ / IEO / bib / multiple.html]

Task Card Overview / MultipleIntelligences
[HTTP: / / www.metronet.com/ bhorizon ~ /] teach.htm

Association for the promotion and development of teaching Science Website - http://discoverlearning.com/forensic/docs/index.html

Naturalist Intelligence - Sea World / Busch Gardens website for students
http://www.seaworld.org/animal_bytes/animal_bytes.html

If you ask the question how can I improve my memory Then you look at these steps

Ask yourself: How can I improve my memory, is a reasonable question. There are some simple answers and reasonable. There are simple steps you take to extend the memory and mental abilities.

When I get my memory of the first things I wanted to do would be to increase my mental activity. You may think that our minds all day, what would you say to increase our activity? The problem is that most of our activity is normal or not terribly difficultbrain. How you need your body, mind, to do some strenuous exercise to keep fit and increase stamina. The mind must be questioned and will be asked to do things from the routine to keep fit.

So then when can I improve my memory, I do so that helps for the activities of work that I want. Learning to recite a poem or perhaps store part of a game can help the mental work. Again, puzzles or puzzles stimulates the mind and helps buildhealthy neural connections. There have been studies that people who do puzzles and other games more mentally inclined to keep the brain and memory function as they age Than Those who do not. Use it or lose it.

My goal to try to improve my memory can also cause me to learn a new skill every time. Learning to learn anything new, like dance or play an instrument, may also help strengthen the mind and memory.

Eat right and exercise, although not directlyin terms of memory is something I tried to take into account when they want to improve my memory. The mind works more oxygen than any other arm and consumed a lot of energy looking for with food, is much influenced by the way your body. The exercise also helps maintain the circulation of the brain that is crucial for maintaining the flow of oxygen.

Eating foods rich in vitamins such as C, E and B complex is also an important tool to help improve my memory and cognitive function. Many ofChemicals in the brain and neurotransmitters that allow nerves to communicate mineral rely heavily on a steady supply of vitamin E.

In addition to food to improve my memory, there are several herbal preparations that have been shown to improve memory and mental functions. Studies have confirmed that the use of dietary supplements with Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng and Gotu Kola significant improvement in memory in focus, and provide cognitive function.

These herbs work to increase the bloodbrain, memory and the function of supporting cells of the nerve. They are becoming increasingly popular as scientists demonstrate their skills. Although it has been generations in other parts of the world are used to gain acceptance here in the U.S. only recently.

The steps described here are simply those that I take to improve my memory. If the same question on how to improve your memory then, perhaps these ideas will be your starting point.

Solving Word Puzzles - Five Fast Tips

Any clue-based word puzzle, such as a crossword, can present big challenges to even the most experienced puzzle-solver among us. As a long-time puzzle writer, I'd like to share a few tips from the inside.

1. Multiple meaning words

Just one simple word can have a myriad of meanings. Fair can mean 1) pleasing to the eye or mind--a fair maiden 2) not stormy--fair weather 3) impartial--a fair judge 4) not dark--a fair complexion 5) sufficient but not ample--a fair amount of food in the fridge 6) a gathering of buys and sellers--an antique fair 7) a carnival--the county fair 8) a batted baseball within the foul lines--a fair ball, and many more.

So when you encounter a difficult crossword clue, consider that the answer may be a word you already know but with a meaning that is uncommon. Can you guess a single answer for these clues? Hint: It has 7 letters.

Clue: a long, relatively narrow room, esp. one for public use; an ornamental railing or cresting surrounding the top of a table, stand, desk, etc.; a passageway made by an animal. (Read on for the answer...)

2. Spelling

Double-check the spelling of tricky words. Suppose the clue is humiliate, for example. You decide the answer is embarrass. But the puzzle requires a 9-letter answer, and so you start racking your brain for a different word. A quick check of the dictionary or spell check will tell you that embarrass does indeed have 9 letters!

3. Consult a reference book

If you get really stuck, look up words and definitions in a dictionary, crossword puzzle dictionary, thesaurus, almanac or any of a zillion online resources. Some puzzlers think this is "cheating," but if you peak at the answer key instead, what do you call that? Using a reference book in itself is an educational exercise. And it's not always easy to know where to look, so it does take brains to do the research.

4. Take a break

When a puzzle completely befuddles you, walk away. Move on to a different, easier puzzle, feed the dog, or go for a walk. A relaxed brain often finds answers more easily than one that has been strained for a long period of time.

5. Keep at it

Don't quit! The more word puzzles you solve the more you can solve. You'll increase your vocabulary and learn the tricks that various puzzle writers employ. If you find a particular puzzle format you really like, solve a lot of them. But also try new formats. Research has shown that brain health is improved when we try new things.

The 7-letter word described above is gallery.

© Ann Richmond Fisher, 2008