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Sleep Disorders... Do you or Don't you? Some of the basics

4/7/2014

 

Sleep Disorders - Something You Always Want Know About

Author: Kyle J. Norton

Definition
A sleep disorder (somnipathy) is a medical disorder of the sleep patterns. It\'s important to understand why sleep disorder can deteriorate your health and interfere with normal physical, mental and emotional functioning as it effects your nervous system in the production of the natural hormone melatonin which is necessary for sleep and wakefulness. Polysomnography testing can help to evaluate and detect the patterns of sleep disorder.

The basic of sleep
Why sleep is so important, you might already know that a normal night of sleep is about eight hours as recommended by most doctors. Why it is important, because during sleep our bodies repair the wear ant tear of muscle tissue, consolidate memories, and release hormones to regulate our growth and appetites and enhance the immune system, etc. The effect of disorder sleep can reduce the functions of the immune system in fighting against disease and sickness.

Most Common sleep disorders - The symptoms
1. Primary insomnia
Most of us might find hard to sleep and maintaining sleep sometime during our life time because of what ever reasons, but prolonged period of difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, or both without primary reason is considered the medical issue as chronic insomnia. It effects about 10of general population.

2. Bruxism
Bruxism is a condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth while sleeping, involuntarily.

3. Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS)
Delayed sleep phase syndrome affects about 10of all chronic insomnia cases. It is defined as a sleep disorder of people who have a natural inclination to go to bed later other than normal sleep routine and difficult to wake up at the desired time as it also interferes with daily activities, such as school or work, that requires to wake up earlier than would otherwise be natural, leading to sleep deprivation and other issues.

4. Hypopnea syndrome
Hypopnea Syndrome is a condition in which an individual experiences overly shallow breathing or a abnormally slow rate of airflow during sleep, leading to disruption in breathing causes lower oxygen absorption that affect the blood oxygen level that disrupts the stages of sleep. Individual with hyponea syndrome even though get full night sleep but still feels tiredness at daytime.

5. Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder caused by the brain\'s inability to regulate sleep-wake cycles normally, causing overwhelming daytime drowsiness, leading to extreme fatigue and possibly falls asleep at inappropriate times that interferes with daily routine activities. People with narcolepsy often find it hard to stay awake for long periods of time.

6. Night terror
Night terror is defined as a health condition with characteristic of fear, flailing and screaming while asleep. It is most happened to children with age two to six and affects about fifteen percent of all children. Night terror often is paired with sleepwalking.
7. Parasomnias:
Parasomnias are sleep disorders characterized by abnormal and unnatural movements, behaviors, emotions, perceptions, etc. including bedwetting, sleepwalking, nightmares.

8. Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)
Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is a condition in which a person crampsor jerks the legs repetitively and uncontrollably during asleep causing excessive daytime sleepiness and falling to sleep during the day. PLMD can occur at any age but happens most common in middle-aged and older people.

9. Rapid eye movement behavior disorder
Rapid eye movement behavior disorder is a sleep disorder characterized by abnormal behavior while sleeping with rapid eye movement. It is mostly associated with the elderly with neurodegenerative disorders.

10. Restless legs syndrome (RLS):
RLS is a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible to move your legs while you\'re sitting or lying down due to comforting if stop.

11. Situational circadian rhythm sleep disorders
Circadian rhythm sleep disorders is characterized as health condition of disruptions in a person\'s circadian rhythm, leading to excessive sleepiness and a lack of daytime alertness that interferes with normal work, school, and social needs.

13. Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is a common disorder in which you have one or more abnormal pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. Each pause in breathing called an apnea can last for a few seconds but sometime minutes. This types of abnormal breathing can occur 30 times or more in an hour.

14. Sleep paralysis
Sleep paralysis consists of a period of inability to perform voluntary movements either at sleep onset (called hypnogogic or predormital form) or upon awakening (called hypnopompic or postdormtal form). It can occur in healthy persons or may be associated with excessive daytime sleepiness, a sudden loss of muscle tone, etc.

15. Sleepwalking
Sleep walking or somnambulism is defined as an disorder of is a disorder of walking or doing any activity when sleeping.These activities can be as benign or extremely hazardous.

16. Nocturia
Nocturia or nycturiais a condition in which you need to get up during the night to go to washroom to urinate.

17. Somniphobia
Somniphobia or hypnophobia is an abnormal fear of sleep. It may result from a feeling of control loss, anxiety around bedtime, panic attacks, repeating nightmares, etc.

18. Etc.

Causes and Risk Factors
1. Genetics
Narcolepsy is a type of neurological sleep disorder caused by a number of genetic abnormalities such as Chromosome 6 also known as the human leukocyte antigen system, inherited from parents affecting certain biologic functions in the brain, together with other environmental factors during the child early brain\'s development.

2. Working the night shift
Working night shift may interfere with the brain natural production of the sleep hormone serotonin and normal functions of the inner biological clocks, leading to drowsiness. If this type of problem happened in a prolonged period of time may cause sleep disorder.

3. Medications
Certain types of medicines such as medication for high blood pressure, oral contraceptives, diet pills, anti depression, etc. and medication with with caffeine can increase the risk of sleep disorder.

4. Aging
The risk of sleep disorder increases with age as over half of adults over the age of 65 have some sort of sleep disorder.

5. Smoking
Cigarette contains high amount of nicotine, a stimulant which can cause sleep disorder as researchers found that smokers enhances daytime sleepiness more than do nonsmokers, especially in younger age groups.

6. Illegal drugs
Illegal drugs interfere natural brain normal functions in productions of certain hormones and blocks certain chemicals\' function in transporting important neural signals, leading to sleep disorder.

7. Alcohol
Although it is considered as a sedative or calming drug, but it increases the number of times a person awakens in the later half of the night, leading to lead daytime fatigue and sleepiness causing alcohol-related sleep disorders.

8. Etc.

Improve your diet
1. Tryptophan rich foods
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, the precursor to serotonin, in turn, converted to melatonin, via N-acetyltransferase and 5-hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase activities which are necessary neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting nerve impulses in the brain and induce relaxation and natural sleep, but high levels of tryptophan can increase the risk of drowsiness and cause harmful harmful effects of the age-related increase in brain serotonin. Intake food rich of tryptophan from the food below.
a. Chicken breast and Turkey
b. Tuna
c. Soybean
d. Beef
e. Lamb
f. Halibut
g. Shrimp
h. Salmon
i. Etc.

2. Carbohydrate
Eating foods with
high in carbohydrate stimulates the pancreas in production and releasing insulin in the blood stream as it also reduce others amino acids which would otherwise complete with trytophan, leading to the production of serotonin, which in return enhances the production melatonin, the natural sleep induced hormone.
a. Bread and pasta
b. Whole gain cereal
c. Potatoes
d. Apple pie and
e. Ice cream
f. Oatmeal and raisin cookies
g. Etc.
High amount of simple carbohydrate over prolonged period of time can increase the risk of type II diabetes due to over work that diminishes the function of pancreas in production of insulin. It If you are any symptom of sleep disorder, eating turkey combined with complex carbohydrate rich foods would be a better choice for meat and glucose. What is your choice?

3. Chlorophyll

All green plants including algae contain at least one type of chlorophyll, the green pigment of plants which allows plants to absorb sun light and convert them into usable energy. Beside it is best known as oxygen uptaker to the blood, it is also important to calm the nervous system, to induce sleep due to rich amount of magnesium.
a. All dark green plants( Roman lettuce is the best choice)
b. Algae (Fresh water organic growth is the best choice)
c. Etc.

4. Magnesium
Magnesium is a natural sedative and stabilization of abnormal nerve excitation as it is used in conjunction with other medication to treat depressed elderly type 2 diabetics.. The mineral is important in manipulating of ATP, DNA, and RNA and many enzymes.
a. Leaf green vegetables (due to high amount of Chlorophyll)
b. Almonds
c. Sesame seed
d. Blackstrap molasses
e. Brewer\'s yeast
f. Whole grains
g. Etc.


Improve your Lifestyle
1. Cut down intake of alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine
Alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine are stimulant, some may have health benefits for the short time, but prolonged of period of using them can cause tension of nervous system, affecting the brain in transmitting information between nerve cells and cells in other parts of the body, causing many kinds of disorder, including sleep disorder.

2. Artificial ingredients
Artificial ingredients are man made chemical compounds which have been proven to be harmful to our health and sleep, if eating in measure amounts. Drinking water will keep the body hydrated, dilute toxins concentration and eliminate toxins. Always wash your fruit and vegetables in cold water before eating to prevent pesticides.

3. Toxins induced sleep disorder
Heavy metals and toxic chemicals in the blood can cause sleep disorder. Exposure to heavy metals and toxic chemicals over a prolonged periods of time also interrupt the normal function of brain in production of hormones and damage to the body organs, leading to diseases, including hormone imbalance and sleep disorder.

4. Improve sleep
There are some steps which you can do to improve healthy sleep and prevent to become a victim of sleep disorder. Researcher found that a good night\'s sleep not only boosts the immune system in fighting against foreign invasion but also repairs all tear and wear of the body after daily activity in previous day and restore energy and keep you functioning during times when sleep is limited.

5. Eating healthy foods
Eating some kinds of healthy food above enhances the production of serotonin which induces sleep and protects us against the accumulation of toxins by promoting the immune system to cope with today out of our controllable environment hazard.

6. Exercise
Exercise not only improves blood circulation and enhance body movement but also help to cleanse our body organs by eliminating toxins from the blood and lymph system.

7. Weight loss
Weight loss for overweight or obesity person may reduce the symptoms of disorder or cure your sleep disorder entirely. Researcher found that overweight and obese individuals slept less than those of normal weight and sleeping less than 8 hours a day, time of sleeplessness increases proportionally with weight gain of BMI index.

8. Etc.

Detoxification
1. With nutritional supplements
There is no quick way in detoxification, fasting too fast may even harmful to your health. Nutritional supplements not only help to improve our health, restore our energy but also revitalize our metabolism, the chemical processes in our body by restoring and balancing the existing deficiencies of nutrition required by our organs to detox. Types of nutritional supplements used to detox include
a. Beta Carotene
b. Vitamin A
c. Vitamin C
d. Vitamin E
e. Calcium
f. Folate acid
g. Vitamin B Complexes
h. Selenium
i. Zinc
g. Lycopene
k. Etc.

2. With diet
Detox diet is a short-term diet, focused on cleansing environmental and dietary toxins accumulated in our body system, often focused on removing toxins from the body by increasing the frequency of bowel movements and urination, as it provides an optimal conditions for our bodies to focus on self-healing, retore and raise energy levels, enhance organs and system functions, stimulate optimal health, prevent premature aging, disease, etc. by minimizing intake of the amount of toxic chemicals, eating foods with high amount of vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants, high fiber and water.

3. Juice fasting
Juice fasting is a type of fasting and detox diet in which a person consumes only fruit and vegetable juices. Since juice contains little to no fiber, it is often used to cleanse your body toxins by expelling waste from the intestines and colon.The below are used generally in juice fasting
a. Vegetables
Celery, cucumber, bell pepper, etc.
b. Leaf Greens
Parsley, kale, beet greens, chard, spinach, etc.
c. Cruciferous vegetables
Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.
d. Root vegetables
Carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, etc.
e. Fruits
Dark grapes, apples, lemon, etc.
f. Wheat grass
g. Etc.

For details of foods of above visit 100 Healthy Foods Classification or
Super Food Health Effects

4. Organs detoxification
4.1. Liver detoxification
Liver is the first line of defense. It helps to regulate the level of cholesterol in the circulatory system by producing bile to the digestive system. It also help to balance our body hormones such as estrogen level in women as well as protecting our body from inflammation. Weakened liver will cause many types of diseases, such as cholesterol and triglyceride building up in our blood, inflammation, hormonal imbalance, etc. The natural remedies used for liver cleansing include
a. Milk thistle
Milk thistle, a flower plant of the daisy family have been traditionally claimed in treating chronic liver disease. It contains silymarin that helps to protect liver function and the liver in expelling toxins.

b. St. John wort
St. John wort is also known as tipton weed or klamath weed. It has been used traditionally in treating depression. It contains different flavonoids and 3-O-coumaroylquinic acid that has anti-inflammation and antioxidant effects by stimulating the immune system in fighting allergies and liver protection from toxins.

c. Fennel
Fennel contains anethole, polymers and essential oil that helps the liver and pancreas in the metabolism of fats and sugars. It also helps to dissolve fat deposits of the body and restore damaged liver cells that cause jaundice, hepatitis and other liver disorders.

d. Etc.

4.2. Lung detoxification
The best lung cleansing method is exercise. Moderate exercise such as walking, Tai chi only helps to improve the respiratory muscle functions, but also helps our lung to expel toxins accumulated through the air. Natural remedies used for lung detoxification include
a. Wild Cherry Bark
Wild cherry bark traditionally has been used to treat irritable and persistent, cough of bronchitis, and pertussis due to increased irritability of respiratory mucosa. Since it has antispasmodic qualities, it has been used with other herbs to treat asthma and enhance relaxation as well as removing toxins from the lung.

b. Platycodon
Root Platycodon has been used in Chinese medicine for over a century in treating abscesses, respiratory disorders, and intestinal disorders. Study shows that platycodon roots not only help to treat coughs due to purulent sputum and inflammation in the chest area but also removes toxins in the lung.

c. Mullein Mullein contains coumarin and rotenone. It has a long history of being used as a medicine and is an effective treatment for asthma and respiratory disorders. Mullein also helps in soothing the mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and encouraging healthy fluid production in the lungs.

d. Etc.

4.3. Bowl detoxification
Bowel detoxification is particularly helpful for improving body conditions and controlling weight loss. It brushes the intestine clean and helps the liver to cleanse toxins rapidly, so you can get rid of all parasites and plaques in your stomach, intestines and colon. The choice of bowl cleansing include
a. Flax seed
Flax seed contains high amounts of omega 3 fatty acid, fiber and lignan that not only helps in controlling cholesterol in the blood stream and provides essential nutrition to our body, its fiber also helps to soften the stool and promote bowel movements for relief of constipation by removing all toxins accumulated in the colon.

b. Psyllium
Psyllium contains about 70soluble fiber and 30insoluble fiber. Besides having proven record in Chinese medicine in treating high levels of cholesterol, its fiber portion has been used to treat constipation by softening stools and easing bowel movements.

c. Bentonite
Bentonite is a natural clay that comes from volcanic ash. Taken internally, the adsorbent action of bentonite helps to eliminate and remove toxic material from the intestine.

d. Liquid clay Liquid clay moves through our body and attaches to any bacteria, virus as well as toxins in our intestine and removes them out of our body as wastes resulting in improved intestinal regularity, easing chronic constipation and easing indigestion.

e. Etc.

4.4. Circulatory detoxification
Chelation therapy is the first choice of treatment, with the IV above your head, the substances in the IV help to cleanse the toxic chemicals such as lead, mercury, calcium, etc in your arteries and brain. It is usually applied to people with pre existing heart conditions and between ages of 35-45. Natural remedies include
a. Raw sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is finely shredded cabbage and has been fermented by various lactic acid bacteria with distinct sour flavor. It contains high amounts of vitamin C, lactobacilli and other nutrients that helps to improve blood circulation and increase level of oxygen in the blood stream. It also is said to have done a super job in purifying your blood as well as anti aging effects.

b. Garlic Garlic is nature\'s super food. Besides having been used in strengthening the immune system, fighting inflammation and infection caused by bacteria, virus, and chronic illness. It also is a blood thinner, blood purifier as well as increasing the level of oxygen in the blood and improving blood circulation.

c. Dang Qui
Dang qui has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousand of years in improving blood quality and purity, and help strengthen the immune system as it supports the body\'s removal of toxins in the blood.

d. Etc.

4.5. Skin detoxification
Skin is our body third line of defense. If the weaken liver and kidney can not completely eliminate all the toxins in our body, our body will try to eliminate them through the skin causing certain types of skin diseases such as free radicals.
a. Chromium
Chromium is very important in rejuvenating the skin condition. It helps to balance the blood sugar, and lower stress and depression. Both are main factors that impact skin problems. It also helps to get rid of skin toxins caused by bacteria and virus infection.

b. Zinc
Deficiency of zinc causes the thickening of skin. It is also a powerful antibiotic in treating acne and other forms of skin diseases caused by skin inflammation and toxins accumulation as a resulting of stimulating the release of vitamin A from the skin.

c. Lecithin
Lecithin is a fat-like substance, or phospholipid, produced by every healthy liver that is needed for a healthy skin. Lecithin helps the body in utilizing vitamins A, D, E in fighting against the bacteria and virus that causes skin problems. It also helps to eliminate the toxins on the skin or around the eyes caused by fatty deposits.

d. Strawberry leaf
Strawberries come in endless varieties but all leaves of all strawberries contain healing tannins. It has also been used to aid in the treatment of anemia, eczema, jaundice and other skin problems caused by weakening of the liver.

e. Etc.

4.6. Kidney detoxification
Our kidneys process a special function to eliminate waste products and extra fluids from our blood. The waste and extra fluids flow through ureters as you urinate. If your kidneys are damaged or weakened, the wastes would build up in the blood causing blood poison and damaging other organs. Natural remedies used to cleanse kidney include

a. Dandelion leaf
Dandelion is a rich source of vitamins A, B complex, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. Dandelion root has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine in treating liver disease by stimulating the removal of liver toxins. Dandelion leaf on the other hand are used as a diuretic to stimulate the excretion of urine in removing the toxin accumulated in the kidney.

b. Echinacea
Commonly called purple coneflower. It contains a wide variety of chemicals that not only helps to strengthen the immune system but also stimulates the removal of toxins that causes kidney inflammation and infection.

c. Corn silk
Corn silks are the silky fibers that are found under the leaves and on top of an ear of corn. It contains flavonoids, essential oil and minerals that helps effectively in treating acute and chronic inflammation of the urinary system caused by toxins accumulated in the kidney.

d. Etc.

4.7. How to sharpen your brain
The best method to cleanse your brain is oxygen therapy. By providing the oxygen necessary for brain cells needs, it helps to rejuvenate and sharpen the brain cells. Study shows that oxygen therapy helps to restore some cells in patient with Alzheimer diseases. Natural remedies used to sharpen brain functions include
a. Gingko
Ginkgo is perhaps the most widely currently used herbal treatment in memory enhancing. Extracts of Ginkgo leaves contain active and potent form of terpenoids such as bilobalides and ginkgolides that help to enhance the central nervous system functions. Ginkgo should only be taken under the guidance of a knowledgeable medical professional because of risk of bleeding .

b. Rosmary
Rosemary is a hardy bushy perennial shrub with aromatic, evergreen leaves and pale-blue flowers around the stem. It contains phenolic acids , bitter diterpenes, triterpenes, and flavonoids. it is used for headaches, nervous system disorder as well as preventing forming of free radical with its amazing antioxidant properties.

c. Etc.

5. With Melatonin
Beside it is used as a supplement in promoting immune system and anti-aging, melatonin supplement also benefits for varies sleep-wake rhythm. Melatonin pills work quickly, usually people taking the pill fall into sleep in less than an hour. Unfortunately, prolonged period of using the supplement may reduce the functions of endocrine system in production its own melatonin in regulating the sleep cycle if you constantly supply the body with external sources.
Synthetic melatonin is different than natural one, it can cause some unknown long term effects.
Also researcher have not found out the optimal dose to make the supplement working in perfect objective, it is up to individual to experiment with different dose before finding the right dose for their needs.

Treatments
Treatments for sleep disorders generally can be grouped into four categories:
1. Psychotherapeutic treatments
a. Behavior therapy
Behavior therapy is a psychotherapy pproach based on learning theory with purpose to treat sleep disorder by reinforceing desirable habits and eliminating undesired behaviors by replcaing them with more satisfying behavior.

b. Congnitive behavior therapy
Cognitive behavior therapy is another psychotherapy approach and mental health counseling with a purpose to solve problems concerning dysfunctional emotions, behaviors that affect the the sleep patterns by teaching people specific cognitive and behavioral skills to help them control and preventing dysfunctional emotions, behaviors and cognition through a systematic method.

c. Interpersonal therapy
Interpersonal therapy is another form of psychotherapy approach has been used successfully with depressed patients causes of sleep disorder by improving the quality of patient\'s interpersonal world, relationships, etc.

d. Gestalt therapy
Gestalt therapy is a psychotherapy approach based on the philosophy of existentialism and phenomenology by emphasizing personal responsibility, focussing upon the individual\'s experience in the present and working together (The therapist and patient) work together to help the patient understand the environmental and social contexts of a person\'s life. The theory was developed by Fritz Perls, Laura Perls and Paul Goodman in the 1940s and 1950s.

e. Etc.

2. Rehabilitation
Polysomnography is one most common used sleep machine to record patients sleep behavior usually performed at night by monitoring the body functions including brain (EEG), eye movements (EOG), muscle activity or skeletal muscle activation (EMG) and heart rhythm (ECG) during sleep, etc. Once the symptoms of sleep disorder is identified, the specific rehabitation program is desired for the patient to obtain an optimal result.

3. Medications
Medication used depending to particular sleep problems of each individual
a. Anti-Parkinsonian drugs (dopamine agonists)
Used to treat restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder

b. Benzodiazepines, including in a class of drugs called hypnotics.
Used to treat parasomnias, bruxism (teeth grinding) and short-term insomnia.

c. Non-benzodiazepine hypnotics
Used to treat short-term insomnia.

d. Antinarcoleptics
Mainly used to reduce daytime drowsiness for shift workers or suffered from narcolepsy or sleep apnea.

e. Anticonvulsants
Used to treat nocturnal eating syndrome, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, and insomnia related to bipolar disorder.

f. Etc.

4. Other somatic treatments
a. Surgical treatments
Surgical treatment may sometime is necessary to treat breathing-related sleep disorders in some patients, such as obstruction or airway abnormality.

b. Phototherapy or light therapy
Phototherapy uses bright, specific wavelengths of light in a prescribed amount of time to change the timing of sleep and wakefulness. It is worked specially well for patient with Circadian rhythm sleep disorders such as chronic CRSD, and situational CRSD.

c. etc.
Link
5. Etc.

We will come back with the same subject viewed under the microscope of Traditional Chinese Medicine. At the mean time, enjoy reading.


Visit my home page at
http://medicaladvisorjournals.blogspot.com
For more health articles for better living

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sleep-articles/sleep-disorders-something-you-always-want-know-about-4830284.html

About the Author

Health Researcher and Article Writer. Master in Mathematics and BA in World Literature and Literary criticism.

The Locker Lesson - making things right

4/7/2014

 

The Locker Lesson

By: Debbie Friedman

My 13-year old son had started at one of the most prestigious private schools in the nation - an honor that we were paying $20,000 a year for and at a school that had 100 applications for each spot! When he came home the second month with a horrified look on his face, telling me that he'd done something awful, I was more than a little concerned. He explained that, as a prank, he had given a boy's locker combination to someone else. That person had opened the locker, and trashed all the books and belongings inside. He didn't know what to do, so he asked for my advice.

Here's what I guided him to do: He called the boy whose locker was trashed, told him that he was responsible, and that he would do whatever it took to make things right. He called the boy's parents, told them he was sorry and would do whatever it took to make things right. Even though the mother was yelling at him and calling him names, I stood by his side, and he continued to apologize. The next morning, he went to the Dean's office before his first class, told the Dean what he had done, and said he would do whatever it took to make things right.

This was one of the most terrifying moments of my son's life up until that time. I can remember the look of horror on his face as the mother cursed him and called him names. I also remember that he was able to stand up tall, with dignity and with self-esteem, as he went to school the next morning to talk with the Dean. He felt good about himself, not because he had made a mistake (as everyone is going to do in life!), but because he had the courage to stand up and admit it. He had the integrity to take responsibility for his actions and the inner strength to do whatever it took to make things right.

Now, you may be wondering what happened in all of this. My son had to pay for a new lock for the boy's locker. The Dean called me to tell me he had never in his entire career seen a student carry himself with such dignity and such integrity. He was truly impressed and thanked me for the guidance I'd given him, and for raising such an incredible son with clear values.

The boy whose locker had been trashed barely talked to my son for four years. And yet, when they were graduating from high school and went to their elementary school reunion, it was as if nothing had ever happened. Yes, it took some time for the wounds to heal, but in the end everything turned out fine.

What happened to the boy who actually opened the locker and trashed it? He refused to apologize and his parents refused to make him apologize. He was put on detention for weeks and was asked to leave the school at the end of the year.

We all make mistakes, some of them are big ones, some of them are small. My son made a mistake, and in the process got to learn a very valuable lesson.

Honesty is always the best policy. Taking responsibility for what you say and do is essential if you want to feel good about yourself. It's important to be willing to go to any length to make things right when you breach your integrity. It may not be easy. It may feel crummy and uncomfortable. You may get yelled at. In the end, though, you'll be able to walk with your head held high, you will be able to go to sleep in peace at night, and you will be respected.

Most important, you will respect yourself. That may be the greatest gift of all.

Author Bio
Debbie Friedman, M.S., C.Ht., is the Manifesting Maven who helps people consciously create the life they love to live. She is the creator of the popular Cleaning Out the Closet of Your Mind for Wealth series. www.CleaningOutTheCloset.com

Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content

Oscar Pistorius: what will happen?

20/3/2014

 
If I put it to you, Milady/s, that Mr. Pistorius might walk out of the court rooms a free man, would you have a problem with it?

As all others who follow this court case, I have my particular opinions and questions.

Mr. Oscar Pistorius has been charged with premeditated murder of his girlfriend, Ms. Reeva Steenkamp, on Valentine’s night 14 February 2013. Mr Pistorius is better known as the Paralympic track star, the Blade Runner.

Mr. Pistorius shot Ms. Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door claiming he believed it was an intruder.

For those who are not aware, and might have wondered about the charge of premeditated murder, South Africa has only one category for murder (we still work mainly, according to Roman Dutch Law). Most people would possibly be more familiar to murder in the 1st, 2nd, or 3d degree, as watched on “LA Law” or “Law and Order” TV series.

The term Premeditation has worked its way into South African legal terminology due to Schedule 6 crimes (those which is considered most serious offences), and function mainly in the court rooms itself especially with regard to bail. Where the burden of proof normally rests upon the state to “prevent” or “limit” bail, the burden of proof why bail should be granted, now rests upon the accused  (to protect societal interests).

Plenty South Africans follow the life court room procedures on TV (Carte Blanche Channel 199) and highly debates whether the state will be able to proof premeditation for sentencing.

Amongst others, 2 of the constitual elements required for murder per se, entails planning and intend. Directing a gun at a person and pulling the trigger, implies intend. Intend does not always involve planning. Planning however, always entails intent.

If Mr. Pistorius is found innocent of premeditated murder, the state can still find him guilty on lesser charges providing they can deliver proof beyond reasonable doubt.

Reasonable doubt: “Presumption of innocence, is the principle that one is considered innocent until proven guilty. In many nations, presumption of innocence is a legal right of the accused in a criminal trial…  burden of proof is thus on the prosecution, which has to collect and present enough compelling evidence … who is restrained and ordered by law to consider only actual evidence and testimony that is legally admissible…, that the accused is guilty beyond reasonable doubt. If reasonable doubt remains, the accused is to be acquitted”.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presumption_of_innocence

This is probably, what Mr. Barry Roux is going for. We know Mr. Pistorius pulled the trigger. We know Mr. Pistorius killed Ms. Steenkamp. So, would Mr. Roux be able to raise sufficient “reasonable doubt”, to get Mr. Pistorius “walking” on the main charge?

Mr. Roux, who by now almost reach fame-status for his repeated statement "If I put it to you ..."  followed by a supposition; is also known for defending JCI chairman Mr. Roger Kebble, JCI chairman; on charges of tax evasion. The case was withdrawn in 2007 due to lack of evidence. During the 1990s, Mr Roux represented apartheid-era general Lothar Neethling.

South African courts do have something such as competent verdicts. That is, lesser verdicts if the main crime (in this case premeditated murder) cannot be proved, but the lesser one can.

For example, Culpable Homicide (also sometimes referred to as manslaughter in US terms).

In the latter, we refer to the unlawful, negligent killing of another human being. One of the deciding factors would be, whether Mr. Pistorius’s behavior can be correlated or is seen equal with or to that of another ordinary, reasonable person, in similar circumstances. If so, he very likely would be found not guilty of culpable homicide. If his behaviour is found to be below the standards of a reasonable person in the same situation, he should be found guilty.

One of the other serious legal questions in this case, is, at what standard of reasonable behaviour should Mr. Pistorius be measured?

That of a reasonable physically handicapped person? Providing of course, a direct correlation between physical handicap and “handicapped” cognitive functions, need to be proved. There are many physical handicapped people, for example, who function on a higher cognitive level than others without physical handicaps.

Or, I do not even know if this question has been asked, or answered yet; should he be measured against that of a handicapped person who himself requested and demanded, to be measured and judged against other non-handicapped persons at an Olympic game? Should that request itself, also, not possibly be thrown into the debate to set the bar?

As for the expert witnesses – I am not surprised as to the contradictions in testimonies. If the crime scene has been contaminated, as daily it becomes clearer … obviously each would deliver testimony as to the particular evidence they were working with?

I really have to salute prosecutor Gerrie Nel, who surely does not have an easy job here! Mr. Gerrie Nel is also known for conviction of former police Chief Jackie Selebi.

Quite obviously also, if premeditated, a mastermind was at work here. To put all those conflicting evidence there…. Interestingly enough, we have not seen any psychiatric reports or witnesses on Mr. Pistorius yet. Possibly, that, is also waiting for the week to come.

I have a vast lot of questions…. one of them is - What happened to the blood spatter in the bedroom and that on the duvet cover? How did it get there? Whose blood? Quite unlikely it would have jumped through the locked door to settle in the bedroom? High velocity or low velocity? Did it occur before, or after?  Answers to such questions for example, might also change the chain of occurrences. But, who am I to ask these questions and obviously, with a contaminated crime scene such questions might stay unanswered.

 Hopefully though, these and more questions might still be introduced into evidence the coming week.

My sincere condolences to the Steenkamp as well as to the Pistorius family, for this devastating loss of a beautiful loved person.

*Amongst others, Mr. Pistorius is also charged with recklessly discharging a weapon while driving, and another while in a restaurant; before the fatal killing of his girlfriend.

**During 2013, Mr. Pistorius was also fined by SARS for “less than a million”, due to unpaid taxes.

Working memory, Executive functions, ADHD? – and possible App’s

15/3/2014

 
What is the relationship amongst above, and how can we assist our children to develop the needed skills? Might underneath mentioned App’s help us? If so, why?

Working memory refers to short-term use of memory and attention. Basically it’s a skills-set which assists in keeping information in mind while utilising that information to complete or execute tasks (hence the term Executive functioning).

 Working memory allows us to do things such as planning ahead, solve problems, organize and pay attention. It can be “split” in 2 categories -

  • Auditory working memory (the sound, or phonological system): children with weakness in this type of working memory will struggle to follow a multi-step set of oral instructions even if they do understand what is expected from them. They struggle to remember the instructions even while working with them (Required for e.g. learning language and comprehension).

  • Visual-spatial working memory uses a kind of visual “sketching” in the brain. It allows you to picture something, to keep it in your “mind’s eye (Required for math, remembering patterns, images and sequences).

Working memory is often a central problem for many people with ADHD, amongst deficit in various other executive skills. Most children with ADHD, therefore, need help on various levels. Increasingly, research indicates that ADHD is an “umbrella term” for a cluster of problematic executive skills (of which working memory forms part) rather than simply paying attention or being hyperactive.

Executive weaknesses, in other words, is part of the definition of ADHD.  Not all children with ADHD struggle with all executive skills, though. But most have impairments in one or more executive skills while some of them sometimes, are strong in others.

Executive skills impairment is also implicated in e.g. problems on the autistic spectrum, brain damage, alzheimer, stroke, chronic alcoholism or drug abuse, and more. Short term working memory impairment for example, can also occur after surgery or other traumatic experiences. For this reason, I would suggest to keep reading, as, even if you or your child does not suffer with ADHD, you might benefit from this Blogging.

Some but not all executive skills entail –

  • Impulsivity

  • Emotion regulation

  • Self-monitoring, metacognition

  • Planning, setting goals

  • Task initiation, procrastination and the ability to complete tasks

  • Organisational skills including forgetfulness

  • Rigidity versus flexibility (e.g. to adjust planning or routines)

Above may be reflected in the following behaviour, to mention but some – Interrupting, impulsive decisions, rushing through work, being inconsistent (following rules one day but not the next) easily frustrated, quick to give up, anger outbursts, forget the necessary steps when trying to solve a math problem, have trouble organizing work and living space, materials, paperwork and computer files; general forgetfulness, misplacing things, postponing tasks, poor time management, getting started at nr 99, anxiety, and so forth.

(For more understandable descriptions of executive functions, take a look at e.g. http://www.learningworksforkids.com.)

Executive functions are directly related to academic performance (often also, social performance and relationships*) with the result that we sometimes only realise the spectrum of problems the child struggles with, at mid-school. Executive functions play a role in many academic tasks such as reading fluency, written content, math computations, note-taking, reading, comprehension, note-taking and so forth. As schoolwork becomes more demanding and scholars are required to become more independent (e.g. doing homework and tasks themselves without Mum or Dad getting panic attacks and staying up all night before to complete the [forgotten] assignment on their behalf…) those who struggle with executive skills fall further and further behind.

At this stage I do wish to make the following comment –simply trying to address skills development without also addressing the underlying neurological deficit, might drive parents or educators to ADHD experiences themselves! ADHD is a neurological problem which includes a dys-regulated attention system (You might find the ADHD being able to focus for hours on end doing something he loves, but not being able to pay attention to tasks or homework. The so-called hyper-focus).

Medication is therefore required, to regulate attention span before the child can even begin to start learning. Medication alone, however, does not address the required skills and development. Addressing ADHD therefore, requires a multi-faceted approach which includes addressing the biological factors.

The hopeful news is:

Recent (in my terminology, not older than 10 -15 years) research and statistics support that improving working memory can automatically benefit the other executive functions. You might ask why? Improving working memory automatically spills over to the other sorely needed cognitive functions, which is required for further more advanced skills to be learned. With additional benefits, such as self-esteem and addressing accompanying mood disorders. Improving working memory, can therefore also assist in further interventions which otherwise might not have been possible.

Such program are expensive, and hard to come by. For those who cannot afford professional support in this regard, I have found some promising App’s and other programs parents can utilise for their children.

Free online games that practice memory-building skills (rather for teenagers and adults) –


(click on the links to be directed to the sites)

  • Memory Games by Lumosity

  • The Original Memory Gym

  • Easysurf Memory Games

A (free) Memorise App was recently developed by Dr. Jonathan Reed, clinical psychologist and child neuropsychologist. Memorise is a motivational, fun game with benefits. It has some built in rewards, adjusts according to the individual’s level of functioning, rewards as such that the individual never loses hope but prefers to continue with the game. With a training report to monitor progress.

Another fun and effective Neurogame freely available from Dr Jonathan Reed, focuses on attention and self control (all ages). As with his other products, training progress can be monitored using the App features. “Impulse Control”  (iTunes) is also available for iPhone and iPad.  

I attempt to suggest “fun” programs because, if these games are not fun as well, no-one, especially not children or teenagers, would want to continue doing it (while targeted patients already struggle with procrastination and lack of follow through…?) In particular, I also would want a program which does not require me to read a 3000 page guide beforehand. I would want an easy to use program.

Of course, these App’s and programs only work if done regularly.  In general, 15-20 minutes per day is sufficient over 5-10 weeks for vast improvement.

The brain is quite “plastic”. As I am not a neuropsychologist myself, I do not possess to present all the technical terms here.  I think though, I understand enough to say that if one section of the brain does not function properly, another section can, to an extent, be developed to compensate for needed functionality and thus, to overcome obstacles.

All suggested App’s therefore can help - but only with regular playing. And, as usual with any program I ever suggest, the games are based upon neuropsychological theories behind these functions.

At a later stage, I might suggest where you can use these programs… (in the back of the car while driving long distances, while having family disciplinary meetings…in front of the TV… Let’s face it, your child is already sms’ing or bbm’ing or what’s upping or underneath the table or where you can’t see it…!) Actually, I would love parents to add suggestions, where such programs can be used?  (E.g. one parent already volunteered that his son prefers to use the tree house at 2300 at night to do his “homework”?)

But please mind: However, whichever App you use, also get professional input.

*For Social skills App’s: see Blogging dated 16/07/2013: “Great social skills APPS that work - Especially for special needs children)”

Disclaimer:

  1. I do not receive any financial compensation for any suggested sites or programs.

  1. It is not the purpose of this particular Blogging to name each and every skill or particular Remed possibilities.

  2. I do not suggest this Blogging content to replace professional guidance or intervention programs. I repeat – ADHD, or anyone who struggles with Executive functions, need to be enrolled in a multi-disciplinary intervention program.  I am simply always and continuously, trying to find programs which parents can utilise at home on primary interventional level, especially those who live far from professional assistance or those who cannot afford it.


The difference between Psychology and other Therapies

11/3/2014

 
It is understandable that people become confused when sent/or referred from one specialist to another, in order for a possible diagnosis or for help. To be honest, as professional myself, often I also still become confused when having to select the best options.

Whom to choose.. And why?

Occupational therapy is a specialised health area concerned with the evaluations and treatments of physical and [combined with] psychiatric conditions. Physical education i.e. anatomy and physiology is a prerequisite. These specialists often deal with people who have injury, pain, recovering from surgery and work on improving strength, flexibility and mobility in patients (i.e. stroke patients, if working at a rehabilitation clinic). Some prefer to work in a school environment. Where children have not mastered the needed developmental milestones, they focus on rehabilitation i.e. motor skills, muscle tone, and more; and then of course there is also for example sensory disorders that sorts in this “category”.  

 Sometimes for example, underlying ADHD or problems on the Autistic spectrum, muscle tone or other physical concerns is also indicated. Hence, an integrated approach is generally needed involving occupational therapists, psychiatrists, and psychologists. In lay terms, purely utilising medication is not going to address the problem (In this case medication can only address the academic problems – attention regulation, possible hyperactivity). For that reason, a multi-disciplinary [team] approach is mostly recommended.

 Physical therapy overlaps to a certain extent with occupational therapy. However, it mainly focus on physical injuries (i.e. torn muscles, back problems) and often utilise equipment such as sonars etc, for rehabilitation.

Psychologists on the other hand, focus on the human mind and specialise in diagnosing/treating mental disorders i.e. emotional and/or behavioural. Therapy does not entail physical manipulation or exercises, but rather “talking”, whether it entails psycho-analysis or the development of required mental/behavioral/thinking skills.

There are various types of specialisation with the field of Psychology:

Clinical, Counselling, Educational, Research and Industrial (In South Africa, Forensic psychology and Neuropsychology will be added to the list very shortly). Psychometry (psychological assessments) is also considered a field on its own.

Each specialisation area entails a different type of qualification and registration with the Medical Board.

Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and intervene in order to alleviate or contain rather serious forms of psychological distress and psychopathology, or what is commonly referred to as “abnormal” behavior. They are normally involved in serious cases, i.e. working in psychiatric institutions. 

Counselling psychologists assist relatively well-adjusted people in dealing with normal problems of life, concerning all stages and aspects of a person’s existence in order to facilitate desirable psychological adjustment, growth, and maturity.

Educational psychologists assess, diagnose (learning disorders) and intervene in order to facilitate the development of children and adolescents within the contexts of family, school, social or peer groups and communities. 

Industrial psychologists apply the principles of psychology to issues related to the work situation of relatively well-adjusted adults in order to optimise individual, group and organisational well-being and effectiveness.

Research psychologists address any of the above professional categories, not to render services to the public in that field, but to apply research methods and techniques in order to contribute to the knowledge base of that particular field.

Psychologists differ from Psychiatrists - not only in the type of qualification/s required (In order to become a psychiatrist, you need various medical degrees to mention but a few). In particular, psychologists are not allowed to prescribe medication. Hence, where a disorder is diagnosed or suspected, a psychiatrist is required to officially confirm the diagnosis and prescribe the required medication. Psychiatrists seldom offer psychological therapy per se.

Paediatricians have a medical background (degree) and focus in particular on the physical/developmental as well as mental issues of children and adolescents (In other words, they are quite apt of telling you when you are dealing with child/teenager-gg’s or whether there is a real problem present!) They can prescribe medication but do not necessarily offer [psychological] therapy.

Audiologists, also called language and speech therapists, focus on hearing and language skills development. Stuttering is an obvious example. But quite often, poor reading and writing is accidentally considered as i.e. Dyslexia, where as an underlying language delay might be the cause. They offer various therapies in this regard.

Pastoral therapists mainly utilise religion or spiritual beliefs to assist their clients to overcome their problems. Even in pastoral therapy, there are differentiations. Some work from a Christian perspective, others from Charismatic, African or Feministic Perspective or more; there are also Postmodern Pastoral therapists who do not focus on religious affiliation per se but rather focus on the client’s particular spiritualty and the “pro’s and cons” the client’s orientation might provide [or not].

Social workers address socio-economic issues, basic counselling interventions, parental guidance, especially legal aspects regarding child abuse, and so much more. These people are the corner stones of any community.

The lay counsellor, or Grass-roots worker, is a person taught by professionals, often by attending a short training course or 2; to provide some mental health services but who do not have extensive formal training and is not able to register with a professional body. Most of them are required to work under supervision.  In South Africa there is at present a move towards accredited training for lay counsellors, however, not very successful yet. (Due to strict legislation to protect the client/patient, it does unfortunately happen that many of them also give themselves out as “professionally trained therapeutic service providers” especially in rural areas).

The role of professionals, paraprofessionals, and lay workers has been conceptualised as a “mental health pyramid”. At the narrow top of the pyramid are experienced mental health professionals who serve as psychologists, psychiatrists, medical doctors, paediatricians, occupational therapists, psychological counsellors, and so forth. As one move down toward the base of the pyramid, one finds people with less intensive mental health training.

While above is definitely not a comprehensive explanation of the differentiated services the various therapists offer (that might take a book or two…) hopefully it offers at least some guidelines for those who are struggling in the dark!

(The attached file entails Cutting Skills Milestones – enjoy!)


devel_cutting_skills.pdf
File Size: 275 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Home schooling – parental knowledge and involvement the key behind successful home schooling

20/1/2014

 
What are the common reasons for parents to consider home schooling? Increasing violence, drug abuse, sexual abuse and bullying (sometimes at the hands of educators), inadequately trained educators, outdated textbooks, too much pressure and demands on the student’s time, and overall diminished quality of education seem to play a role. For others it may be financial issues, especially in rural areas. Special needs, such as learning or emotional disorders, may also play a role.

While private schools might offer a solution to some of these concerns, enrollment in private schools statistically does not really seem to make a difference.

Home schooling has many benefits. A less threatening environment, for example.  No fearing nasty teachers or bullies. The student can proceed at his own speed. Individual attention whereas most teachers have classes of 10 – 40 students. Lessons can also be focused on problematic skills in favor of another skill that the student may already have successfully accomplished. Home schooling might keep the student away from delinquent and other corruptible influences. It also keeps them focused on studying and not on sidestepping their social anxieties or pressures. Parents have a constant watchful eye on the child and can monitor every lesson, skill and/or behavior.

The cure-all for many parents therefore, seems to be home schooling. But, unfortunately some problems rather seem to increase with home schooling.

School is the place where students build social skills by interacting with peer groups. Isolating your child therefore, is neglecting development of these skills. You are setting up your child for failure to cope with a demanding working environment or interpersonal relationships, as adult (and still fearing that bully).

Some parents attempt to rectify this problem by enrolling their children in activities such as chess clubs, gymnastic clubs, or other. There is no statistics available yet for the success of this approach.

What about education plans? Many parents are not qualified as teachers and do not necessarily understand what is necessary to ensure the proper curriculum. Also, parents will need good instructional skills to be able to teach effectively.

Financially it might also not be the bonus you think it to be. You will have to purchase materials that public and private schools normally provide to their students. Tests and exams will have to be arranged, often in different towns (transport and accommodation costs, not to mention taking time off work). Transporting your child for regular outdoors activities might also amount to more than you bargained on.


In addition, many parents also struggle with their own learning disabilities and/or other psychological issues, making them poor role models and educators. Most parents also struggle to balance/draw the line between being “teacher” versus “supportive parent”. Parents also seldom realise beforehand, how little time they will have left for themselves.


It is unfortunate to say, but, in general parental knowledge and involvement is considered the key behind successful home schooling. This includes the parent’s ability to teach, to lead, to council, to provide specialised instruction (self or by appointing a qualified person) where a learning disability exists (also to religiously learn provided material in order to teach), to be available almost 24/7, to provide sufficient opportunities for sport and social development, time for hobbies and relaxation, and to evaluate progress which also includes emotional and social development.  Statistics indicate that most home schooling programs fail since these demands are seldom met. Passing a Grade only, does not necessarily indicate a successful schooling experience.

The responsibility for successful home schooling falls completely on the parent. There will be no-one but yourself to blame should your child fails. If you don’t have the knowledge, patience, skills, time or dedication to be full-time involved in your child’s education, rather continue with public schooling and simply become more involved after hours. Appoint tutors or arrange special classes where needed.  

Don’t set yourself up for failure … even worse, your child! Examine both advantages and disadvantages before you decide on home schooling.

Foods to support your Brain

8/1/2014

 

Eating For Your Brain: Brain Foods Discovered

Author: John Houck

Although a lot of people consider great reasons to maintain a healthy diet, brain health is hardly ever part of the equation. Many people discount concentration and memory problems as 'getting older', or perhaps 'just how I am', not realizing that the brain is dependent upon essential nutrients to work properly, much like your heart and muscles. Introducing brain foods in your daily diet can help with memory loss, concentration, mood fluctuations and even anxiety.

The first step towards eating for a healthy brain can be to identify exactly what nutritional supplements your brain must have, and what may be lacking if you are having processing or mental health issues. People experiencing learning disorders, such as ADD and slow processing, may benefit from adding Omega 3 to their diet. Omega 3 is believed to safeguard against developing mood disorders, including depression, and may help individuals who suffer from depressive disorders improve.

There are a lot of natural supplies of Omega 3. Fatty freshwater seafood, like Salmon, are one of the best sources of Omega-3. Alternative sources include walnuts, wild rice & canola oil are all natural sources of Omega-3. Dietary supplements are also available that may help increase intake faster and increase your brain performance.

Another significant nutrient needed by the human brain are B Vitamins. B1, b6 & B12 are all very important to effective brain function. Deficiencies in B6 could lead to excessive mood swings, frustration or depression, while a B12 deficiency can present with hallucinations & lead to brain shrinkage. Adding foods loaded with B vitamins is crucial to helping your brain perform at it's best.

Finding natural sources of B vitamins is not really tough. Cereal products, beef, poultry, clams, and beef liver are good options for B vitamins. Dark leafy greens, papayas as well as oranges tend to be abundant with B6 too and can be easily included in just about any diet. B-12 however is found mainly in animal products, and soy or rice milk.

B1 may be the least mentioned B vitamin, but is very important likewise. B1 assists in maintaining the central nervous system and acts as a neurotransmitter in the human brain, making it essential to learning memory. Sources include corn, fish & a few breakfast cereals.

Maintaining your mental function and brain well-being is just as important as good cardiovascular health. Consuming the right food along with supplementing what you eat will help improve your memory, lower anxiety and help lessen the symptoms of ADD.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/eating-for-your-brain-brain-foods-discovered-6871316.html

About the Author

John Houck is the editor and main contributor to http://thejohnhouck.com/theblog. A blog dedicated to the boosting of energy, power of focus, and increase of prosperity.

Cognitive function can be improved regardless of age

24/10/2013

 
There is no doubt that brains have the ability to exercise and learn at any age. Research on the brain has proven that the brain continues to make new neurons (nerve cells) throughout life in response to mental activity. By learning and making new neurons, you keep your brain active and protected from the cognitive
declining process.

The Science behind Brain Exercise

Author: Jahiel -yasha- Kamhi

'I understand that brain exercise works, but I would like to see scientifically proven facts behind that statement.' This was said by a person who wanted to learn what neuroscience has to say about why brain exercise is good for us.

Here is a short explanation. There is no doubt that brains have the ability to exercise and learn at any age. Also, cognitive function can be improved regardless of age. This sounds very promising. Many people are sceptical regarding brain exercise. They have this opinion: 'The brain is not a muscle, so how is it possible to train this ‘organ,\' like we do our muscles?' The answer is simple: Correct, the brain is not a muscle, but 'this organ' follows the same motto as muscles do:Use it or lose it! When we say 'use it', we do not mean that you are not using your brain, but simply: Be engaged in brain stimulating activities like: reading, writing (novels, articles, poems, or journaling), learning new skills, doing Sudoku, puzzles, or playing brain games.

Research on the brain has proven that the brain continues to make new neurons (nerve cells) throughout life in response to mental activity. By learning and making new neurons, you keep your brain active and protected from the cognitive declining process. Not just that, but by learning new skills and with 'brain training,' you can reverse the process of cognitive declining; that is a very important fact. Many believe that people with a higher education probably have better cognitive function when aging, just by being more intellectually involved. If you stop challenging your brain, even if you have a very high level of education, your brain will cognitively decline very fast. The conclusion is that people with a lower level of education have the same chance to stay 'in good brain condition' as people with higher education, just by simply applying the statement: Use it or lose it!

You might say, 'At work, I am doing an intellectually demanding job, and I am safe.' Then my question to you is, 'Is this a job that you learned many years ago, and now you can do it without ‘thinking\' (with your subconscious mind)?' If your answer is: 'I can do my job without really being consciously engaged.' I understand, but then you are not safe.Most of the time, you are not consciously engaged. You do your job from your subconscious mind, like driving car, as a routine, and your brain is not involved with a challenge. Let me clarify: To keep your brain\'s functions active, you must be cognitively and consciously connected to the task with full attention. If you can do your job 'without thinking,' subconsciously, this is not a 'brain exercise.' When any skill becomes routine, it goes from the conscious to the subconscious mind and is not challenging for you anymore. Only a new task that is not routine counts as a demanding brain exercise.

If you do not challenge your brain, and you do not when the subconscious mind is involved, your brain will slowly deteriorate. Keep it in mind.

Jahiel Yasha Kamhi

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/psychology-articles/the-science-behind-brain-exercise-6802887.html

About the Author

Author Jahiel Yasha Kamhi is a motivational and popular science freelance writer holding a degree, specialist in medical biochemistry, and a bachelor\'s degree in chemistry.

He is passionate about writing articles that helping people live more empowered life, with knowledge, passion and purpose. Jahiel is contributing writer to many magazines. He also delivers presentations that inspire others to find more meaning and balance in their lives.Yasha can be contacted at jasakamhi AT hotmail.com.

 Learning Disorders – an unfortunate truth

23/10/2013

 
During Octobers annually, particular attention is spend to make people aware that any/all learning and attention issues also play out beyond the classroom walls. There are various Learning disorders. Some are - 
 


- Dyslexia     (reading problems)

- Dysgraphia     (writing problems)

- Dyscalculia     (math problems)

- ADHD     (trouble regulating attention)


Some of them are alone standing, but most of the time, they are accompanied by various others such as mood disorders. The latter mostly, are consequences of the learning disorders when not addressed in time or correctly.

 One aspect regularly accompanying learning disorders, is
Executive Function Difficulties (problems with organisation).

Executive functions is an umbrella term for the regulation and control of various cognitive
processes such as working memory, impulsivity, emotional management, planning,  flexibility, social skills, responsibility and so forth.   Underlying problems in executive functioning are the main reason why parents most of the time believe e.g. ADHD medication does not work and therefore, stop utilising medication. 

The bad news is – there is no medication that directly addresses executive functioning. These concern skills that need to be taught, and learnt. Repetitively.  If not early enough, it could have dire consequences in adult life. 

And, without addressing the biological side first (such as medication) your child has little chance of learning them.

 Free E-book: Executive function 101

 Find out how learning and attention issues affect executive function, and get tips for helping kids with executive dysfunction—like lack of  motivation and inflexible thinking. 
Download today!


 


 






 

Before you will get better grades, you have to realize the difference between studying and learning

7/10/2013

 

Explore the ways to get better grades

Author: Lisa Klain

In order to excel in your school studies, the very first step is to realize the difference between studying and learning. Learning is a natural mental activity that makes you to get familiar with certain ideas and theory and their practical usage. It is quite different from the study process which doesn\'t involve any active mental process rather it requires you to rote memorize things as they are mentioned in the course books.

Rote memorizing is not the right approach to learn things and ideas. If you really want to attain knowledge about a subject, your approach towards learning needs to be holistic. You need to increase your ability to interlink the ideas of various study material and to practice it in your mind so that the ideas, facts and theory may naturally get imprinted on your mind. By doing so, you will not only be able to get better grades at school, but also, you will be able to make better and practical usage of your education.

There are many e-books available that will provide you various techniques to memorize things, lists, theories, and a lot more. Yet, none of such books actually make you familiar with the means of learning. They try to help you in increasing your ability to memorize things without actually understanding them. Such strategies often fail to help you get better grades in school examinations. This is so because when you try to memorize ideas and theory without understanding them and making them your own ideas, you will remain prone to forget them or to commit mistake while copying the things that you stored in your memory. The learning process has nothing to do with memorizing things. In order to attain better grades at school you should try to learn more study less.

How to learn to get better grades

The correct way of learning is to break the study material in into easily understandable and practical partitions. Once you do so, you will be able to visualize the interlinking between the whole study materials. As you will start understanding the initial bits of your course, you will increase your potential to learn further with the help of the familiarity of the ideas of the study material. There is a good e-book that offers some of the best possible learning strategies to teach you how to learn more and study less to gain success. Please visit the websitehttp://tiny.cc/pzeju to know about the better ways to learn more and get better grades.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/college-and-university-articles/explore-the-ways-to-get-better-grades-3814627.html

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    Disclaimer: As stated on the home page, this site is both for educational [students] as well as self-help purposes [to reach those who do not always have access to direct professional help]. Where articles make use of case histories to demonstrate or support arguments, they are presented as examples only and comparisons which might be made with persons either living or dead is coincidental unless otherwise stated or referred to by research.
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