Play Bridge to Keep Your Brain Fit

Improve the performance of your brain with a game that can quicken your thinking, improve your memory, increase your alertness and boost your spirits. It can even beef up your concentration while driving, provided you're not involved in a discussion of the game. Here are five reasons to play bridge for mental fitness.

1. It is challenging. Every bridge hand is different and requires diligent concentration, which causes positive chemical changes in the brain, and which piques your interest in the next hand, then the next and the next.

2. It switches on all levels of brain operation: receiving, remembering and thinking. Listen to the bidding, remember the opening lead and the play of the cards, make inferences as to why each card was played, then deduce the best way to make your contract with possible overtricks.

3. It provides a continuous learning experience. Bridge is a game that can activate your brain for a lifetime -- from elementary school age to over 100. Your skills improve with each hand played and each new tactic acquired. Novices and experts alike read, study and discuss different methods of play in order to increase their abilities.

4. It is sociable. Whether you are playing in a social game or in an American Contract Bridge League-sanctioned game, it provides occasion for conversation and conviviality. Researchers suggest that social interaction perks up the brain waves that increase alertness and awareness.

5. It is rewarding... most of the time. When you've done your best, regardless if you win, your spirits are elevated (especially if you have a pleasant and supportive partner). These feelings spark brain activity that results in improved memory and learning.

Neuroscientists agree that an active mind diminishes the chances of dementia by a large percentage. Begin your mental workouts now. Call the local bridge club or senior center and set up a date then keep learning.

Author is an avid bridge player who is still learning the game.

By Billie Barnby

At : http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Billie_Barnby

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Diagnosing ADHD - Problems and Challenges For Parents

By Robert William Locke

In diagnosing ADHD, sometimes mistakes are made and the child does not have ADHD at all! Let me give you just two examples. If a child has a milk allergy, then some of the symptoms are quite similar to ADHD such as hyperactivity. Another example is where a child is extremely intelligent and gifted and starts to act out at school. The reason is that he has become bored and is looking for something to do while he waits for the rest of the class to catch up! While he does that he may be distracted, squirm and become impulsive. This then is one of the problems in overdiagnosing ADHD as the costs to society and family life are extremely high.

Let us assume that diagnosing ADHD in your child's case is correct, you are now faced with the challenge of how to treat it and make sure your child grows up to be a well-balanced adult. In the multimodel study organised by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a combination of child behavior therapy together with medication came out best especially for kids who were suffering from sort of oppositional disorder (ODD).

In diagnosing ADHD, lots of attention is given to features of behavior and how he or she behaves in certain situations and environments. It is not surprising then that child behavior therapy is now so highly regarded and that the results over time are realistic and long lasting. You may have problems in implementing some rules but the whole concept of child behavior therapy is based on a step by step approach centred round time and scheduling and routines at home.

There is a system of rewards and consequences and the child is praised a lot for good behavior. There are lots of behavior plans available on the Internet so that part is the easy bit ! You have to work out what are the most important behaviors that your child needs to function in school , at home and with friends. By focusing on the essential ones and working on them one by one, you can achieve an awful lot. The main point to remember is that everything is noted and improvement is always rewarded. Everyone needs praise and we adults crave it all the time ! If good behavior or any small success like in getting on both shoes in the morning, is not praised, this may lead to a low self esteem and a certain amount of frustration.

These then are the problems and challenges in diagnosing ADHD and in establishing ground rules in the home if you opt for child behavior therapy. The great thing is that they will work for the whole family and will be an anchor in the stormy sea.

Robert Locke is a Health enthusiast who specializes in Children's Health. He has written extensively on ADHD. Discover what ADHD Alternative Therapy is available. Find out how ADHD behavior therapy can save your sanity.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_William_Locke

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Combat Stress by Creating Your Own Oasis

Stress and anxiety can prematurely age our mind and body. If not dealt with effectively, chronic stress and worrying can place undue strain upon our cardiovascular and immune systems. It can also make us prone to mood disorders and negatively affect our cognitive functions. Having a safe and comfortable place where we can relax and unwind can help improve our well-being and produce feelings of peace and tranquility.

Ideally, creating an atmosphere that induces calmness throughout your home is best. However, if space is limited, you still can create your own oasis, even if it is in only a corner of a room or in a cubical at work. Here are eight easy ways to make your personal space a true comfort zone.

1. Tranquil Sounds. Your favorite music, sound machines and water falls can help you relax and unwind. Sounds have the ability to alter our perceptions and instantly change your mood.

2. Living Plants. Live plants create a peaceful atmosphere. They improve the ambiance and air quality of indoor environments, and induce a positive energy around them.

3. Soft Lighting. Soft and adjustable lighting can create a soothing atmosphere. Look for light bulbs that are bright, but not harsh. Being able to adjust the brightness of your lighting will give you more control of the mood of your space.

4. Pleasant Smells. A fresh and pleasant odor can transport you to a peaceful place and time. Open a window to get an exchange of air, use air purifiers or deodorizers to create the scent you find most pleasing.

5. Furniture Arrangement. Place your furniture and other items to best fit your daily needs and actions. Personalize your space with things that bestow happy memories.

6. Comfortable Textures. Use pillows, throws and soft materials to create a comfort zone. Our sense of touch has a powerful impact upon our feelings.

7. Symbols of Nature. Bring the outdoors inside with shells, rocks, feathers, wood, leaves, etc.

8. Answering Machine. When you need to unwind and revitalize, turn your answering machine on and the volume down. You can always return calls when you are recharged and ready to talk.

Take control of your surroundings, whether they are just a corner of a room or a desk at work. You can even use these steps when traveling to help you unwind. By creating your own personal oasis, you will be better able to relax and rejuvenate. A few changes may be all that you need to make yourself calm, peaceful, energized and inspired.

Monique N. Gilbert, B.Sc. is a Personal Health, Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach, Certified Personal Trainer/Fitness Counselor and Author. Monique's coaching helps people get healthy, manage stress, lose weight and keep it off. Visit http://www.MoniqueNGilbert.com to learn more about Monique's personal coaching program.

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