Archive for January, 2009

Top 21 Books on Brain Health, Fitness and Training, Neuroplasticity and Neurogenesis

Copyright (c) 2008 SharpBrains

Given the growing media coverage of brain fitness and brain training, we have produced this compilation of the Top 21 Books that help understand these trends, the research behind them, and the implications for all of us.

For your easy browsing, we have categorized them into seven groups:

1) Fascinating books on neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to rewire itself through experience):

- Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain: How a New Science Reveals Our Extraordinary Potential to Transform Ourselves – by Sharon Begley.

- The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science – by Norman Doidge.

- The Executive Brain: Frontal Lobes and the Civilized Mind – by Elkhonon Goldberg).

- The Wisdom Paradox: How Your Mind Can Grow Stronger As Your Brain Grows Older – by Elkhonon Goldberg.

2) User-friendly scientific books on the brain:

- Best of the Brain from Scientific American: Mind, Matter, and Tomorrow’s Brain by Floyd E. Bloom.

- A User’s Guide to the Brain: Perception, Attention, and the Four Theaters of the Brain – by John J. Ratey.

- In Search of Memory: The Emergence of a New Science of Mind – by Eric Kandel.

- Mapping the Mind – by Rita Carter.

- Phantoms in the Brain: Probing the Mysteries of the Human Mind – by V. S. Ramachandran.

- Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers: An Updated Guide To Stress, Stress Related Diseases, and Coping – by Robert M. Sapolsky.

3) On how to apply all this to education and learning:

- Magic Trees of the Mind: How to Nurture Your Child’s Intelligence, Creativity, and Healthy Emotions from Birth Through Adolescence – by Marian Diamond and Janet Hopson.

- The Art of Changing the Brain: Enriching the Practice of Teaching by Exploring the Biology of Learning – by James Zull.

- Enriching the Brain: How to Maximize Every Learner’s Potential – by Eric Jensen.

4) On how to apply cognitive and positive psychology to solve other real-world problems:

- Thanks: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier – by Robert Emmons.

- The Beck Diet Solution: Train Your Brain to Think Like a Thin Person – by Judith Beck.

- Enhancing Trader Performance: Proven Strategies From the Cutting Edge of Trading Psychology – by Brett Steenbarger.

5) With a health/medical angle:

- The Brain Trust Program: A Scientifically Based Three-Part Plan – by Larry McCleary.

- The Memory Prescription: Dr. Gary Small’s 14-Day Plan to Keep Your Brain and Body Young – by Gary Small.

- Brain Longevity: The Breakthrough Medical Program that Improves Your Mind and Memory – by Dharma Singh Khalsa.

6) Reference manual:

- The Dana Guide to Brain Health: A Practical Family Reference from Medical Experts by Floyd E. Bloom, M. Flint Beal, and David J. Kupfer.

7) Good combination of information and activities:

- Building Mental Muscle: Conditioning Exercises for the Six Intelligence Zones – by David Gamon and Allen D. Bragdon.

Enjoy!

Alvaro Fernandez is the CEO and Co-Founder of SharpBrains.com, which covers the brain training and brain health fields. SharpBrains has been recognized by Scientific American Mind, Newsweek, Forbes. Alvaro holds MA in Education and MBA from Stanford University, and teaches The Science of Brain Health at UC-Berkeley Lifelong Learning Institute. You can learn more at http://www.sharpbrains.com/

How to Help your Children Achieve Ultimate Health

When it comes to our children’s future, what are we planning for? When I’m asking about planning, I mean, in what are we investing our time and energy? Is it our children’s college education? If it is, we better start saving early on. We will need to make some firm commitments if we want to be prepared to help our children with their future college educations. If you are hoping that maybe the fairy god mother will wave her magic wand and “Presto,” four years of college education paid for…keep hoping! Most of us will have to discipline ourselves to save. How well we invest and save will not only determine where we are financially, as far as college is concerned, but will also affect everything we do in life that we deem important.

Now maybe you’re one of those fortunate people not concerned for college money for your children. You already have more than you need. Your biggest concern is to figure out what are the best stocks in which you can invest. When your children do grow up, their nest egg for college will be waiting for them. That’s great! Let me remind you, whatever you planned for your children, from an investment point of view, will not be worth its weight in pennies-let alone gold-if you haven’t invested in your children’s health.

Many people like me also invest into their children’s spiritual health by bringing them into a God centered environment like a church or synagogue on a weekly basis. We do that because we know the importance of our children coming to have and to know God in their lives. We want them to succeed spiritually speaking, so like finances and their health, we take time to invest.

Take the time to map out a fitness plan for your family. I assure you it is one investment that you’ll be glad you took time to invest in. If we don’t invest in our families, who will?

Are we doing all we can to set good examples for our family? Do we work out consistently ourselves?

Ron Henderson, “The Fitness King” began his pursuit of personal fitness training almost three decades ago. Henderson, now 53, made a commitment to health at a young age. He says, “One day I noticed a well-dressed man drive up in a beautiful, gleaming Porsche. When he stepped out, however, he had a body more like a Volkswagen. I realized fitness was something of true value. After all, if you don’t have your health, money doesn’t matter. I had been working out and I realized my body was something great no one could take away from me. No one could repossess my body like cars are repossessed. I could have a body like a Porsche, a Jaguar, you name it. I just had to keep caring about myself and my health.”

Author of, “What is it Worth for You to Become Physically Fit” Henderson was the first fitness professional in the Minneapolis – St. Paul area to work with clients and help them define, develop, and pursue their fitness goals as a personal trainer. He stresses the value of personalized fitness routines to develop solid techniques and maximize potential.

With his positive attitude, Ron has raised industry standards in weight training, cardio fitness, stretching and strengthening routines that respond to experience levels, abilities, and each client’s motivation. Individuals are empowered to excel at their own levels and attain their goals.

The success of his revolutionary approach is credited for Henderson’s popularity as a media personality, spokesperson, and corporate trainer. Ron captivates and encourages audiences young and old alike, while educating, motivating, and inspiring them to enjoy more active lifestyles.

Henderson’s book is his latest accomplishment, reaching national audiences. He currently hosts “Fitness and Faith,” a cable exercise series. He also hosted a talk radio program called “Feeling Fit.” Ron’s first TV cable series was “Winning Workouts.” The Fitness King has established a reputation for being articulate, motivating and entertaining

Henderson, has been featured regularly in newspapers and magazines for over two decades. Ron’s commitment is to reach people, young and old, to demonstrate and promote the benefits of daily exercise.His book “What is It Worth for You To Become Physically Fit’” published by River City Press, Inc. can be found Barnes & Noble stores or special ordered at your local book store. You can also order it online at www.rivercitypress.net

Email address: Ron@fitnessking.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Telephone: (6l2) 386 8l78

Are you a Bride in search of the Best Health and Fitness program that is right for you?

Are you a Bride in search of the Best Health and Fitness program that is right for you?

Intelligent fitness tips for brides who want to be ready for the biggest day of their life

Your wedding day is fast approaching, and naturally, you want to look your absolute best as you head down the aisle. Before you freak out about what to do with your “trouble areas” and start thinking of all the reasons you hate working out, remember you can do this without a no-nonsense personal trainer or pricey gym membership. It just takes a little discipline, focus and a few smart fitness tricks!

Walk if you can’t run!

» Myth: You have to spend hours running on a treadmill to really get in shape fast.

» Fact: Walking every day is a smart and easy way to kick off your daily workout routine. Keeping a steady stride will help you burn calories, lose weight and relieve any pre-wedding stress.

» Go!: Try to shoot for at least 30 minutes of walking a day when possible, and do this at least 5 days a week. According to the American Council on Exercise, beginners can tone down the initial pressure by limiting both their pace and the distance they walk. This means you can break up the walking into manageable chunks throughout the day and still reap the benefits. Start off with a 5-minute morning stroll around your neighborhood; then increase your time and distance gradually throughout the day. Take a 10-minute walk during your lunch break and a 15-minute walk in the evening after work. Remember that keeping a steady pace is more important than the speed in which you walk. Your goal is to elevate your heart rate slightly (if you can’t talk while you walk, you’re going too fast).

Don’t skip stretching!

» Myth: As long as you break a sweat, you’re getting a full workout.

» Fact: Giving your body a proper warm-up and cool-down isn’t just a necessary part of any workout; it has plenty of additional benefits. Stretching before and after a workout not only increases overall flexibility and boosts circulation, but according to the staff at the Mayo Clinic, it can also improve your posture and relieve stress.

» GO!: Since most types of workouts cause the muscles in your body to flex and contract, you’ll want to stretch before and after each, and at least three times a week, to maintain a balance – especially if you don’t usually exercise. There’s an art to stretching properly. Breathe consistently and deeply, but be careful not to push your limits. It’s normal to feel a little tension, but you never want to prolong or hold a painful stretch.

Snack smart!

» Myth: You must avoid the vending machines at work at all costs.

» Fact: Smart snack choices can be found among the usual junk food offerings. You just have to know what to avoid.

» Go!: You’re busy and sometimes need to snack on the go – we get it. But if you must hit the vending machines, start by seeking out snacks that are low in fat, sodium, calories or carbohydrates, and beware of portion sizes. Live Healthy America ranks classic favorites like Doritos, Skittles and Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts among its top five “just don’t do it” vending snacks. Avoid these and grab something from its best-bets list: Baked! Lay’s Original Chips, Planters Sunflower Kernels and Smartfood Reduced Fat Popcorn.

Don’t believe everything you read about water!

» Myth: Drinking bottle after bottle of water will help you lose weight.

» Fact: There is such a thing as drinking “too much” water, and doing so can cause cramping and sodium deficiencies among other complications.

» Go!: People often say that drinking lots of water can help with dieting and intense workout plans. But if you dig a little more, you’ll find that some medical and health care professionals disagree. While keeping hydrated can help cleanse the body, drinking too much water could lead to decreased sodium levels in the blood. Stay hydrated, but be careful not to overdo it.

References: Idea Fitness, LSJ.com News

Forwarded By, Natalie Pyles

Health & Fitness Expert, Nutrition Specialist, Bridal fitness, Author, and NSA Speaker

Who I Am

Hello, my name is Natalie Pyles. I am a Local Fitness & Nutritional Expert. I have over 16 years of experience in both the Health and Fitness Industry. I’d like to share my Personal story of overcoming my battles with weight loss that began as an early adolescent. I struggled from the ages of 13-18, I realized that I had a severe problem and decided then and there to take action.

I Conquered Weight Loss

I hired a Personal Trainer and Licensed Nutritionist, like myself, and the rest is history. Basically, I learned at an early age, there is no quick fix… only hard work, perseverance, and committment to a healthier lifestyle will guarantee results. I quit looking for the magic solution and got educated.

How Can I Help You

I am now the owner of Fitness Elements & Associates. I want to help You realize your true Fitness Potential and levels of Optimal Health. I have committed my life to to helping others achieve the success that I have found through Fitness and Nutrition. If you have the desire and the will… together we can make your dreams a reality. You deserve to know the truth; what you are capable of and really can achieve.

I look forward to hearing your story, so in the years to come you can pay it forward. Call me today for your Free Fitness and Nutritional Consultation!

Sincerely Your Friend in Fitness,

Natalie Pyles
Owner, Fitness Elements & Associates LLC.

Phone: 1-800-681-9894 or Fax 623-399-4199
www.Myfitnesselements.com
FitnessElementsAssociates@yahoo.com

Importance of Health and Fitness Magazines

 

Health and fitness is important to maintain healthy body. Fitness is phenomena that help a person look, feel and work to better. It also plays an important part of conducting bodily activities efficiently. Working out of the heart, lungs and muscles are all related to physical fitness. Health is the state of physical and mental well being of a person. Activities to be incorporated in the fitness programs have to be decided after analyzing various component of fitness.

 

Health and fitness magazine is very popular in the market. Men’s are demanding more magazines because they are more conscious about their health and fitness.

Health and fitness magazines have so many fitness tips. Fitness tips offer concise knowledge about knowledge about the developments in the field of health and fitness. Fitness tips inspire fitness enthusiasts to maintain a healthy life style. Fitness involves exercise regimens, diets, even motivational courses, meditation sessions, and so on.

 

To sit and read magazines related to fitness and health-related topics take time and patience. Fitness tips provide readymade solution, since one can easily obtain the very latest and valuable information about various ways to stay fit and in shape. Fitness tips mainly revolve around health, exercise, weight loss and nutrition. Apart from common health information, fitness tips highlight the dos and don’ts that must be kept in mind to preserve a healthy routine. They are popular because of the growing number of health consciousness people. But one must be very cautions because reliable fitness tips may result in health consequences. So it is better to take the advice of an expert before adopting any tip.

 

Health experts and professional trainers deliver up-to-date to best suit anyone’s lifestyle. Fitness tips can be accessed through magazines and other publications. A free collection of tips are also available online in men fitness magazine and men health fitness magazine.

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On Health Fitness and Skin Care

Healthy living is a state referring to people who feel good about themselves, are able to obtain the basic necessities in life, and are satisfied with the way they live each day, no matter how imperfect life is. Apparently, when a person has a successful career and a happy home, he or she experiences a healthy living condition.

Living a vigorous life is not just about getting the best properties, a six-digit salary, or buying all the most luxurious things in the world. Aside from these, health fitness and skin care contribute to a blissful life.

Being able to accomplish a lot of activities such as working on a daily basis, playing for sports, and contributing to the community through socio-civic work requires an individual a strong and healthy physique. It gives a person self-fulfillment when he or she can achieve a lot of life changing and inspiring activities that help oneself grow into a more productive individual.

When a person becomes highly participative, his or her body may breakdown sometimes. Physical and mental stress may be prevalent in some situations. Speaking of stress, it is not just the physical strength that gets easily affected. Moreover, a person’s facial or physical appearance becomes noticeable in times of stress. That is the time when proper skin care is mostly needed.

Breakouts such as pimples, under eye circles, and dry and flaky skin are examples of stress indicators. To immediately prevent these breakouts, patients either consult Dermatologists for professional skin care advice or find probable remedies such as natural skin care recipes that use the freshest ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and honey.

Remember, the state of living healthy begins with a person’s mind. Coupled with a fit body and proper skin care, there is no doubt any individual can accomplish anything he or she desires in life.