Ten Brain Health and Fitness Myths Debunked in New Whitepaper From SharpBrains
San Francisco (PRWEB) November 6, 2007 -- Leading neuroscientists and practitioners debunk common myths related to health and fitness (http://www.sharpbrains.com) of the brain (http://www.sharpbrains.com) in a new whitepaper from SharpBrains, Inc. The 11 experts help illuminate the growing research on the role of "brain exercise" for brain fitness, one of the promising areas being discussed this week during the 37th annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in San Diego.
"We have only scratched the surface of what structured mental exercise can do for our brain health and productivity," says CEO and co-founder of SharpBrains Alvaro Fernandez, who interviewed the experts. "We are witnessing the birth of a new industry that crosses traditional sector boundaries. Emerging research may help millions of people of all ages understand, assess and train their cognitive abilities, harnessing the growing research about neurogenesis (the creation of new neurons), neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to rewire itself through experience), cognitive training and emotional regulation."
The whitepaper debunks 10 brain fitness (http://www.sharpbrains.com) myths, which are categorized by industry. These myths include:
Health and Medicine-related myths
- Myth 1: It's all in our genes. Reality: A big component of our lifelong brain health (http://www.sharpbrains.com) and development depends on what we do with our brains. Our own actions, not only our genes, influence our lives to a large extent.
- Myth 2: The field of Brain Fitness is too new to be credible. Reality: The field rests on solid foundations dating back more than a decade -- what is new is the number and range of tools that are now starting to be available for healthy individuals.
- Myth 3: Medication is and will remain the only evidence-based intervention for problems such as ADD/ ADHD for many years to come. Reality: Cognitive training (http://www.sharpbrains.com) programs are starting to show value as complements to drug-based interventions.
Education-related myths
- Myth 4: We need to buy expensive computer-based programs to improve our brains. Reality: Every time we learn a new skill, concept or fact, we change the physical composition of our brains. Lifelong learning means lifelong neuroplasticity.
- Myth 5: Schools should just focus on basic skills like Reading and Math. Reality: "Mental muscles," such as working memory, are fundamental to academic performance and are currently overlooked by the school system.
Corporate Training myths
- Myth 6: On-the-job training is the only way to train one's mind. Reality: Computer-based programs can be more effective at developing specific "mental muscles".
- Myth 7: Brain exercise is only for seniors. And, only about memory. Reality: People of all ages can benefit from a variety of regular brain exercises. For active professionals, managing stress and emotions is often a good first step.
- Myth 8: This all sounds too soft to be of real value to business people. Reality: There is nothing soft about the hard science-based training of specific cognitive and emotional skills.
Gaming-related myths
- Myth 9: Videogames are always a waste of time. Reality: Scientifically-designed, computer-based programs can be a good vehicle for training specific skills. For example, it has been shown that short term memory can be expanded by such programs.
- Myth 10: This means kids will spend more time playing videogames. Reality: In Japan - the world's earliest adopter of brain-related videogames- overall home videogame sales have declined, with children playing less over time. Interestingly, adults in Japan have started to play brain-related video games more.
You can receive about this free 40-page whitepaper on the myths concerning health and fitness (http://www.sharpbrains.com) and the brain by visiting http://www.sharpbrains.com/
About SharpBrains
Founded in 2006, SharpBrains is the leading science-based information portal, market research and consulting firm that helps individuals, companies and institutions navigate brain health and fitness information, products and services. SharpBrains offers hundreds of articles in its website, an innovative curriculum on Brain Health and Fitness at UC-Berkeley and SFSU Lifelong Learning Institutes, and tailored publications and services for companies, institutions and investors willing to participate in the market.
SharpBrains' Scientific Advisory Board is led by Dr. Elkhonon Goldberg, Clinical Professor of Neurology at New York University School of Medicine, Diplomate of The American Board of Professional Psychology in Clinical Neuropsychology, author of "The Executive Brain" and "The Wisdom Paradox" and Chief Scientific Advisor & Co-Founder of SharpBrains. For more information about health and fitness and the brain, visit www.SharpBrains.com and industry leading blog http://www.SharpBrains.com/blog.
Contact:
Caroline Latham
Director of Communications
888.742.7765 x3
caroline @ sharpbrains.com
###
Related Articles:
Fitness Rowing Machines For A Great Non Impact Workout
Rowing as an exercise has been present since the times of the Greeks and the Romans. It is an Olympic sport as well as a very effective form of aerobic exercise. The more muscles you exert while exercising, the lesser time is required to achieve the complete body workout. The process of rowing provides a non impact workout and thus ensures that there is minimal strain on joints like knees and elbows. Moreover, it stretches all the muscles of the body including the arms, legs, chest, heart and lungs. All in all, fitness rowing machines provide the best workout possible.
NJ Fitness Expert Reveals the Meaning Behind The Term Fat Free
What you need to know about "Fat-Free" Labeled Foods I want you to know that when you are shopping and you pick up a can of food that has a ?fat free? label on it, it may not actually be true. Like most things in the dieter?s world, a lot of things don?t make sense. So I want to teach you some basic knowledge about reading a food label.
A Fitness Partner is a Great Motivation for Exercise and Fitness
In a quest for a healthier lifestyle, women know that fitness and exercise are important. Exercise can improve your health, increase your energy level, relieve stress, and help you to sleep better. A fit woman will remain stronger and more independent as she ages. Sometimes the road to fitness is a difficult path when you are attempting to initiate and exercise program and eat healthier alone. Attempting to exercise daily, watching your nutrition, and making healthy lifestyle changes are often overshadowed by boredom or a too busy lifestyle. At one time or another, most women have had trouble starting or sticking with a fitness or exercise program.
Rhimba Fitness - Dance Exercise DVD Released
Rhimba, Inc. is a new fitness company that has combined dance, fitness and music from around the world. Rhimba has just recently launched their new website http://www.rhimba.com. Their dance exercise DVD is approximately 54 minutes long total of which the workout is approximately 40 minutes long.
Fitness Equipments: Treadmills vs. Elliptical Trainers vs. Exercise Bikes
Fitness is on the minds of everybody today. People want to remain healthy to live longer, to enjoy most of the things that can be done only when your body is healthy. Catering to this aspect, manufacturers have flooded the market with never ending options in the field of fitness regime.
Elliptical Cross Trainers: Cross Fitness Training In Your Own Home.
Finding that perfect fitness machine that "does it all" may be more real than expected due to the fact that the latest research supported, cardiovascular fitness machines are now available on the market. Elliptical cross trainers offer a truly beneficial yet low impact workout. They really are the fitness machine that gives that sought after total body workout.
First Thing In The Morning- Fitness
Before you get up in the morning practise tightening your pelvic floor and contracting your tummy muscles while you lie in bed. Hold all the muscles tight for three deep breaths and then relax. Do this ten times each morning and you will be toning up your tummy without even having to stand up.
The Ultimate Workout Plan for Busy Dads -- Dad Fitness Launches in Time for Fathers Day
Overweight dads everywhere are finally losing that beer belly with just 3 short workouts a week. Busy dads are using the innovative exercise methods in Dad Fitness to cut back on their workout time, boost their metabolism, and help them lose inches and fit back into their old clothes.
Local Fitness Club Hosts Marathon, Raises Money For Charity
Ellipse Fitness, which has four locations in Wisconsin, recently held their first annual "Victory Over Violence" fitness marathon to benefit Harbor House Domestic Abuse Programs. The fitness clubs raised $7,000, which will go towards the charity's programs and services.
Health and Fitness on a Budget
One benefit of spending many years as a student is learning how to live a healthy life on a budget. Here is a list especially for those who say it?s too expensive to live a healthy life. Preparation here is an important factor.
Fitness Tips On How To Avoid Gaining Weight During The Holiday Season
This holiday season don't be trendy – avoid the Seasonal Seven (the average weight most Americans gain between Thanksgiving and New Year's). That's one trend you don't want to participate in!I know what you are thinking – the holidays are a time for fun and indulgence.
Life Fitness Treadmills Reign Supreme in the Ratings
One of the most superior brands of treadmills available, Life Fitness treadmills are featured extensively in gyms and health clubs around the globe. Highly regarded by several top magazines and newspapers, this treadmill reigns supreme when it comes to fitness equipment.
Online Fitness Training Allows Trainer to Train Clients Across the Globe
Personal training is reaching into new territories today, with the advent of online training programs. Personal trainers can now customize programs for anyone with internet access, freeing up time and maximizing ways of providing their services. One trainer who's taking advantage of this is Rick Karboviak, CSCS, from www.total-improvement-performance.com Rick has just secured his first global client, from his computer in Minnesota to training his new client in Kenya.
TopTenREVIEWS Announces the Best-Rated Dieting, Fitness and Nutrition Products and Online Services to Get a Jump Start on New Year's Resolutions
To help people with their New Year's resolutions to lose weight and get in shape, TopTenREVIEWS(TM), a trusted technology and entertainment review site, today announced its TopTen(TM) lists for Dieting, Fitness and Nutrition products and online services. By simply logging on to TopTenREVIEWS.com consumers can quickly learn what reviewers really think about the latest Dieting Web sites and Fitness and Nutrition software before signing up for a plan or buying a new program.
7 Tips on How to Setup Your Mind For Fitness Success
When it comes to getting in the best shape of your life in 2007, it?s important that you not only train your body and to eat right, but if not more important you must train your mind. You can achieve the best body you?ve ever had if you don?t put your mind to waste. The following tips will put you on the superhighway to having your best year yet.