WELCOME to Body-Brain Boogie WELLNESS Blog!

"HEALTHY LIVING" and "ACTIVE LEARNING" for INDIVIDUALS , FAMILIES, and "WELLNESS WORK SITES".

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Get More Exercise Next Year!

Aerobic Exercise is Your Best New Year's Resolution

Watch the ScienCentral video showing why exercise increases mental alertness. The research by Judy Cameron, a neuroscientist at the Oregon National Primate Research Center run by the Oregon Health and Sciences University reported more blood flow to the brain, carrying more oxygen and metabolic nutrients.

Once you get going -- keep going. Blood vessel volume returned to pre-exercise levels in the monkey group that were sedentary for three months after the regular exercise regime.

Watch the video http://www.sciencentral.com/articles/view.php3?language=english&type=article&article_id=218392158

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Aerobics Keeps Your Brain Young

More than Good Nutrition, Education and Positive Thinking

http://www.bioedonline.org/news/news.cfm?art=2005 BioEd Online reports that Aerobic exercise is the best way to keep your memory healthy. According to Jennifer Wild's research report of Ian Robertson research at the University of Dublin, Cardiovascular exercise surpasses stretching for being sharper, with memory and attention improvement. Read this interesting article and see why exercise is sort of a wonder drug in the over 50s age group.

Jeff Haebig

Monday, December 29, 2008

What Babies and Children Really Need

Sally Goddard Blythe's book on child development is a must read

Sally Goddard Blythe has written extensively about primitive and postural reflexes, showing ways to integrate them through movement. This is especially important during infancy and early childhood. Abnormal reflexes are often the physical basis of learning difficulties, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).

http://www.inpp.org.uk/inpp_publications/books.php What Babies and Children Really Need, is Sally Goddard Blythe's recent book, teaching mothers and fathers how to nurture children's growth for wellbeing.

http://www.inpp.org.uk/ The Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology provides information on Dysgraphia (writing), Dyslexia (reading and writing), Dyscalculia (math) and Dyspraxia (coordination). Sally Goddard Blythe is one of the world's most knowledgeable educators who gets to the root of learning challenges. She is the author of a number of acclaimed books, including Reflexes, Learning and Behaviour and The Well Balanced Child.

Jeff Haebig

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Caffeine Craze of Youth

Wake up and realize the growing problem

Dr. Kathie Nunley’s http://help4teachers.com/caffeine.htm article cites several problems with young people consuming more and more caffeine, increasing dramatically during the last decade. The body brain starts to rely more on artificial stimulants than producing its own excitatory chemicals. Obesity can be traced to soft drink consumption… the high phosphorus content in soft drinks can also rob bones of calcium, of particular concern to females.

Read other excellent articles on http://brains.org/articles.htm one of Kathy Nunley’s websites for educators and parents. Kathy originated the Layered Curriculum, an effective means of meeting student’s varied needs. Her insightful articles and exceptional educational programs are all body brain based. Kathy Nunley is extraordinary! Visit her website often.

Jeff Haebig

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Working Out Improves Sleep Patterns

Wake Up to the Importance of Exercise

Rebecca Pratt, staff writer for http://www.sparkpeople.com/ has written an article pointing out how quality sleep is as important as exercise and good nutrition on your total well-being. Sleep deprivation interferes with your immune system fighting off disease and blood sugar regulation. Good sleep reduces stress and sharpens the brain. Daily exercise greatly improves the quality of sleep.

http://www.sleepfoundation.org/ National Sleep Foundation offers many sleep-related articles free of charge. Hot Topics, Ask the Expert and Library Highlights are featured. Here's to a solid night sleep.


Jeff Haebig

Friday, December 26, 2008

Learning Brain Expo – Be sure to attend!

The Amazing Brain-Based Teaching and Learning Conference

The top neuroscientists and exemplary brain-based teachers assemble in Newport Beach California, January 16 to 18, 2009 at the Learning Brain Expo http://www.jensenlearning.com/learning.asp.

For ten years, Eric Jensen has provided the educational community a forum at which leading scientists and educators share current discoveries in brain research and their implications in the classroom. I am thrilled to be involved again this year and hope to see you there! It is most worthwhile!

Jeff Haebig

Turn to FUN for Childhood Development

FUNsical Fitness Keeps the Body Brain Movin’ n Improvin’

Scott Liebler, originator of Silly-cise and Adventurobics has developed a progressive series of super fun movement activities for children ages 2 to 5. FUNsical activities playfully help children mature their kinesthetic, visual and auditory systems through rhythm, dance, dramatic role-play, vocalization and humor. Children love it!

http://www.funsicalfitness.com/ describes Scott’s imaginative program that has proven effective, developing language comprehension and speaking skills. Strength, balance, gross motor and rhythmic skills are built to foster academic, as well as social-emotional success.

Scott Liebler’s activities give parents, educators, coaches, therapists and medical professionals an effective means to help young children maximize their learning potential through play -- nothing works better!

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Wishing You a White Christmas -- Song

Happy Holidays to you and your family

http://aroundmd.com/whitechristmas/ Click, turn up the sound, sit back and enjoy!

Jeff

http://bongobells.blogspot.com/2006/12/santa-and-his-reindeer-sing-white.html more holiday fun!

Obesity -- Learn to Cut Your Calories

Dr. Hans Diehl is the Real Deal when it comes to eating well!

Director of the Lifestyle Medicine Institute and originator of CHIP, Coronary Health Improvement Project -- Hans Diehl provides clear voice and many useful ways for you to achieve body brain well-being through healthy eating.

Watch http://www.chipusa.org/about_hans.html video entitled, 'Obesity -- Learn to Cut Your Calories' and see why Dr. Diehl has a vast following of nutritional enthusiasts around the world, many of whom like myself are vegan or vegetarian.

http://www.chipusa.org/ offers free nutritional videos and articles -- they are excellent! This is the site to get "healthy not by chance but by choice!"

http://www.dumpyourplump.com/ Dump Your Plump offers a team approach to weight management. Created by Don Alsbro, this fun incentive program is simple to conduct and highly effective.

Jeff Haebig

Upcoming BOOGIE Posts

Boogie posts you can look forward to during the upcoming week!

12/26 Learning Brain Expo – Be Sure to Attend
12/26 Turn to FUN for Childhood Development
12/27 Working Out Improves Sleep Patterns
12/28 Caffeine Craze of Youth
12/29 What Babies and Children Really Need
12/30 Aerobics Keeps your Brain Young
12/31 Get more Exercise Next Year
1/1/ Exercise a Happy New You!

Wellness Quest offers free DAILY Health Care-toons, wellness challenges, health benefits, inspirational quotes and jokes.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Accelerated Learning is Music to Our Ears

Sound Learning Involves Music

Chris Brewer founder of LifeSounds provides a Brief History of Music related to Learning http://www.musicandlearning.com/articles_ltssl.cfm. Focusing first on Accelerated Learning, based on Georgi Lozanov's work, Chris cites many benefits for using music to enhance learning. It creates positive learning states, builds anticipation, increases attention, enhances imagination, develops rapport, build motivation, releases tension, improves memory, and is fun. Chris provides an Annotated Music Bibliography in her article. Long considered a leader in the field of Music and Learning, Chris Brewer is one of the most qualified experts to sing its praises.

Jeff Haebig

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Overcoming Dyslexia: Dr. Sally Shaywitz

http://www.greatschools.net/cgi-bin/showarticle/2758 gives people with Dyslexia hope to revise their body brain in ways that will improve their reading. Dr. Sally Shaywitz, author of Overcoming Dyslexia, has gained national prominence in the area of reading. Her approach includes explicit instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Once again the body brain revises itself when given the opportunity – thank you Sally!

http://www.greatschools.net/ the Great Schools website is a source of many research-based articles. What a wonderful resource!

Jeff Haebig

Monday, December 22, 2008

Autism Issues and Sensory Therapies

Read Temple Grandin's article regarding Holding Therapy

Read http://www.thechildrenscenteraz.org/HoldingTherapy.html by Temple Grandin to better understand Autism... its causes, related sensory problems, brain research, sensory therapy, and tactile research. The article focuses on Gentle vs. Forced Holding. The author relates her own experiences as an autistic person using this therapy. This is a wonderful article by a leading expert.

Jeff Haebig

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Read Naturally Shows Its Stuff

See how this reading enhancement program works

Visit http://www.readnaturally.com/approach/steps.htm and see the core steps of Read Naturally, a product designed to effectively involve the body brain. Children choose what to read (great way to build enthusiasm). Children read along to the key words, identifying what they mean. Children make a prediction of what this story is about using the title and key words (I like this creative buy in). Children read along (out loud) as the story is being read to them; notice the repetition! They practice Work Lists to master specific sounds and letter patterns. And they retell the story in their own words.

Read Naturally uses Cold Timing – Graph the Cold Timing Score – Pass Timing – and Graph the Pass Timing Score to improve reading speed and comprehension.

http://www.readnaturally.com/approach/references.htm References show the research supporting the methods.


Jeff Haebig

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Drink Water to Bust Stress

Three Quick Tips to Bust Stress from Sharon Promislow

http://www.enhancedlearning.com/el.htm offers three Quick Tips from Sharon Promislow. Drink Water: The #1 Stress Buster and Brain Integrator. Srep 2. Cross Patterning: A jump Start to Brain/Body Integration. Step 3. Not to Worry! Hold Your Positive Points. Sharon has the ability to teach easy and highly effective ways to stop stress from blocking our systems. Her books and workshops are as playful as she is!

Jeff Haebig

Friday, December 19, 2008

Move and Learn with Exercise

Raise test scores and academic achievement with exercise!

Watch this video http://www.learningreadinesspe.com/ and see why students in Naperville, Illinois are benefiting from daily exercise. Harvard University's brain researcher Dr. John Ratey explains the neurobiology behind the body brain changes that are taking place. Be sure to read his sensational book, Spark -- the New Revolutionaly Science of Exercise and the Brain. It also explains why exercise is so effective preventing and treating anxiety and stress disorders, depression, ADD and ADHD, obesity, dementia, and cardiovascular disease. A must read!

Jeff Haebig

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Upcoming BOOGIE Posts

Here is what you can look forward to during the upcoming week!

12/19 Move and Learn with Exercise -- video with Dr. John Ratey's SPARK!
12/20 Drink Water -- Top Stress Buster -- Sharon Promislow
12/21 Read Naturally -- Shows Its Stuff with Early Readers
12/22 Autism Issues and Effective Sensory Therapies -- Temple Grandin
12/23 Overcoming Dyslexia -- reading expert Dr. Sally Shaywitz
12/24 Accelerated Learning is Music to Our Ears -- Chris Brewer
12/25 Obesity video -- Learn to Cut Your Calories -- Dr. Hans Diehl

Visit Wellness Quest for free DAILY Health Care-toons, wellness challenges, health benefits, inspirational quotes and health jokes -- ENJOY!

Seek Wellness through Physical Fitness

Seek Total Physical Fitness described on Seek Wellness!

Seek Wellness http://www.seekwellness.com/fitness/index.htm offers a complete understanding of what it means to be physically fit. This amazing website suggests the most effective ways to achieve it. Before you start a fitness program… make sure you are on the right pathway, visit Seek Wellness. It is free and full of useful ideas designed to elevate your social, emotional, mental and physical wellness.

By all means, check out Don Ardell's archive on Seek Wellness as well. Don launched the Wellness Movement with his best selling book High Level Wellness years ago -- he continues to be a dominant force in the wellness movement. Don's keen humor reminds us that wellness is too important to be taken grimly -- lighten up!

http://www.seekwellness.com/wellness/daily_reports/search_reports_results.htm?text=physical+fitness&type=or hosts Don Ardell's extensive Wellness Archive. Enjoy!

Jeff Haebig

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Fitness is needed to be a Mom!

Watch the Mom Song and see why Mothers need to be fit!

The Mom" song, sung to the William Tell Overture, by Anita Renfroe portrays what a mom says in 24 hours, condensed into 2 minutes and 55 seconds! Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMhuAtyFCrw on YouTube -- it is a brilliant work! Wow! No wonder moms have to be in stupendous shape! Thank you Anita!

Jeff Haebig

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

PE for Life Improves Reading and Math!

Improved Academics Comes with Increased Fitness Levels

PE4life website http://www.pe4life.org/sub/Results/index.cfm makes the case for daily Physical Education. Read how students from Naperville Central High School in Naperville, Illinois have made substantial improvemens in math and reading scores when increasing fitness levels. At the same time discipinary incidents have decreased.

Ask youself, "Do my children and grandchildren have daily Physical Education? Is the program fitness-based?" If not, spend time on the PE4life website -- then take action! Let's move on this!

Jeff Haebig

Monday, December 15, 2008

Dance and the Brain -- Doing and Viewing

Viewing dance sequences and doing them are both significant!

Advanced brain imaging teaches us how the body brain functions best. Scott Grafton, M.D. and Emily Cross, M.S. University of California --Santa Barbara http://www.dana.org/news/publications/detail.aspx?id=10744 reported their research on the DANA Foundation website. It shows how performing actions, and watching others perform the same actions -- produce similar results.

Visit DANA Foundation http://www.dana.org/default.aspx free of charge. It is your source of current body brain research -- a phenomenal website!

Jeff Haebig

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Grow New Brain Cells with Exercise

Stuff Your Brain Likes... suggests you exercise often

Compelling research shows how regular exercise releases Nerve Growth Factors, like BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor) the brain's Miracle Gro. http://braingamessoftware.wordpress.com/2008/12/09/are-you-smarter-because-you-exercise-regularly/

Visit http://braingamessoftware.wordpress.com/ Stuff Your Brain Likes blog regularly to explore current brain research. This blog site is excellent! Be sure to add it to your favorites. Above all, move on this -- get hip! Grow your hippocampus brain cells connected to memory with exercise.

Jeff

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Action Based Learning is Needed to Excel

Jean Blaydes Madigan sells DAILY Physical Education

Jean is this country's most dynamic advocate of daily Physical Education. Visit Jean's research-based website http://www.actionbasedlearning.com/index.shtml for an interesting array of resources, articles, products and programs that promote body brain fitness needed to excel academically. If you get a chance, attend Jean's highly entertaining and useful workshops. You will love her southern charm and exuberance!

Jeff Haebig

Friday, December 12, 2008

Reading Improves through S'Cool Moves

Develop the Magical Mind and Reading through Movement

Debra Em Wilson is a developmental reading specialist, author and educational consultant. She has developed physically engaging programs that improve children's reading skills through body brain activities. Her article http://www.schoolmoves.com/magical_mind.html cites many reasons movement is essential for school success. Check out Debra's programs, better yet, utilize them at home and at your school. Everone will greatly benefit with S'cool Moves!

Jeff Haebig

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Upcoming BOOGIE Posts

Here are BOOGIE blogs you can look forward too!

12/18 Seek Wellness through Physical Fitness
12/17 Fitness is needed to be a Mom!
12/16 PE for Life Improves Reading and Math!
12/15 Dance and the Brain -- Doing and Viewing
12/14 Grow New Brain Cells with Exercise
12/13 Action Based Learning is Needed to Excel
12/12 Reading Improves through S'Cool Moves

Wellness Quest offers free DAILY Health Care-toons, wellness challenges, health benefits, inspirational quotes and jokes.

Are Big or Small Movements Best?

Which actions boost attention best – large or small?

That is an excellent question. There are many variables that we will soon address; for example, does the child prefer angular, twisting and rotating actions to stimulate their hypo-slow vestibular system, or linear forward and backward movements to calm their over-sensitive hyper vestibular system? Play catchy music and encourage people to move freely – watch how their body brain seeks the most satisfying movements.

You might offer a follow-along movement sequence that combines fine (small) and gross (large) motor movements, with age appropriate complexity that challenges the mind. Physcally connecting gestures to words or lyrics engages the auditory, visual and kinesthetic systems boosting attention. Crossing the body’s vertical mid-line stimulates both sides (hemispheres) of the brain.

In their own way, (moving big or small) encourage people to mimic gestures and echo the words shown on http://www.wellnessquest.com/videos.html. This Vibrant Learning Sequence engages the basal ganglia (brain’s transmission) connecting thinking, feelings and motion. This demands more attention-boosting dopamine (transmission fluid) to aid mindbody shifting. It's also the pleasure/reward chemical raising motivation. Memorizing the gesture sequence recruits the cerebellum, further boosting attentional centers.

Above all, encourage people to move freely in fun, safe and satisfying ways.

Jeff Haebig

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Natural Ways to H.A.N.D.L.E. ADHD

New Perspective on ADD and ADHD with Natural Solutions!

The HANDLE Institute http://handle.org provides Highly Effective, Non-Drug, Holistic Treatment for Learning, Behavior and Other Challenges. What does HANDLE think about ADD/ADHD? Visit http://handle.org/index2.html and get their perspective. I like Judith Bluestone’s approach, addressing attention deficit as APD… Attentional Priority Disorder.

Activities are offered that strengthen the vestibular system and treat hypersensitivity of the senses including touch, vision and sound. Once again, the body brain has remarkable ability to strengthen itself through movement and exercise! Hats off to HANDLE for heading us down that natural path.

Jeff

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Balancing is the Learning Breakthrough

Balance and Vestibular System Development is Key

Dr. Frank Belgau developed The Learning Breakthrough Program. At the University of Houston, he directed the Perceptual Motor and Visual Perception Laboratory. In particular, he focused on the effect of balance and the vestibular system and developed the Belgau Balance Board. Over decades, he established the use of the balancing activities made dramatic improvement in children’s reading and academic performance skills. Read about the astounding improvement at
http://www.balametrics.com/results.htm, better yet, try Bala-Metrics and experience the improvements in intelligence, reading, and behavior yourself.

http://www.balametrics.com/theory.htm the Theory Behind The Learning Breakthrough

http://www.balametrics.com/explain.htm Marvelous series of articles relating balance to ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, Handwriting, CAPD, Reading, and Academics. Topics include Multi-Sensory Integration, Spatial Awareness, Integration of Brain Hemispheres, Brain Timing/Reaction Time, Sequencing, Binocular Teaming, and Proprioception.

Monday, December 8, 2008

How Smart is Your Right Foot?

Take this quick hand and foot test.

You have to try this please, it takes 2 seconds. This will boggle your mind and it will keep you trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot, but you can't. It's pre-programmed in your brain!

1. Without anyone watching you (they will think you are GOOFY) and while sitting at your desk in front of your computer, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.

2. Now, while doing this, draw the number '6' in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction.

I told you so! And there's nothing you can do about it! You and I both know how stupid it is, but before the day is done you are going to try it again, if you've not already done so.

Source of this fun article is unknown.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

What makes S.M.A.R.T. So Smart

Extensive research shows S.M.A.R.T. has proven effectiveness.

Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness Training is a program that has proven its effectiveness preparing young children to succeed academically. Dr. Lyelle Palmer and participating schools have conducted fastidious research, documenting the effects of neurostimulating S.M.A.R.T. activities preparing children to succeed in school. The results have been significant, showing vast improvements in reading, writing, math and other academic skills.

http://www.actg.org/images/newsletters/08fall.pdf features the S.M.A.R.T. program in A Chance to Grow newsletter.

For more information go to the http://www.actg.org/ website. If you haven't participated in S.M.A.R.T. training... plan to... it is the best. Then bring S.M.A.R.T to your schools and watch the learning gap disappear as body brain maturity is realized.

Jeff Haebig



Saturday, December 6, 2008

Early Childhood Expert Lyelle Palmer

Watch Dr. Palmer’s Video on Early Childhood Stimulation

Lyelle Palmer is one of the most knowledgeable educators in the world centering on Early Childhood Development. He was instrumental in designing the SMART Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness Training, a body and brain enhancing program designed to mature children’s sensory and motor systems, preparing them to succeed in reading, writing, math, and other academic skills. (SMART will be featured in tomorrow's Boogie Blog.)

In this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NqUVvcuyc8, Dr. Palmer emphasizes the importance of fun, relaxed, and joyful feeling tones to help the child connect better with the environment. He points out how fear and punishment impedes growth, narrowing the child’s perception. Lyelle is a joy to be around... his neurostimulation programs exude this happiness.

Jeff Haebig

Friday, December 5, 2008

About Memory is Worth Remembering

About Memory is the ultimate Blog, with bountiful links, articles, podcasts, research reports, newsletters, and everything else you need to understand and optimize your brain. Major categories include... Improving Your Memory... Memory Problems... How the Mind Works... Information Center... Seniors... and Students. Captivating! Hats off to Fiona McPherson for her remarkable Blog

Jeff

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Upcoming BOOGIE Blogs

Boogie Posts you can look forward to during the upcoming week!


12/5 About Memory is Worth Remembering
12/6 Early Childhood Expert Lyelle Palmer
12/7 What makes S.M.A.R.T. So Smart
12/8 How Smart is Your Right Foot?
12/9 Balancing is the Learning Breakthrough
12/10 Natural Ways to H.A.N.D.L.E. ADHD
12/11 Are Big or Small Movements Best?


WellnessQuest.com offers free daily Health Care-toons, Wellness challenges, health benefits, jokes and inspirational quotes.

Moving Sensory Integration Across America!

Sensory Integration on Wheels!

Diana A. Henry, MS, OTR/L is one amazing force, traveling the country bringing Sensory Integration to schools, homes and businesses and the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) to clinics, homes and school communities. Along with her husband, Rick Ruess, they provide products and workshops across the USA traveling in their mobile home. Their mission is to promote understanding and awareness of issues related to sensory processing, sensory integration and the sensory systems. These may influence attention, motor coordination, social participation, behavior and even violence in schools.

Visit their website http://www.ateachabout.com/index.asp and access interesting articles.

http://www.ateachabout.com/pdf/SensoryIntegrationItsNotJustForChildren-rev.pdf establishes that ‘Sensory Integration: It’s Not Just for Children.’

Many wonderful products are offered on their website plus great links http://www.ateachabout.com/links.asp

Bravo Diana and Rick!

Jeff

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Kids Can Learn website is comprehensive

Toni Hager’s website http://www.kidscanlearn.net/kids.htm is tops!

This highly informative neurodevelopmental website tells it all. Notice how Toni builds learning success through movement and nutrition while working with social, emotional and behavior issues.

There are so many wonderful ideas shared here, including information on ADD/ADHD, Brain Injured, Developmentally Delayed, Downs, Dyslexic, FASD, and Learning Disabilities found on the Links page found on this amazing website.

Articles are shared regarding Education Problems, Behavior Issues, Sensory Integration Issues and much more. Thanks to people like Toni, we are moving more into natural, non-drug solutions to our living and learning challenges -- using our amazing body brain.

Jeff Haebig

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

No Child Left Behind -- Developmentally


Get Students Ready to Excel in School through Movement
Jeff Haebig

Here is a list of behaviors observed in school that pose problems for the teacher and learners. We often view these behaviors negatively, thinking the student is misbehaving... or not trying. We frequently label the student rather than getting to the root of the problem -- and solving it.

I have described various problems below as Learning Challenges, suggested immature Sensory-Motor Systems that might be the cause, and proposed Neuro Stimulation Activities that have been successfuly used to remediate the problem.

Our desire is to build student success in reading, writing, spelling and math through movement sequences. Acquire handy ways to inhibit primitive reflexes, build visual acuity, strengthen auditory processing, improve tactile and motor function, and mature the vestibular system. Build a solid neurological foundation that supports vibrant learning. Move beyond rhetoric and labels – leave no child behind developmentally with neurostimulation activities.

Learning Challenge: slumping in the desk, collapsing the head on the desk for support
Sensory-motor Systems: – retained TLR/STNR reflexes, weak vestibular system, poor muscle tone
Neuro Stimulation Activity: superman pose, saucer spin with head and hands up, tuck and pop

Learning Challenge: white knuckles bearing down while writing, torn papers, poor penmanship
Sensory-motor Systems: retained primitive ATNR, Grasp, STNR reflexes, tactile system
Neuro Stimulation Activity: lazy bubble blowing, one-armed wall push-up, creep track, overhead ladder

Learning Challenge: poor penmanship, difficulty switching from printing to writing
Sensory-motor Systems: lack of fine-motor finger/ wrist control – retained STNR and ATNR, proprioception
Neuro Stimulation Activity: whole-arm tracing, fine paint brushing, start-stop writing activities, play dough

Learning Challenge: residual movement of opposite arm, difficulty writing, drawing, throwing, catching
Sensory-motor Systems: – retained STNR primitive reflex, retained bi-laterality, deficient arm extension
Neuro Stimulation Activity: wrist weights, one arm tug of war, scooter board surfing, balloon tapping

Learning Challenge: trouble copying work from the chalkboard, or shifting focus from teacher to your paper
Sensory-motor Systems: – STNR, visual accommodation (near, far), convergence, hyper vestibular system
Neuro Stimulation Activity: thumb/wall focus, super straw, cotton-ball hockey, playing catch, beanbag toss

Learning Challenge: noodle in desk -- wrapping the foot around the desk leg for support, clumsy
Sensory-motor Systems: – weak tonic (static) muscle control, retained STNR, hypertactility Neuro Stimulation Activity: push, pull, carry, traction, and compression activities, pogo stick, stretching

Learning Challenge: bouncing, fidgeting, and squirming while seating at their desk
Sensory-motor Systems: hypo vestibular, weak proprioception and co-contraction of hips, knees and ankles
Neuro Stimulation Activity: standing, work up to ten15-second spins then15-second eyes closed recovery

Learning Challenge: attentional problems
Sensory-motor Systems: low dopamine production in the reticular and vestibular system, excess stress
Neuro Stimulation Activity: fun, novel sensory stimulation, gross-motor movements, vestibular activation

Learning Challenge: continual tapping a foot or pencil, clicking a pen
Sensory-motor Systems: – weak proprioception, low body awareness, lack of directionality
Neuro Stimulation Activity: obstacle course, reciprocal actions (mimicking activity),

Learning Challenge: falling out of the desk, holding on the desk for support
Sensory-motor Systems: – hypo vestibular, weak proprioception, weak muscle tone, active TLR
Neuro Stimulation Activity: rotation, stop and go, rolling, jumping, swinging, changing directions quickly

Learning Challenge: slowly rocking back and forth in the desk -- or frequently out of desk walking around
Sensory-motor Systems: hyper vestibular, visual and auditory overwhelm, allergies
Neuro Stimulation Activity: rocking, slow swinging and linear movement, direction change, balancing board

Learning Challenge: fixation problems, trouble reading with inability to sustain steady eye focus
Sensory-motor Systems: vestibular weakness, binocular focus, convergence, accommodation
Neuro Stimulation Activity: coloring books, puzzles, tracing, clay letters/words, aiming at a target

Learning Challenge: visual tracking is not smooth or sustained, lose your place reading, letter reversals
Sensory-motor Systems: – vestibular, ocular muscle control, neck stability, visual fixation, binocular focus
Neuro Stimulation Activity: lazy 8s, smooth hand-eye, rainbow tracing, puzzles, light therapy,

Learning Challenge: reading and writing challenges, eyes jerking and switching when crossing the mid-line
Sensory-motor Systems: interhemispheric, mid-line, ATNR, STNR, smooth pursuits, fixations
Neuro Stimulation Activity: smooth hand-eye cross-laterals, juggling, Bal-A-Vis-X crossover activities,

Learning Challenge: trouble reading and writing left to right, running to third base instead of first, not knowing the upper right corner of the page, letter reversals (m-w… p-q… wow-mom)
Sensory-motor Systems: laterality, directionality, directional discrimination, vestibular weakness, STNR
Neuro Stimulation Activity: obstacle courses, human knot, over-under-through, large letter tracing

Learning Challenge: touching and bumping into people, standing too close to people
Sensory-motor Systems: hypo vestibular, tactile, weak proprioception, visual coordination, depth perception
Neuro Stimulation Activity: stretching, adding weights, pushing, pulling, hanging, vision development

Learning Challenge: ambidextrous, shifting hands to write, cut, draw, throw, etc.
Sensory-motor Systems: laterality, mid-line problems
Neuro Stimulation Activity: repetitive movements of dominant hand, (check writing foot for dominant hand)

Learning Challenge: dizzy, nauseated, headachy from attending gym or sitting in a busy room
Sensory-motor Systems: hyper vestibular, hyperauditory, visual coordination and depth perception
Neuro Stimulation Activity: balancing, slow rolling, swinging, gradual spinning, vision development

Learning Challenge: aversion to being touched, handling materials, catching balls, sitting on rough carpet
Sensory-motor Systems: hypersensitive, immature tactile system
Neuro Stimulation Activity: deep pressure, massage, rubbing, rolling, stretching

Learning Challenge: aggressive, withdrawn, silly, helpless, frustrated behavior
Sensory-motor Systems: excess stress, sensory overload, lack of learning choices
Neuro Stimulation Activity: self-initiated activities, more frequency, intensity and duration, relaxation, fun

Learning Challenge: delayed reading/spelling with weak letter, word and sound recognition (next session)
Sensory-motor Systems: auditory processing, interhemispheric, visual memory, auditory blending
Neuro Stimulation Activity: SMART word ladders, sound blending, auditory closure and discrimination

Learning Challenge: math delays, finger counting, counting by ones (next session)
Sensory-motor Systems: motor planning, motor planning, visual memory, cerebellar
Neuro Stimulation Activity: SMART dominos, flash cards, skip counting, rhythmic/movement sequences

Monday, December 1, 2008

Healthy Fundraising from Wellness Quest

Profits go to your music program, church, school, art program, wellness program, child-care center, hospital, worksite, sports team, or other well-meaning group

Cartoonist Ed Fischer and I have produced an amazing perpetual, desktop Health Care-toons Calendar showing 365 Ways to Feel Great!

It took us 25 years and 4 revised calendars to get it right! Each page shows a life-enhancing Health Care-toon, and related Wellness Quest challenge, Health Benefit, Joke, and inspirational Quote.

People love Health Care-toons!

We are offering this fun, undated Health Care-toons Calendar at our production cost as a way of helping people generate money to support their life-enriching activities while inspiring people to seek their highest level well-being. See a description of the fun Health Care-toons Calendar on http://www.wellnessquest.com/fundraising.html.

Your music program, church, school, art program, wellness program, child-care center, worksite, or any other well-meaning group will have an opportunity to earn big money to help its cause.

E-mail me at WellnessQuest@charter.net or call me toll-free, 888-388-WELL if you are interested in taking advantage of this special offer. I will send you more information. Let’s fund your worthwhile cause in a fun and healthy way! You deserve it!

Jeff Haebig

Author

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Classical Music Expands My Mind

Boogie Along with the Music Movement Sequence

Madeline Frank http://www.madelinefrankviola.com/ offers a comprehensive monthly newsletter and radio broadcast citing current research showing how music enhances learning. I created an interactive movement sequence to the 1812 Overture demonstrating the music and brain connection. You can tap, tap, tap into this on http://www.madelinefrankviola.com/radio.php.

See if you can mimic the movements and echo the words... this will create a total brain activity involving the cerebellum, basal ganglia, pre-frontal and motor cortex. All of these brain areas and senses will be activated, boosting attention, focus, and motivation. Try it and see.

Jeff Haebig

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Plan for Learning


Visit Janet Oliver Neurodevelopmental Specialist

Learning challenges and successes have a neurological root... We often label and grade students, but seldom do we understand why some students do better than others. Spend some time on Janet's http://www.planforlearning.com/ website. See how Janet helps her clients optimize their body/brain system.

Janet employs methods advanced by Dr. Svetlana Masgutova http://www.masgutovainstitute.com/wersja-angielska/index.htm.

She also uses HANDLE methods developed by Judith Bluestone http://www.handle.org/ as well as SMART practices from A Chance To Grow http://www.actg.org/. These are just a few of the neurodevelopmental techniques Janet uses.

Primary reflexes are integrated, sensory and motor systems are fine-tuned to help her clients (children and adults) develop their living and learning potential. People experience great joy working with Janet.

Jeff Haebig

Friday, November 28, 2008

Motion Sickness -- Mayo Clinic

What Role Does Exercise Play in Easing Motion Sickness?

Watching the YouTube http://podcasts.mayoclinic.org/2008/11/24/motion-sickness-2/ video from Mayo Clinic regarding motion sickness... I noticed that remedies suggested did not include exercise designed to strengthen the vestibular system, part of the inner ear that connects balance, visual, auditory and proprioception systems. Let's ask some experts what they think about this. Please comment, better yet, share your thoughts with using video too.

What a wonderful way to share information. Check out Mayo Clinic's Podcasts and then let's make our own Podcasts to show our thoughts and practices, emphasizing how movement and exercise can effectively remedy physical conditions.

Jeff

Thursday, November 27, 2008

New Move, Play and Thrive Website

Be sure to check this out!

I just received an e-mail from Sonia Story today announcing her new website http://www.moveplaythrive.com/. I am impressed. Sonia shares information relating movement to vibrant living and learning. One can see how the Neuro-Sensory-Motor system controls our physical, mental, emotional and social functioning. Delays in the development of our body/brain system create many problems cited on the website, including Attention Deficit Disorder, dyslexia, developmental delay, sleep problems, bedwetting, autism, sensory processing disorders, text anxiety, handwriting difficulties, stess and overwhelm, PTSD and trauma release. I recommend people interested in optimal learning to become familiar with Sonia Story's wonderful work.

Today is Thanksgiving... let's pause and reflect on our magnificent body responsible for life's successes.

Jeff

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Create Amygdala De Dah!

Move from Stress and Fear to High Cheer for the Holidays

The amygdala (a-mig-dah-la) is part of the brain in charge of feelings. Part of our survival system, the amygdala stores intense feelings, recalling them at times to guide our behavior. This can help us quickly respond to stressful and threatening situations with lightening speed.

With all the financial turmoil today and threats of terrorism, plus all the other stressors in our lives -- the amygdala is getting a real workout. In fact, it may be in overdrive, spewing out stimulating chemicals that can overtax the body/brain over time.

To balance this hyped up situation, mental and physical calming activities help quiet the amygdala. Exercise works especially well. Regular workouts help calm the amygdala and metabolize (burn up) excess stress.

The amygdala also stores intense positive feelings -- joy, excitement, wonderment. During this holiday season, let's find ways to add gleeful moments and create amygdala de dah!

Jeff

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Jeff Haebig teams with Body/brain Boogieman


Boost Brain Power with Exercise

Jeff Haebig and the Body/brain Boogieman team up, enlightening people about current neuroscientific research – then making this science come alive with simple and enjoyable movement sequences designed to boost attention, sharpen focus, strengthen memory, heighten motivation, and capture the joy of vibrant living and learning. Whether you sit back and watch or participate in the novel movements, you will get a leg-up on instant ways to calm and energize yourself naturally, plus handy ways to grow new brain cells and systems to maximize your living and learning potential. Humor and fun prevail in this insightful and delightful program!


Outcomes: All participants will…

Freely choose whether to watch or comfortably participate in the intriguing movement sequences.

Use fun gestures showing neurons, dendrites, genetic expression, axons, myelin, synapses, and neurochemicals – then showing how each is strengthened through specific movements and exercise.

Demonstrate how muscles produce and pump more good-feeling dopamine, the pleasure-reward super-learning chemical that boosts attention and heightens motivation ‘naturally’.

Relate Attention Deficit Disorder and Parkinson Disease to low-levels of dopamine.

Demonstrate how muscles produce and pump norepinephrine for brain arousal and heightened concentration... and more adrenaline the memory fixative.

Know how schools, worksites, and homes can become body/brain friendly, encouraging frequent movement and exercise needed to maximize people’s life-long living and learning potential.


The Presenters:

Jeff Haebig, Ph.D. is founder and president of Wellness Quest, a company specializing in health promotion since 1984. He has co-authored and published 8 wellness books in the Health Care-toons and Toon Ups! series, as well as booklets, audiotapes, videos and DVDs in the areas of self-esteem, tobacco prevention, and body/brain-enhanced teaching and learning. His interactive http://www.wellnessquest.com/ website offers free Health Care-toons, wellness challenges, jokes and inspirational quotes each day. His wellness Quest for Your Best! motivational program inspires individuals, families and groups to pursue higher levels of well-being.

After 31 years as a physical education and health teacher in Rochester Minnesota, Dr. Haebig travels extensively stimulating interest in whole body/brain-enhancing practices spurred by neuroresearch. A champion in public speaking, his specialty is audience involvement, blending humor, excitement, and skill building, while maintaining audience comfort.

Body/brain Boogieman, is recognized internationally for his intriguing ways of adding ‘hip’ to ‘lip’ service, rock n’ role-modeling practical ways of inspiriting learning through sensory-motor stimulation. Standing along side Jeff Haebig, the ‘Boogieman’ invites people to enjoy the magical wonder-workings of their body/brain.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Boost Brain Power with Exercise

Prime Your Brain with Dopamine

Want to pump more dopamine to boost attention and heighten motivation -- then prime your brain, pumping dopamine. How? Use muscles to pump this super-learning chemical. Large movements pump more dopamine. The more you move, the more dopamine pumped, flooding your body and brain with this pleasure-reward chemical.

Big surprise... right now! I'm giving rise...
pumping... dopamine...
more and more... with exercise.

I don't need nicotene... don't need caffeine
Don't need drugs (with doctor's approval)
to create more dopamine...

I can do it myself... more and more
with exercise.

Move on this... and make yourself a super-learning day.

Jeff Haebig

www.WellnessQuest.com