Problems Being Overweight and Obese

Serious health problems need to be addressed

Everyday Health website cites reasons why being overweight (more than half of our population) and being obese (up to 26%) presents serious health risks, including various cancers, arthritis, high blood pressure, heart and artery disease, stroke, type-2 diabetes, anxiety, depression, sleep apnea, joint deterioration, and many more diseases, many of which lead to premature death. Helpful weight related information is shown. Body-brain Boogie Blog will soon present more comprehensive ways to lose weight through exercise… a topic that was treated lightly.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Management

Special report rating educational strategies and associated therapies treating ASDs

Pediatrics, Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics offers an online Report on Educational Interventions, Speech and Language Therapy, Social Skills Instruction, Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration Therapy, Comparative Efficacy of Educational Interventions for Young Children, Programs for Older Children and Adolescents, Medical Management, Seizures and Gastrointestinal Problems, Sleep Disturbance, Evaluation of Challenging Behaviors, Psychopharmacology, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and Family Support.

Upcoming BOOGIE Posts

BOOGIE Blogs you can look forward to next week!

2/6 Autism Spectrum Disorder Management
2/7 Problems Being Overweight and Obese
2/8 SMART Activities Boost Learning
2/9 Somatics -- Mind-body Training
2/10 FIT Kids Act Targets Obesity
2/11 Physical Education and Brain Development
2/12 Healthy Fundraising is Available

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

Music Linked to School Success

New Research Links Music to Increased Brain Power

Lois Thome reports how studying a musical instrument improves student’s school work. Visual and verbal ability improved on certain tests carried out by Harvard researchers. The longer and more intensely students practiced their piano and stringed instruments, the better they did on tests.

Visit Madeline Frank’s monthly Article and Musical Tips for current research connecting music and the arts to social, emotional and academic success.

New Brain-based Physical Education

Physical Education's key role boosting learning achievement

Have you noticed as school budgets shrink, Physical Education is put on the chopping block? For those of you knowing how the body-brain functions best, this makes no sense. Why don't School Boards, educators and parents take an interest in how learning happens?

NCLB can only succeed if we practice effective methods helping students with weak, immature sensory motor systems who have trouble reading, writing, sitting still, paying attention, focusing, following directions. calculating, spelling and carrying out other academic performance skills.

Body-brain enhancing movement and exercise is the key to success as this blog suggests repeatedly. It's time we enlighten those who truly want No Child Left Behind! Share this blog with people of influence. Let's move on this!

Jeff Haebig

Treat ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism Naturally

Non-drug approaches treat and prevent learning challenges

Myomancy.com plays an important role exploring body-brain causes of ADHD, Dyslexia, and Autism. Many articles examine natural ‘non-drug’ approaches currently being used to effectively prevent and treat these learning challenges. I thoroughly enjoy Myomancy’s critical thinking dealing with such emotional issues. Once again the body-brain's capacity to strengthen itself and overcome living and learning challenges using movement and exercise prevails.

25 Super Bowl Recipes

Super Bowl party healthy eats will score winning wellness points

EatingWell.com offers free, flavorful recipes for your Super Bowl Party. Eating healthier lip-smacking foods with less sodium and fat will have people scoring nutritional points with their body brain as they watch the game.

Upcoming BOOGIE blogs

BOOGIE Blogs you can look forward to next week!

1/30 Twenty-five Super Bowl Recipes
1/30 Treat ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism Naturally
1/31 New Brain-based Physical Education
2/1 Star in Your SUPER Know!
2/2 Learning and the Brain 101
2/3 Parenting Tools for Tough Kids
2/4 ADHD -- Medicate? Remediate?
2/5 Music Linked to School Success

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

Workout in Your Chair

Follow this video to help optimize your body brain while sitting in your chair.

RealAge.com offers a sample of free workout videos worth checking out. The first video is a Chair Workout perfect for people spending hours studying or working in a seated position. Joel Harper with the help of his mother demonstrate a surprisingly complete movement sequence. Stop what you are doing and join in. Notice the physical and mental energy boost.

Fountain of Youth Rx

Watch the 60 Minutes Video on Red Wine and Being Skinny to Slow Aging

Morley Safer interviews researchers Dr. Christoph Westphal and David Sinclair who study the genetic components of aging. Resveratrol, found in red wine, triggers a survival mechanism that seems to extend life. Calorie Restriction or dieting also is a factor that extends life in laboratory animals. Chunky monkeys have more diabetes, cancer and heart disease than their thinner brother and sisters. Get the full story watching this interesting episode on 60 Minutes.

Socialize to Prevent Dementia

Be socially active and not easily stressed to prevent dementia

Newswise cites a new study reported in the January 20, 2009 issue of Neurology showing that people who are socially active and not easily stressed may be less likely to develop dementia.

What Brings You Here?

Your feedback is sought.

Thank you for visiting this Body Brain Boogie blog. After two months blogging and sharing so many interesting ideas, I thought it was time to hear from you. Could you take a quick moment and either call or e-mail me. I am wondering what brings you to this blog... what are you looking for? Do you have a topic or question you want explored?

Your feedback will be helpful as I continue to post effective body brain enhancing methods that maximize our living and learning potential. Thanks.

Jeff Haebig
507-202-1271 cell
wellnessquest@charter.net

Just How Old Is Your Child?

Sequential Processing Correlates with One’s Academic Age

Craig Stellpflug is a Neuro Development Consultant and Bio Cranial Therapist who can present complex neurodevelopmental concepts in simple, easy to understand ways. In this essay, Craig distinguishes between chronological, developmental and sequential processing age which correlates to one’s academic age. I just had an engaging conversation with Craig. He is a writer and poet among other things. For more on Craig and additional articles visit his home page at the HealingPathwaysMedicalClinic website.

Jeff Haebig

Reflex Integration is Key to Movement

Masgutova Method of Neuro-sensory-motor Reflex Integration

Svetlana Masgutova from Poland has simplified how to understand movement and its relationship to learning. For many of us, Reflex Integration is a foreign concept. Glance at the graphic shown on the Masgutova Method page. See how reflex patterns are the foundation upon which learned movement is built. Academic performance skills (writing, reading, calculating, sitting still and focusing) rely on a solid body brain base to work well.

Contact Suzanne Amanor-Wilks at neuronetsuzanne@yahoo.com or call 952.892.1883 to inquire about Dr. Masgutova’s workshops, March 20 to 23rd in Edina, Minnesota. Books are also available. You will be surprised how simple reflexes are to learn – and how highly effective sensory integration practices are to integrate dysfunctional and pathological reflexes that interfere with vibrant living and learning. You will love Dr. Masgutova's teaching style -- she's tops!

Jeff Haebig

Upcoming BOOGIE Blogs

BOOGIE Blogs you can look forward to next week!

1/23 Reflex Integration is Key to Movement
1/24 Just How Old is Your Child
1/25 Socialize to Prevent Dementia
1/26 Fountan of Youth Rx
1/27 Workout in Your Chair
1/28 Cerebellum Mindbody Marvels
1/29 Treating ADHD Naturally

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

Physical Education and the Brain

Daily Movement and Exercise improves academic performance

Physical Education is redefining itself. Now that neuroscience has shown how movement and exercise enhances brain function, more physical educators are seeing themselves as key players in the current learning revolution spurred by brain research. Naperville Central High School has led the nation. Phil Lawler and Physical Educator Paul Zientarski have worked with Dr. John Ratey, author of SPARK – The New Revolutionary Science of Exercise and the Brain. They have created a daily program that has proven its effectiveness. Read the stories – then insist your schools offer daily Physical Education designed to boost body-brain fitness. Test scores, social-emotional health, physical well-being and motivation will rise.

Attend the 2009 DuPage PE-Heatlh-DrEd Institute in Naperville, Illinois on February 27, 2009 and hear Dr. Ratey, Bill Hubert, Jean Madigan Blaydes and others address these exciting changes. For more conference information visit DuPageInstitue

Jeff Haebig

Vestibular System is Key to Learning

Reading, writing, speech, attention and memory are impacted

http://www.vestibular.org/vestibular-disorders/symptoms.php shows possible symptoms of Vestibular Disorders. This sixth sense helps regulate vision, hearing, balance and movement. Many students challenged by school have weak vestibular systems resulting from insufficient childhood play, rolling, swinging, spinning, and other robust stop and go activities. More than ever, playgrounds with swings, merry-go-rounds, slides, teeter-totters are needed. Unfortunately these are disappearing -- as is Physical Education. What a shame!

Thanks to VEDA, http://www.vestibular.org/ Vestibular Disorders Association the public is informed. Hopefully people will take action, putting a spin on the importance of body brain exercise leading to academic success.

Jeff Haebig

Heart-Brain Connection -- Video

The Neuroscience of Social, Emotional, and Academic Learning

Neuroscientist Richard Davidson presents his research showing how social and emotional interactions change the brain. Presented online by Edutopia.org this video explains how disruptive excess stress can be to working memory and cognition. Overflow of the stress hormone cortisol interferes with the hippocampus and amygdala. It is important for people to learn patience and mind calming skills so stress does not hijack the brain and disrupt living and learning.

Motor Planning and Sequencing

Reading, speech, and language improve using rhythm

Reading achievement is central to school success. As neuroscience becomes more precise, understanding the areas of the body brain involved with language development and reading suggest the importance of motor planning and sequencing. The Cingulate Gyrus, Basal Ganglia, Cerebellum and Frontal Cortex are brain areas involved. Rhythmic motor activities that strengthen neural networks connecting these brain areas allow for quicker shifting of attention and focus.

Speech and language have improved. Those with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, Parkinsons, and Sensory Integration Disorders have benefited in various ways. Interactive Metronome offers research and case studies on their website showing the functional neural plasticity involved.

STNR, ATNR, TLR Learning Activities

Physical Activities for Improving Children’s Learning and Behavior

Billye Ann Cheatum and Allison A. Hammond have coauthored a highly useful book for parents and teachers interested in helping their children be more successful in school. 99 physical activities are offered to help reduce the effects of sensory motor problems. Primitive reflexes are addressed with many fun activities designed to enhance the visual, auditory and kinesthetic systems called upon to read, write and relate well to others Read sections of Physical Activities for Improving Children’s Learning and Behavior. This book is one of my favorites!

Jeff Haebig

Engaging ‘Tweens and Teens

Brain-compatible Approach to Reaching Middle & H.S. Students

Raleigh Philp offers teachers and parents a helpful insight into the adolescent mind, applying brain research and common sense to deal with perplexing inconsistencies. Raleigh’s upbeat approach is welcomed by those of us living with teenagers. I will be promoting Raleigh’s T'ween and Teen book and celebrating his life during the first few minutes of my NCLB session today at the Learning Brain Expo. His buoyant spirit lives on.

Jeff Haebig

NCLB Developmentally

Leave No Child Behind Using Developmental Activities

I can’t wait to present my session ‘Neural Basis of Common Learning Problems Along with Natural Solutions’ at the Learning Brain Expo tomorrow. The Body Brain Boogieman will join me, lol. We’ll lead people though a progressive series of movements designed to integrate primitive reflexes and strengthen the visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and vestibular sensory-motor systems involved with reading, writing, spelling, and math.

We will show how sensory-motor immaturity can result in learning challenges; then demonstrate natural (non-drug) solutions in the form of neurostimulation to remediate problems. This will be great fun!

Jeff Haebig

Desktop Yoga Body Savers

Relax and replenish your energy during the day from your chair

http://www.relaxationstation.com/pdfs/DesktopYogaDescription.pdf Julie T. Lusk reveals several helpful exercises from her book, Desktop Yoga – The Anytime, Anywhere Relaxation Program. The book contains over 100 easy-to-follow stretches that integrates breathing with your back, neck, shoulders, face, hands and feet.

http://wholesomeresources.com/ Wholesome Resources is a good source for Mind-body Mastery through Yoga, Meditation, Guided Imagery, Affirmations, Stress Relief and Wellness. Julie T. Lusk shares many ideas and practices on her site. I have participated in Julie’s yoga sessions at the National Wellness Conference for years and thoroughly enjoy her knowledge and approach. Be sure to sign up for her free newsletter.

Jeff Haebig

Upcoming BOOGIE Blogs

BOOGIE Blogs you can look forward to next week!

1/16 NCLB Developmentally
1/17 Engaging ‘Tweens and Teens
1/18 Learning and Behavior Problems Solved
1/19 Motor Planning and Sequencing
1/20 Heart-Brain Connection – Video
1/21 Vestibular System is Key to Learning
1/22 Physical Education and the Brain

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

More Screen Time Means Lower Fitness

Small-screen recreation and fitness in youth is researched

http://www.newswise.com:80/articles/view/547102/?sc=dwhn NewWise reports research studying how TV, videogames, e-mail, text messaging and net surfing affects aerobic endurance in adolescents. Seems like two hours or more screen time is the cut point above which younger kids are significantly less likely to be fit. Older boys were less affected, no matter how long they spent on screen recreation. Research was conducted by Louise Hardy, Ph.D., University of Sydney, and was reported in the Am J Prev Med 36(2), 2009.

Developmental Delay Resources

Visit this comprehensive website chalked full of useful resources!

Developmental Delay Resources http://www.devdelay.org/ is phenominal. Parents and professionals will discover bountiful resources on health, diet, lifestyle, learning and ways to help people developmentally challenged.

Patricia Lemer, Executive Director, her staff and advisors offer a Radio Archive http://ehlradio.com/ArchivedShows/Index.htm and handy Article Search http://www.devdelay.org/cgi-bin/search and much, much more.

http://www.devdelay.org/people.html lists the Advisory Board and their websites. Hats off to all of these exceptional people for donating their time helping people achieve their living and learning potential.

Jeff Haebig

Developmental Skills Ages 0 to 36 Months

Check Out this Handy List of Sensory Motor Developmental Skills

Ellen Venturella-Wilson, MS, OTR/L is a pediatric occupational therapist. She has created a wonderful website http://pedspot.com/OT.php describing Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration http://pedspot.com/About-SI.php.

Developmental Skills http://pedspot.com/OT-Checklist.php provides a handy checklist from ages 0-36 months -- it is well organized. Parent Resource Links http://pedspot.com/Resources.php are provided.

Professionals like Ellen go out of their way helping parents and educators understand the significance of Sensory Integration for vibrant living and learning – I applaud her brilliant work!

Jeff Haebig

Rhythmic Bal-A-Vis-X Improves Reading

Balance, Auditory, Vision Exercise Builds Body-brain Integration

http://www.bal-a-vis-x.com/ describes a program of rhythmic exercises using Balance Boards, bean bags, and balls to build new body brain networks. The vestibular system is targeted since it unites the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic systems involved with reading, math and other academic pursuits. Social skills are also developed during teaming and peer teaching!

Bill Hubert created Bal-A-Vis-X activities teaching in the Wichita schools. He successfully identified why children and teens were struggling at school. Influenced by Frank Belgau, Carla Hannaford, Paul Dennison, Carl Delacato, Ingolf Mork and Sister Aegedia (all of whom will be featured on Body Brain Boogie blog)… Bill set out to strengthen eye teaming and smooth eye tracking, auditory discrimination, sensory dominance, laterality, directionality and other body brain functions called upon to read, write, and perform math.

Read Bal-A-Vis-X by Bill Hubert and get yourself tossing, catching, bounce-juggling and balancing in fun rhythmic ways. Experience intellectual, social and emotional gain improving your body brain.

Jeff Haebig

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome --

Build Better Baby Brains – Avoid Alcohol While Pregnant!

http://www.betterendings.org/ Jodee and Liz Kulp’s website provides much information on FASD, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Their books are very compelling. Did you know:

FASD is the leading cause of mental retardation in our country.

FASD is often misdiagnosed as ADHD, bipolar disorder, autism and RAD.

http://www.fasdcenter.samhsa.gov/documents/WYNK_Physical_Effects.pdf describes FASD, its causes, health affects, and treatment. Best advice, “Stop and think. If you’re pregnant, don’t drink.”

Jeff Haebig

Developmental Disabilities and Exercise

Exercise Can Benefit Kids with Developmental Disabilities

http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/547560/?sc=dwhn is a Newswise article showing the work of Connie Johnson, Physical Therapist with the Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia. Strongest evidence of benefits of exercise came from group exercise, therapeutic horseback riding, and treadmill workouts.

Subscribe free to http://www.newswise.com/ Newswise and receive daily research-based articles relating to medicine, science, business and the humanities. Search the Newswise Libraries for an extensive collection of archived articles. I start my day with Newswise – it is excellent.

Jeff Haebig