Keeping Your Brain Healthy: Brain-FX

IQ Isn't Fixed and Inherited After All

New studies indicate that IQ isn't as permanently fixed by genetics as previously thought. Studies are now showing that environment contributes a lot to children's abilities to learn and perform well on tests of intelligence.

Please read this post by NY Times Journalist Nicholas D. Kristof Raising Our IQ. Be sure to read the interesting comments for additional perspectives.

Predictions for the Future

This report from NewScientist.com lists "who's who" in science and their leading edge thinking, and is worth reading.

As Ellen Webb says over on her Brain-Based Business blog, "Anybody can predict what we can look forward to or fear for the future, but when NewScientist.com collected forecasts from the most brilliant minds in their fields, it’s worth taking a look."

There are plenty of experts here who tell us where the cutting edges are, some of them about the brain, others about alien life and computer innovations. Whether your interests lie in looking backwards or forward, these tidbits stimulate thinking for sure.

Brain Gifts for the Holidays

Looking for intelligent gifts for the Holidays? How about giving a gift that improves the brain? Of course, you'll have to avoid the implication that a brain-based gift to a loved one might entail, but you can figure that one out.

Why not give a smart gift that keeps on giving?

Zack Lynch from the Brainwaves Blog at Corante reports on several games designed to improve brain functioning.

If you know someone who is too stressed, wants to improve cognitive sharpness, desires a better basketball game or is bothered by light ADHD then you might think about getting them one of these programs featured on the SharpBrains Blog:

• The Freeze-Framer® Interactive Learning System for Stress Management
• MindFit Brain Workout a personal trainer for your brain
• The Basketball IntelliGym™ Cognitive Trainer for improving your working memory
• RoboMemo: Cogmed Working Memory Training for ADD/ADHD

Cell Phones & Your Brain: Think About It

They keep turning up research that shows there is electro-magnetic stimulation to your brain caused by holding a cell phone to your ear, yet most people ignore it.

To me, it's like knowing cigarettes cause cancer, and continuing to smoke. It reminds me of how people deplore the price of gasoline, while filling up their huge SUVs.

But maybe that's just because I feel a little holier-than-thou, having given up cell phone usage a while back. I only use it for out-going calls in cases of urgency. I'll admit it can be a great help for communications while out of the office. But to use it for casual conversations, or while driving: no-no.

Here's more research to deter you from frequently using a cell phone, from the Brain Based Business blog:

A recent study on cell phones shows the side effect still excite parts of the brain. Is this good or bad…? Unfortunately researchers can’t say for sure. Check out the IBN Live reports.

The Brain - Business Connection

All this week I've been reading tidbits about the brain over on 800CEOread blog. This is thanks to Geil Browning who was guest authoring. She mentions her book about the brain, Emergenetics. I'm unfamiliar with it as yet, but will read the review.

This interest in the brain on a site that is read by CEOs and executives fascinates me. As some of you know, my "other job" and other blogs have to do with executive consultant and coaching newsletters, blogs and marketing (www.coachezines.com, www.buildabetterblog.com, www.bizbooknuggets.com, www.executivecoachingarticles.com). What is the brain connection?

I am a psychologist by training and have always been intriqued by the brain, and how little we really know and understand about how it works. The connection between the brain and business is important. It permeates every aspect of work and business.

This is the first time I've seen books about the inner workings of the brain discussed on a business blog, and it will not be the last.

Here's what else the author mentions: The Creating Brain, the Neuroscience of Genius by Nancy C. Andreason. The author blends in neuroscience research to discuss creative giants such as Da Vinci, Mozart, Michaelangelo and others. Did you know that the hippocampus of London taxi drivers is enlarged because of their required memory for city addresses?

Next we like to see images of the brains of Enron executives as compared to those of leading altruistic companies...or is that an oxymoron?

Welcome to the Brain Effects Blog

Okay, so I know the title Brain-FX looks a little like "Brain Fix" rather than "Brain Effects", but you get the point, don't you? I've named this Brain-FX because this is the companion blog to www.Mind-FX.com, the company that my husband Robert and I founded to create natural healthy supplements for energy, memory and focus.

This is a blog about your brain. And mine. And how to keep it healthy, in spite of lives that are full of stress, environments that are full of pollutants, and food that is devoid of enough good stuff.

My name is Patsi Krakoff, and I have a doctorate in psychology. I am well-read, and curious, and I intend to bring you the best about what you need to know about your brain.

Let's face it, we are all aging. Some of us more than others. That is true, not just a clever insult. Some of us are aging more rapidly because we are allowing cells to die off instead of giving them what they need to survive.

We now know more about the brain than we ever did. Thanks to some very nifty brain imaging machines, scientists are now able to study the living brain, and to measure and photograph what goes on when we think, feel, and experience all sorts of things.

They can even map out the brain. Did you know there is a center in the brain where you experience spiritual enlightenment when stimulated? Some people call this the God spot. Evidently we are pre-wired to have religious beliefs. That ought to stimulate some readers to comment! It opens a whole new discussion... But this is not about that.

For now, I just want to welcome you to this blog. Be sure to sign up on the subscription form above to be notified each time there is a new post. Feel free to ask any question you want to know about your brain, and I'll see if I can't find some answers.

Here's my question to you, dear readers:

What is your biggest challenge with your brain? Is it stress? Focus? Concentration? Fatigue? Sleep? Memory? Do write in and let me know what you want in the way of content. I have a long list of articles coming, but want to make sure I am on target with your interests.

Just click the comment link below and type away.

P.S. In the mean time, if you wish to try some healthy, natural supplements to give your brain a boost, visit www.mind-fx.com. But don't worry, this blog is not designed to sell you products. This is an informational site for the expansion of your knowledge on how to have a healthier brain.