Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Learning Styles For Success


As summer wraps up and the school year begins, it occurred to me I'd like to offer some information to help make the upcoming academic year a little easier and perhaps more successful. Even if you do not have school age children, you may be a student yourself, have grandchildren, or care for children. And by all means it always helps to "sharpen the saw", learning new facts and skills every day to keep our brains active. 
Did you know that up to 20% of the calories you burn each day are allocated specifically to brain function? Wow! That makes me want to get my thinking cap on, LOL!
Below are tips we can all use to help us learn and communicate with others! 
  brain speaks
So here, for the first time, is a guest post from our colleague, Dr. Marina Chirco. She was my practicum partner at the EEG Institute and has helped me from the beginning in developing the Edge NeuroFitness practice. She currently serves as our Medical Director and recently moved to England with her husband and two children to establish our branch in the UK! How cool is that?

Here is what she has to share: (Note: Please don't be offended about that this was a "religious" broadcast, it's just some really helpful info that can be used by anybody!)
I was listening to a broadcast on Focus on the Family and the guest speaker was Cynthia Tobias who has a book out on learning styles called, "The Way They Learn".  I thought that her tips were really interesting and helpful. You can listen to the second part of the broadcast from the Focus on the Family websiteHere is a summary of what she said:
There are three main learning styles:
  • Visual : Needs quiet and has to have the time to actually picture the content in their mind.
  • Auditory : Talks a lot. They need to hear themselves saying the content.
  • Kinesthetic : Needs movement. Will tap pen, bang feet, move around while studying.
These three types can then either be :
Global : Needs context for the information they are memorizing or learning. "Why are we doing this?" How does it fit into the things that I am interested in?
Analytical : Needs detail, lists, order and organization.

Most classroom curriculum is tailored for an analytical learning style but only 50% of the population learns this way!

If you have a child who is struggling in school, take a moment to figure out what kind of learning style they have.  Listen to how they talk. 
The visual learner will use lots of visual words, such as, "Can I show you this? Will youlook at this a minute? Can I see that?"
The auditory learner will use lots of auditory words such as, "Can I talk to you a minute? Will you listen to this? Can I just say something?"
The Kinesthetic learner will use mostly action words, "Let's just do this. Let's go!"

Once you have figured out how your child learns, ask him/her where the ideal study spot would be. What would the ideal time be? Even if it sounds strange let them try it out and if they can prove that it works then, why not? 

Choose your battles!
Be honest with your child and let them know that this is difficult for you, too.
A very powerful tool is to let your child know that you acknowledge how difficult studying is for them. You also need to let them know what it is you like about them. Try to figure out how to take that strength and use it to do better in school.
If you have a teenager who is struggling and just doesn't care anymore, there is a lot of emotional tension:
Pray!
Focus on their strengths - "What I Like about you is..."
Don't constantly hassle and criticize them because they will naturally go elsewhere to seek acceptance.

Marina Chirco, MD (IT) 
Neurofeedback Practitioner

Here's a little tip from me, Becky Bassham, NeuroFitness Coach, methods I have found to help me study or help others study/learn new things:
For the visual learnerPrepare flashcards and visual aids
For the auditory learnerRepeat facts out loud or read study notes, text to yourself or to anyone willing to listen! I have a friend who brings his therapy dog into schools so children to read to him!
For the kinesthetic learnerTry studying or reciting facts/flashcards while doing jumping jacks (great for kids and countting, ABC's), marching, walking, or riding an exercise bike.
When I was a kid, I used to study vocab words while riding and reading them to my horse! A little of all three, perhaps I'm a slow learner? Now my favorite method is flash cards and reading on the exercise bike, it's safer!
I'm thinking this also has its applications in communication, like when giving instructions...
Some people are good with verbal directions or instructions. Others do better with lists, and some do better when they are shown how to do something or learn by doing. Just a thought!
Did you ever try to communicate with someone and it doesn't seem to get through? I have!

Now keep in mind, if you or someone you love is struggling in one or more of these areas, we have technology and tools that can help! Did you know that we can actually strengthen these areas of your brain just by playing or special video game or watching DVD's in our office? 
Call today to find out how! (928) 486-5414 or now toll free at (866) 380-4537
  brain w/o
Stay tuned for the next post in our back to school/learning series. Hint: After reading it, you will want to go to sleep!

As I always say, "Unlock Your Brain's Potential!" 

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Are You Out of Your Mind?




mindfulness map
Ok, so school is right around the corner. 
Maybe you and your children are finished with the school years but struggling to keep up with work, projects, daily responsibilities, and this crazy economy.
Regardless, studies have shown the importance of mindfulness on our wellbeing. Mindfulness is a spiritual or psychological faculty which involves maintaining a calm awareness of one's body, feelings, and mind. It's an attentiveness of the reality of things in the present as opposed to delusion and can be a powerful force in combatting runaway thoughts such as those experienced by people suffering from worry, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, insomnia, or even PTSD.

You see, success in any area of life depends on our ability to focus and achieve goals, whether it be in the classroom, workplace, society, or even in the home. Without a calm awareness of the mind and task at hand, this can be a challenge!

But STRESS often undermines our ability to achieve this optimal state of being,hijacking our emotions and actual physiology away to another path which often leads us astray. 
Fortunately, although stress can negatively affect cognitive functioning in a number of ways, our brains are quite adaptable to learning under stress. In fact, researchers have pinpointed how certain receptors in the brain can help us move from conscious to unconscious (that's that stress hijacking thing) learning processes when we are under stress. This switch in gears is spurred to action by proteins activated by the adrenal glands in response to the release of stress hormones. 
You may ask, "So what does all that mean to me?" 
It means you can still learn and function under stress but a different part of your brain is activated but it is
NOT AS EFFICIENT!
 
Kinda like good news and bad news. 
The other good news is we can practice techniques to improve mindfulness in our daily lives.
You see, everything about you mentally, physically, and spiritually has its roots in the brain...
It all begins with our THOUGHT life: 
Meditation is a powerful tool in gaining that calm, centered platform from which to launch our thoughts. While we
cannot control the world around us, the economy, or other people,
we CAN control what goes on or not within our own heads! And that, folks, is where it all begins, eh? With a creative thought, an open, healthy mind, a good decision...
Now don't get hung up on the word meditation, which often connotes philosophies and religion. meditation is simply a state of mind, a specific set of EEG brain frequencies no matter how a person chooses to get there be it some form of meditation, it could be prayer, or it could be just simply focusing on one's own breathing pattern, tuning out all other distractions.
It's about dwelling for a time in as little as a few minutes daily in a clam state of inner focus to quiet the mind and focus on being still in the moment, meditating on positive things in life or in prayer. 
Mindfulness practice is being employed in psychology to alleviate a variety of mental and physical conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and in the treatment of depression and drug addiction.
The other good news is if you are struggling to learn this skill, can't quiet or focus your thoughts, or are so stressed you can't imagine what that would even be like (or have a kid who is all over the place or maybe stuck in their own head, LOL) we have modern technology that can help!
That's right! With EEG Biofeedback, aka Neurofeedback, we can actually train your brainwaves to tune in and focus, just like we tune in to a TV or radio channel. How cool is that?
Call 928-486-5414 or go to www.EdgeNeuroFitness.com for more info. or to schedule your FREE CONSULT today! Ask about our PERFORMANCE, FOCUS, and RELIEF package specials!

I always say, "Unlock Your Brain's Potential!"

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

You're Invited to the Expo

LHC CC   
You're invited!
To the 13th Annual Lake Havasu City 
Chamber of Commerce 
No charge to attend, tickets not required

Meet and greet! Get to know some of Havasu's finest local businesses...
Find out what they can do for you! As for me, I have a special FREE OFFER, have not done this one since appearing before the stars at the in Jan. 2012 Golden Globes Event!
That's right, a GIFT CERTIFICATE for one free session at Edge NeuroFitness...
But you have to come in person to get it!

Have you or a friend been curious to find out what this is all about?

How our custom brain training can help you feel better, think better, learn better, remember, sleep or perform better? REALLY! 

So here is your no-risk one-time free offer to come see what it's all about. 
Ask about our new PERFORMANCEFOCUS, and RELIEF package specials

I will be there to answer all of your questions. You can see how the system works and even get to try our p.ROSHI Light Glasses for a little taste of what is to come.
I refer to it as "Brain Spa" Can you say, "Ahhhhhh"? Most people find a sense of peace and calming relief within minutes of wearing them, it doesn't take long...
Like a GPS for your BRAIN! Find your way!
  GG Tony Denison
And come find out what EEG Biofeedback/neurofeedback can do for you
If you already know, bring a friend, this is our chance to share with them!
(If you are one of my clients from California and wish to come for a tuneup, just call me, I have special accommodations for you and your family, no worries!)

Date: 8/15/2013
Time: 10:00 AM TO 7:00 PM

Location: LHC Recreation/Aquatic Center
100 Park Ave
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403

"Unlock Your Brain's Potential!" 

I hope to see you there!
Think healthy, eat healthy, and stay well!

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Get Moving Now!


Did you know that sitting kills and moving heals?

Check out this story from Dr. Joseph Mercola, he's one of my favorite heath experts. Have you ever heard of him?

Oh my! I'm going to replace my office chair with an exercise ball today!
All it takes is to stand up and move around every 20 minutes. 
I can do that, can't you?
Especially if my life and/or quality of life depends on it!

Please let me know what you think and how you get yourself moving this week...I'd love to hear from you!

Cheers!
Becky Bassham
Brain Fitness Coach

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Why Do I Care?


March is Brain Injury Awareness  Month!
     So why do I care??? Who cares? Why should you care???

Well pictures speak louder than words, see for yourself!
Here are just two of my helmets...
helmets 
Note the left side of motorcycle helmet and front of equestrian lid...(the irregularly shaped hole on left is NOT supposed to be there, it could have been in my skull!)
I have two more from childhood, those pretty black velvet riding helmets used by people like Christopher Reeve who get their kicks flying over jumps on a 1500lb. animal that has a mind of its own...
Then when your bratty horse refuses to jump (I have well-behaved trusty steeds now), an epic launch occurs, propelling you torpedo-like into mid-air flight which often results in flattening the cute little nob on top of the helmet. I wonder if that's why they put it there? Like an indicator it's time to buy a new one?

I DID BUY A NEW HELMET last week in honor of National Brain Injury Awareness Month, retiring the old lid to stockpile of relics, archiving my TBI's!

Speaking of archives...being an aspiring neuroscientist, I wanted to find out the extent of damage to my noggin. After a couple thousand dollars, an hour of data collection strung up to 19 electrodes, and weeks of post processing, here is just one page of my QEEG results (as seen on my computer screen):
QEEG/BB  
Note how the areas with issues correspond to the dings on my helmets that resulted in a 150% increase in the ADHD index compared to norms. 
That means I'm special, LOL! This evaluation was done after a year of neurofeedback training, folks, but at least I'm functioning off meds. Can you imagine what it might have looked like before? And I've made a lot of progress since (stay tuned for updated report). 

Do you have any of these symptoms?
Symptoms of TBI usually fall into four categories:

Thinking/ 
Remembering
PhysicalEmotional/
Mood
Sleep
Difficulty thinking clearlyHeadache
Fuzzy or blurry vision
IrritabilitySleeping more than usual
Feeling slowed downNausea or vomiting
(early on)
Dizziness
SadnessSleep less than usual
Difficulty concentratingSensitivity to noise or light
Balance problems
More emotionalTrouble falling asleep
Difficulty remembering new informationFeeling tired, having no energyNervousness or anxiety

***Some of these symptoms may appear right away, while others may not be noticed for days or months after the injury, or until the person starts resuming their everyday life and more demands are placed upon them.

THIS IS WHY I CARE!!! 
People need to know the affects of bumping your head and that
help is available!
PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO FRIENDS!!! Gray

We, at Edge NeuroFitness are helping people with brain injuries, including yours truly! 
The brain has billions of neural pathways of communication and with EEG Biofeedback we allow the brain to see itself in action to help regulate and stabilize these functions just by watching a feedback screen. 

And if that's not enough, click here for the latest research!

If you or a loved one has had a brain injury, even long ago, and would like more information on how we may be able to help:
Please give me a call at (928)486-5414
to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION!
And don't forget that we work with U.S. military veterans on a pro bono basis as our way of saying "thank you" for your service to our country! Find out more

Find out how we can help you feel better, think better, work, perform, or sleep better... TODAY!
Think healthy, eat healthy, and stay well!
Many Blessings,
Becky Profile     
Becky Bassham
 
Gray  Like us on Facebook Like us on Facebook View my profile on LinkedIn Follow us on Twitter 

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Are You Aware of the Impact of Brain Injuries?



March is Brain Injury Awareness  Month!
     A brain injury can happen...
BIA Logo
  • Did you know that 1.7 million people will sustain a  brain injury each year?  
  • About 75% of TBI's that occur each year are concussions or other forms of mild traumatic brain injury.
  • 52,000 people will die. 275,000 will be hospitalized. 1.365 million people will be treated and released from an emergency department.
An injury that happens in an instant can bring a lifetime of physical, cognitive and behavior challenges and early, equal and adequate access to care will greatly increase overall quality of life. 
We encourage all of our readers to take action and spread the word about brain health. 
Here are a few things you can do:  
Get  involved!  You can see the full list of ways you can become involved here. 
Speak  out! Since many people with brain injuries rely on publicly funded services to fully participate  in  their  communities, policy makers need to know you are concerned about   continuing those services in the face of budget cuts. Here is a CDC website link with more tips on how you can give brain injury a VOICE and IMPORTANT INFORMATION all about brain injuries.
Contact your legislator today and let them know you expect them to enact public policy to assist people with brain injury.     
Speak  up! Talk to your employer or the businesses you frequent about their practices for   recruiting and hiring people with brain injury.  Many employers just don't realize how much an employee with brain injury can contribute to the workplace. The Bureau of Labor Statistics released a report for the end of 2010 showing the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is at 14.3 percent, compared with 8.9 percent  for the general population.      Spread the word!  Learn about issues important to the brain injury community then tell the world what you found out. Post your positive thoughts about the brain injury movement on   your Facebook page or Twitter account.  Follow BIAA on Facebook and Twitter and express yourself.  Or send a letter to the editor of your local newspaper  explaining to your community why they should care about brain injuries.      
Join us during March to help raise awareness! Find out more about brain injuries and what you can do at www.biausa.org today. 

We, at Edge NeuroFitness are helping people with brain injuries as well. The brain has billions of neural pathways of communication and with EEG Biofeedback we allow the brain to see itself in action to help regulate and stabilize these functions just by watching a feedback screen. Here's a video so you can actually see for yourself
What Is Neurofeedback ? - EEG INFO Videos
What Is Neurofeedback ? - EEG INFO Videos
And if that's not enough, click here for the latest research!

If you or a loved one has had a brain injury, even long ago, and would like more information on how we may be able to help you, please give me a call at 928-486-5414 to make an appointment to for a free consultation! 
And don't forget that we work with U.S. military veterans on a pro bono basis as our way of saying "thank you" for your service to our country! Find out more

Find out how we can help you feel better, think better, work, perform, or sleep better... TODAY!

Think healthy, eat healthy, and stay well!
Many Blessings,
Becky Profile     
Becky Bassham
 
Gray  Like us on Facebook Like us on Facebook View my profile on LinkedIn Follow us on Twitter