Michael Gonzalez-Wallace's Blog, page 43

Traumatic Brain Injury and War. Lets help our soldiers when they get home. Happy Veterans Day

Veterans day-Brain traumatic injury

Brain Injury represents one of the most feared injuries for our soldiers Today. Veteran's day is a really important day in The United States and represent a very emotional day  for all of us and the importance to appreciate  all of our soldiers. My grandfather was a soldier in World War II and always told us since we were little that to be a soldier was the highest honor a citizen can hope for. I still miss him.

However I really wanted to point out the importance of taking care of our soldiers when they get home and we all know that they have a great risk in getting  physically wounded or mentally impaired.

When they get back home normally they  have three possibilities: One they return fine, Second they return physically wounded, third they return with some brain injury or lastly and sadly a combination of any of those two. Traumatic brain injury often goes undetected until the affected soldier returns home and his or her family.  If you are a soldier you have a high risk that some brain trauma has developed no matter if it is fear, limited mobility, alcohol addiction and with a huge chance of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer or Parkinson. It is estimated that as many as 2 out 3 soldiers that return home they experienced some condition.  A large study in older veterans raises fresh concern about mild brain injuries that hundreds of thousands of troops have suffered from explosions in recent wars. Even concussions seem to raise the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or other dementia later in life, researchers found.

I wanted to introduce you to a great journalist, reporter and a great fellow soccer player, Bob Woodruff who was critically wounded by a roadside bomb in Iraq. Since then he and his wife created this wonderful organization called  Remind.org 

 

ReMIND.org is a public education movement of the Bob Woodruff Foundation that educates the public about the needs of injured service members, veterans and their families as they reintegrate into their communities.

The mission of the Bob Woodruff Foundation is to provide resources and support to injured service members, veterans and their families — building a movement to empower communities nationwide to take action to successfully reintegrate our nation's injured heroes—especially those who have sustained the Hidden Injuries of War—back into their communities so they may thrive physically, psychologically, socially and economically for more information click here

What is Traumatic Brain Injury? (From the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a form of acquired brain injury, occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. TBI can result when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue.  Symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain.   A person with a mild TBI may remain conscious or may experience a loss of consciousness for a few seconds or minutes. Other symptoms of mild TBI include headache, confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision or tired eyes, ringing in the ears, bad taste in the mouth, fatigue or lethargy, a change in sleep patterns, behavioral or mood changes, and trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking. to keep reading click here

SUPER BODY, SUPER BRAIN FOR BRAIN INJURY

Since my program got its first  $25,000 Grant in Parkinson Disease I have become very interested in brain trauma and brain stroke and how physical activity plays a fundamental role for recovery especially since the brain is  highly plastic and susceptible to change especially when we follow an individualized program.  Motor networks are extremely important for the human body.

I have always been fascinated by the role of the motor networks of the brain but especially the cerebellum, the treasure of the brain and fundamental for wounded soldiers

However neurons in the Cerebellum are really different from the neurons in the rest of the brain. My absolute mentor Dr John H. Martin Ph.D and Author of Neuroanatomy: Text and Atlas  has explained me how this interesting motor circuits work and how the cerebellum plays a fundamental role.

Why are the neurons called Purkinje  in the Cerebellum so different? Are they better or worse? According to Dr John H. Martin Ph.D who has studied the Development of the motor systems of the brain and spinal cord and currently he is a Professor at City College in New York  "I think they are different in several ways. Let me tell you about two. First, they take in an enormous amount of information. Think of a big tree with lots of branches and leaves. This is like aPurkinje cell; the branches and leaves are receiving information from other parts of the nervous system. They have more "branches and leaves" than other nerve cells. Second, they are different in another way; they inhibit the firing of other neurons.  Most neurons that receive so much information excite other neurons; Purkinje cells inhibit. We don't know why this is the case "

According to Dr Martin "Movements are adapted to the goals at hand; movements are purposeful. To make movements effective, they are fine-tuned to the environment. For this to happen we need the help of the sensory systems. When we reach for a water bottle, we need to see where it is, precisely. When we step, we need to make sure where the ground is. This occurs because the sensory systems communicate with the motor systems. The cerebellum receives a lot of sensory information, but its job is not just a passive receiver. It needs to figure out what aspects of sensation are important for controlling movements"

Traumatic brain injury-exercises to improve balance, coordination and self-esteem

The Cerebellum is the best treasure of the brain: Neuroscience and Physical Exercise

The Cerebellum and Movement

I remember reading this fascinating study a while back and my jaw dropped: The article it is titled: "The Treasure at the Bottom of the Brain by Henrietta C. Leiner and Alan L. Leiner". According to the Authors: "One of the most incredible parts of the human brain, it is named the cerebellum and science has been underestimating it for centuries. Located at the lower back of the brain. Formerly this structure was thought to have only a motor function, which it performed by helping other motor regions of the brain to do their work effectively. But during the past decade a broader view of its function has emerged as a result of new research, and now the cerebellum is regarded as a structure that can help not only motor but also nonmotor regions to do their work effectively. In fact, the cerebellum has been compared to a powerful computer, capable of making contributions both to the motor dexterity and to the mental dexterity of humans, both of which are required for the emergence of fluent human language" for more click here

The Cerebellum it is to be considered to be an absolute machine  in the back of the brain. The Cerebellum is  one of the most impressive parts of the human brain and it  has been underestimated by scientists till now. In my book Super Body, Super Brain I explain how this part of the brain can be key to unlock on the most important human quests that is how the brain interacts with the body. Evidence is mounting showing how this structure it is absolute key for our health, aging even our intelligence!

Did you know that our brain has 100 billion neurons and 50% of them are packed in just 10% of the brain mass? Do you know where are they packed? In the bottom of the brain in a part of the brain called the cerebellum. If you are really good at math you will realize how 50% of your neurons are located in just 10% of your brain mass.

However neurons in the Cerebellum are really different from the neurons in the rest of the brain. My absolute mentor Dr John H. Martin Ph.D and Author of Neuroanatomy: Text and Atlas  has explained me how this interesting motor circuits work and how the cerebellum plays a fundamental role.

Why are the neurons called Purkinje  in the Cerebellum so different? Are they better or worse? According to Dr John H. Martin Ph.D who has studied the Development of the motor systems of the brain and spinal cord and currently he is a Professor at City College in New York  "I think they are different in several ways. Let me tell you about two. First, they take in an enormous amount of information. Think of a big tree with lots of branches and leaves. This is like a Purkinje cell; the branches and leaves are receiving information from other parts of the nervous system. They have more "branches and leaves" than other nerve cells. Second, they are different in another way; they inhibit the firing of other neurons.  Most neurons that receive so much information excite other neurons; Purkinje cells inhibit. We don't know why this is the case "

Cerebellum and Movement

Cerebellum exercise

The cerebellum (Latin for little brain) is a region of the brain that plays an important role in movement. It is also involved in some cognitive functions such as attention and language, and probably in some emotional functions  but it is its function in movement that is most clearly researched. The cerebellum does not initiate movement, but it contributes to coordination, precision, and muscle timing. It receives input from sensory systems and from other parts of the brain and spinal cord. in addition other functions involve equilibrium, posture alignment and execution.

The Cerebellum is responsible not just for planning and intent, but also for making sure that whatever we have planned and intended to do match! I know it is easy to say but the process in the brain it is extremely complicated.

CEREBELLUM STRUCTURE

The Cerebellum has three different parts. Why are these parts so important?

Each part contributes something different to the overall function of the cerebellum and the motor system. One for posture and balance, one for coordinating movements of our arms and legs, and a third for helping us to plan our movements.

THE CEREBELLUM AND THE SENSORY SYSTEM

Sensory Proprioceptors

The Cerebellum receives information form the sensory systems—the somatic sensory system as well as the other major senses and cortical control centers. How is that related to muscle movement?

How important is sensory information when it comes to movement.

According to Dr Martin "Movements are adapted to the goals at hand; movements are purposeful. To make movements effective, they are fine-tuned to the environment. For this to happen we need the help of the sensory systems. When we reach for a water bottle, we need to see where it is, precisely. When we step, we need to make sure where the ground is. This occurs because the sensory systems communicate with the motor systems. The cerebellum receives a lot of sensory information, but its job is not just a passive receiver. It needs to figure out what aspects of sensation are important for controlling movements"

CEREBELLUM EXERCISES: 

1. From a standing position raise left leg and clap overhead for twenty times then change legs. Then close one eye, change eyes, close both.

2. From a standing position raise opposite arm and leg raise. Do it ten times

3. Lunges with balance and Shoulder lateral raise.  Lunge position raise arms and left leg simultaneously. Do it ten times then change legs.

Write down the experiences after doing these exercises.

CEREBELLUM EXERCISE :BALANCE, COORDINATION, PLANNING AND TIMING

To see these exercises and many more check out my book Super Body, Super Brain

Exercise involving Cerebellum functions: balance, coordination, intentional movement and planning. From Body Smart click here to see this exercise

Michael Gonzalez-Wallace next to a giant Cerebellum at The Brain Exhibit Natural Science Museum New York

Neuroscience and Physical Exercise-Studies

The Cerebellum is the gold mine of the brain: Neuroscience and Physical Exercise

The Cerebellum and Movement

I remember reading this fascinating study a while back and my jaw dropped: The article it is titled: "The Treasure at the Bottom of the Brain by Henrietta C. Leiner and Alan L. Leiner". According to the Authors: "One of the most incredible parts of the human brain, it is named the cerebellum and science has been underestimating it for centuries. Located at the lower back of the brain. Formerly this structure was thought to have only a motor function, which it performed by helping other motor regions of the brain to do their work effectively. But during the past decade a broader view of its function has emerged as a result of new research, and now the cerebellum is regarded as a structure that can help not only motor but also nonmotor regions to do their work effectively. In fact, the cerebellum has been compared to a powerful computer, capable of making contributions both to the motor dexterity and to the mental dexterity of humans, both of which are required for the emergence of fluent human language" for more click here

The Cerebellum it is to be considered to be an absolute machine  in the back of the brain. The Cerebellum is  one of the most impressive parts of the human brain and it  has been underestimated by scientists till now. In my book Super Body, Super Brain I explain how this part of the brain can be key to unlock on the most important human quests that is how the brain interacts with the body. Evidence is mounting showing how this structure it is absolute key for our health, aging even our intelligence!

Did you know that our brain has 100 billion neurons and 50% of them are packed in just 10% of the brain mass? Do you know where are they packed? In the bottom of the brain in a part of the brain called the cerebellum. If you are really good at math you will realize how 50% of your neurons are located in just 10% of your brain mass.

However neurons in the Cerebellum are really different from the neurons in the rest of the brain. My absolute mentor Dr John H. Martin Ph.D and Author of Neuroanatomy: Text and Atlas  has explained me how this interesting motor circuits work and how the cerebellum plays a fundamental role.

Why are the neurons called Purkinje  in the Cerebellum so different? Are they better or worse? According to Dr John H. Martin Ph.D who has studied the Development of the motor systems of the brain and spinal cord and currently he is a Professor at City College in New York  "I think they are different in several ways. Let me tell you about two. First, they take in an enormous amount of information. Think of a big tree with lots of branches and leaves. This is like a Purkinje cell; the branches and leaves are receiving information from other parts of the nervous system. They have more "branches and leaves" than other nerve cells. Second, they are different in another way; they inhibit the firing of other neurons.  Most neurons that receive so much information excite other neurons; Purkinje cells inhibit. We don't know why this is the case "

Cerebellum and Movement

Cerebellum exercise

The cerebellum (Latin for little brain) is a region of the brain that plays an important role in movement. It is also involved in some cognitive functions such as attention and language, and probably in some emotional functions  but it is its function in movement that is most clearly researched. The cerebellum does not initiate movement, but it contributes to coordination, precision, and muscle timing. It receives input from sensory systems and from other parts of the brain and spinal cord. in addition other functions involve equilibrium, posture alignment and execution.

The Cerebellum is responsible not just for planning and intent, but also for making sure that whatever we have planned and intended to do match! I know it is easy to say but the process in the brain it is extremely complicated.

CEREBELLUM STRUCTURE

The Cerebellum has three different parts. Why are these parts so important?

Each part contributes something different to the overall function of the cerebellum and the motor system. One for posture and balance, one for coordinating movements of our arms and legs, and a third for helping us to plan our movements.

How different are Purkinje cells in the Cerebellum  from the "traditional" neurons in the rest of the brain?

I think they are different in several ways. Let me tell you about two. First, they take in an enormous amount of information. Think of a big tree with lots of branches and leaves. This is like a Purkinje cell; the branches and leaves are receiving information from other parts of the nervous system. They have more "branches and leaves" than other nerve cells. Second, they are different in another way; they inhibit the firing of other neurons.  Most neurons that receive so much information excite other neurons; Purkinje cells inhibit. We don't know why this is the case.

THE CEREBELLUM AND THE SENSORY SYSTEM

Sensory Proprioceptors

The Cerebellum receives information form the sensory systems—the somatic sensory system as well as the other major senses and cortical control centers. How is that related to muscle movement?

How important is sensory information when it comes to movement.

According to Dr Martin "Movements are adapted to the goals at hand; movements are purposeful. To make movements effective, they are fine-tuned to the environment. For this to happen we need the help of the sensory systems. When we reach for a water bottle, we need to see where it is, precisely. When we step, we need to make sure where the ground is. This occurs because the sensory systems communicate with the motor systems. The cerebellum receives a lot of sensory information, but its job is not just a passive receiver. It needs to figure out what aspects of sensation are important for controlling movements"

CEREBELLUM EXERCISES: 

1. From a standing position raise left leg and clap overhead for twenty times then change legs. Then close one eye, change eyes, close both.

2. From a standing position raise opposite arm and leg raise. Do it ten times

3. Lunges with balance and Shoulder lateral raise.  Lunge position raise arms and left leg simultaneously. Do it ten times then change legs.

Write down the experiences after doing these exercises.

To see these exercises and many more check out my book Super Body, Super Brain

Michael Gonzalez-Wallace next to a giant Cerebellum at The Brain Exhibit Natural Science Museum New York

Neuroscience and Physical Exercise-Studies

Exercise involving Cerebellum functions: balance, coordination, intentional movement and planning. From Body Smart click here to see this exercise

Marathon Tips: 5 Tips for this weekend's Marathon

Marathon Tips by Michael Gonzalez-Wallace Author of Super Body, Super Brain

Marathon produces satisfaction and a great physical effort. Therefore it is necessary that you follow an appropriate program that will imrpove your strength, cardiovascular endurance and response to fatigue. Such extended energy demands require different multi organism levels to work over the limit: the cardiorespiratory, endocrine, and neuromuscular systems to operate at an elevated level for an inordinate length of time. Strength training can be your real edge Certainly, the physical stress of running a marathon played some role in not holding a women's Olympic marathon race until 1984.

In  practical terms, running a six-minute-per-mile marathon requires a 12-fold increase in energy production for over  two to three hours. It is no surprise then that the story of Pheidippides and his long journey to do the first marathon run to Athens easily evolved into a greek tragedy on about how running a marathon can kill its original founder. Fortunately, scientists have researched the physiological stresses of running a marathon. The findings from such studies can help potential marathon runners better appreciate and improve their possibilities for enjoying such a s wonderful race like the Marathon.

Try Super Body, Super Brain to improve your Marathon

Marathon Race this weekend in NYC

Try this Exercise Before running the Marathon in New York City

O Magazine, Oprah.com and Readers Digest will feature Super Body, Super Brain this coming January

O magazine and Readers Digest will feature Super Body, Super Brain January 2012

I am so thrilled and excited with my upcoming Paperback and two phenomenal news happened last week. My book Super Body, Super Brain will be mentioned in two of the most important publications in United States: O, The Oprah magazine and Readers Digest! This will be my fifth time in O Magazine so super excited!!

O Magazine has asked me to participate in a project from Chase for this new coming year; "New Year, New You". I will be offering 5 simple tips to get started for the new year. All from my book Super Body, Super Brain. Paperback publication December 2011.

Readers Digest interviewed me and asked me about my program and those 4-5 exercises from my book that you will need to get in the best shape of your life

Stay tuned more coming up!

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Guide to a stress free life? Relax, Meditate and Exercise. Protect your knees with this exercise: Read my contribution at Body Smart.

Relax, Meditate and Exercise-Body Smart the Best Health magazine

I wanted to share this week BodySmart the digital magazine where i work as a contributor:My section-The SUPER BODY SUPER BRAINMove of the week". In this issue managing time and energy, how relaxation can improve your performance, nutrition expert Dr Katz speaks about weight gain in the holiday season and my MOVE OF THE WEEK: This week-Single leg squats to create powerful knees and prevent knee injuries

BODY SMART NOTE:

From the Editor in Chief of Body Smart: The season of gift shopping, trip planning, party attending, and meal
planning is on its way — and with it comes stress. This week in
BodySmart, John Hastings outlines how managing your time and energy
can help you avoid holiday weight gain and focus on seasonal cheer.

Also in the issue: an exercise to keep your knees healthy; the hidden
danger in multivitamins; and much more.

In the nomad iPad app: http://ow.ly/6GcTF 
or
On the web: http://ow.ly/7b77D

Protect your knees with this exercise: Single leg Squat. Photograph by Beth Bischoff. Click to read Body Smart the best Magazine

To see more than 60 exercises and 20 recipes try my book Super Body, Super Brain

 

 

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Halloween Healthy Recipe: Spice Baked Apple Stuffed with Prunes, Walnuts, Almonds and Blueberries

Halloween Healthy Recipe Baked Apples-recipe from Super Body, Super Brain-Chapter 3. Image bigstockphoto

FROM SUPER BODY, SUPER BRAIN BOOK-CHAPTER NUTRITION-HEALTHY RECIPES

S pice Baked Apple Stuffed with Prunes, Walnuts and Blueberries- Recipe for your Super Body, Super Brain

2 medium apples, whole, cored, with skin left, serves 2

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 prunes, chopped

3 Almonds

2 tablespoons chopped walnuts

1/4 cup water

1/3 blueberries

Nutrition Facts: Per Serving: 140 calories; 5g fat (0.5g saturated fat); 0mg cholesterol;

0mg sodium; 26g carbohydrates; 5g fiber; 18g sugar; 2g protein.

HALLOWEEN RECIPE-SUPER BODY, SUPER BRAIN

Why is this recipe a SUPER BODY, SUPER BRAIN RECIPE?

- Apples: Eating an apple a day protects the brain from oxidative damage that causes neurodegenerative diseases such Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This magical nutrient that acts as protection is quercetin, which is a phytonutrient.

-Berries including blueberries, strawberries or blackberries: Studies show that people who eat strawberries improve their memory and their motor skills. In addition, their critical antioxidant properties can protect your brain from the oxidative process

-Walnuts: Walnuts are rich in protein and contain omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins E and B6, which all promote healthy neural tissue.

to see the preparation of this recipe and 20 more delicious recipes click here

to buy my book SUPER BODY, SUPER BRAIN BOOK CLICK HERE

Preheat oven to 300 degrees farenheit. In a small bowl, combine cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Sprinkle all over and inside the cored apple. Add the blueberries and stuff the prune and walnut mixture into the center of the cored apple.

Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish, Pour 1/4 cup of water on the bottom of the baking dish and cover with aluminum  foil. bake, covered for 25 minutes or until the apples are soft to see the preparation of this recipe and 20 more delicious recipes click here

To see this and twenty more recipes click here

Check out my article at Medhelp: 12 foods that make you smarter

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Inspirational, life coach and motivational quotes

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Inspirational and Motivational quotes, Free life coach plan

Life Coach Quote:

Program your Mind to success. Cognitive abilities such as attention, memory, auditory processes, motor coordination or executive functions like planning or multitasking deteriorate over the time unless used regularly. Certain exercises can be more effective than others

Fitness for the Brain and the body:

Wednesday plan: Balance and Coordination  training. Pick up two bottles of water. Do a biceps curl at the time you raise one leg then do the same arm movement and raise the other leg. This is one rep. Do it 15 times. 2 Sets. Please make sure you are allowed to exercise

Inspirational Quote:

"If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts." -Albert Einstein (hunch.com)

Mental Tip motivator by Super Body, Super Brain

Wisdom around the Globe

Sorrow is the child of too much joy. Chinese Proverb (trackle.com)

Brain Fitness Quote:

Tuesday mathematical challenge: Problem solving are a phenomenal way to keep our neurons alive. If you want to fire those neurons please click here

Nutrition Quote:

Processed foods make your brain and body go crazy so please reduce to the minimum anything related with processed foods. Veggies, lean protein, fruits, 6-8 glasses of water are likely the best possible foods for your brain and your body. You will be Physically strong and mental sharp.

For more information about my book and your Super Body, Super Brain Plan click here

Hamstrings and Glutes workout to increase lower body strength and avoid sciatica pain

Hamstrings and Gluts circuit "Move of the Week" from Body Smart. Pictures by Beth Bischoff

From Body Smart: Click here to read the best digital magazine from Nomad editions
Both Hamstrings and gluts represent by far two of the most important muscle groups in our body and they need to be trained properly. As Strength is required in your quads or thighs so it is in the opposite muscles such as hamstrings, calves or gluts. Otherwise lower back and joint problems are expected.
From a lying down position open your legs shoulder width apart the raise both legs straight up pulling from your buttocks (you should not feel it in your back if you do you are raising too high). Click here to read the description
to see my philosophy, exercises and my whole plan check my book Super Body, Super Brain
BODY SMART FROM NOMAD EDITIONS


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Extra TV Entertainment News, Celebrity photos, Celebrity gossip features Michael Gonzalez-Wallace author of Super Body, Super Brain

Extra Entertainments News, Celebrity photos, Celebrity gossip features MIchael Gonzalez-Wallace author of Super Body, Super Brain

Dear followers and fans I am so truly excited to have been featured in Extra!!! "Extra" is the second-longest-running entertainment magazine on television. With host Mario Lopez at the helm of "Extra," they featured my book Super Body, Super Brain and how when you combine different strength training movements your brain gets a phenomenal workout and an optimal physical workout. Click here to see the my feature @Extra

"Extra" talked with Super Body Super Brain trainer Michael Gonzalez Wallace about how to not only keep your body pumped but also your brain.

Check it out! or check my book Super Body, Super Brain

According to Extra As for a great brain-empowering spice, try oregano! Check out Wallace's new book, "Super Body, Super Brain: The Workout That Does It All," in stores now.

Extra Entertainments News, Celebrity photos, Celebrity gossip features MIchael Gonzalez-Wallace author of Super Body, Super Brain, click here to watch the show

Read more: http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2011/10/find_out_how_to_challenge_your_body_–_and_your_mind.php#ixzz1b360aMSn