Raising Healthy Minds in a High-Tech, Fast-Food World

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Raising Healthy Minds in a High-Tech, Fast-Food World

 

 

 

By Drs. Ben and Shari Lerner

 

In the age of the brain, scientists are becoming increasingly

concerned we may be raising kids who can't use theirs. Of the many

potential casualties related to today's high-tech, fast-food,

fast-paced world, the inability of tomorrow's children to think may be

at the top of the list.

 

Research has revealed that thought and behavior in children and the

relative size and weight of their brains is simply not something

they're born with: These things are created or developed after birth.

There's an intriguing term called neuroplasticity, which means that

our brain's neurological tissues are like formable plastic being

molded, grown and developed from birth through old age.

 

This allows for two different scenarios: You can develop a small,

light, inefficient brain or a huge, heavy, super-smart one. The power

of neuroplasticity even goes for the elderly concerned with, or

suffering from, Alzheimer's disease. There's always something that can

be done to change or improve brain function -- for better or worse.

 

In the war between " Nature and Nurture, " the latter has been winning

more and more battles. At the very least, we now know it's Nature and

Nurture. We're presently aware that genetics don't necessarily

determine outcomes. Instead, the physical, mental and emotional

environments we're exposed to, how we treat our body and what we feed

it have as much or more to say about how smart, happy and healthy we

are as our DNA (gene material from our grandparents) does.

 

Alter what a child does with his or her brain, and you change their

brain physically as well as their future. With that in mind, our

current culture has been leading more and more in the direction of

technologies aimed squarely at children. Companies have developed

" baby videos " and " talking everything " CD-ROMs claiming to create

" Baby Einsteins " out of our children. Science is revealing, however,

the results of these " improvements " are not very promising and most

likely, very damaging.

 

Building a larger, more functional brain in kids isn't limited to a

larger IQ either. It's also about developing fully functioning,

emotionally intelligent kids who have these great qualities:

 

* Self-control

* Motivation

* Everyday problem-solving skills

* Self-awareness

* Reflection

* Spiritual qualities

* Understanding how information is synthesized

* Independent thinking

 

Businesses look for self-starters, not just those who need a

checklist. Besides, high IQs don't translate well into the real world.

Skills such as planning, organization, follow-through, the ability to

communicate and using the facts they have absorbed accurately --

nonintellectual intelligence -- are just as important.

 

Ingredients for Building a Big Brain

 

1. A diet low in refined carbohydrates with adequate nutrients

2. Extreme caution in the use of medication

3. Adult companionship

4. Stimulation from active play, toys, books and games

5. Limiting toxic foods and drinks

 

From the above list, you've probably realized it's up to parents and

adults to help children learn how to talk, listen, pay attention and

show them how to work through problems. Older folks can show kids, by

example, how to do these things pretty naturally through a variety of

simple adventures: Music, dance, nature walks, caring for pets and

reading stories.

 

Brain development is also closely tied to motor systems and spinal

health. Sometimes, recess, playing kickball, climbing on the jungle

gym or even a trip to the chiropractor does more for a child's

intellectual development than another page of math or history. (It

should be noted that a well functioning spine, music, dance and

creative play should not to be cut in lieu of yet another physics

calculation.)

 

Keys to a Light Brain

 

* Academic insensitivity

* Spinal or cranial injuries

* Medications

* Toxins

* Poor role models from TV, movies and video games (devices that

act as non-human surrogates and take time away from the most important

needs children have for learning, social interaction, real life

experience and creativity)

 

Kids forced to be attentive and grind out another physics lesson --

with little time for activities -- may kick back with inattentiveness.

This is normal and not a disorder of any kind.

 

As doctors, we're very concerned about babies and toddlers being

addicted to the video world as well as the effect of stress and

violent games on brain chemicals. And, even though society stresses

the importance of mental function, it continues to feed its children

toxic substances. Nearly half of all children are so out of shape,

they already have at least one risk factor for heart disease.

 

Eventually, a society gets the children it deserves. Let's work

together to deserve the best.