GO FISH anyone?

New research suggests that playing cards may help preserve mental health.

A 12/13/2012 PRWEB article republished by the San Francisco Chronicle (SFGATE.com) states, “The Project for Natural Health Choices Inc. encourages playing cards and board games as these may actually contribute to a healthier brain according to new research conducted by Rush University Medical Center and the Illinois Institute of Technology. The research results, presented on November 25, 2012 at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, suggest that playing cards and board games can help fight brain aging.”

As a kid I played cards often – games like “Flinch” and “Hearts”. It’s nice to know this may be helpful and healthful. If it is, then this is a little tidbit worth taking note of.

Research¹ also suggests that meditation and prayer are associated with improved health and positive changes to the brain including changes in the memory, empathy, stress and sense of self regions of the brain.

I use prayer as my primary means of maintaining mental health. So did my grandmother who was pretty sharp mentally right up to her passing at the age of 101.

I pray with Biblical thoughts such as these:

• In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion. (KJV Psalm 71:1)
• God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  (KJV 2 Timothy 1:7)

To read the article mentioned above, click here.

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¹  For example, see  (1) measurement of regional cerebral blood flow during meditation, (2) meditation and prayer sculpt the brain, and (3) mindfulness meditation linked with positive brain changes.