Athletics Improves Concentration and Cognition

For most of my life, I have been criticized by certain people for being an "Athlete" and more recently for being "Dyslexic". For many years learning differences were misunderstood. Children unfortunate enough to be affected were labeled by teachers and peers alike as dumb,stupid and incapable of learning. These labels would stick throughout high school and follow many into the work place and everyday settings. They would even follow into the family--somewhere every child should feel valued and safe.

In my practice I've repeatedly noted the existence of an initially puzzling and strange phenomenon: Dyslexic athletes often do best academically when in training, despite the limited study time they have. Upon termination of their sports activities, due to either a changing season or an injury, a significant number of athletes report a corresponding decrease in their concentration, memory, and overall academic functioning.

At first glance, one might mistake this correlation as an excuse conjured up by athletes to justify their training time. This was not the case, however, for most often it was their parents who reported this fascinating but puzzling correlation. It therefore appeared that sports activities and exercises resulted in a transfer of function to neighboring underlying inner-ear circuits, which in turn resulted in an academic improvement. Cessation of practice led to regression in underlying functioning, and the transfer of function was in turn eliminated. The unexpected observation that physical exercises in dyslexics may result in increased mental capacity is in accord with the adages "Practice makes perfect." and "Sound body, sound mind."

Conditioning experiments in humans and animals follow a very similar pattern. If not continuously reinforced, conditioned functions and improvements disappear with time.

Over my long research career, I have repeatedly tried to understand and explain seemingly paradoxical data. I have learned that confusing events -- or events occurring opposite to my expectations -- invariably result in significant insights if enough time is spent looking for an explanation. By contrast, important insights remain hidden when confusing or contradictory data are denied or swept under the scientific "rug." As a result, I have disciplined myself to record and attempt to explain contradictions or criticism. When criticism is valid and constructive, surmounting it carries research a significant step forward. When criticism is destructive, it points out hidden flaws in the critic -- flaws of which the critic and his audience are most often unaware, once again highlighting areas requiring additional attention and explanation.

The analysis of flaws, in myself and in my critics, has provided me with answers crucial to solving the riddles characterizing dyslexia and dyslexic research. As a result, I have symbolically devoted chapters 13 in A Solution to the Riddle -- Dyslexia, A Scientific Watergate -- Dyslexia, and even here, to the investigation and analysis of this phenomenon.

Smart Nutrients -- Inner-Ear (CVS) and/or Neurotransmitter Enhancers

Because nutrients add to the overall chance and quality of an improvement in Dyslexia, I would like to mention a few specific substances which I and/or others have found helpful. And since patients know significantly more about these "herbal substances" than most physicians, I feel very little hesitation in naming a few here that I've used and had good results from. They certainly have no negatives -- allergies aside. And so some help is infinitely better than none.

A Starting Sample:

Ginger Root
Multivitamins and Minerals
Lecithin
Ginkgo
DMAE
Unsaturated Long Chain Polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP's) -- DHA and AA
Mentalin
Newer and other substances will be added to this list over time.

Dyslexia -- bullying -- stress

And finally, a word on bullying. I am a big advocate for people with dyslexia that have been bullied because of their dyslexia. I know, I was too and my athletics training was a BIG coping strategy in the process of dealing with the stress it can cause( Running produces endorphins -- the stress busting hormones!!). Psychological violence in the workplace is an ongoing campaign for me; I work for the fire service and I'm compelled to do something about the underlying "bullying culture" that seemed to be fostered when I first joined as a whole time professional firefighter! The culture is the underlying problem and attempts to enhance and promote an inclusive workplace culture is paramount. Symptoms include -- a glass ceiling, job segregation, social isolation and harrassment. I'm not the only person that had been bullied for having dyslexia...

Tom Cruise was bullied for having dyslexia. Actor Tom Cruise has spoken out about his difficult childhood and how he was badly bullied at school because of his dyslexia. Always picked on as the new boy, the successful Hollywood star went to an incredible 15 different schools as his family moved around so much. Cruise, who doesn’t like bullies, learned that he had to stand up for himself if he wanted to get by at school. Like actor Orlando Bloom, and business millionaire Richard Branson, who also have dyslexia, the War of the Worlds star has been determined not to let his learning disability stand in the way of success. Diagnosed as dyslexic at the age of seven, Cruise doesn’t like the thought of other kids going through what he did. The superstar has now completely opened up to the world about this condition.

Here is a very interesting 1 hour lecture that I found on you tube that will explain the limbic system and the effect stress from bullying can have on it ( It's not boring when you get into it!).