Puzzle and Give

December 1, 2009

Here are two things I would really like you to consider:

The first involves the link between health and stimulating the brain by working puzzles and other mental activity. These two links explain how you can improve your health and well-being by spending time working crosswords, jigsaws, and jumbles. In general, mental exercise is as crucial as physical exercise.

http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/exercise.html

or

http://www.trans4mind.com/counterpoint/index-health-fitness/weiss.shtml

The second idea I want you to consider is the less-documented, but equally intriguing, link between giving and well-being. The premise is that thinking of others reduces stress and may make us healthier along other pathways as well.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/01/health/01well.html?em

Furthermore, we may be born with the desire to help others:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/01/science/01human.html?em

Have you done your homework by clicking the links and reading? If so, I'm about to make you much healthier.

When I returned from a long day in class this afternoon, I found this [excerpted] email waiting for me:

You may remember me as the ‘closet Erin fan’ who ran the London marathon in 2008, and then a 5k race in memory of Erin , Christi Thomas & Locke Blanchard in May this year ?

[ASIDE: note that the writer competed in a marathon last year. That is a positive sign of personal health!]

I thought you might be amused to see the attached- a Christmas quiz written by my father and I. It is free to enter, but we are encouraging people to send in donations and our charity for this year is the Neuroblastoma Society here in England, and if you read carefully you may spot a small link to your blog towards the end- I wanted to share Erin’s amazing story with my friends and family! The quiz is probably quite ‘British’ in places, but I thought you might enjoy it, and by all means forward it on to anyone else who you think would enjoy it- there is no requirement at all for anyone to enter!

Rachel goes on to say:

This year’s quiz will be in aid of The Neuroblastoma Society, a charity which funds research and supports the families of those affected by this aggressive childhood cancer. In keeping with Pauline’s tradition, the winners this year will be able to nominate the charity we support next year. As ever, the quiz is free to enter, but if you would like to send a donation then we will forward it onto the Neuroblastoma Society. Cheques should be made payable to The Neuroblastoma Society, and a Gift Aid form is attached at the end of this quiz. To donate online please visit www.justgiving.com/christmasquiz2009 Good luck!

Click this Christmas Quiz 2009 link and earn a two-fer (three-fer?): a chance to do a wicked, cool puzzle and to help others, all while improving your own personal health. But wait, there's more: If you win, you get to name the charity that benefits next year, and I am positive that all of us have some cause close to our hearts that could stand a boost.