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A guest post written by Bob Cummings, media and legislative spokesperson for Christian Science in Michigan
GO FISH anyone?
New research suggests that playing cards may help preserve mental health.
A December 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.
Research 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)
About the author
Most interesting!
Good Blog. I agree with Bob because certainly anything that makes us think is going to be helpful to our mental health. That said, I too have found that while playing cards is fun and makes you think, turning to God is prayer makes you think harder and deeper. The quotes he gave from the Bible are most important and very helpful to young as well as older people.
When I was my aunt’s caretaker the last six years of her life. We read the Christian Science Bible Lesson daily, sometimes together and sometimes separately because she told me putting God first in our lives was the most important thing we could do. And two or three nights a week we played cards and this 90 something lady beat me regularly. She was a sharp as a tack. But I know it was not the playing of cards that kept her sharp, it was her turning to God each day for her health and well being. And she taught me to do the same. She passed quietly in her sleep one night.
Thank you.
My mother-in-law loved playing cards, and solitaire was her famorite in later years, when no one was left to play bridge.. She was fast and good and always thought cards kept you mentally alert.
I remembered that when I first got a computer. The whole experience was a challenge, and I wasn’t even very good with navigating the mouse. Someone told me about playing solitaire to improve my agility. All I can say now is that I’m a really good clicker!
Prayer is my number one choice for keeping mental health at a high level. And it was for my mother-in-law too. I loved the Bible quotes that were given in the blog. They can benefit everyone who embraces their inspiring message.
What interesting comments. Thank you for giving your experiences and thoughts on this blog.