When overweight, sedentary kids start to exercise regularly, their ability to think, to plan and even to do math improves, a new study suggests.

In addition, exercise was linked to increased activity in the parts of the brain associated with complex thinking and self-control, according to brain imaging scans analyzed by the researchers.

"This implies that chronic sedentary behavior is compromising children's ability and achievement," said lead researcher Catherine Davis, a clinical health psychologist at the Georgia Prevention Institute at Georgia Health Sciences University in Augusta.

"We know that exercise is good for you, but we didn't have very good evidence [before this] that it would help children do better in school," said Davis.

Although this study was done among overweight children, she believes that similar results would be seen in normal-weight kids.

Davis speculates that these positive changes are a result of a combination of biological and environmental factors. "There are some neural growth factors that have been identified in mice that exercise," she said. These benefits may include more brain cells and more connections between them.

But there are also social and environmental factors, she noted. "[There's] more stimulation when things are moving faster and when you're moving. So it is cognitively stimulating to move," Davis said.

With one-third of U.S. children overweight, Davis thinks that exercise needs to become an essential part of children's lives.

"Make sure your child has a balanced life -- not only that they study, but that they learn to take care of their bodies as well," she said.

The report is published in the January issue of Health Psychology.

For the study, Davis's team randomly assigned 171 overweight children 7 to 11 years old, to either 20 minutes or 40 minutes of vigorous exercise every day after school or to no exercise. The exercise program focused on fun and safety rather than competition and skill, and included running games, hula hoops and jump ropes. Researchers found it raised their heart rates to 79 percent of maximum, which is considered vigorous.

The researchers evaluated the children using standard achievement tests known as the Cognitive Assessment System and Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement III. Some children also had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of their brains.

The MRIs found that children who exercised had increased activity in the so-called executive function area of the brain -- associated with self-control, planning, reasoning and abstract thought -- as well as the prefrontal cortex. The latter is the part of the brain linked with complex thinking and correct social behavior, the researchers noted.

There was also decreased activity in an area of the brain that's behind the prefrontal cortex. The shift seems to be tied to faster developing of cognitive skills, Davis said.

In addition, the more the kids exercised, the more the intelligence-test scores went up. An average increase of 3.8 points on scores in cognitive planning skills was noted in kids who exercised 40 minutes a day for three months, the researchers found.

Children who exercised 20 minutes a day experienced smaller gains.

There were also improvements in math skills, but not reading ability. "The finding of improved math achievement is remarkable, given that no academic instruction was provided, and suggests that a longer intervention period may result in more benefit," the researchers said.

Commenting on the study, Samantha Heller, a dietitian, nutritionist and exercise physiologist, said: "Take a bunch of kids, put them outside, give them some balls, jump ropes and street chalk, and they will be running, jumping and playing hopscotch in no time."

They become happier, more energetic, smarter kids, she said.

"Children's bodies know intuitively that exercise is essential for healthy brain and body function. But when we deny children their natural instincts and allow them to stultify in front of a TV or computer, they become lethargic [and] moody," Heller said, adding that sedentary kids are also prone to being overweight and may do poorly in school.

The 1st line of defense we have at home is our doors. Please increase your security here and instruct all household members, especially kids, on how to answer the door and when to open the door.  Mr. Walker

Dangerous Trends

The act of committing a home invasion is escalating much like carjacking. The reason for the increase seems to follow a similar pattern. Much like automobiles, the traditional commercial targets for robbers like convenience stores and fast-food restaurants have hardened themselves against criminal attack and have reduced available cash. Technology has allowed commercial establishments to install affordable video surveillance systems, silent alarms, and other anti-crime deterrent devices.  A residence, by comparison, is now a more attractive choice.

Home invaders know that they won't have to overcome alarm systems when the home is occupied or be worried about video cameras and silent alarms. Unlike robbing a retail store, home invaders expect privacy once inside your home and won’t have to deal with the police suddenly driving up or customers walking in. Once the offenders take control of a residence they can force the occupants to open safes, locate hidden valuables, supply keys to the family car, and PIN numbers to their ATM cards. Home invaders will try to increase their escape time by disabling the phones and sometimes will leave their victims bound or incapacitated. It is not unheard of for robbers to load up the victim’s car with valuables and drive away without anyone in the neighborhood taking notice.

Method of Operation

The most common point of attack is through the front door or garage. Sometimes the home invader will simply kick open the door and confront everyone inside. More common is when the home invaders knock on the door first or ring the bell. The home invader hopes that the occupant will simply open the door, without question, in response to their knock. Unfortunately, many people do just that.

Home invaders will sometimes use a ruse or impersonation to get you to open the door. They have been known to pretend to be delivering a package, flowers or lie about an accident like hitting your parked car. Once the door is opened for them, the home invaders will use an explosive amount of force and threats to gain control of the home and produce fear in the victims. Once the occupants are under control the robbers will begin to collect your valuables.

Some home robbers have been known to spend hours ransacking a residence while the homeowners are bound nearby watching in terror. Some robbers have been known to eat meals, watch TV, or even take a nap. A major fear is that the robbers might commit more violence like sexual assault or even murder. Some robbers have kidnapped and forced a victim to withdraw cash from their ATM machine or take them to their small business to rob it as well.

Excerpts taken from Chris E McGoey, CPP, CSP, CAM

In Kenpo we prepare to be ready for the unexpected. Below is the link to FEMA's page  where they have posted a Disaster Supplies Check List. Below I copied the different catagories.

Interesting is that the list does not mention items for defending yourselves. My advice is if you choose to legally obtain a weapon for self defense purposes, then you have an obligation to learn how to use the weapon properly and learn how to properly maintain it.

This check list also does not mention money or fuel. Depending on the type of emergency, there may not be electricity which means gas pumps and ATM's will not work. So have enough full gas cans on hand that you can fill your tank and leave if needed. [add Stabil, a gas perservative to the gas can with the fuel, it can be purchased at Walmart and it keeps gas good for 1 yr.]

Also, have some cash locked away so you won't be caught short if ATM's are down.

http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/appendix_b.shtm

The following list is to help you determine what to include in your disaster supplies kit that will meet your family’s needs.

First Aid Supplies

Supplies	Home	Vehicle	Work
Adhesive bandages, various sizes
5 " x 9 " sterile dressing
Conforming roller gauze bandage
Triangular bandages
3 " x 3 " sterile gauze pads
4 " x 4 " sterile gauze pads
Roll 3 " cohesive bandage
Germicidal hand wipes or waterless, alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Antiseptic wipes
Pairs large, medical grade, non-latex gloves
Tongue depressor blades
Adhesive tape, 2 " width
Antibacterial ointment
Cold pack
Scissors (small, personal)
Tweezers
Assorted sizes of safety pins
Cotton balls
Thermometer
Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Sunscreen
CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield
First aid manual

Non-Prescription and Prescription Medicine Kit Supplies

Supplies	Home	Vehicle	Work
Aspirin and non-aspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid (for stomach upset)
Laxative
Vitamins
Prescriptions
Extra eyeglasses/contact lenses

Sanitation and Hygiene Supplies

Item		Item
Washcloth and towel		Heavy-duty plastic garbage bags and ties for personal sanitation uses and toilet paper
Towelettes, soap, hand sanitizer		Medium-sized plastic bucket with tight lid
Tooth paste, toothbrushes		Disinfectant and household chlorine bleach
Shampoo, comb, and brush		A small shovel for digging a latrine
Deodorants, sunscreen		Toilet paper
Razor, shaving cream		Contact lens solutions
Lip balm, insect repellent		Mirror
Feminine supplies

Equipment and Tools

Tools		Kitchen items
Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries		Manual can opener
NOAA Weather Radio, if appropriate for your area		Mess kits or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
Flashlight and extra batteries		All-purpose knife
Signal flare		Household liquid bleach to treat drinking water
Matches in a waterproof container (or waterproof matches)		Sugar, salt, pepper
Shut-off wrench, pliers, shovel, and other tools		Aluminum foil and plastic wrap
Duct tape and scissors		Resealable plastic bags
Plastic sheeting		Small cooking stove and a can of cooking fuel (if food must be cooked)
Whistle
Small canister, ABC-type fire extinguisher		Comfort Items
Tube tent		Games
Compass		Cards
Work gloves		Books
Paper, pens, and pencils		Toys for kids
Needles and thread		Foods
Battery-operated travel alarm clock

Food and Water

Supplies	Home	Vehicle	Work
Water
Ready-to-eat meats, fruits, and vegetables
Canned or boxed juices, milk, and soup
High-energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, low-sodium crackers, granola bars, and trail mix
Vitamins
Special foods for infants or persons on special diets
Cookies, hard candy
Instant coffee
Cereals
Powdered milk

Clothes and Bedding Supplies

Item
Complete change of clothes
Sturdy shoes or boots
Rain gear
Hat and gloves
Extra socks
Extra underwear
Thermal underwear
Sunglasses
Blankets/sleeping bags and pillows

Documents and Keys

Item	Stored
Personal identification
Cash and coins
Credit cards
Extra set of house keys and car keys
Copies of the following:
Birth certificate
Marriage certificate
Driver's license
Social Security cards
Passports
Wills
Deeds
Inventory of household goods
Insurance papers
Immunization records
Bank and credit card account numbers
Stocks and bonds
Emergency contact list and phone numbers
Map of the area and phone numbers of places you could go

I Haven't Shot It

"...When you make the decision to carry a gun for personal defense, you must also come to terms with this fact: Your firearm may someday end the life of another person...."

by Ray Hawk

Recently, a friend of mine stated, "I bought a 357 revolver but I haven't shot it in fifteen years." He bought it for self-defense. How many people buy a handgun and stick it in a drawer? The gun is never cleaned. It is never shot. Some are never loaded. Yet, it is there to provide protection for its owner if needed. Do you see something wrong with that picture?

Some people have the idea that if someone is breaking into their home, automobile, or place of business, they will retrieve the pistol and it will not only fire, but they will hit only what is threatening them. I am afraid most of us get our gun knowledge from Hollywood. That source is an inadequate teacher. In fact, such ignorance can get you killed.

How many folks buy an automobile and let it sit unused in their garage? How many purchase a car but refuse to learn how to drive? "Oh, I'll learn to drive when I need to take someone to the hospital." Sure you will.

If you are going to buy a firearm for personal protection, either to carry on your person or to keep at home, in your car, or business, take a handgun course. A good starting place is a class to obtain your carry permit. Once you have gained that permit, you need to take at least one advanced class. Is it expensive? Perhaps, but what price tag do you put on your life or that of your loved ones?

It has been proven that if you can stand and hit the bull's-eye at seven or ten yards, you will lose about 65% or more proficiency when your life is threatened. If you have no prior training or target practice, you will hit something, but probably not the criminal. Remember, the bad guy isn't concerned about where his bullets go, you should and must be. If your rounds go past the felon and hit an innocent person, you are legally responsible. You may be shot by the criminal and then sued by the innocent party.

You may think that you can buy a handgun and holster, strap it on and carry without some training. First, it isn't always comfortable to carry a gun. Second, in the beginning you will think everyone knows you are carrying. It will take time to build confidence. Third, if you don't have the practice of keeping your "cotton pickin' finger off the trigger," you may accidentally blow a hole through your holster and ruin a pair of trousers when reholstering! In a worse case scenario, you could shoot yourself in the leg. Fourth, it takes practice to throw back a shirt or coat, draw, get your sight picture and shoot in a life or death situation. That is why practice, practice, practice is needed. In a life threatening situation, you will revert to your least amount of training. If you have none, what would that be?

If you own a semi-automatic pistol, the dresser drawer or car glove box is not a good learning place. A semi-auto firearm may fire more rounds than a revolver and be easier to reload, but if the firearm's weaknesses are not learned, it can become little more than a paper weight. When you load the magazine, make sure you load the cartridges in the correct direction. Yes, ignorance happens! When you insert the magazine into the handle of the pistol, make sure it "clicks" to show it is fully seated. If not, the first round fired will dislodge it and it will fall to the ground. If you are a novice under fire, you will be perplexed as to why your gun will not fire when the trigger is pulled the second time. You need to know what to do if your pistol jams and why it did. Many jams are caused by "limp-wristing." You did not have a firm grip on the gun when firing. You need to practice reloading when the slide locks back after the last round is fired. All of these items are elementary if practiced. Without practice, it can mean the difference between a gun that functions and one that doesn't. Which would you rather have?

I used to have a neighbor that was an agent in the FBI. The department decided to issue a new firearm. It was the Springfield 1911. After being issued the pistol, the local office went to the range and put 1,000 rounds through the gun each day for two days, just to learn how to use it. That is a good lesson to us. If you are going to purchase a pistol, I have one word for you--Practice! Your life may depend upon it!

Ray Hawk is a minister, a member of the NRA, IDPA, and the Tennessee Sports Foundation in Jackson, Tennessee. He is also the webmaster for the Tennessee Sports Foundation web site.