Game-Changing Results Show that Personalized Brain Training is More Effective Than Challenging Games

Game-Changing Results Show that Personalized Brain Training is More Effective Than Challenging Games

Study is Consistent with Previous Findings that Show CogniFit Personal Coach is a Better Way to Improve Cognitive Abilities

Seattle, Washington (PRWEB) October 30, 2009

CogniFit™, Inc., a leading maker of Brain Fitness (http://www. cognifit. com/products/cognifit) Software (www. cognifit. com), announced additional findings of a study about the effectiveness of brain training programs. Independent researchers and CogniFit scientists compared the improvement in cognitive abilities among people who used mentally-stimulating online games and puzzles to a personalized brain fitness training program. They found that elderly subjects had greater cognitive improvement using CogniFit's targeted brain training program than a group who used challenging, classic computer games. These results, which were released at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease in Chicago, were consistent with findings from the same group of subjects which used a different assessment technique.

"This research provides further proof that brain fitness training which is based on the latest neuroscientific evidence works, and it works better than random but challenging activities to develop the full range of cognitive abilities," said Evelyn Shatil, Head of Cognitive Science at CogniFit. "Cognitive impairment has a huge impact on the quality of people's lives as they age, so these findings are great news."

The brain fitness industry is showing rapid growth following recent scientific discoveries about brain plasticity. Brain plasticity refers to the brain's ability to create new connections in response to mental stimulation, even among the elderly. While several companies have developed brain fitness programs to help people improve their memory (http://www. cognifit. com/blog/categories/memory) and other cognitive skills, only CogniFit products have personalized training for those skills that are most important and most in need of development. Today, there is increasing evidence that verifies the effectiveness of scientifically-developed brain fitness software. This study from CogniFit shows that brain training (http://www. cognifit. com/products/cognifit/cognifit-personal-coach) which is personalized to the needs and skill levels of an individual can offer greater cognitive benefits than challenging, classic computer games.

The study, which was conducted under the guidance of a team of independent experts and scientists, compared the progress of two randomized groups with a total of 89 volunteers. A control group used computer games such as Tetris, Labyrinth and Memory-Pairs. A second group used CogniFit Personal Coach. The volunteers were assigned computerized practice at home, three times a week for 20 to 30 minutes each session over a three-month period. Cognitive abilities were assessed, using CogniFit's comprehensive cognitive assessment program, at the beginning of the sessions and at the end of three months. In the end, all groups showed some improvement. However, people who used CogniFit Personal Coach improved notably in eight abilities while the computer games group improved in two. The amount of change with CogniFit was significantly different than the games group in Auditory Short-Term Memory, Eye Hand General Coordination, General Memory, Naming, Shifting, Spatial Perception, Time Estimation, and Visual Perception.

Unlike challenging, classic games, CogniFit Personal Coach tailors cognitive training to meet the specific needs of individuals and adjusts the difficulty of the exercises during training. As a result, people using CogniFit experience mental stimulation that is challenging enough to improve their abilities, but not so challenging that they become frustrated. As their skills improve, the training evolves. CogniFit Personal Coach assesses and trains fourteen of the most important cognitive functions to everyday life, including Focused Attention, Visual Spatial Memory, Mental Flexibility and Executive Functions.

About CogniFit

CogniFit brain fitness programs provide an initial baseline assessment of the cognitive abilities that are most affected by aging, before creating personalized training programs. No two training programs are the same. Based on more than 30 years of neuro-scientific research, CogniFit's scientifically validated, patented brain fitness programs are personalized to each user's skills and needs to help enhance their cognitive performance and health.

Shlomo Breznitz, PhD, founded CogniFit in 1999 with the goal of using the latest cognitive research to help people of all ages maintain and improve their quality of life through brain fitness assessment and training. Prof. Breznitz has had a long and distinguished academic career and has been at the forefront of cognitive training using a personal computer. CogniFit offers training programs for a wide range of cognitive skills needed for everyday functioning, as well as cognitive skills needed for specific activities such as driving.

The company also offers its training through selected partners including Catalyst Partners and Young Drivers of Canada. To learn more about CogniFit, please visit the website at www. cognifit. com.

For more information, press only:

Jody Peake, OnPR, o: (503) 802-4400, m: (503) 997-3907

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Texas Partners with Connected Nation to Map Broadband Availability and Prepare for Federal Stimulus Funding

Texas Partners with Connected Nation to Map Broadband Availability and Prepare for Federal Stimulus Funding

Yesterday, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples announced a partnership between the Texas Department of Agriculture and Connected Nation, a national nonprofit, to create a broadband initiative called Connected Texas and to develop a detailed broadband inventory map to better position Texas for competitive funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The map, which will feature the information of participating broadband providers large and small, is expected to serve as a key asset for the state as it prepares for federal stimulus funding to support broadband investment.

Austin, TX (Vocus) July 29, 2009

Yesterday, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples announced a partnership between the Texas Department of Agriculture and Connected Nation, a national nonprofit, to create a broadband initiative called Connected Texas and to develop a detailed broadband inventory map to better position Texas for competitive funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The map, which will feature the information of participating broadband providers large and small, is expected to serve as a key asset for the state as it prepares for federal stimulus funding to support broadband investment.

"We are excited about this new partnership," Commissioner Staples said. "Connected Nation will help Texas close the digital divide between urban and rural communities in our state. By creating a broadband map, we will learn which areas are unserved and underserved. This critical knowledge will lead to developing projects that bring high-speed Internet to all Texans, which will enhance economic development, expand educational opportunities, and improve health care."

The Texas broadband map, which will be a function of Connected Texas, will feature a collaborative, public-private approach to broadband mapping, as Congress prescribed in the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA) of 2008. The map will illustrate broadband service availability at the street level, based on information from all types of providers across Texas, including cable, telephone, wireless Internet service providers, rural cooperatives, and municipalities. Most importantly, the broadband map will illustrate the service gaps that remain in rural and other remote locations. This information will best prepare Texas for a sound, yet aggressive approach to improving broadband adoption.

The Texas map will be developed under the leadership of the Texas Department of Agriculture. Through a rigorous system of broadband data collection, GIS analysis, and data verification, Connected Texas’s mapping project will determine where broadband service is currently available to Texas households statewide and, more importantly, the gaps in coverage where households are not served by any broadband provider.

Currently, more than $7 billion is available through the ARRA for broadband projects nationwide. In the ARRA, $350 million fund the BDIA. These grant funds are available for states to develop public-private partnerships for grassroots-driven expansion of broadband and computer use, particularly among unserved and underserved populations.

Connected Nation conducted a recent study of the impact of public-private broadband expansion programs funded through the BDIA and the ARRA. The study found that a comprehensive, grassroots-driven program for increased broadband access and use in Texas could result in a total economic impact of $9.4 billion through the creation of more than 173,000 jobs and cost savings in areas such as health care and the environment and through activities such as telecommuting.

"The federal government has set the expectation that states must be able to illustrate the extent of broadband coverage in order to prioritize broadband stimulus investments for unserved and underserved areas," said Brian R. Mefford, Connected Nation’s CEO. "Our partnership and the creation of a broadband map will provide Texas the opportunity to address the areas of Texas where broadband is not readily available. This will better position Texas for the broadband opportunities provided by the ARRA."

About Connected Nation: Connected Nation is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that expands access to and use of broadband Internet and the related technologies that are enabled when individuals and communities have the opportunity and desire to connect. Connected Nation effectively raises the awareness of the value of broadband and related technologies by developing coalitions of influencers and enablers for technology deployment and adoption. Connected Nation works with community stakeholders, states, and technology providers to develop and implement technology expansion programs with core competencies centered around a mission to improve digital inclusion for people and places previously underserved or overlooked. For more information about Connected Nation, Inc., visit www. connectednation. org.

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New Year Brings New Way to Save Money on Insurance

New Year Brings New Way to Save Money on Insurance

Shop4LowRates saves consumers money on their insurance premiums by creating competition among local agents representing national carriers.

Greenville, SC (PRWEB) December 31, 2009

Every year, January ushers in a fresh start and an opportunity to make good on resolutions. A commonly shared resolution for this New Year will be to try and save more money as many people struggle to get back on a firm financial foothold. One of the last places that we may think of when looking to cut expenses and save money is the house we live in or the car we drive. By simply shopping for more competitive insurance rates (http://www. shop4lowrates. com/) and lowering premiums, many people can save 14% or more on insurance premiums on their home and cars (https://http://www. shop4lowrates. com/v3AutoExclusive. asp).

Although this is an easy way to find hidden savings and keep more money in your pocket, many people hesitate to shop their insurance premiums because of the time they think it will take to call three or four local agents. Shop4LowRates, a South Carolina based company, offers a new online service that makes it easy for anyone with a computer to quickly compare rates. The new website also makes it easier for consumers to save money as local agents, representing national carriers, compete for their business.

“It’s a basic economic principle that consumers greatly benefit from competition, whether they’re buying a new car, computer or groceries,” said Jamie McVay, President of Shop4LowRates. “Our online service simply makes it easier to compare insurance rates from local agents right in their own city. By investing just a few minutes of their time, people can save hundreds of dollars on their insurance premiums.”

To get started comparing rates, consumers just have to visit the company website at http://www. shop4lowrates. com (http://www. shop4lowrates. com/) and choose the type of insurance they need including auto, homeowners, life, renters, motorcycle and health insurance. Consumers then fill out one easy, secure electronic form, just one time, to allow up to four local agents to compete for their business and provide quotes, which people can then compare to get the best coverage at the best price that meets their needs.

“Research shows that over 32 million consumers a year kick the tires and surf for better rates online, but at the end of the day they tend to purchase policies at the local level with local agents who they are comfortable with, speak their language and are entrenched in their communities. Now consumers can do both, get the best rate online from an agent right in their neighborhood,” added McVay.

About Shop4LowRates
Shop4LowRates is a South Carolina based company that was established to help consumers save money by enabling them to quickly and easily compare and shop for insurance rates online. By creating competition at the local level, the company can act as a consumer advocate that serves as a convenient connection between insurance shoppers and neighborhood agents that can best meet their needs. For more information, please visit the company’s website (http://www. shop4lowrates. com/).

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Laboratorio SISTECAM, S. A. today announced the NEW Axenohl based product, AXENOHL™ QuickDry

Laboratorio SISTECAM, S. A. today announced the NEW Axenohl based product, AXENOHL™ QuickDry

Costa Rica (PRWEB) June 1, 2003

Laboratorio SISTECAM, S. A. today announced the NEW Axenohl based product, AXENOHL™ QuickDry, has been approved for manufacturing and sale in Costa Rica. Axenohl Quick Dry is one of the most powerful, ready to use Axenohl™ formulations. It eliminates all gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, virus and fungi, on contact and eliminates Bacillus sp. Spores in less than 25 minutes.

AXENOHL™ Quick Dry

AXENOHL™ Pro Secado Rápido

Chemical Name: Silver Dihydrogen Citrate

Axenohl Concentrate: 30 ppm

Physical State: liquid

Color: light-gray opaque

Odor: slight alcohol odor

Density: 1,095

Ph (neat): 2,560

Flash Point: 43°C

Reg #Q-17620-3-9

AXENOHL™ Quick Dry

Axenohl Quick Dry is one of the most powerful, ready to use Axenohl™ formulations. It eliminates all gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, virus and fungi, on contact and eliminates Bacillus sp. Spores in less than 25 minutes.

Axenohl Quick Dry has a specially designed quick drying formula and may be used to sterilize hands, hard surfaces and areas and equipment for food processing.

Axenohl Quick Dry is ideal for all infection control practices in hospital emergency wards, clinics, schools, restaurants, kitchens, bathrooms and institutional use, as it provides a 24 hour residual kill against bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Axenohl Quick Dry is registered with the ministry of health in Costa Rica #Q-17620-3-9. Medical uses for this product will specifically include acne treatment, athlete´s foot and toe and nail fungus. This product is shelf stable for two years.

AXENOHL™ Secado Rápido

Axenohl Secado Rápido es uno de los productos más poderosos de uso inmediato de las formulas de Axenohl™. Elimina todas las bacterias gram-positivas y gram-negativas, virus y hongos al contacto y esporas de Bacillus sp. en menos de 25 minutos.

Axenohl Secado Rápido fue diseñado para tener una formula de secado rápido y se puede usar para esterilizar manos, superficies y áreas y equipo de procesión de alimentos.

Axenohl Secado Rápido es ideal para todo el control de infección en salas de emergencia en hospitales y clínicas, escuelas, baños, restaurantes y usos institucionales y que provee un efecto residual de hasta 24 horas contra bacterias, virus y hongos.

Axenohl Secado Rápido esta registrado con el ministerio de salud en Costa Rica # Q-17620-3-9. Usos médicos para el producto incluyen el tratamiento de acne, pie de atleta y hongos de los dedos y uñas. Este producto es estable por dos años.

Nashville Singer/Songwriter Don Gallardo to Perform at Trend-Setting Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles

Nashville Singer/Songwriter Don Gallardo to Perform at Trend-Setting Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles

Americana radio favorite Don Gallardo will perform at the Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles on Sept. 5th. Gallardo has drawn comparisons to Rhett Miller, Ryan Adams, and Freedy Johnston.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) September 3, 2010

Nashville-based singer/songwriter Don Gallardo is heading for Tinseltown; in this case, the trend-setting club the Hotel Café in Los Angeles, CA, where Gallardo will perform on Sunday, September 5th at 10:30 p. m.

Gallardo's music unites the introspective lyrics of Rhett Miller, the gritty twang of Ryan Adams, and the honey-warm vocals of Freedy Johnston, producing a rootsy, personal sound that exists between the boundaries of Americana and mainstream rock. Gallardo's latest album, "Sweetheart Radio Revolution, Etc.," is gradually developing a following from alt-country and Triple A radio stations nationwide with its collection of folk-tinged stories of life and love.

Born in Fairfax, CA, Gallardo is the product of great taste in artistic influences, absorbing healthy doses of the Beatles, Elvis Presley, and Elton John as well as contemporary acts like Wilco, Golden Smog, and the Mother Hips. He began playing guitar after seeing a neighbor throwing the instrument into the trash and politely asked him for it. Originally an active member of the San Francisco music scene, Gallardo relocated to Nashville in 2007. A dedicated road warrior, Gallardo has opened up for artists such as Roseanne Cash, Delbert McClinton, Rogue Wave, the Mother Hips, Molly Hatchet, Peter Rowan, Hot Buttered Rum, and Jolie Holland.

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Revitalization & Relaxation: Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa Unveils Citrus Summer Glow Package

Revitalization & Relaxation: Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa Unveils Citrus Summer Glow Package

This summer, spa-goers at Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa will be refreshed with the Citrus Summer Glow package and receive 25% savings on these summer-exclusive treatments.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) August 10, 2007

This summer, spa-goers at Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa will be refreshed with the Citrus Summer Glow package and receive 25% savings on these summer-exclusive treatments. The unique citrus-infused spa package includes a body scrub with the extracts of local ingredients such as orange blossom, grapefruit and key lime, and a moisturizing and massaging citrus manicure and pedicure.

Florida's natural citrus are the perfect ingredients to nourish skin, and with over 100 million citrus trees in the state alone, there's plenty to go around*! The South Florida spa's Citrus Summer Glow package is available through September 30, 2007 at $185 per person including service charges (a total savings of $60)**.

Guests at The Spa at Harbor Beach will receive unlimited access to luxurious spa amenities from the private outdoor spa pool to the movement studio overlooking the Atlantic Ocean offering a wide variety of daily fitness classes. Spa visitors will also enjoy complimentary juices, teas and fruits served throughout the day and the nutritious fare available at the Spa Café. Listed in the celebrated spa guidebook "100 Best Spas of the World," the 22,000-square-foot Spa at Harbor Beach is renowned among guests and locals alike.

Home to South Florida's largest private beach, the Florida spa hotel is the perfect spot to soak up the summer sunshine. When guests are through with the spa, the resort offers scuba diving for all. From lessons for children ages five and above, to final diving certification for the experienced scuba diver, Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is one of the first resorts in Florida to offer scuba diving as an activity for the whole family and has a program to meet all ages and skill levels.

Through September 30, rates at Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa start at $199 per night. For more information or reservations at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, call (800) 222-6543 or visit http://www. marriott. com/hotels/travel/fllsb-harbor-beach-marriott-resort-and-spa/ (http://www. marriott. com/hotels/travel/fllsb-harbor-beach-marriott-resort-and-spa/).

About the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is a premier Fort Lauderdale beach hotel featuring 637 guest rooms, including 35 luxurious suites, all of which include two-lined telephones with message service, data ports, high-speed Internet access, a 32" cable TV with PlayStation capability, deluxe bedding, in-room safe, individual climate control, mini-bar and more. The Spa at Harbor Beach, is listed in "100 Best Spas of the World," and is an $8 million seaside oasis boasting 18 private treatment rooms, a private spa pool, sauna, whirlpool, eucalyptus steam rooms, private lockers, health-oriented Spa Café, fitness center, yoga and Pilates classes and motion studio overlooking the ocean. Harbor Beach guests enjoy playing privileges at a selection of Fort Lauderdale private golf courses. A variety of dining options await you, including 3030 Ocean, one of the best fine dining waterfront restaurants in Fort Lauderdale offering modern American seafood under the helm of famed executive chef Dean James Max. The resort also offers 30,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor meeting space, 22,500 sq. ft. of outdoor oceanfront terraces and 200,000 sq. ft. of sparkling beach for signature events. Located just 10 minutes from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, this Fort Lauderdale resort and spa offers guests the seclusion of a tropical resort, with all the exciting dining, shopping, entertainment and cultural options of the city at its doorstep. For more information, call (954) 766-6133 or visit http://www. marriott. com/hotels/travel/fllsb-harbor-beach-marriott-resort-and-spa/ (http://www. marriott. com/hotels/travel/fllsb-harbor-beach-marriott-resort-and-spa/).

*According to www. FloridaJuice. com
**Special offer based on availability and advance reservations are required.

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African American Women Evolving Presents “Black Women: Loving the Mind, Body, & Spirit” Health Conference & 10th Anniversary Gala

African American Women Evolving Presents “Black Women: Loving the Mind, Body, & Spirit” Health Conference & 10th Anniversary Gala

10th Anniversary Health Conference planned by African American Women Evolving at Chicago's Malcom X College.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) October 14, 2006

African American Women Evolving, Inc. (AAWE) invites you to be a part of a weekend dedicated to promoting women’s health. On October 27-28, 2006, AAWE will host its 2006 Black Women: Loving the Mind, Body, and Spirit© Health Conference and 10th Anniversary Gala. The fourth conference of its kind hosted by AAWE, the Conference features cutting-edge workshops covering various health topics. Women will hear from local and national experts about personal, mental, financial, and spiritual health and well-being.

The conference has four focal themes. For each theme, AAWE seeks to answer questions about access to services culturally sensitive patient care and consumer information, and immediate strategies women can incorporate into their day-to-day lives to improve their health and well-being.

The Selig Center for Economic Growth reports that Illinois ranked seventh in the top ten African American consumer markets, spending $39.7 billion. The Center further reports that in 2004, Black women earned $298.8 billion. It is projected that by 2009, African Americans will account for 62% of combined spending or $965 billion.

The Health Conference will be held at Malcolm X College, our conference co-sponsor, which is located at 1900 West Van Buren, Chicago, Illinois. AAWE is proud to have Malcolm X College as a conference co-sponsor. The college has a long history as a leader in providing post-secondary education to residents of Chicago. Malcolm X College is a learning and assessment-centered community college, empowering students of diverse backgrounds and abilities to achieve academic, career, and personal success.

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