1 . Are you preparing for a big test? If so, you may want to play some basketball in between hitting the books. Doctors are starting to find more and more information that suggests a connection between exercise and brain development. Judy Cameron, a scientist at Oregon Health and Science University, studies brain development. According to her research, it seems that exercise can make blood vessels (血管), including those in the brain, stronger and more fully developed. Dr Cameron claims this allows people who exercise to concentrate better. She says, “ While we already know that exercise is good for the heart, exercise can really cause physical changes in the brain.”

The effects of exercise on brain development can even be seen in babies. Babies who do activities that require a lot of movement and physical activity show greater brain development than babies who are less physically active. With babies, even a little movement can show big results. Margaret Barnes, a pediatrician (儿科医生), believes in the importance of exercise. She thinks that many learning disabilities that children have in elementary school or high school can be traced back to a lack of movement as babies. “Babies need movement that stimulates their five senses. They need to establish a connection between motion and memory. In this way, as they get older, children will begin to associate physical activity with higher learning,” says Margaret.

Older people can beef up (加强) their brain as well. Scientists from 11 universities studied a group of seniors ranging in age from 70 to 79. Their study showed a short-term memory increase of up to 40 percent after exercising just three hours a week. The exercise does not have to be very difficult, but it does have to increase the heart rate. Also, just like the motion for babies, exercise for older people should involve some complexity (复杂). Learning some new skills or motions, such as with yoga or tai chi, helps open up memory paths in the brain that may not have used for a long time.

For most people, any type of physical activity that increases the heart rate is helpful. The main goal is to increase the brain’s flow of blood. And your brain can benefit from as little as three hours of exercise a week.

Yours,

Li Hua

10 . Whether you are a professional or an amateur, basketball is the best sport for you.

    1    

Here are some of the benefits you can acquire from playing basketball.

• Improve your fitness levels.

Playing basketball will definitely improve your fitness levels. Basketball is an amazing cardiovascular(心血管的) exercise, which is beneficial to people with heart problems.    2    

• Encourage teamwork.

Basketball requires team work to achieve a common objective.    3    This sport is great for kids, as it shows them how to work together in harmony to reach the goal. Learning how to relate with others will improve your child’s confidence as well as self-esteem.(自尊)

•     4    

Making a shot or winning can really improve your child's self-esteem, which is a vital aspect during childhood. Children with confidence are able to overcome challenges better, according to recent studies.

• Develop social skills.

It brings individuals together and helps create friendship and bonds. This provides a great opportunity for children who are shy, as it helps them interact with new friends.     5    

Although there are no drawbacks associated to playing basketball, it is necessary that you perform other exercises to improve your speed and power.