VIDEO GAMES FOR GROWING MINDS They’re Not Just for Entertainment
They learn how to problem-solve. Most video games feature puzzles and situations that require critical thinking to overcome. Players must often try different approaches to solve a puzzle before moving on to the next part of their game. They’re learning how to make their own decisions to accomplish goals.“The Legend of Zelda” games excel in this area. Video games spark creativity. It’s essential that children have a creative outlet to focus on as they grow up. While some kids get this from writing stories or drawing, others can showcase their creativity and grow their skills by playing video games. Take “Minecraft” for example. “Minecraft”gives kids an opportunity to create their own world. They can build castles, create roller coasters, and do just
Video games often get a bad rap. Many view them as time-wasters with nothing beneficial to offer, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Many benefits can be gained from playing video games, especially for children. Although positives exist, pay attention to what you buy or rent for kids, as benefits vary depending on the type and age appropriateness of the games. Also, limit the time your kids spend playing video games, as too much screen time can be detrimental to their behavior and attention span. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests allotting 30–60 minutes daily on school days and two hours or less on non-school days. If they stay within this range, you’ll quickly notice your children gaining some of the following benefits from playing video games.
about anything they put their mind to, thus enhancing their creative skills. Kids can improve relationship-building and leadership skills. Some games require kids to play on teams. Consequently, they can make new friends and bond over similar interests. Additionally, when kids play together, they have a chance to practice their leadership skills and lead their team to victory. Sports games and massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG) like“World of Warcraft” are great for teaching these skills. Be cautious if your kid is playing online with others, though. There’s no telling whom
they’re playing with, so make sure they’re an appropriate age before introducing online multiplayer games.
Exploring the Benefits of Saliva Did you know that, on average, you swallow saliva, commonly referred A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee
to as“spit,”580 times each day? Swallowing is involuntary, and you don’t even notice you’re doing it until you think about it! While we each produce different amounts of“spit,”humans produce anywhere from 2-4 pints of saliva daily. Saliva, the substance we swallow so many times a day, plays a vital role in helping us maintain pristine oral health — it acts just like the bloodstream in our body, but instead, it’s for our mouths. Saliva assists in building and maintaining the health of both hard and soft tissues. Because saliva shares many properties with blood, it’s a great indicator of potential health problems in other areas of your body. Researchers have used saliva to diagnose oral cancers, viral hepatitis, gum disease, and breast cancer. Those with reduced saliva flow can experience oral complications such as infections, tooth decay, and cavities. The best way to increase saliva flow is via chewing because it compresses the salivary glands that secrete saliva.
Saliva secretion brings several benefits:
• It moistens and breaks down food to make it easier to swallow and enhances the ability to taste. • It washes away food particles and debris in our teeth and gums. • It provides high levels of calcium, phosphate, and fluoride ions to strengthen and support your teeth. • It provides disease-fighting substances to prevent cavities, decay, and infections.
–Cheyenne & Ashlee Registered Dental Hygienists
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