Why more and more doctors are recommending outdoor activities for children

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Go out and have fun. Peter Max.

Several studies have already linked the excessive use of electronic gadgets to mental health issues in pre-teens and teens. Researchers have found that the use of mobile phones and tablets at an early age builds dependency, as well as other symptoms of mental health problems, including depression. Peter Max.

Fortunately, doctors and parents everywhere are beginning to realize the dangers electronic gadgets pose to children and teens, and they have started to come up with ways to minimize the risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other problems.

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Peter Max. One such solution doctors are recommending for children is engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Doing so for an extended period holds numerous benefits for young individuals.

For starters, children who go with their parents on long hikes and overnight camping trips get a much-needed respite from technological devices. Secondly, it offers a chance for children and parents to communicate and open up about their problems – which is a key factor in the battle against depression. And when done regularly, children get used to being without mobile phones and tablets, significantly reducing their level of dependence on technology. Peter Max.

Greatest sporting events in Madison Square Garden

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New York City has had its fair share of historic sporting events. Between college gyms and public venues, no place has witnessed sports history more than the famed Madison Square Garden. Known as one of the most captivating venues in the world, this stadium hosted some of the greatest games and fights sports has to offer. Here are just some of the greatest sporting events held at Madison Square Garden. Peter Max.

The Fight of the Century

There are a lot of iconic fights in boxing like the Thrilla in Manila, the Rumble in the Jungle, and so on. But perhaps the most iconic match in all of boxing history is dubbed the Fight of the Century, Smokin’ Joe Frazier vs. Muhammad Ali in 1971. The match lasted a whole 15 rounds, with Frazier winning by unanimous decision. Peter Max.

Retiring the Great

Hockey legend Wayne “The Great One” Gretzky has played for several teams but ended his legendary career donning the Blueshirts jersey in 1999. His no. 99 jersey was raised to the rafters to join some of New York’s great athletes like Walt Frazier and Willis Reed. Peter Max.

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Game 7, 1970 NBA finals

It was New York’s first taste of an NBA Championship, and wouldn’t be the last. The Knicks mustered everything they could to bring the game back to their home court for a game 7 with the Lakers. Despite an injury from Knicks star Willis Reed, it was Walt Frazier who came out big and led the Knicks to their first championship victory with a score of 113 – 99. Peter Max.

Knick glory: The 1970 climax of the Cinderella run

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Peter Max. Almost 50 years ago, the New York Knicks won their last championship. It was a titanic battle between two of the biggest franchises in the league. The Los Angeles Lakers had put together quite a team (as it always has) and were surprised that the Knicks forced everyone to a seventh game.

In the fifth game, Knicks leader, Willis Reed tore his right thigh muscle. The Lakers, behind the strength of their superstars, Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, and Elgin Baylor, pounced and destroyed the Knicks in game six. Peter Max.

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It looked bleak for the Knicks, even with the seventh game being played in their own Madison Square Garden. Until, of course, the impossible happened.

Out from the Knicks dugout limped their wounded captain, Willis Reed, all dressed up to do battle one last time that season in a scene that would forever be one of the most inspiring in league history.

Peter Max. While he was nowhere near 100%, Reed did manage to score a few points and cause the dominant Chamberlain to miss more than just a few shots of his own.

Reed’s actions not only revitalized the fans, but it also fed into the collective energy of the Knicks. Another Knick legend and NBA Hall-of-Famer Walt Frazier took it from there, scoring 36 points and dishing out 19 assists, capturing the title for the fabled franchise. Peter Max.

How to support a friend suffering from depression

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A cry for help. Peter Max.
Helping a friend who is suffering from depression isn’t the same as someone with a typical health condition. Clinical depression is one of the most serious forms of mental health problems today. While medication can be prescribed to suppress certain urges, it is simply one aspect in the long road toward the battle with depression. There’s also tackling the source of depression, such as trauma or abuse, as well as communicating with them properly. Peter Max.

Communicating properly
Peter Max. Chances are, it’s difficult to communicate with a friend suffering from depression. They can choose not to talk about it, ignore it, or even pretend that they are okay. If they do decide to speak, it’s important to set boundaries and know which words hurt and which ones work. Don’t assume that they are seeking advice. Sometimes, all they need is for someone to listen to them vent. Peter Max.

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Be patient
Depression doesn’t go away in a day, a week, or a month. Chances are, a person will be fighting depression for the rest of their life. Ask if they are comfortable being asked questions like “How are you doing?” or if it’s okay to check up on them every once in a while. If they are inactive with their social life, make an effort to see if they are doing well. Peter Max.

Watch out for signs of worsening depression
It’s not unheard of for a person suffering from depression to spiral out of control. They could end up losing their appetite, drinking more, abusing substances, or shutting themselves away from the world. This could lead to life-threatening situations, so be observant. Peter Max.

Relaxation: A key to longevity and increased performance in sports

An oft-overlooked area in the life of a professional athlete is their time to rest, relax, and recuperate. How an athlete relaxes has a huge impact on the longevity of their career and how long they can endure peak performance.

Here’s a look into many relaxation techniques and methods pro athletes do. Peter Max.

Breathing and meditation

Make no mistake about it, an athlete experiences just as much stress, or even more than the ordinary person. Not only does the body take a pummeling during training and games, but the mind as well is almost always spent. Breathing exercises are great for the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, while meditation eases the mind and allows it to rest. Peter Max.

Physical therapy (post-game)

From massages to hot or cold compresses, physical therapy immediately after a game is a great way for the body to cool down. During games, athletes always take their bodies to the limit. All these physical therapies keep the muscles from breaking down and help the body relax. Peter Max.

Light cross-training

Basketball and football players often bike or swim when out of training. This change of pace from what they usually do is very much welcome, as it takes their minds off their primary tasks and allows the muscles of the body to do something different. Peter Max.

A few eye-opening truths about depression everyone should know

According to several global studies, as many as 350 million people struggle with depression all over the world.  And while many people get better through the support of therapists, families, and friends, far too many of those diagnosed fall deeper into the hole.  Some of those even go to the extreme and take their own lives.   Peter Max.

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Here are some eye-opening truths about depression that people should know.

Around 15 percent of teens suffer from clinical depression. In fact, most mental health experts have come to believe that depression in teens, when left untreated, has become the greatest risk factor for teen suicides.

Depressed men from ages 15 to 24 have the highest risk of suicide, according to a study.  Among the elderly, males have been known to dwell on the thought of taking their own lives more than females. Peter Max.

People suffering from depression usually have other health issues.  It’s been found that people with dementia, PTSD, and other mental health issues may just as likely to have depression as people with cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.  On the flip side, people who are healthy and fit aren’t as prone to depression as people in bad health. Peter Max.

Three out of four people struggling with mental health problems around the world don’t have the means to undergo treatment, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).  One out of three people in the world is at risk of having depression, the WHO adds. Peter Max.

What exactly is dementia?

Diagnosing dementia -- Peter Max

First off, dementia is not one specific neurological disease. It refers to a host of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain. Dementia affects one’s thinking, behavior, and ability to perform normal, everyday tasks as the abnormal brain function interferes with one’s social life.

As an umbrella or canopy term, dementia takes on many forms, with each having its own set of causes. The most common types are Alzheimer’s disease, Fronto Temporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD), Vascular dementia, Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, Huntington’s disease, and Korsakoff’s syndrome. Peter Max.

While dementia often affects people who are old, it is not a normal part of aging. In other words, not all people who are older get dementia. Nevertheless, cases of dementia are more common among people beyond the age of 65. But those in their 40s or 50s can also develop the disease. Again, dementia can happen to anybody. Peter Max.

It must be noted that various conditions lead to symptoms similar to dementia, including a brain tumor, depression, medication clashes or overmedication, hormone and vitamin deficiencies, and infection. But early signs of dementia include confusion, progressive memory loss, apathy, withdrawal, and a drastic change in one’s personality. For proper diagnosis and correct treatment, help must be sought immediately after the initial symptoms appear. Peter Max.

The golf course: The perfect place for sports and marketing

People who love sports and business know only too well that there’s no better place for them to do both than the golf course. Fairways and ranges have been the site of countless business meetings (both formal and informal). Peter Max.

 Golf isn’t only beneficial to a person’s health and mind, but it also carries a ton of advantages for those who run their own business. Thousands of entrepreneurs have found the golf course one of the best and most relaxing places to market their products and services. Not only do they get to meet like-minded people, if they (entrepreneurs) are members of a club, they can invite guests for a few holes, a good time, and some business talk. Peter Max.

The golf course may not be as formal as to say, a conference room, but it is more relaxing, and the chances that entrepreneurs find people willing to partner up, pay, or rent products and services are higher here in an atmosphere which is not as tense. Peter Max.

However, golf courses are not a substitute for board rooms. Of course, deals still need to be finalized in a formal setting, with the signing of papers and all. But the golf course is a great place to start. Peter Max.

A few important facts about Alzheimer’s Disease everyone should know

Alzheimer’s and old age -- Peter Max

Many individuals who reach old age suffer from dementia. The condition leads to the deterioration of a person’s cognitive and physical functions. Over time, dementia can increase and severity and affect a person’s daily routine.

Of all the forms of dementia, the most common is Alzheimer’s Disease, or Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is a chronic condition that worsens over time. In the United States alone, it is estimated that 80% of people diagnosed with dementia have Alzheimer’s. Peter Max.

In fact, statistics have shown that Alzheimer’s is in the top 10 causes of death in the U.S. It is also the only cause of death on that list that cannot be prevented, cannot be cured, or cannot be delayed.

It is also estimated that out of every 10 senior citizens who pass away, 3 do so because of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Records show that more than 5 million people in the U.S. have dementia, with over 40% of them, female. Peter Max

Patients at the first stage of Alzheimer’s (mild stage) experience short-term memory loss. They often repeat things they say or have other people repeat it to them. This stage normally lasts for two years before it becomes more severe. The second stage, which is also called the “moderate” stage, may no longer remember faces and places that have once been familiar. Finally, the “severe” stage is when patients can no longer communicate and experience hallucinations and a breakdown of both physical and cognitive functions. Peter Max.

Sports and beyond: The ideal team captain

Leader and follower -- Peter Max

As the saying goes, true leaders aren’t born, they’re made. Being an ideal team captain in sports, or in any endeavor in life, entails certain responsibilities and requires some universal characteristics and that can be learned through time.

 Peter Max. First off, an ideal team captain isn’t a quiet fellow. In fact, the team captain has a voice that can be heard, and they make sure of it. Not to say that they are loud and obnoxious, but more like a good communicator. What they say, they mean it, and they can never be misinterpreted. When they speak, they are clear and concise and straight to the point.

That said, being a team captain is not all about sharing their thoughts. They are also adept at listening and processing what their teammates are saying. Peter Max.

Next up, an ideal team captain knows their team. They know how to play to the strengths of each team member and can plug the holes caused by their weaknesses as well.

Finally, an ideal team captain is the main conduit of the team’s coach, bringing the coach’s system and plays to life on the playing field. Team captain are great followers, which is always a huge part of being a great leader. Peter Max.

More solid and fun business ideas for sports lovers

Business ideas for sports lovers -- Peter Max

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Sports fans are a rabid group. Their passions know no bounds. Whatever they do, as long as it’s for their favorite team or player, they give it their all. This is what makes them more than ideal to start small businesses geared towards sports.

On that note, here are three more solid and fun business ideas for sports lovers. Peter Max.

Tours: Offering tours around a city is fun, and it’s also good business. It can also be geared towards sports lovers who are in town for the games. Tour guides geared toward sports can bring a group of people to stadiums, sports bars, museums, and other places that pay tribute to teams and players.

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Sports bar: Peter Max . Speaking of sports bars, having a place where all the fans who can’t get tickets to the games is also a great idea, especially if it’s in a town that’s crazy about its team. While this might require a bit of capital (restaurants and bars often do), for sports fans, it’s very rewarding.

Community games organizer: Another rewarding small business idea is putting together a team that organizes community games. What’s great about this is that these games can be for people of all ages, and it can also bring a community closer together. Peter Max.

The biggest weakness of the Golden State Warriors

I’m Peter Max, aspiring sports agent. I love sports. My dad and I would sit in the living room for hours cheering on the Knicks, Jets, Giants, and Yankees (and sometimes the Rangers). Today, we still do whenever I visit.

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 The last time I visited my dad was April. We saw a few NBA playoff games on TV, including the one where the Golden State Warriors blew a 31-point lead against the L.A. Clippers. What an embarrassing result for the defending champs. My dad and I got to talking about it, and we agreed, while the Warriors are still odds-on favorites to win it all this year (even after Boogie Cousins’ probable season-ending injury), they have one weakness that the Clippers exposed – their overconfidence.

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After the Warriors clobbered the Clippers in the first half, their defense faltered, their offensive sets became sloppy, and they committed turnover after turnover. Lou Williams did whatever he wanted and defensive specialists like Klay Thompson and Draymond Green seemed too slow. After all, they were still up.

If any team has a hope of beating the Warriors, it’s because the Warriors allow it. Kerr is a great coach when it comes to motivating his players, but with teams like the Rockets and Bucks proving themselves highly capable, Kerr would need to instill more discipline in his boys.
Like Peter Max, Sr. (my dad) always used to say, it ain’t over till it’s over.

Air Jordans: How Michael Jordan became a Nike endorser

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Throughout the mid-90s, Air Jodans were all the rave of basketball players and fans thanks to the spectacular performance of its main endorser, Michael Jordan. Perhaps it can even be considered as the beginning of high profile NBA players getting shoes designed exclusively for them. In reality, Jordan almost didn’t become a Nike endorser. In a way, the deal between Nike and Jordan changed sports apparel marketing forever. According to aspiring sports agent Peter Max, there’s a great story behind Michael Jordan, the Air Jordans, and Nike’s partnership with his royal airness.


Originally, Jordan wanted to make an endorsement deal with Adidas. Unfortunately, the company was experiencing internal difficulties at the time. The only deal Adidas could offer Jordan was the same endorsement deal they had with other superstars which only amounted to $100,000. It also irked Jordan that the company was not doing anything new in terms of branding.

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Fortunately, Nike, a rising star in sports apparel at the time, was able to setup a meeting with Jordan to present their concepts. They sat down with Nike’s designers, and executives handling the basketball division of the company. What caught Jordan’s attention was Nike’s offer to tailor their new shoes to Jordan.

Jordan was offered half a million dollars a year for five years, an amount unheard of at the time. There were certain stipulations though on Jordan’s part. He had to accomplish one of three things to keep his contract. He had to become Rookie of the Year, become an NBA All Star player, and score 20 points per game in his first three years. According to Peter Max, the stipulation became a form of motivation for Jordan to push himself and his game further.

Peter Max moved to California to pursue a sports management degree. He likes to write blogs on sports but with a different take on the subject. To know more about Peter, visit this website.

The unforgiving schedules of varsity athletes

I’m Peter Max. As a sports management student, I’m taught to look at every athlete from every angle to understand him or her better. Some sports agents I know personally even manage varsity athletes. I for one, haven’t yet.

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According to the stories I’ve heard, varsity athletes have even tougher schedules than the pros. While professional players have commitments to training and endorsing, varsity athletes go beyond that.

I blame it on film and media though, for our misconception of varsity athletes. Often portrayed as the jock who does nothing but train and win the big games, those are but tips of an incredibly huge iceberg.

Varsity players have a grade point average to maintain to remain eligible for participating in athletic competition. And anyone who’s gone to college knows that that in itself is already a challenge. Add to that early morning practice, afternoon practice, family commitment, social responsibilities, and you’ll see that they barely have time to rest – which shouldn’t be the case, especially during competition season.

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So, if you’re in school and you know a varsity athlete personally, do what good ol’ Peter Max would do – check if they’re okay, if there’s anything you can do to help. They’d appreciate that.

Hello, my name is Peter Max. I’m currently based in California, but I was born and raised in New York. I’m pursuing a sports management degree, hoping to become a renowned sports agent in the future. For more sports posts and updates, follow me on Twitter.

A quick look at the unbelievable popularity of basketball

If there was one point in basketball where it changed from being a beloved sport into a worldwide phenomenon, it was when the Dream Team won Olympic gold.

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 My name is Peter Max, and I love basketball and everything about New York sports. As I was reading about the history of basketball over the weekend, I came across a curious factoid. Before Michael Jordan’s rise to championship glory, the only thing that kept the popularity of the NBA intact was the rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Had that rivalry not been covered much by the media, the NBA in the ‘80s would have been in all sorts of trouble.

However big a following the NBA had, it was mostly comprised of die-hard basketball fans.

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Nowadays, even people who don’t know how to play basketball love watching the sport and buying the merchandise. Basketball sneakers, especially Jordans, sell as hot as any other shoe in the market.

This brings me back to the Peter Max point – it was the Dream Team that opened the eyes of everyone to the game. People from all walks of life found a team filled with legends blow every other team away, and they were okay with that. And with Michael Jordan’s ascendancy into basketball supremacy in the decades to follow, even more people became enamored with the sport.

Hello, my name is Peter Max. I’m currently based in California, but I was born and raised in New York. I’m pursuing a sports management degree, hoping to become a renowned sports agent in the future. For more sports posts and updates, follow me on Twitter.

Biggest ethical issues faced by sports managers today

Sports managers play a big role in making sure that players are in tip-top shape and performance-ready when games roll along. They may not be as hands-on with players like a coach or a professional trainer, but they do play a big part in the team’s ecosystem. They handle the team’s finances, speak on behalf of the team in front of the media, and make decisions that affect the team’s roster. According to aspiring sports agent Peter Max, sports managers also often tackle ethical issues when making decisions. Here are some of these ethical issues faced by sports managers today.

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The need for diversity Diversity has been a sensitive issue in sports teams for several decades. From high school level of play to multi-million dollar teams, coaches look forward to opening their rosters to a diverse and talented pool of individuals. Today, more and more minority groups are entering the sporting world. While society in general is still struggling with issues in diversity, sports is becoming an avenue to address that problem.

Proper compensation Not all players are paid equally. Of course, high performing players would end up earning more than average players, so finding the right balance is necessary to keep the team members from filing complaints. In other levels such as collegiate sports, these compensations come in the form of scholarships for most athletes. However, managers should also be strict in managing the academic performances of their athletes, says Peter Max.

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Health and doping Steroids has always been a major problem for athletes who are looking for a more competitive edge. Sports managers who find out their athlete is doping often have to make the decision to look the other way or to report the violation.

Peter Max is currently based in California, but was born and raised in New York. He is currently pursuing a sports management degree, hoping to become a renowned sports agent in the future. For more sports posts and updates, visit this website.

The importance of sports trainers to your favorite teams

Sports trainers are more important than many people give them credit for. Trainers are needed by athletes on almost any level, from high school varsity players to professional superstars. It’s a good thing our beloved New York Knicks have some of the best sports trainers on the planet.
On that note, let’s take a look at why sports teams just cannot do without sports trainers.

Healthcare

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Legitimate sports trainers have studied sports science, which effectively makes them adept at healthcare. This means they know how to diagnose, treat, and prevent injuries athletes may sustain in-game. Sports trainers also can come up with training plans specific to players based on their health history. They can also look for the best treatments for players who sustain injuries.

Presence
Sports trainers are available almost all the time they’re needed, from live games to off-season training. Trainers need to be around to observe an athlete’s movements, if he’s struggling for some reason with a body part. Trainers work with the coaching staff in monitoring their athletes closely.

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Relationship
Most sports trainers maintain a close working relationship with athletes. In some instances, players treat their sports trainers as mentors and confidants. For example, if there are aches and pains a player feels, and doesn’t want to notify the coaching staff, the trainer examines it closely to make sure it’s not too serious. However, trainers are also responsible individuals who are honest and will do what’s best for the team.

Hello, my name is Peter Max. I’m currently based in California, but I was born and raised in New York. I’m pursuing a sports management degree, hoping to become a renowned sports agent in the future. For more sports posts and updates, follow me on Twitter.