Managing anxiety during the time of the coronavirus

The global health crisis the world is currently facing is unlike any crisis anyone has ever experienced before. With a huge percentage of the world’s population in their homes not allowed to venture out for their own safety, experts predict that countless people will develop mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Peter Max.

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Psychologists believe it’s very important that people learn to manage their stress levels during this trying period in world history. Some people who already have existing mental health issues are urged to take on activities to get their mind off the current situation. While that is a lot easier said than done, there are some tasks such as exercising and making art which have been proven to lower anxiety in many individuals. Peter Max.

However, for people who are struggling with more serious mental health problems, it is imperative that they look to the internet for help. Nowadays, there are several mental health professionals such as psychologists who accept patients online, conducting video calls and therapy sessions via conferencing apps. Such meetings, even if in cyberspace, can go a long way in helping people cope with the isolation of being in lockdown. Peter Max.

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But while there are measures that can be taken to manage one’s anxiety, the acceptance of the situation should come before anything else. Peter Max.

New York and beyond: Staying safe at home

As much as it pains Peter Max, he acknowledges how much his beloved New York City has struggled over the past few months because of the COVID-19 pandemic. New York has been one of the hardest hit cities, and because of this, Peter wants to take this opportunity to set aside his sports blogs for a moment and contribute in the battle against the global health crisis.

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Today's blog will be devoted to listing important information on how New Yorkers can stay safe at home.

Disinfect anything that comes from outside.

From groceries and food to mail, keys, mobile phones, shoes, and clothing, if it came or was used outside, it should be disinfected before bringing the items inside. Spraying them with disinfectant should do the trick. It is also recommended if all homes will have a "disinfecting area" where all the cleaning will be done.

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Be obsessed with personal hygiene.

The constant washing of hands and showering after touching anything that came outside can be a life-saving practice. The novel coronavirus has a weak shell, and soap and shampoo foam can penetrate it easily.

No visitors, yet.

It may be hard, especially for people who are not used to being in isolation, but everyone should entertain any visitors yet. The fewer contact people have with each other, the lower the chances of getting infected, explains Peter Max.

Expert advice on food for people with depression

Several leading researchers in the field of mental health have predicted that depression will be the leading cause of disability on a global scale in the next decade. A huge factor in the ever-increasing number of people with depression can be attributed to a lack of awareness. Peter Max.

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However, many people have rallied to the cause of battling depression. This blog shares a mental health expert’s guide to food that can help people suffering from this terrible disease. After all, in a crisis like this, every little bit helps. Peter Max.

To keep those energy levels up

Patients suffering from depression almost always complain of a lack of energy, which makes them feel lethargic, unmotivated, and uninspired. To keep those energy levels up, one should consume fruits and vegetables, as well as a healthy amount of carbohydrates.

As far as caffeine is concerned, while it may be effective in energizing a person, it may also lead to dehydration being a diuretic. Coffee and tea are acceptable as long as they’re taken in regulated amounts. Peter Max.

Food to stay clear off

Mental health experts caution people with depression to stay clear of food with high sugar content because of the sugar crash that might come after. They explain that the highest sugar highs may not be worth the lowest of the lows.

And of course, it goes without saying that people with depression should not drink alcoholic beverages since alcohol is known to dampen one’s mood and may very well worsen the condition. Peter Max.

Yankee lore: Remembering McCann’s toe

Peter Max is a long-time fan of New York sports teams. In fact, every time he gets together with friends, he loves talking about all the legends and lore that surround the Knicks and Yankees as much as he loves talking about current news about these organizations.

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On this blog, Peter Max recounts one of his favorite more recent Yankees stories – Brian McCann’s toe.

The world sees Brian McCann as a tough guy, especially after discovering that he not only played but excelled with a swollen left toe. Any baseball player will tell you that it’s darn near impossible. But McCann did it, and he did it splendidly.

Throughout the season, McCann has been a force to be reckoned with, being on base in 13 of 22 plate showings. He has reached base without incident twice in the five games he played in and even led the league with a jaw-dropping .591 on-base percentage. He tied the great Yogi Berra as a catcher to score 10 runs in six games.

But even with all the accomplishments, it was his effort despite having injured his left big toe that people will likely remember. A foul tip hit his toe, and yet he still managed to reach home base and tie the game. McCann refused to quit and helped the Yankees get their fourth win five games.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder

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Do you have extreme shifts in your moods? Like you’re happy one moment and then super depressed the next? If your moods track within these extremes, you potentially have Bipolar Disorder. We’ll talk about the general symptoms of bipolar disorder here so you can start assessing yourself if you need to seek the counsel of a therapist and then treatment. Peter Max

Statistically, 20% of the people who enter treatment for depression may be suffering from bipolar disorder. The key difference is that people suffering from bipolar disorder may have periods of feelings of elation that therapists refer to as manic episodes. You can differentiate unipolar depression with bipolar depression with these shifts in moods and behavior. The standard unipolar depression does not possess these upticks in feelings like bipolar disorder has. This association with depression has made diagnosing bipolar disorder challenging. Peter Max

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Patients who suffer from bipolar disorder may actually also be suffering from the abuse of alcohol and drugs. Around 60% of individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder admit to abusing substances. It’s possible that these patients use alcohol and drugs to escape or manage their conditions, but this behavior can impact the detection of the disorder. The abuse of substances can also induce erratic changes in moods and can cloud the nuances therapists are looking for when making a bipolar disorder diagnosis. Peter Max.

Basically, what potential patients and therapists should look for involves the cycling of the moods between depression and mania. If a patient encounters a major depressive episode within a specific time period like a year, which is bisected by periods of hypomania like being upbeat and euphoric, there’s a high likelihood that the patient has bipolar disorder. The presence of these shifts, as well as how fast the patient cycles between mental states are, will dictate if they possess Bipolar I disorder, Bipolar II disorder, or other types of the condition. Peter Max

Sports marketing for good: Introducing sports to the community

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As a person who’s truly interested in sports marketing, Peter Max has found ways for people to use their marketing skills for the good of the community.

Time and again, the world has seen success stories of how talented kids were saved from a life on the streets to rise up, develop their gifts, and shine in competition. They would otherwise not have gotten the chance if it weren’t for organizers of sporting events in their neighborhoods. And even in the absence of future superstars, organizing and marketing sports in a community can do so much good for all the members of it.

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Health and wellness events benefit everyone of every age. From school athletes to senior citizens to business owners, sporting events in a village or those held in the public park can have the power to change lives.

Just imagine watching a demonstration of martial arts or self-defense in a park and being inspired to train with them. Peter Max believes similar situations could be the start of something transformational for many Americans, especially those who need to whip themselves in shape.

And even if the inspiration isn’t there, something as trivial as family fun runs around the neighborhood could be oh-so-fun for the family, and something people can build a tradition around.

How does meditation help manage anxiety?

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Anxiety disorders aren’t common, and there are several ways of managing it. The most common means of managing anxiety is through medication. However, anxiety medication has been under fire for several occasions. First off, there’s the laundry list of side effects, including nausea, drowsiness, insomnia, headache, weight loss or weight gain, and restlessness, to name a few. Next, some people take anxiety medication on a need-to basis rather than on scheduled hours which can lead to addiction, overdose, and death. Peter Max.

One way of managing anxiety that isn’t widely talked about is mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation helps one pay attention by slowing down and observing the world without judgment. For people with generalized anxiety disorder, performing mindfulness meditation can decrease worrying thoughts. Peter Max.

Mindfulness meditation is a combination of meditation and mindfulness. Meditation is all about entering a state of relaxation or restful alertness while mindfulness pertains to being observant of the current moment. By combining the two, people can enter a state of consciousness where they can think about problems objectively.

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Peter Max. This is such a great boon for people who suffer from anxiety. For those who don’t know what it feels like to have an anxiety attack, it’s the overwhelming feeling of worries and fears and generally negative emotions. While an anxiety attack stems from a mental state, it can manifest itself physically in the form of dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing, and a racing heartbeat.

What’s great about mindfulness meditation for people suffering from anxiety is that it allows them to address the issue of their anxiety from a calm and collected state of mind. And while this is not considered a treatment for anxiety, it is one of the best ways of managing it. Peter Max.

Just like us: Celebrity Knicks fans

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Celebrities are just like most people, only with more money and fame. They snack, get coffee, get stuck in traffic, spill the occasional soup, and go on vacations. And while a lot of celebrities try to keep away from the prying eyes of the public, some don’t mind joining thousands in attending sporting events. And among all the other teams, the New York Knicks have some of the most loyal celebrity fans, notes sports management student Peter Max.

Spike Lee: Spike Lee is not afraid to show his enthusiasm with his loud getup. Lee often sits close to the bench or at the half-court. He usually sports the jersey with the number 6, 34, and 10, along with his orange and blue combo of clothing. Every game he’s been to will have at least one shot of him celebrating a field goal or having the look of disappointment after a bad call.

Howard Stern: One of the funniest people alive, Stern is easy to spot as fellow comedians such as Tracy Morgan often join him, explains Peter Max. Though not as active as Spike Lee in terms of being with the team, his support can be felt just by his cool presence.

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Ricky Gervais: While seeing a Brit watch the NBA is not so common, seeing one of the funniest British comedians in Madison Square Garden is a pretty usual sight. Like always, you can spot Gervais wearing his signature black shirt and one or two pints of beer by his feet.

Ben Stiller: While Stiller is often busy acting, producing, and directing, he takes every chance he gets to watch his favorite team. Along with his wife and kids, Stiller catches every game he can, notes longtime Knicks supporter Peter Max. And while he may look calm and collected in the stands, he’s not one to shy away from high fiving other fans when something magical happens on-court.

Brain plasticity and mental health: An overview

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No other human organ has astounded and stumped scientists as much as the human brain. More complex than the greatest supercomputer in the world, the human brain still holds countless mysteries for researchers and scientists to unlock. Peter Max.

However, every once in a while, there are breakthroughs in brain research that make it even more intriguing. Take for instance brain plasticity, also known as neuroplasticity. Peter Max.

Brain plasticity refers to the ability of the brain to change throughout the course of a person’s life. This means that the central nervous system can adapt, given external stimulation. It has even been theorized that the brain may heal itself after an injury.

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The first time a brain experiences changes is during the start of a person’s life. It continues to organize itself to cope with the developments of a human being. However, when the brain gets injured and mental health is at risk, brain plasticity helps the organ compensate for lost functions. After all, it’s a fact that the brain never stops learning. And, ultimately, changing. Peter Max.

Brain plasticity is based on the process of synaptic reorganization, wherein damaged neural connections are either repaired or new connections are formed. However, a good number of neuro-researchers agree that external stimulation is needed for recovery or development. This process is further being looked into, as scientists believe it can be the key to treating patients with mental health conditions such as dementia and schizophrenia. Peter Max.

The history behind the New York Knicks

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The National Basketball Association was founded on June 6, 1946, 55 years after basketball was invented. At the time, the league was composed of 30 teams, including the Knicks. But back then, they were still known as the Knickerbockers. According to long-time Knicks fan Peter Max, there is a rich history behind this beloved franchise.

Among those present during the founding of the NBA was Ned Irish, the president of Madison Square Garden and a retired sportswriter. Initially, Max Kase wanted to lease Madison Square Garden and own the New York franchise of the NBA. But with the same goal and far more resources, the franchise was awarded to Irish.

To get the ball rolling, the Irish held a staff meeting to find a name for the team. The term Knickerbockers came up, which was the pseudonym used by Washington Irving in his book, "A History of New York." They found this name fitting and began the team. Its first fixture was St. John’s University basketball coach Joe Lapchick. But according to Peter Max, Lapchick asked to stay at St. John’s for one more year before joining the team full-time.

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Because it was the first year of the NBA, there had been no subsequent college drafts of any kind. This is why the team management assembled 25 talents to attend a three-week-long boot camp. With twice a day practice, the chemistry between the players grew. Soon enough, they were ready for their first game.

According to Peter Max, the first game of the franchise, as well as the NBA, would be the Knickerbockers against the Toronto Huskies at the Maple Leaf Gardens on Nov. 1, 1946. With a score of 68-66, New York became the first team to win an NBA game.

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.