You must excel in math for many reasons. Math by its very nature is a rigorous subject which conditions the mind to work more efficiently than it otherwise would. One of the reasons I teach my short-cut arithmetic techniques is so that people who learn them can exercise their brains regularly. Indeed such exercise not only stimulates the mind, but also helps keep your brain younger and less prone to degenerative diseases and decreased cognitive functioning. And there is no better brain stimulation than that obtained while you navigate within the mathematical disciplines, trying to work and solve problems of myriad levels of difficulty.

Scientific research has shown that mental stimulation not only improves brain function but also fosters the growth of new neurons. In fact decreased mental function is not just the result of old age or disease but more likely the result of a person's lack of mental exercise. Just as physical exercise promotes well-being for the body and mind, mental exercise has a direct impact on cognitive functioning. From a purely empirical viewpoint, this aspect is not hard to fathom: one need only consider the effect that practice has on one's ability to play an instrument. Virtuosity comes from one's continual plodding of the instrument in question. From continual practice, the virtuoso is pushing the brain to learn a task that was previously unattainable. Similarly, by doing purely mental calisthenics, one is in effect forcing the brain to create new neural pathways as well as alternative routes along already connected neuronal passageways.

To achieve such advantageous benefits, you need only do some mental arithmetic which requires some light mental strain. Try mastering any of my arithmetic techniques as laid out in my numerous articles or ebooks and performing these mental exercises regularly. And if you want your children to have huge advantages in life, teach these techniques to them and watch the positive benefits that result"not only in their school work and grades but in their own self-perceptions as well. Remember, if you want to be healthy in mind and body, you must excel in math.

Joe Pagano

Joe is a prolific writer of self-help and educational material and an award-winning former teacher of both college and high school mathematics. Under the penname, JC Page, Joe authored Arithmetic Magic. As a result of this publication, Joe was invited to be a guest on the television show the Book Authority. Joe is also author of the charmingly pithy and popular ebook, Make a Good Impression Every Time: The Secret to Instant Popularity; the seminal collection of verse, Poems for the Mathematically Insecure, which teaches a number of valuable math lessons (often in a humorous way) and even demonstrates famous proofs in both free and formal verse; and the creator and scriptwriter of an upcoming DVD series that is both visionary and highly educational. The diverse genre of his writings (novel, short story, essay, script, and poetry)?particularly in regard to its educational flavor? continues to captivate readers and to earn him recognition.

With a renaissance approach to learning and with over twenty years experience in the science and mathematical disciplines, Joe, through his novel and engaging style of teaching mathematics, has won success for students who attempt to learn this most difficult subject. One of Joe?s principal endeavors is to give individuals---children in particular---the tools and confidence to do basic mathematics. Once obtained, these tools steer students into gradually increasing levels of mathematical study. Ultimately these same students become effective problem solvers with access to many doors of opportunity.

Joe propagates his teaching philosophy through his articles and books and is dedicated to helping educate children living in impoverished countries. Toward this end, he donates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every ebook. Joe makes himself available for speaking, consulting, teaching and inspiration. For more information on Joe, his teaching style, as well as information on how to purchase his books or other writings, please visit his website.