• Diminished Fine Lines and Wrinkles
• Increased Collagen Production
• Brighter Eyes
• Lifted Eyelids
• Reduced Under Eye Bags and Puffiness
• Enhanced Skin Tone
• Tightened Pores
• Improved Facial Muscle Tone
• Increased Moisture
• Reduced Scar Tissue

As part of our health video series we visit with San Francisco Acupuncturist Eric Kerr who practices out of The Blue Buddha that’s nestled in a classic San Francisco building, just a few steps away from the bustling Polk Street corridor, rests a sanctuary created just for you. An intimate space that feels like home.” We first discuss with Eric his exciting new treatment he is offering, “Facial Rejuvenation” Acupuncture.”

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture helps the whole body look and feel younger. Acupuncture needles are inserted into the facial skin to relax the muscles that cause wrinkles and tighten loose skin by stimulating the production of collagen – softening lines and preventing future wrinkles.

By addressing the emotional, mental and physical stresses that cause disease and accelerate aging, this Constitutional Facelift goes beyond mere cosmetics and deals directly with the health of the body’s largest organ – the skin.

This non-invasive process costs less than surgical procedures, is less toxic than medications, and draws upon the ancient Chinese wisdom related to longevity and overall balance. After the first treatment, experience a glowing complexion – feel and look “well rested.”"

We have a short Q & A to discuss this treatment’s benefits and how to prepare your self for your appointment.

www.erickerracupuncture.com

Find Eric on FACEBOOK:http://www.facebook.com/AcupunKerr

What are men’s issues? Watch this short flash video to get a beginning concept. Societal forces like chivalry, misandry and the onerous male sex function of give and shield have been having the unfortunate consequence of obscuring the demands of guys. This brief video will give you an introductory glimpse of some men’s issues. Some resources: Fiebert Bibliography examines examines 282 scholarly investigations: 218 empirical studies and 64 critiques and/or analyses, which demonstrate that girls are as physically aggressive, or much more aggressive, than men in their relationships with their spouses or male partners. The aggregate sample size in the reviewed research exceeds 369800. www.csulb.edu A Voice for Men avoiceformen.com yrsiliconvalley.org

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Willpower is the key to much that’s good in life. Willpower is what makes us save for the future rather than splurge now. It helps us to keep our heads down, studying and working when we really don’t feel like it, to earn that degree or promotion. Willpower allows us to say no to that tempting cigarette, extra dessert, or second glass of whiskey — and to hop on the treadmill. And, of course, failures of self-control can sabotage all those goals.

So it’s no wonder that psychological scientists have been studying willpower for decades, trying to figure out who is disciplined under what circumstances — and why. What exactly is going on in the mind’s cognitive machinery — and the brain’s neurons — when we successfully summon our will — or when we say, oh the hell with it?

One of the reigning theories of willpower is what’s called the energy model of self-control. According to this model, the brain is like a muscle, with a limited supply of strength, which can be depleted through exertion. Nobody is disciplined all the time; we all have lapses. And according to the energy model, these lapses occur when one act of self-control weakens our resolve, leaving us “fatigued” as we face another challenge. Many studies have demonstrated that an act of mental exertion can compromise subsequent acts of discipline. What’s more, proponents of this theory have reported evidence that the brain — again like a muscle — is fueled primarily by simple carbohydrates, like sugar, and that depleted willpower can be replenished simply by refueling.

This model of self-control has been tremendously influential, but not all scientists are convinced it’s the whole story. Northwestern University’s Daniel Molden is among the skeptics. He and a team of colleagues have been using new laboratory methods and novel experimental designs to reexamine the role of carbohydrate metabolism in self-discipline — and to offer a competing theory of how willpower plays out in the brain.

The scientists question several aspects of the energy model, beginning with the fundamental assertion that acts of self-control lower blood glucose levels. They suspected that this important finding might be the result of using imprecise blood glucose monitors, so they reran the basic experiment using state-of-the-art laboratory measures. They recruited volunteers, who fasted and rested before having their baseline blood glucose level measured. Some of the volunteers then completed a vigilance task requiring high self-control, while others did a task requiring little mental discipline. Afterward, all the volunteers gave blood samples for further analysis, and also performed another self-control challenge.

The results were intriguing. Volunteers who initially completed the mentally challenging task were in fact less persistent on the subsequent task. This is consistent with earlier work supporting the energy model. But — the more important finding — these volunteers did not show a drop in blood glucose, indicating that the act of willpower did not lead to increased carbohydrate metabolism, as the model predicts. Nor does it appear that low blood sugar can explain the subsequent lapse in mental power.

The energy model also predicts that consuming sugar will refuel self-control, by reversing the depletion of mental resources needed for discipline. Molden and colleagues reexamined this core idea in an imaginative way: As before, some of the volunteers performed a mentally depleting self-control task, and others did not. Then, some rinsed their mouths out with a solution of water and table sugar, spitting it out as they would with any mouthwash. Others rinsed with a solution that was sweetened with Equal, so it seemed just like a sugary drink but contained no fuel. Immediately after rinsing, all the volunteers attempted a second task requiring persistence and self-control.

The results again challenged the energy model. As reported in a forthcoming issue of the journalPsychological Science, those who rinsed with the artificially sweetened drink were much less persistent — consistent with the idea that self-control is mentally depleting. However, rinsing with the sugary solution appeared to restore the volunteers’ lost willpower — significantly more than rinsing with the artificially sweetened drink. The rinse is crucial here, and a departure from the original lab work: In the earlier experiments that led to the energy model, the volunteers had to actually ingest the sugar to get mentally replenished. But this study showed that merely rinsing with the sugary mouthwash had the same effect, restoring self-discipline. What’s more, it had this effect immediately. The experiment allowed no time to metabolize the sugar and make it into brain fuel.

So what’s happening here? If mental exertion is not depleting blood sugar, but is compromising subsequent self-discipline, then what’s the mechanism? And what’s restoring self-control, if not metabolized carbs? The scientists believe the mechanism is motivation. They believe that the mouth “senses” the carbohydrates in the mouthwash, and this sensation signals — likely through the brain’s dopamine system — the possibility that a reward is coming. Sensing that an energy boost is coming, the brain is motivated to put in extra effort. In short, the sugar motivates — rather than fuels — willpower.

The scientists ran two different versions of the rinsing experiment. One demonstrated the effect of the mouthwash on physical persistence; the other on cognitive persistence. But one important question remained unanswered: Is it possible that even rinsing one’s mouth with sugar might boost blood glucose — drawing out the body’s supplies? If so, this would revise — but support — the energy model of self-control. To address this, the scientists directly tested the effect of carbohydrate rinsing on blood glucose levels. They had a group of volunteers rinse repeatedly with a carbohydrate solution that was much stronger than the usual rinse — to make the standard of proof as rigorous as possible. Others drank the same concentrated solution. The results gave further support to the new motivational model of self-control. Blood glucose levels jumped in those who drank the sugary drink, but didn’t budge for those who rinsed.

All this may sound like inside-the-laboratory hair splitting, but it’s not. Understanding the nitty-gritty of how willpower works has wide-ranging social implications. If sugar and metabolism do play an important role in boosting self-control, educators would want to think about the kinds of cafeteria foods that might optimize discipline, productivity and learning in the classroom. And how should society deal with metabolic deficiencies, if in fact they pose greater challenges, for some, to success and well-being? Or alternatively, if lack of self-control is really a lack of motivation, rather than energy or ability, and motivation can be restored with something as simple as a mouthwash, this opens all sorts of possibilities for novel interventions in the future.

For more by Wray Herbert, click here.

via www.huffingtonpost.com

One of the common denominators of people who enter therapy is the feeling of being “stuck” in some way. Often there is the feeling of not being able to break out of a set of behaviors, feelings or thoughts. People know “it should be different,” but can’t seem to get things to really change for themselves. Their moods may come and go, but somehow they keep slipping back into old patterns. Regardless of the number of accomplishments, feelings of not being good enough still arise. Regardless of how spiritual, feelings of anxiety emerge. Regardless of how hard they try, up comes the sense of being out of control. So where do these feelings generally come from? The simple answer is from the memories that form our unconscious mind.

The experiences we’ve had in life are stored in networks of brain cells called neurons. These networks determine how we interpret new experiences, and our moment-to-moment feelings. When something happens in the present, it automatically links into our preexisting memory networks, and we respond accordingly. So, for example, when we meet someone new, we may find ourselves liking or disliking the person based partially upon other people we’ve encountered in the past who are similar in some way. These automatic responses occur because the brain is geared to link up whatever happens in the present with our memories of past experiences in order to make sense of the world. If I’d never seen a cup, I’d have no idea what to do with it. If I have previous experiences with cups then I may simply reach out to use it. I don’t have to think it through. I don’t have conscious images of other cups I’ve seen before. It’s just a natural, automatic reaction based upon my memory networks. However, if I’d been hit on the head repeatedly with a cup, I may have a negative reaction to it without consciously knowing why. And when negative feelings like “I’m not good enough” emerge in different situations, the reasons are the same. My memory networks are shaping my current reactions in the world.

The memories stored in our brain are either processed or unprocessed. If they are processed, it means that the brain has done its job and integrated a learning experience into our memory networks. Something happened that was disturbing, but I learned what I needed from it. I fight with a family member and I have a negative emotional and body reaction, but time passes and I think about it, talk about it, dream about it, and soon it doesn’t bother me any more. The appropriate connections are made in my brain and I might realize: “He’s been going through a hard time. We’ve had rough spots before and worked them out.” I decide what action to take and I feel better. In my memory network, what is useful is stored and what’s useless — like the feelings of anxiety or anger — is gone.

That is what the brain is geared to do: make the appropriate connections, “digest” the experience and store it in memory. But sometimes an experience can be so disturbing that the information processing system of the brain becomes imbalanced. When that happens, the experience is stored in an “unprocessed” form and still contains the emotions, physical sensations and beliefs that occurred at the time of the original event. So when I see the person again, instead of feeling OK, I have the same feeling of anger, hurt and anxiety.

What’s important here is that just the sight of the person can trigger the feelings, even years later, whether I consciously remember the fight or not. The negative feelings automatically arise from my unconscious memory connections. The brain is just doing its job, but unfortunately, the automatic connections are being made from unprocessed, rather than processed memories. That’s why numerous divorces occur. The painful unprocessed past experiences (affairs, fights, disappointments) continue to get triggered and don’t let the partners reconcile.

The examples of unprocessed memories I used in previous blogs involved traumas that are used to diagnose post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But recent research has clearly shown that many kinds of life experiences, even if it is not a “major trauma,” can cause the same types of responses. Of course, sometimes there are organic/hereditary factors that make us more susceptible to certain kinds of problems. But even in those instances, the research generally indicates that experiences are also involved. And any experience that was sufficiently disturbing can get locked into our memory networks as an unprocessed memory.

For instance, being bullied or humiliated as a child is often associated with strong reactions related to “survival fear.” It’s the equivalent of being “cut out of the herd,” which on an evolutionary level means death. So, if your body tightens or you have visceral negative emotions arising when you think of a time you were humiliated in school, that memory is still unprocessed. If you go into a similar situation as an adult, the same negative feelings may arise. For instance, some surveys show that fear of public speaking in the U.S. is even higher on the list than a fear of death. That’s often an example of unprocessed memories from childhood stored in the brain, with emotions arising from the unconscious connections and running the show.

Sometimes our negative reactions may take the form of low-grade “misery” emerging at certain times. But sometimes our responses can be extreme and define the way we view ourselves. Here’s an example from my book Getting Past Your Past:

Stephanie hadn’t been able to work for two years because she thought her coworkers were contemptuous of her. She was sure she smelled because of excessive sweating, even though she bathed twice a day, frequently changed her underwear, and used lots of powder and deodorant. She couldn’t bear to be in social situations because she thought people were talking about her. Over the past 15 years she’d had a number of hospitalizations because of thoughts of suicide and was on three different medications.

Stephanie suffered from a diagnosis known as body dysmorphic disorder. The symptoms are sometimes misdiagnosed, because the negative beliefs involving an imagined body flaw are seen as a “delusion.” However, what we’ve found with EMDR therapy is that, once again, it is simply evidence of an unprocessed childhood memory at work. We use specific techniques to identify the source of the problem, and Stephanie remembered what had caused her suffering:

She was 12 years old and she’d brought in food as her teacher had instructed for her Friday cooking class. Unfortunately the class was cancelled. Returning to school on Monday, she went to her gym locker and took out the bag she thought contained her gym clothes. When she opened it, the room was filled with the odor of rotting fish — the food she’d forgotten and left over the weekend after the cancelled cooking class. Her schoolmates made fun of her, accusing her of dirty underwear. Then she was sent to the principal, who scolded her for poor hygiene.

This event had been stored in her brain. It took only three sessions to process the memory and all the symptoms disappeared and remained gone five years later. It’s not unusual. EMDR therapy results with similar cases were published in the journal, Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy. Decades of suffering had been caused by a childhood event that was profoundly disturbing at the time but had been subsequently forgotten. This happens all the time.

So, the bottom line is that whether your personal problem seems big or small, there is a likelihood that unprocessed memories are at work. The unconscious isn’t really such a murky place after all. It’s simply cause-and-effect reactions that you can learn to identify and take steps to master. www.huffingtonpost.com

What do chewing gum, laughing, and lifting weights have in common? They all benefit the brain in a big way. Follow these 47 guidelines to make hitting genius status a no-brainer.

Fitness

1. Aerobic Exercise: Read books, study hard— and do jumping jacks? There’s a ton of researchon the link between exercise and cognitive function ^[1]. And aerobic exercise seems like an especially great way to make it to MENSA— one study showed adults’ brain-processing speed improved after half an hour of moderate exercise. Do the brain a favor and get moving!

2. Listening to Music While Exercising: Pitbull, Lady Gaga, or old-school Madonna, pumping up the jams while working out can improve cognitive functions. In one study, cardiovascular rehabilitation patients performed better on a test of verbal fluency than those who worked out sans tunes ^[2]. Or maybe just waltz your way through a workout— other studies suggest listening to classical music can improve spatial processing and linguistic abilities ^[3]. A way to work the brainand the muscles? Now that’s music to our ears.

3. Strength Training: Bulk up the brain and hit the weight room. Research suggests strength training not only builds strong muscles and bones— it can also boost cognitive functioning. That’s because lifting weights may increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which controls the growth of nerve cells.

4. Dance: Bust a brain-boosting move on the dance floor this weekend. Research suggests dancing involves mental challenges like coordination and planning. Duh— has anyone ever done the Macarena?

5. Golf: Take it from Tiger and take a swing. A few rounds of golf may do more than just work out the arms ^[4]. One study found golfing causes structural changes in the parts of the brain associated with sensorimotor control. Get smart and hit the green.

6. Yoga: A math test or spelling bee may be the last thing on anyone’s mind during savasana. But research suggests yoga can improve mood and concentration and may even prevent cognitive decline in older adults ^[5]. Namaste, Einstein.

Daily Routine

7. A Good Night’s Sleep: Stay up all night studying or hit the hay? Slipping between the sheets might be the better option: For most people, a solid seven hours of sleep is important to maintaincognitive skills like learning, concentration, and memory. One study even showed people who slept in on the weekends were sharper during the week ^[6]. Just don’t nod off during the meeting…

8. Power Naps: For those who didn’t quite catch enough Zzzs last night, a power nap may be just the thing to help stay focused. It’s unclear how long the nap should last— in one study, young adults who napped for 90 minutes showed significant improvements in memory. But other research suggests even naps that last a few minutes can increase alertness ^[7]. On the other hand, some scientists say naps only improve memory if they involve dreaming.

9. Breaking a Routine: If the barista at the local coffee shop knows what “I’ll have the usual” means, it might be time to change that routine. Adding a twist to the day keeps the brain on its toes— try wearing a watch upside down or brushing your teeth with a non-dominant hand.

10. Getting Organized: Leftover pizza crust and a pile of old receipts are more than just unsightly— they may also impede our ability to get stuff done. Clear the desk and the mind at the same time: An organized workspace may help improve memory and cognitive skills.

11. Doodling: Stick it to those elementary school teachers and fill every margin to the brim.Research suggests doodling during a cognitive task helps improve memory because it keeps the brain stimulated. Just don’t draw funny pictures of the boss.

12. Letting the Mind Wander: Whether it’s “listening” to a pal talk about her BF or just strolling down the block, there are lots of times when the mind goes off in strange directions. But don’t hold back that brain— it turns out there are lots of cognitive benefits to letting the mind wander, like increased creativity and problem-solving ability ^[8].

13. Flossing: Fresh breath, fewer cavities, and avoiding embarrassing situations with poppy seeds are all great reasons to floss. Here’s another: The plaque that accumulates between teeth can actually trigger an immune response that prevents arteries from getting nutrients to the brain. Pick up some mental— er, dental— floss on the way home today.

14. Lawn Mowing: The grass is always greener, and the brain may be sharper, after we mow the lawn. One study found lawn-mowing releases a chemical that relieves stress and might even boost memory in older adults. Unfortunately, the odor of taking out the trash probably doesn’t have the same effect.

15. Writing by Hand: Sans Serif and Cambria are awfully elegant, but writing words by hand canimprove cognitive skills like learning and memory. Adults studying a new language may be more likely to remember words when they write them out instead of typing them. Stay sharp by writing out a to-do list or penning a heartfelt confession of love.

16. Sharpening the Senses: How exactly does that cold water feel traveling down the back of your throat? It’s important to challenge the brain in shape by keeping all the senses sharp. Try involving new senses in routine activities, like eating with the eyes closed and placing more emphasis on taste and smell (probably not the best exercise to try with hot soup).

Relationships

17. Sex: Let’s get it on— our brainpower, that is. Research suggests sex can actually improve cognitive skills. A tumble between the sheets raises levels of serotonin, which boosts creativity and logical decision-making, and the hormone oxytocin, related to problem-solving ability (skills that might help with figuring out where those undergarments ended up last night…) ^[9].

18. Positive Relationships: I get by— and smart!— with a little help from my friends. A study of elderly Americans suggests positive relationships can help protect against memory loss ^[10]. Spend some time with friends and fam today to avoid forgetting their names later in life.

19. Pleasant Conversation: Oh, how do you do? A quick chat may do more than just pass the time— socializing can also improve cognitive functioning ^[11]. Even simple conversations mayimprove skills like memory and the brain’s ability to block out distractions. Take a few minutes to talk it out before the next big test or meeting.

20. Laughter: Gosh, isn’t the brain funny?! A hearty laugh may be the key to solving a tough problem, since research suggests laughing encourages people to think more creatively ^[12]. Panicking about what to say in a big presentation? Just picture everyone in their underwear.

21. Thinking About Ancestors: Brainpower’s a family affair. In one study, people who thought about their ancestors before a series of cognitive tests performed better than people who focused on something else. Researchers surmise thinking about family history increases people’s sense of control. These test results? I got ’em from my mama!

Relaxation/Recreation 

22. Meditation: Who can think clearly with a mind full of worries? There’s some evidence that people who meditate show higher brain efficiency than people who don’t, possibly because they have better attention and impulse control ^[13]. Start off with a few minutes of meditative belly breathing to improve concentration. Om-my.

23. Video Games: Guys who hang out in their basements playing Xbox games aren’t just supercool— they may also be smarter than the rest of us. Some researchers suggest playing video games improves a number of cognitive skills, from vision to multitasking to spatial cognition^[14]. Tackle a game of Tetris for some mental exercise.

24. Watching TV: Turns out the tube may not be so terrible. One study found people who watched a half-hour TV show performed better on intelligence tests than people who listened to classical music, worked on crossword puzzles, or read books. Researchers suggest a small amount of TV might help people relax more than other activities. But make sure to keep viewing time to a minimum— a permanent butt-print on the couch is never a good sign.

25. Lying Down: Perfect posture’s important— but there’s no need to stand up nice and straight. Instead, make like a monkey and hang upside down: It’s possible that memory improves when the head hangs lower than the rest of the body. And one study found people solved anagrams faster when they were lying down than when they were standing ^[15]. Researchers think certain body postures might make us more insightful. Hwo eknw?

Food and Drink

26. Staying Hydrated: Water, water everywhere and… the mind gets sharper.  Hydration is essential to keep the brain working properly. One study showed people who drank fruit and vegetable juice (yes, V8 in a Bloody Mary counts) were significantly less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those who didn’t ^[16]. For those looking to cut calories, eight glasses of water per day may work, too.

27. Omega-3s: Nope, it’s not the name of a frat— these fatty acids provide a ton of health benefits, like improving brain function ^[17]. Greatist superfood salmon’s a top source of omega-3s— or forgo the eau de fish and try walnuts and flaxseed oil instead.

28. Spices: People of the world, spice up your brain! Research suggests certain spices can help preserve memory ^[18]. A spoonful of cinnamon in a cup o’ Joe can ward off Alzheimer’s disease, and a sprinkling of sage on pasta may prevent another WTF-is-that-guy’s-name situation. Cumin and cilantro are especially powerful memory-boosters—so chow down and make those trips to Mumbai and Cancun unforgettable.

29. Leafy Green Vegetables: Who knew Popeye was also a genius? Spinach and other leafy green vegetables are filled with vitamins and minerals that help fight dementia. Plus, the antioxidants in these lean greens offer powerful brain protection from conditions like strokes, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease ^[19].

30. Nuts and Seeds: Take a tip from squirrels and store up some brainpower: Nuts and seeds pack nutrients that seriously boost cognitive performance. Zinc in pumpkin seeds may improve memory; the vitamin E in nuts can enhance cognitive skills ^[20] [21].

31. Vitamins: Flintstone gummies or the kind that comes straight from fruits and veggies, vitamins may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Folic acid— found in bread, pasta, and some fortified cereals— and vitamin B12— found in animal products like fish, eggs, and milk— are especially powerful brain protectors ^[22] [23].

32. Complex Carbs: Energizer batteries aren’t the only thing that keeps that bunny going.Complex carbohydrates boost alertness by offering energy that lasts all day. And they’re a better option than sugary energy drinks, which usually end up making people feel drowsier. Go for whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and oatmeal instead of nodding off before lunchtime.

33. Coffee: Hey, guess what?! Coffee boosts brainpower! And energy! ’Cause it’s great! And I just had some! But seriously, studies suggest the caffeine in an eight-ounce cup of coffee can improve attention and short-term memory ^[24]. Make a stop at Starbucks for a triple venti brainboost.

34. Apples: How do you like them brain-boosters? Research suggests quercetin, a chemical in apples, offers powerful neuroprotection, meaning it arms brain cells against damage from free radicals that can cause cognitive decline ^[25]. Most of the quercetin’s in the apple skin, so keep the peel for extra brainpower. And, for those who aren’t fans of red, delicious fruit, quercetin also comes in citrus fruits, onions, parsley, sage, tea, and red wine.

35. Chocolate: We know how unappealing a double fudge brownie sounds right now, but here’s a convincing reason to eat one: A recent study found the flavonols in dark chocolate (also found in red wine, green tea, and blueberries) offer a short-term boost in cognitive skills ^[26]. And other researchers recommend dipping into a chocolate fountain of youth, since the polyphenols in cocoamay prevent some cognitive impairments associated with aging ^[27].

36. Grape Juice: Those cute kids in Welch’s commercials got a head start in protecting their brains from cognitive decline. The polyphenols in grape leaves that produce wine and grape juicehelp brain cells communicate, so they may improve memory and learning skills ^[28].

37. Chewing Gum: Not to burst your bubble, but a stick of Bazooka may be the key to making it through a busy day. Studies have found chewing gum improves mood and alertness— plus it’s the way to go after indulging in some Greatist superfoods ^[29] [30].

38. Chicken and Eggs: Which came first, the chicken or the egg? In this case, it doesn’t matter— both foods are great sources of choline, which can help improve cognitive performance, especially memory ^[31]. Other good sources of choline include legumes, liver, fish, and milk.

39. Fatty Foods: Don’t put the brain in skinny jeans— research suggests fatty foods improve long-term memory. A hormone released during the digestion of some fats strengthens the part of the brain responsible for long-term memory formation. (But gorging on a carton of Heath Bar Crunch will probably just create some bad memories.)

40. Glucose: Give me some sugar. A little bit of glucose (25 grams) can boost alertness and improve memory ^[32]. But don’t down a whole bag of M&M’s— excess sugar consumption can have some adverse health effects.

41. Milk: Bessie’s got brainpower. A recent study suggests milk is good for more than just strong bones. According to one study, people who drink a glass of milk daily perform better on tests of memory and other cognitive functions.

LEARNING/CREATIVITY

42. Novelty: A Sudoku puzzle might be challenging, but after the 100^th puzzle, the brain craves something new. Trying new activities stimulates the release of dopamine, which increases motivation and the growth of new neurons. So take an unfamiliar route home or read a book about a new topic, and feel the brain grow!

43. Navigating Cities: How did the man inside the GPS get so smart? Probably from spending time navigating cities. In one study, London taxi drivers showed structural changes in the part of the brain associated with spatial memory ^[33]. Copy Columbus and practice creating a mental map of the neighborhood.

44. Playing an Instrument: Play that funky music, smart guy. The parts of the brain responsible for motor control, hearing, and visuospatial skills may be more developed in musicians than in non-musicians ^[34]. Practice scales on a keyboard, chords on a guitar, or do what you want and just bang on the drum all day.

45. Speaking Out Loud: Better recite this tip to whomever’s sitting next to you. There’s evidence that we remember ideas better when we speak them out loud ^[35]. No guarantees it won’t look strange when you talk to yourself on the street.

46. Positive Thinking: It’s possible to get smarter, savvier, and more creative— after reading this list! Research suggests people learn more when they believe intelligence isn’t fixed ^[36]. The bottom line: Believe in the brain!

47. Learning a Second Language: Cerebre, cerveau, or just plain brain. Being bilingual may protect the body against Alzheimer’s— even when people learn a new language as adults. Studies show Alzheimer’s symptoms develop more slowly in bilingual speakers than in those who speak just one language ^[37]. Start learning, pronto.

via www.greatist.com

According to amateur video and a report from Fox 5 Vegas, a man suffered from a heart attack while dining at Heart Attack Grill in Las Vegas. He was eating a Triple Bypass burger at the time of his cardiac arrest. The unnamed man is reportedly alive and recuperating.

The restaurant’s now sadly predictive name was coupled with the even more unfortunate slogan, “Taste Worth Dying For.” The incident comes just of one year after the death of the Heart Attack Grill’s 575-pound, 29-year-old spokesman.

The Vegas owner of Heart Attack Grill, “Doctor” Jon Basso — who is not actually a doctor — first thought the man’s cardiac arrest was a joke, but soon phoned 911. Basso told Fox 5, “I actually felt horrible for the gentleman because the tourists were taking photos of him as if it were some type of stunt. Even with our own morbid sense of humor, we would never pull a stunt like that,” he said. Huff Post 

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People do some crazy stuff to get rid of their post-workout muscle pain, which is known in the medical community as DOMS — for delayed onset muscle soreness. DOMS occurs when an exercise causes stress to muscle tissue. The tissue develops microscopic tears, causing inflammation and then pain that begins to mount in the 24- to 48-hour period that follows a workout.

While some athletes swear by acupuncture (that works!), others insist that nothing but a hot water bottle (which doesn’t) will do. But amidst all the anecdotal evidence and superstition, how can we determine what actually will improve the muscle pain? A few new studies give us a glimpse into what might be the best strategies, including the latest one, released just yesterday on the efficacy of ice baths – a method of dunking your post-workout body in a frigid bath of water that is favored by everyone from rugby players to triathletes.

The study found that cold water baths do indeed reduce muscle soreness, but they have a limited effect. A look at some other remedies that have the clinical data to back up their claims:

Icing Bath

Massage

Acupuncture

Anti-Inflammatory Medication

The authors of the study performed a survey of existing research, looking at the results of 17 independent clinical studies, in which a total 366 people who had recently exercised were either sent into ice baths, did nothing or rested. They found that the ice bath group recovered from muscle soreness faster, but the findings were limited:

“We found some evidence that immersing yourself in cold water after exercise can reduce muscle soreness, but only compared to resting or doing nothing,” lead author Chris Bleakley, a research fellow at the department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Ulster in Ireland said in a statement.

via www.huffingtonpost.com