Use the Quieting Reflex

Did you know that and the six-second Quieting Reflex or QR can be used as a key strategy to interrupt the stress cycle? Along with exercise, brain breathing, meditation, massage, change of activities, and humor, the QR was developed by Charles F. Stroebel, MD, in the 80s. It was designed to break the stress cycle by substituting opposite body reactions. It can even be used to help break patterns involving everyday stressful thoughts. As soon as you recognize any tension, respond immediately by using the steps of the QR: 1. Smile to counter facial tension and alter the brain’s neurochemistry 2. Tell your brain and body to be alert but calm and even amused 3. Breathe deeply and easily to increase the level of oxygen at the cellular level 4. Exhale and allow your body muscles go limp as you feel warmth flowing through body to toes 5. Resume your normal activity

Electromagnetic Energy and Like/Dislike

Have you ever wondered the reason you sometimes quickly (if not instantaneously) like or dislike another person? There is now evidence that a subtle yet influential electromagnetic or energetic communication system operates just below your conscious awareness. Energetic interactions possibly contribute to the magnetic attractions or repulsions that occur between individuals, and also affect social relationships. It was also found that one person’s brain waves can synchronize to another person’s heart. The studies were published in the book Clinical Applications of Bioelectromagnetic Medicine.

Your Genome

Did you know that a tenant of 21st Century preventive medicine involves strengthening a person's immune system by design, using a personalized approach? In an article entitled, "My Genome, My Self," author Steven Pinker wrote: "Like the early days of the Internet, the dawn of personal genomics promises benefits and pitfalls that no one can foresee. It could usher in an era of personalized medicine, in which drug regimens are customized for a patient’s biochemistry rather than juggled through trial and error, and screening and prevention measures are aimed at those who are most at risk. It opens up a niche for bottom-feeding companies to terrify hypochondriacs by turning dubious probabilities into Genes of Doom." (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/11/magazine/11Genome-)

Magnificent Mind

Did you know that according to Dr. Daniel Amen, author of "Magnificent Mind at Any Age," a magnificent mind starts with a balanced brain? Keeping your brain in balance is so important that I included a section on balance in my book, "Age-Proofing Your Brain." Use every option available to you to balance your brain. Strategies include obtaining sufficient sleep, engaging in mental and physical exercise, using appropriate natural supplements, honing your thinking strategies, and if needed, medication. Optimize your brain! Positive changes can change your life . . .

Self-control and Religion

Did you know that religious people may have more self-control than do their less religious counterparts? The conclusion of studies by University of Miami professor of Psychology, Michael McCullough, is that religious people may be better at pursuing and achieving long-term goals that are important to them and their religious groups. This, in turn, might help explain why religious people tend to have lower rates of substance abuse, better school achievement, less delinquency, better health behaviors, less depression, and longer lives. One potential implication? Religion may have evolved because of its ability to help people exercise self-control. (http://www.physorg.com/news149861062.html)

Obesity-Autism Correlation

Did you know that studies at the University of California Davis MIND (Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute have uncovered a possible correlation between obesity during pregnancy and offspring with an autism spectrum disorder? Researchers found that obese women were 67 percent more likely to have a child with autism and twice as likely to have a child with another developmental disorder (as compared with healthy-weight mothers). Is it the obesity itself, or the food that contributed to the obesity, or obesity-linked inflammation, or other obesity-related conditions during pregnancy? That will require more research. It does add another reason for women to maintain optimal weight—especially during pregnancy.

Education and Alzheimer's

Did you know that your level of education may relate to whether or not your brain develops Alzheimer’s later in life? Studies in Finland found that teens who don't finish high school are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease many years later as compared to those who get their diplomas and go on to further study. You may want to think about going back to school and challenge your brain with additional education. (Article: Warning for High-School Dropouts. http://www.alzinfo.org/newsarticle/templates/newstemplate.asp?articleid=248&zoneid=10)