Joe

For years fitness enthusiasts have suspected that exercise positively affects the brain as well as the body. But while it seemed logical that an active lifestyle would help the brain, the scientific evidence was lacking. Now several biological studies indicate that working out does benefit the brain. The reasons to get moving are greater than you think. Now researchers are finding biological evidence that exercise benefits specific brain mechanisms. And, it even contributes to growing new neurons. While we used to think that the brain loses cells as we age, we now know it is not true for those people who keep active and learn new things. Much of the new research suggests that exercise positively affects the hippocampus, a sea-horse shaped brain structure that is vital for memory and learning. In one recent study, researchers found that adult mice doubled their number of new brain cells in the hippocampus when they had access to running wheels. The fact that the mammalian adult brain can increase its number of brain cells is surprising in itself...

Just a moment before you pick up that low-carb salad dressing from the grocery store shelf. Low cal, low carb, reduced fat, reduced carbs, and other so called healthy promotional phrases may all take on a entirely new meaning in the not too distant future. FDA Deputy Commissioner Lester Crawford has indicated a food content labeling mandate will probably cause a substantial number of products to have their labels changed. Crawford indicated it will be an effort to demystify the current confusion about carbohydrates. Many food makers have jumped on the low-carb band wagon. Companies hawk everything from traditional creamy and or vinaigrette salad dressings, to low-carbohydrate Easter chocolate, as formulated and manufactured reduced in calories and carbs. The FDA is concerned how food producing companies count carbohydrates, as it varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some do indeed significantly cut carbohydrates. Others promote their products as reduced-carb, but only cut a single gram per serving. Surprisingly, these are priced to cost more...

Sometimes it really is what s on the outside that counts. That s the opinion of many of today s car owners who say they re always on the lookout for ways to make their autos look better. While many drivers turn to high-tech fixes, accessories and add-ons to change the look of their ride, many forget a simple-and inexpensive-step: waxing. Waxing helps protect a vehicle s paint by minimizing the effects of wear and tear. But perhaps just as important, it can breathe new life into a faded paint job-helping your car look its best. A thorough waxing can take less than 30 minutes-especially if you follow a few tips from the experts: 8226; Always wash the car thoroughly to remove surface dirt that can scratch the paint while waxing. 8226; Minor scratches and swirl marks caused by snow brushes, tree branches or improper care can be removed with a scratch and swirl remover. 8226; Apply wax evenly in a circular motion and always remove wax with a clean cloth. Wax On, Wax Off You may be surprised at just how far wax has come over the years. For instance, new...

Doctors may have another weapon in their arsenal for fighting lung cancer. The single largest cancer killer among men and women in the U.S., the disease is expected to take the lives of more than 160,000 Americans this year, often within a short time of diagnosis, according to the American Cancer Society. However, for the first time, patients with the most common type of advanced lung cancer have a targeted therapy that, with chemotherapy, extended overall survival beyond one year in a large, randomized clinical study. Avastin bevacizumab , a targeted therapeutic antibody not a chemotherapy , is now approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration FDA to be used in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel for the first-line treatment of patients with unresectable, locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic nonsquamous, non-small cell lung cancer NSCLC . In a pivotal clinical study Study E4599 , adding Avastin to carboplatin and paclitaxel improved survival by 25 percent compared to chemotherapy alone, extending survival beyond one year in...

So many people are dealing with the problem of not getting enough sleep. For a lot of them, they have no idea why they are not getting the sleep that they want so badly. They are wandering why they are so tired in the morning even when they are going to bed at a decent time. Having a sleep study for sleep apnea is will benefit the person as well as help the scientists get a closer look at this problem and how to do treatment. A sleep study is when a group of researchers will watch over the patient, as they are asleep. There will be monitors and gadgets to keep track of the way that the patient is breathing and their movements while they are sleeping. This will allow the scientists to better understand the disorder and what it does to the person s body and ability to sleep. For these people, they may have a disorder called sleep apnea. The best way to determine this problem is with a sleep study. For most people that have sleep apnea, they do not even know there is a problem like this occurring. They are unsure of the reason whey they are not getting...

What would you consider to be your most precious possession. Book collection. your body. It is surely your most precious possession because without it, you wouldn t be here. How well do you care for your body. Do you exercise every day, eat healthful foods, drink enough water, get adequate sleep. Don t worry, I m not going to turn this into a big sermon, because I ve been just as guilty of not giving my body the care and attention it deserves. A large majority of us are. We live in an age of high stress, fast pace, and abundant convenience foods. For those of us who only need to walk a few paces from our desk to the kitchen, the temptation for snacking is even greater. Who has time to exercise and prepare balanced meals. However, it s important to realize that neglecting our physical well-being can profoundly affect us mentally and spiritually. The Mind Body Spirit connection is strong. If we neglect one area, the others will suffer also. The goal should be to achieve a nice, even balance between all three. I m learning that it s not as hard as it...

When their cars break down unexpectedly, many people take them to the closest repair shop they can find. But this important decision should not be left to chance. The best thing to do is to start shopping for a repair facility before you need one. By planning ahead, you can be sure that your car will be in capable hands when repairs are needed. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence ASE , a nonprofit, independent organization that tests and certifies auto service professionals, offers these tips on finding a good auto repair establishment. Ask your friends and associates for their recommendations or consult local consumer groups. Arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based solely on location. Look for a neat, well-organized facility with modern equipment and vehicles in the parking lot that are equal in value to your own. Look for a courteous staff. The service consultant should be willing to answer all of your questions. Ask about the shop s policies regarding estimated repair...

How to Tap your Inner Energy Reserves the secret you already possess When we were born, our whole body breathed. Every cell was energized with the vitality of the breath. As adults we are amazed and exhausted by the relentless nature of children s energy. We remember the exuberance of our early youth when we breathed with relaxed, open bellies and had an almost limitless supply of energy. Then we began to learn and develop poor breathing patterns. Breathing is not an intellectual activity, yet to reclaim our youthful energy and natural breathing requires your conscious awareness and participation. Breathing is something that the body knows how to do for our basic survival; it will flow in and out without any thought on your part. This automatic breath allows you to survive, but when you unconsciously hold or restrict your breath through habit, the breath that once breathed you becomes automatically restricted and distorted. This unconsciously altered breath allows you to survive but not to thrive. As adults, we find ourselves looking for ways to...