Doodling: Not only fun but good for your memory!

A study in the United Kingdom found that people who doodle while listening to a recording or lecture had a 29 percent better recall of what they heard then those who didn’t doodle.

Researchers asked 40 volunteers to listen to a monotone telephone recording. The participants were asked to listen for the name of party goers. Half were asked to doodle while listening and half were asked not to. The group that doodled had significant improvement in remembering the names of party goers. The findings were published in Applied Cognitive Psychology Journal.

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So next time you find yourself in a boring class or conference call… doodle!

To read the complete story and get all the details go to:
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2009/02February/Pages/Doesadoodlehelpthenoodle.aspx

This is a good interview Newsweek did with psychologist Jackie Andrade of the University of Plymouth in England who conducted the study:
http://www.newsweek.com/id/186738?from=rss

Yet another reason to drink milk...

We all have seen the campaigns raving about the benefit of calcium and encouraging people to drink milk regularly. A study just released, and featured in the New York Times, of nearly half a million people concluded that older women and men who consume large amounts of calcium were at a reduced risk for developing digestive cancers.

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Researchers also found that women who consume large levels of calcium also have a overall reduced risk for cancer. Dairy foods are also rich in vitamin D and conjugated linoleic acid which are anti-carcinogenic nutrients.


The NYTimes.com has the complete story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/25/health/25cancer.html?_r=1&ref=health

For the facts and benefits of calcium and how much is recommended visit:
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/calcium.asp

Artificial Sweeteners: Helpful if used properly

Although it seems artificial sweeteners have made their way into every coffee shop, restaurant and supermarket only about 15% of Americans actually use them regularly.




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Many refuse to switch over to artificial sweeteners claiming the taste is not the same and they can not get use to it.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reviewed 224 professional studies done regarding the effects of sweeteners on appetite and weight management. The studies concluded artificial sweeteners may aid with weight loss.
However, sweeteners only aid in weight loss if they are used properly and are not used as an excuse to eat high calorie foods. Doing this, the report noted, could have the reverse effect and actually cause weight gain.

For the complete story go to:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/17/health/17brod.html?ref=health

This site has great information on the possible side effects of sweeteners and much more useful information:
http://www.medicinenet.com/artificial_sweeteners/article.htm

Common toxic plastic may delay pregnancy

A new study suggests that plastics found in common household and personal care items such as carpets, food packaging and clothing may be lowering your chances of getting pregnant.

These items are suppose to be "phased out" by 2010, according to the Washington Post, but they stay in the enviornment for much longer. The chemicals in the plastic are known as perfluorinated chemicals and a recent study conducted on animals found that the chemicals are toxic to the liver and other organs.

Photo courtesy of healthday.com

To find out what common items contain these toxic chemicals and how you can protect yourself visit:

http://www.pollutioninpeople.org/toxics/pfcs

http://www.fluoridealert.org/pesticides/pfos.pfoas-page.htm

Tips to prevent the Flu & Colds

We have all experienced some, if not all, of the symptoms associated with a cold or the flu: runny nose, fever, aching chest and sneezing. There are many known ways to treat a cold but here are some tips to naturally prevent a cold or flu from keeping you down during the cold winter months:

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1. Wash your hands: Your hands touch everything and carry tons of germs so make sure to keep them clean


2. Don't touch your face with dirty hands: Germs enter many times through your nose, mouth and eyes so avoid touching your face as much as possible


3. Sleep!- If your body is tired it will be more difficult for it to fight of germs and infections


4. Exercise- Working out can boost and keep your immune system strong.

For more tips on how to naturally prevent a cold or flu go to:

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/12-tips-prevent-cold-flu

For tips on how to get better (if you already have a cold or get them easily):

http://www.health.com/health/condition-article/0,,20250939,00.html

How effective are vitamins?

About half of all Americans take a daily multivitamin or supplement. It’s become part of many of our lives. Walk into any GNC and you will be bombarded with different vitamin options and more recently “Vita-Paks” that are suppose to contain all your vitamin needs for a day.

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But does it work? A new research shows that daily multivitamin use doesn’t help prevent cancer or heart disease. The New York Times reported that in the “study 161,808 women who were part of the government-funded Women’s Health Initiative research effort... [and] doctors from 40 centers around the country collected data on multivitamin use. While research shows that people who eat nutrient-rich diets filled with fruits and vegetables have lower rates of heart disease and cancer, it hasn’t been clear whether taking a daily supplement results in a similar benefit.”

Photo courtesy of visiblehealth.co.uk

So why all the hype? Why do we continue to believe that a pill can cure and prevent all our aliments? It might be the need for many of us to take the easy way out when it comes to our health or the persuasive ad campaigns that lead us to believe that a simple pill will make us look and feel better.

If you want to read more about vitamins and supplements CNN has a great health section with all the latest news:

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/supplements/NU00198.html

The New York Times also has a good health section with tips to stay healthy:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/17/health/17well.html?_r=1&ref=science

Think shopping makes you happy? Think again..

Ever go shopping to make yourself feel better after a rough day or to just cheer yourself up? Well, according to a recent San Francisco State University study the average happiness a new purchase brings lasts only about six to eight weeks but no more than three months.

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However, according to that same study the experience from a trip or event can keep making you feel happy for years.

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Moral of the story: next time you feel like cheering yourself up go out to dinner or take a trip instead of buying that new purse or shoes you probably don’t need!

To read the complete story go to : http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/02/10/happiness.possessions/index.html

Also, check out this cool website for creative trip ideas. This site has lists of the best and worst cities to travel to and much more!
http://www.roadjunky.com/article?c=Travel-Ideas

Quit Smoking: For your pet?

Unless you have lived under a rock for the past decade or so you have heard and seen all the ad campaigns and studies giving smokers a million reasons to quit. Many ads urge you to quit for your own health, the health of your family and of those around you but what about the health of your pet?

Photo Courtesy of: www.uoguelph.ca

A recent survey of 3,300 pet owners, published in the journal of Tobacco Control earlier this week, found that one in three pet owners would consider quitting for the sake of their beloved pet’s health.




Photo Courtesy of: www.boroondara.vic.gov.au


So if you are a smoker who hasn’t been able to kick the habit for the sake of your own health may be the health of your pet will be just the motivation you need to quit!


Here are a few tips to help you stay smoke-free:

• Have faith in yourself and your ability to quit. Where there is a will there is a way!
• Write down all the reasons why you want to quit and all the negative consequences smoking has on your health. Read the list everyday and remind yourself of why you need to quit.
• Talk to your doctor about quitting and ask for guidance and support.
  

This website contains easy tips and information on quitting:
http://www.quitsmoking.com/info/articles/20tips.htm

And for information on alternative ways to quit check out this site:
http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=5523&cn=105

CNN featured a story on this topic and the survey conducted in their living well section:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/02/11/health.pet.smoker/index.html

The Effect of Colors

A color may have a variety of meanings. The color red may represent passion, danger or luck for some. Ancient Egyptians and Chinese used a technique called chromotherapy, or color therapy. This technique is still used by some today as an alternative form of treatment for a variety of diseases.

Photo courteesy of :www.manobluedesign.com

Colors in your home and work area may affect your mood, therefore you should be selective when it comes to the colors you surround yourself with. Here are a few examples of classic colors and their effects on your mood:

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• For energy try red or violet- These colors are stimulating and warm.

• For an upbeat effect try green or yellow- These fun and vibrant colors are certain to give you a much needed boost.
  
  
• For a calm effect try blue- This soothing color will likely remind you of the sky or sea and is a great color to relax.
  
  

Information found from:
http://health.msn.com/your-best-life/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100232150&gt1=31043

http://psychology.about.com/od/sensationandperception/a/colorpsych.htm

Secrets to Aging Well

We are all going to age sooner or later, the trick is to age later rather than sooner! Most people know the basics to looking and feeling healthy:

• Exercise



• Sleep well



• Have a positive attitude



• Do not smoke or drink alcohol



• Take the right vitamins

Photo courtesy of: happyhomemaker88.wordpress.com

However, there are a few other, more creative, ways to help you age gracefully and live better. These tips are easy and can make all the difference if you follow them properly:

• Have a social life- Whether your social life is made up of friends, family or a church or group it is important for your well being, according to a recent Harvard study.



• Keep your mind active- Learn something new often and read



• Get a pet- Studies show that pet owners live less stressful lives and are usually happier.

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/secrets-of-aging-well.html

http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/secrets-of-aging-well?page=2

Boost your Self Confidence

Have trouble speaking up in front of a crowd? Does meet new people scare you? Are you constantly doubting your abilities and talents? If any of these apply to you then you need a confidence boost! Here are a few easy ways to improve your self confidence:

1. Think positive and productive thoughts- a self defeating attitude will only diminish your confidence
2. Remind yourself of your good qualities
3. Act and speak like a confident person- eventually it will become a habit
4. Don't dwell on mistake or failures- the faster you move on the easier it will be to stay optimistic and be confident
5. Eat right and exercise often

Photo courtesy of: bournemouthhypnotherapy.co.uk

http://www.funonthenet.in/articles/tips-improve-self-confidence.html

http://betterlife-seeker.com/selfimprovement/three-simple-ways-to-improve-self-confidence-now/

http://www.psychology4all.com/SelfConf.htm