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Wednesday 14 October 2015

How to Improve Your Brain Health


1. Learn something new:
 “Our brains have this incredible ability to make new neurons and new connections throughout our lives,” Pasinski says. “And one of the things that fosters that is stimulating activities and learning news things. By this I mean undertaking a new pursuit or a new hobby. What a lot of people don’t realize is that memory is like any other skill. If you don’t practice it, it does atrophy over time. It’s the old use it or lose it.”
The bottom line: You are never too old to learn a new skill. Pasinski says that one of her patients, a woman in her mid-40s, recently started singing and memorizing lyrics and now her brain is sharper than ever.
2. Get more sleep: 
“Sleep is so important. What I find so interesting is that sleep promotes neuroplasticity, the growth of new neurons,” Pasinski says. “It grows new neurons in the hippocampus, which is the brain’s memory center, and sleep deprivation reduces the production of new neurons. Also, we are realizing that beta amyloid, the deposit that accumulates in Alzheimer’s disease, is actually cleared in the brain during sleep.”
The bottom line: Pulling an all-nighter to study for that big test or prepare a big presentation? Pasinski says that is counterproductive. You’ll retain the information much better if you get some sleep after studying. You are better off waking up a little early and studying more.
3. Improve your diet:
 “Diet is incredibly important and the best diet for the brain is the Mediterranean-style diet. It has been associated with better cognitive function and lower rates of dementia,” Pasinski says. “Probably one of the reasons it is good for the brain is that it is rich in omega-3s, which are literally the building blocks of the brain.
“This nutrient plays a key role in forming and strengthening synapses, which are the connections in the brain that allows brain cells to give signals to one another in order to make memory and learning possible. In addition, the olive oils in the Mediterranean diet have special benefits and are associated with lower rates of stroke and better cognitive performance.”
The Bottom line: Improving your diet is not only great for your brain, but you will also decrease your risk for other diseases and ailments like heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
4. Exercise:
 “Exercise is one of the most important things you can do for the brain. It increases blood flow to the brain and when you get your heart rate up, it turns out your brain is bathed in a cascade of growth factors, promoting the birth of new neurons and creating stronger connections in the brain,” Pasinski says.
“One of my favorite studies is a walking study where they performed MRI scans at the beginning of the study and then again six months later. They had participants walk one hour three times a week for six months and then they compared that group to a group that did a stretch and tone class. What they found was that the walkers had an increase in brain volume that they could actually see on the MRI.”
5. Socialize:
 “Socializing with other people and enriching your friendships is also important. I really encourage people to make new friends,” Pasinski says. “Especially multicultural and multigenerational friendships. People with rich social networks are mentally shaper and have less risk of dementia. If you take up a new activity and make friends doing it, you are doubling the brain benefits.”
The bottom line: Do some of these things together and double or triple your brain health. For example, if you go walking with a friend and discover a new route or path, then you are getting triple the brain-booting benefits.
1. Keep your face clean.
 Whether or not you haveacne, it's important to wash your face twice daily to remove impurities, dead skin cells, and extra oil from your skin's surface. Washing more often than twice daily is not necessarily better; it may do more harm than good. Use warm, not hot, water and a mild facial cleanser. Using a harsh soap (like deodorant body soap) can hurt the already inflamed skin and cause more irritation.
Avoid scrubbing your skin harshly with a washcloth, exfoliating glove, or loofah (a coarse-textured sponge). Gently wash it with your clean hands or a very soft cloth. Always rinse well, and then dry your face with a clean towel. (Toss the towel in the laundry hamper, as dirty towels spread bacteria.)
2. Moisturize. 
Many acne products contain ingredients that dry the skin, so always use a moisturizer that minimizes dryness and skin peeling. Look for "noncomedogenic" on the label, which means it should not cause acne. There are moisturizers made for oily, dry, or combination skin.
3. Try an over-the-counter acne product. 
These acne products don't need a prescription. They may have ingredients such as benzoyl peroxidesalicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid, which curb bacteria and dry your skin. Start with a small amount at first. Then you can adjust how much you use and how often, depending on how much peeling or drying you have. Use these products with caution if you have sensitive skin.
4. Use makeup sparingly.
 During a breakout, avoid wearing foundation, powder, or blush. If you do wear makeup, wash it off at the end of the day. If possible, choose oil-freecosmetics without added dyes and chemicals. Choose makeup that is labeled as "noncomedogenic," meaning it should not cause acne. Read the ingredients list on the product label before buying.
5. Watch what you put on your hair.
 Avoid using fragrances, oils, pomades, or gels on your hair. If they get on your face, they can block your skin's pores and irritate your skin. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Oily hair can add to the oil on your face, so wash your hair often, especially if you're breaking out. Got long hair? Keep it pulled away from your face.

Wednesday 7 October 2015



You 
are 
Confined
only
by the 
Walls
you build
Yourself
''Don't wait for the perfect moment,take the moment and make it perfect'' - Zoey Sayward
Life goes on...
Whether you choose to move on and take a chance in the unknown.Or stay behind, locked in the past, thinking of what could've been