Reading Fiction Promotes Well Being

One Stanford professor coined it “mental weight-lifting” while another called it “self-transformation.” Whatever the terminology, it actually refers to reading – specifically fiction, nothing else.

A recent study out of the University of Toronto discovered that reading fiction promotes changes in personality traits that lead to healthy self-improvements. Earlier research published in a 2004 issue of Poetics Today found that “reading fictional narratives has been found to involve processes of identification and self-implication” both of which lead to a healthy outlook on life. From psychology, we know that a healthy outlook promotes positive mental and physical health.

A similar study found that the brain does not make a distinction between reading about an experience and actually encountering it in real life because the same neurological regions in the brain are stimulated equally in both accounts.

Numerous neurological studies on fiction reading agreed that people who regularly read fiction books are better able to understand others and empathize with them. One particular factor was that preschool-age children who read fiction stories were found to have keener mind power. This keener mind was also discovered in children watching movies – but not television.

So what does that have to do with your health? Quite a bit. According to Stanford Professor Joshua Landy, reading fiction opens the doors to creative thinking, which is a perfect way to exercise the brain. Additional studies that involve exercising your brain through various mental activities have been known to ward off Alzheimer’s disease and other brain-related disorders.

One of the key factors of reading in general is that it promotes health within the brain itself. When you read, you are actually performing a very complex task that is both physical and mental. First, there is an increase in blood flow to the brain, which stimulates neural activity. Furthermore, when reading becomes more intense, the brain displays distinct patterns that researchers say are “far more complex than just work and play.” Studies are still trying to discover the nature of that complexity. Whatever it reveals, one thing is certain: Reading promotes healthy brain function.

What’s further intriguing is that specific fiction stories – mainly those involving both human and animal characters – have been found to greatly heighten empathy, cause psychological shifts in thought processes and promote cultural changes in the readers’ perceptions. For example, Jack London’s Call of the Wild and Richard Adams’ Watership Down strongly promote a sympathetic imagination, prompting the reader to step into the protagonist’s shoes in the story then transform those empathetic characteristics into daily life.

Of interest, many college students of literature as well as avid non-fiction readers argue that fiction writers take too long to get to the point. But, that’s the whole idea…those lengthy descriptions allow the brain to create a picture of the scene, connect with it in a personal way, become emotionally involved with it, and perhaps become part of the story. Non-fiction does not provide that opportunity. It divulges facts and tells the story the way it happened, leaving little room for creative thought.

So, start exercising your brain today! No time for the gym…Pick up a book – particularly a fiction one – and get that workout in. You won’t regret the resulting health benefits you’ll experience.

References:

Beierl, B. H. (2008). The sympathetic imagination and the human-animal bond: Fostering empathy through reading imaginative literature. Anthrozoos, 21(3), 213-220.

Burns, M. (2012). The reading brain: How your brain helps you read, and why it matters. Retrieved from http://www.scilearn.com/blog/the-reading-brain.php.

Djikic, M., Oatley, K., Zoeterman, S., & Peterson, J. B. (2009). On being moved by art: How reading fiction transforms the self. Creativity Research Journal, 21(1), 24-29.

Goldman, C. (2012). Fiction books give a boost to the brain, says Stanford professor. Retrieved from http://news.stanford.edu/news/2012/july/fiction-boost-brain-070312.html.

Paul, A. M. (2012). Your brain on fiction. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/18/opinion/sunday/the-neuroscience-of-your-brain-on-fiction.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0.

 Stanford University. (2012). MRI reveals brain’s response to reading. Retrieved from http://www.futurity.org/science-technology/mri-reveals-brain%E2%80%99s-response-to-reading/.

Keys to Driving After Age 65

Every year that we age, we lose abilities that we often take for granted: vision, hearing, dexterity and the list goes on. Research has shown that these age-related declines can significantly affect driving skills.

According to the National Safety Council, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of accidental deaths among people age 65 to 74 and the second leading cause among those age 75 and older. Furthermore, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that seniors age 80 and older have the highest rate of fatal crashes per mile driven – even higher than for teens.

The National Safety Council notes that older drivers do have less miles on their cars than younger drives, are less likely to drink and drive, speed or drive without a license, and are more likely to wear their seat belts. However, when they do crash, they often cannot recover.

With the population of senior citizens increasing exponentially with the aging of the Baby Boomers, the number of senior drivers on the roads will follow suit. The National Institutes for Health points out that driving is a complicated task, requiring excellent hearing and vision, ability to pay close attention to many things along the route such as traffic signals, pedestrians, bicycles, and more. Quick reaction times to each incident is required for safety. Because of the decline in abilities, senior citizens may not realize it, but they often will struggle with general navigation such as turning left and right within their lane.

In a study of older adults, the NIH found five common mistakes made by those age 65 and older: 1) failing to yield the right of way; 2) failing to stay in their lane; 3) misjudging the time or distance needed to turn in front of traffic; 4) failing to stop completely at a stop sign; and 5) driving too slowly.

Requirements for senior citizen drivers vary by state, with most of them not requiring routine physical or eye examinations for driver’s license renewals. In Pennsylvania, a select few (approximately 1,900 people per month) ages 45 and older are randomly chosen for a physical examination before renewing their license. The rest of the population can simply renew by mail or internet. About 16% of the state’s population is over age 65, which represents about 2 million people. Considering that PennDOT randomly tests people from a larger demographic (ages 45 and older), a very small number of senior citizens are actually receiving driving examinations for license renewal. Other states don’t perform any testing. In some cases, older adults are fine as safe and conscientious drivers; in other cases, they are endangering themselves and others when sitting behind the wheel.

In today’s world of travel, driving is often a privilege that is hard to give up. But, if you are over age 65 and still drive, here are some driving tips to keep you and others safe:

1.    Limit driving in bad weather, during rush hours and on high-speed freeways

2.    Limit night driving as vision is often more impaired when it’s dark.

3.    Plan your route in advance and use familiar roads whenever possible.

4.    Give driving your full attention by not smoking, eating, or using your cell phone.

5.    Do not drive when you are taking medication as it will often cause slower reaction times.

6.    If applicable, wear your hearing aids and glasses/contacts when driving to improve your senses.

7.    Keep your car in good repair

8.    Maximize your visibility by keeping your windshield and mirrors clear and wiper blades in optimal working order.

If you have access to the internet, The American Association of Retired People (AARP) has an online test “Are you a smart driver?” that can also help determine your driving quality. This 10-question quiz (found in the home-garden/transportation section of www.aarp.org) reveals your level of understanding of driving and the skills necessary to operate a motor vehicle.

References:

AARP. (2011). Safe Driver Quiz. Retrieved from http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/transportation/info-11-2011/quiz-are-you-a-smart-driver.html

Anderson, J. L. (2012). When should elderly drivers hang up the car keys? Retrieved from http://www.kiplinger.com/columns/car/archive/a-case-for-taking-the-car-keys-from-elderly-drivers.html.

Bauza, G., Lamorte, W. W., Burke, P. A., & Hirsch, E. F. (2008). High mortality in elderly drivers is associated with distinct injury patterns: analysis of 187,869 injured drivers. Journal of Trauma, 64(2), 304-310.

Grabowski, D. C., Campbell, C. M., & Morrisey, M. A. (2004). Elderly licensure laws and motor vehicle fatalities. Journal of the American Medical Association, 291(23), 2840-2846.

National Institutes of Health. (n.d.) How aging affects driving. Retrieved from http://nihseniorhealth.gov/olderdrivers/howagingaffectsdriving/01.html.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. (n.d.). Fact Sheet. Retrieved from http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/fact_sheets/fs-pasen.pdf.

U.S. Census Bureau. (2012). Pennsylvania. Retrieved from http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/42000.html.

Cotton Candy Helps Inspire Medical Miracles

That sweet – typically pink – treat you find at county fairs, amusement parks and other summer venues is actually being touted as a medical inspiration.

After intensely examining the carnival delight known as Cotton Candy, medical professionals and researchers began seeing the swirl of tiny crystalline strands that make up the candy as a replication of the capillary system. The lead researcher, then Cornell University Graduate Student Leon Bellan, had been reviewing existing elements that created similar vein-like outputs such as cheese whiz and silly string. But it was the cotton candy that was the closest to the human capillary network in terms of size, consistency and structure.

Using a mixture of candy and an organic polymer, the cotton candy machine spins the substance into tiny intricate strands. The final product is soaked in hot water and alcohol to melt away the sugar portion (or what we know as cotton candy) leaving behind a hollow network of microscopic tubules that mimicked human capillaries. They tested the artificial capillaries with animal blood and found them to adequately work as part of the circulatory system. Studies continue on how to transplant the organ into the human body are currently under way.

In another research study, this one at Purdue University, the cotton candy machine and its application of forming artificial human capillaries further inspired its use for producing special fibers for other medical purposes. By using the high-speed, spinning function of the cotton candy machine, a fine string-like mass of healing compound was developed. Basically, the compound is made from a blend that consists of polysaccharides, carbohydrates whose molecules consist of a number of sugar molecules bonded together. While the process is much more complex than that, it has led to a successful treatment for surgical wounds, bed sores, acne and many more medicinal purposes. Sugars, such as in honey, have been known as healing compounds; therefore, it stands to reason that finely spun polysaccharides could lead to a useful medicinal product. The end result is still in testing phases but could be available in a few years.

While cotton candy has been exceptionally inspirational in the medical realm, don’t expect it to rock your world for a few years yet. In fact, right now, cotton candy available to the general public should only be used to satisfy your sweet tooth. The finely spun sugar was actually born in 1899 by a candy maker and a dentist. Their product, then known as Fairy Floss, was an overnight success at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904. It wasn’t known as Cotton Candy until the 1920s.

Quite honestly, cotton candy is not a terrible snack. One ounce contains only 105 calories, no fat, no sodium, no cholesterol and 25 grams of carbohydrates. Compare that with other common carnival treats, and you have a pretty low-calorie food that satisfies your taste for sweets. For example, an 8-ounce funnel cake contains 730 calories, 25 grams of fat, 785 milligrams of sodium, 70 milligrams of cholesterol and 35 grams of carbohydrates. Think that taffy-covered apple is better? Well, a 5-ounce taffy-covered apple contains 290 calories, 4 grams of fat, 100 milligrams of sodium, 2 milligrams of cholesterol, and 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Cotton candy is quite the product. It’s a low-calorie sweet snack and it has inspired the start of some very helpful medical miracles.

  

References:

Chronicle Online. (2009). Weill Cornell, Ithaca researchers use cotton candy to create new blood-flow routes. Retrieved from http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/Feb09/weillCottonCandy.html.

Li, V. (2009). From cotton candy to capillaries. Retrieved from http://cornellsun.com/node/36170.

Purdue University. (2012). Cotton candy inspires grad students to develop new wound treatment and company. Retrieved from http://purdueicc.org/stories/connell.php

Venson, C. (n.d.). How cotton candy works. Retrieved from http://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/edible-innovations/cotton-candy4.htm

The Top 10 Healthiest New Year’s Resolutions

We make them, and we often break them! They are the ubiquitous New Year’s Resolutions!

Health Magazine suggests that this year be the year of personal health. They have created the Top 10 Healthiest Resolutions List, from which you can adopt one or two as your own and not abandon throughout the year. Just follow a good plan and good health can be yours.

1.       Lose Weight. Every year, the most common resolution is to lose weight. According to Health Magazine, it is the most popular resolution in made by American. Unfortunately, it is also the most broken.  Instead of making a resolution to lose weight, why not make a plan for dealing with road bumps along the way. It is also suggested that you find a partner to work with you, someone to keep you accountable and give you support.

2.       Keep in Touch with Old Friends. Social bonds are a strong part of our mental health. Research has shown that people are social by nature and need regular contact to maintain physical, spiritual and mental health. The surge of texting, Facebook and other technological advances has shoved aside personal connections. Make plans to stay connected this year.

3.       Quit Smoking. Another common resolution, quitting the tobacco habit is sometimes a Herculean task. Research has shown that this habit is one of the hardest to quit. Find support through your physician, friends and family to help you through the tough times. Furthermore, find a replacement for that cigarette, such as talking a walk, learning a musical instrument, or adopting a pet. Sometimes a distraction can be a powerful tool when quitting the habit.

4.       Save money. In a poor economy, it does seem nearly impossible to save any money. But, some of the answers to saving money may be as simple as eating home more often rather than going out. Rent movies on DVD rather than seeing them at the theatre, buy foods in bulk or on sale. There are a plethora of savings you can find when you look for them.

5.       Reduce Stress. Stress is a constant for most of us, but reducing it can improve your overall health and well-being.  Easy ways to reduce stress are making sure you get enough sleep and take time to relax. That relaxation may mean reading a good book, soaking in a bathtub, or taking a walk on the beach. Whatever relaxes you will also reduce your stress level.

6.       Volunteer. Studies have found that people who give of themselves were 20% less likely than their peers to have heart problems such as heart disease or a heart attack. There are numerous non-profit organizations who would love to have your help. Look around and see what interests you. If you’re interested in children, perhaps working with the YMCA would fit the bill. If you like senior citizens, check out Active Aging. The opportunities are there, just step forward and make it work for your health.

7.       Go Back to School. Educational experiences keep our minds sharp and vibrant. Keeping your brain engaged can also decrease your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. No matter what your age, anyone can go back to school, whether it’s for a formal degree or simply continuing education. Educational opportunities exist beyond book learning…you could learn basic plumbing, how to change the oil in your car, or how to knit. Regardless, the educational experience keeps your brain engaged and your mind sharp.

8.       Reduce Alcohol Intake. Drinking alcohol, particularly in excess, affects the brain’s neurotransmitters which can cause depression, memory loss, or seizures. Furthermore, heavy drinking increases your risk of liver disease, heart problems and some types of cancers. Reducing your alcohol content – even by one drink a week – can significantly reduce your risks of health issues.

9.       Get More Sleep. This is not to say you should stay in bed 24 hours a day; but solid REM (rapid eye movement) sleep is necessary to recharge the body. Research has shown that the average adult needs between 7 and 8 hours of sleep a night to be productive and healthy. If you don’t get this kind of sleep each night, you could resolve to increase your sleep by ½ hour per month until you reach the needed amount. As mentioned earlier, getting more sleep also helps reduce your overall stress level.

10.   Travel. Even short trips away from home can refresh your body’s physical and mental health. Health Magazine says that traveling allows us to tap into life as an adventure, which promotes new learning and excitement. As noted earlier, educational experiences can improve brain functioning.

Whatever you do, select one or two resolutions that are do-able for you. Making a long list of resolutions can be overwhelming and cause added stress. Resolutions are intended for personal improvement, not to cause distress. Regardless of your resolutions, I wish you well for a healthy and happy 2013!

Reference:

Health. (2012). Top 10 healthiest New Year’s resolutions. Retrieved from http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20452233,00.html