Spark: Post #7

According to the World Health Organization (W.H.O.), depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States and Canada.  About 17% of American adults experience depression costing over 26 BILLION dollars each year.  Every 17 minutes in the Unites States someone commits suicide.  There are different kinds of depression and the full range of emotional reactions that can manifest.  There is no blood test for depression nor is there a fail proof psychological test.  Of course, hormonal imbalances can be detected in some people, but not the majority of those with depression.  Many studies, around the world, have looked at the correlation of exercise and depression, and all of them came to the same conclusion: Those who exercise, 2-3 times per week, experience significantly less depression.

"Spark" Post #6

The fact that aerobic exercise works immediately to fend off the state of anxiety has been well established for many, many years.  Here is how it works:
1). It distracts your mind
2). It reduces muscle tension
3). It increases body hormones that nourish the brain
4). The brain associates increased heart and breathing rates as a good thing.
5). The brain establishes electrical circuits around the established anxiety pathways
6). It builds confidence
7). It "sets you free" by getting outside and exercising you break the cycle of feeling trapped, held down and restricted.

Spark Post: #5

Hippocrates, the father of medicine, and whom the Hippocratic Oath was named and recited by all medical doctors, had a simple health theory.  That health and emotions came from the heart, and that is where treatment should start for maladies of mood.  Of course, Hippocrates lived 2400 years ago and could not have known that a naturally occurring hormone is produced in the heart.  During exercise, increased heart rate releases this hormone, called Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP), into the blood stream.  Once in the brain it blunts stress and anxiety and helps to regulate mood.

Spark Post #4:

Studies have shown, both stress and inactivity play big roles in the development of many autoimmune diseases and conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.  The more stress you have the more your body needs you to move to keep your brain happy!  The office or work place, is often the primary source of stress for a lot of people, and a good place to look for the benefits of exercise.  Employees who regularly exercise are shown to be more productive and have less absenteeism.

Spark Post #3:

Studies have shown that people with Parkinson's Disease that are encouraged to exercise, on a stationary bike, can reduce the effect of the disease. In the brain, the mild stress of exercise fortifies the infrastructure of our nerve cells by activating genes to produce certain proteins that protect the cells against damage and disease, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Dementia.

"Spark" Post #2

The mind is so powerful that we can set off the "stress" response just by imagining ourselves in a threatening situation.  Thus, activating our "Flight or Fight" response.  This prepares our body for movement.  Physical activity is the natural way to prevent the negative consequences of stress.  The body's response to chronic stress causes an increase in the release of the hormone "Cortisol." This hormone directs the body to create and store fat reserves, especially around the abdomen.  We need to move in order to prevent that storage from happening.

Like Us and Learn Part One

Good Day and Happy New Year to all of you, I wish you health, happiness and prosperity for the new year.  One of my New Year Resolutions, yes I made some, is to "blog" and communicate through social media more regularly.  

One of the activities I enjoy is reading.  History and historical fiction are my favorites but I also enjoy reading about new advances in Health Science from diet and nutrition, exercise, rehabilitation to surgery.  I thought this year you and your circle of friends might enjoy and gain insight from the blogs I post, commenting and relaying info from the current literature I am reading.  

The first book is; Spark: The revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, by John J. Ratey M.D. Dr. Ratey is a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.  He has authored/co-authored many books on neuroscience and the brain.  His Book, "Spark" has excellent reviews and is frequently referenced in today's Health  Literature.  

As I read, I will be sharing my thoughts on topics within the book: 

Exercise elevates "Miracle-Gro" type chemicals in the brain.  One study found people learn 20% faster following exercise.  Exercise improves learning on 3 levels: 

1. It optimizes your mind-set to improve alertness and attention. 

2. It encourages nerve cells to bind together. 

3. It spurs development of new nerve cells.  

During vigorous exercise, learning is decreases then sharply increases shortly after.  

How much exercise do I need to improve my brain function?  GOOD QUESTION!

Jogging/fast walking 30 minutes, three times per week for twelve weeks is a good start.  The brain also needs to be challenged with various physical activities to continue to grow.  So mix it up!  

Stay tuned to see what next week brings!!