The Psychotic Doctor

What has this to do with brain health and efficient decision making? A lot, I think. Those in society making significant decisions which ultimately influence the lives of many other people are often among the more affluent. (Dictionary.com defines affluence. A more indepth description is found in this Wikipedia paper.)

This information was taken from a Wikipedia paper on Diseases of Affluence. Look there for a more complete discussion.

What factors are protective of brain health or good cognitive functioning? No one knows exactly. There is tremendous amount of research occurring relative to maintaining cognitive functioning. Here are a few suggestion taken from Brain Health. Follow the links for specific suggestions.

Stay Mentally Active Research suggests that mental activity may protect cognitive functioning. Sitting and watching TV 24/7 is inviting cognitive decline. Even video games provide mental stimulation.
Remain Socially Active Apparently being with family and friends is more protective than being a hermit. Social isolation does not help cognitive maintenance.
Stay Physically Active The national obsession with exercise is not just for vanity. It also helps maintain brain functioning.
Adopt a Brain-Healthy Diet That which we take into our bodies plays a significant role in how well our brain continues to perform well.
Be Heart Smart Apparently brain health goes hand in hand with heart health.
Healthy Numbers This site provide information regarding four particularly important factors risk factors: Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, Cholesterol, Weight. There is an online calculator for Body Mass Index (BMI), or how your weight compares to healthy norms.

A study of the effect of high-sugar, low-caffeine "energy drinks" on tests of attention done at Londonborough University in England. The finding was that so called "energy drinks" containing high sugar content do not appear to be effective in maintaining attention. "Sugar rushes" from such drinks don't appear to be very effective at overcoming sleepiness, write Clare Anderson, BSc, Ph.D., and colleagues in Human Psychopharmacology.

A discussion about Body Language or Non-Verbal Communication could go on for pages. There are mountains of books written on the subject. Many experts say that body language comprises 80% or 90% of the total communication process. I am certain it is well over 50%. So if at least half, and maybe most, of the total messages we send come from non-verbal communication, we would all be wise to learn about this powerful process. This Yahoo News Article taken from BusinessWeekOnline illustrates some ideas relative to your business life. This ChangingMinds.org article offers general information. And here is a Google Search Page regarding Body Language. If you need to improve or change what is going on in your life, Look To Body Language for assistance!

It is a no-brainer to say the world is becoming more seductive. But have you thought of it in this manner. Did you look over the post on January 1, 2008 regarding Diseases of Affluence? How easy is it to use your car less, stay away from fast food, maintain a good exercise regime, or stay away from alcohol? Hurry to get everything done: Need a car (at least those of us who do not live in megatrolis; No time for exercise (so we engage in weekend warrior self-destruction at the ballgame, hoping it will be enough); No time to cook, so hurry to fast foods in the car (I have a son who would have starved to death if there was no McDonald's prior to his marriage); Alcohol, the ubiquitous requirement of all business lunches, boss smoozing (spell checker does not like this word--guess the boss wrote the checker), social parties, and night survival. Seductive, No Doubt! But what to do about it? Suggestions follow below:

A large study published by the America Academy of Neurology reported in the Science Daily found that Walking Protects Women From Cognitve Decline. It was a study which compared 5,925 women who were 65 and older once and then again six to eight years later. The study found that with each mile walked per week, up to 18, there was "a 13 percent less chance of cognitive decline." So....Ladies: Take a Walk!

This article has nothing to do with health...well, maybe psychological health. For many people air travel is a common necessity. For those who do fly, you have doubtless experienced the "joys" of air flight. This article, Jet Lagged, found in the New York Times is hilarious....and often precariously close to the truth! Especially for those of us who belong to the "cattle car" group.

It is very clear that alcohol consumption has ongoing effects upon bodily functioning, including functioning of the brain. There is no really good method to assess the effect of alcohol use upon any given individual, except that the individual him or herself can recognize certain physiological effects. Some people "drink like fish" and have no significant problems (or seem not to). Other people cannot manage one beer without falling down. Generally, various factors are involved relative to what occurs in any individual from alcohol consumption. These include:
-Amount of alcohol consumed (not how many drinks/beers, etc, but the amount of actual alcohol)
-Gender
-Age
-Biological factors including genetics
-Physical condition of the person
-Amount of food consumed during the same time
-Other medications or drugs in use at the time of ingestion
If you are one of those who uses alcohol, even sparingly, what is happening to your brain's capacity to function correctly with the responsibilities you have in life?

A Study reported in the BBC News found that following four factors of what was termed "healthy living" can add as much as fourteen years to your life. Exercise, not drinking "too much alcohol," eating adequate fruits and vegetables each day, and not smoking were found to be the four factors. Apparently being overweight or poor did not make any difference in the outcome. Even simple life changes can prolong life and brain health.

Hats off the the undying human spirit of enterprise...even if it is crazy, stupid, and just plain weird!

Corpse Wheeled to Check-Cashing Store Leads to 2 Arrests

Here is a piece of interesting information which should "warm" the hearts (or scare the hearts) of all those who take antidepressant medications. This story published by Reuters indicates that unfavorable drug studies don't get into print. The report states that medical studies indicating a given antidepressant works are much more likely to published than studies indicating the antidepressant does not work. HUMMMM.....Interesting! Wonder who is behind that???