Dry Skin Linked to Aging Conditions Researchers from the University of California San Francisco have found a link between dry skin and age-related diseases such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s. “Aged humans exhibit chronic systemic inflammation commonly termed ‘inflammaging,’ which has been linked to the emergence of a variety of age-related disorders,” says Dr. Mao-Qian Man, the study’s senior author. In their research, they found that the skin released small proteins called cytokines in the body’s system when damaged skin areas are detected, and signal inflammation. In their study, they discovered that seniors who moisturized twice a day had significantly fewer cytokines linked to chronic disease. The skin is our largest organ, and thinning aging skin loses its ability to maintain moisture the same way as in younger years. Bottom line, maintaining skin health is a big part of our overall health practices. Indulge in a little more self-care and take time to moisturize your skin twice daily and after showers and baths to lock in the natural moisture. For best results, stick to non-perfumed based products, and see a dermatologist to determine which products are right for you if you are suffering from any current skin conditions.
Get a Dose of Vitamin N A growing body of scientific evidence that shows getting outside (i.e., being an “outsider”) is good for our health and well-being. Exploring and appreciating nature – in our backyards, community parks and schoolyards – reduces stress, improves memory, boosts heart health and offers a host of other benefits for our minds and bodies. “Having a living landscape of grass, trees, shrubs, and flowering plants are good. Using this outdoor space to reap the health benefits it offers is even better,” said Kris Kiser, president, and CEO of OPEI, whose foundation created TurfMutt, an environmental education and stewardship program that teaches the value and benefits of the outdoors. “Getting outside, even for just 10 minutes, can do much to boost your mood, productivity, and quality of life.” Make a pact with yourself to do a minimum of 10 minutes getting outdoors. Kris suggests a few ideas: take a walk, play with your dog, get outside with the kids, plant a plant or flower, read outdoors, dine alfresco, swap a short commute with a bike ride or just head out to a hammock or other comfy spot and just enjoy.
Forget The Brain Building Apps There a ton of puzzle books, brain game apps and computer games aimed at working out our brains in the hopes of building that powerful organ in our collective noggins, and most have been proven less than effective. There is a better option if you are looking to boost your brain power. Learn a musical instrument; it’s never too late to start. People who learn to play musical instruments will change the structure, creating positive boosts to their brains. It also helps with everyday tasks and critical thinking. Learning a piece of music forces our minds to focus better which resonates in other parts of our world making us better decision makers, better problem solvers and better at information processing, retaining and absorption.
Can The Love Hormone Cure Obesity? Oxytocin is a hormone that plays a huge role in social relationships, mother-infant bonding, love, trust and sexual reproduction. Some people have nicknamed it the “Love Hormone.” Oxytocin is released when a mother gives birth and helps to produce milk for the baby. It also plays a role in our relationship with food. Dr. Kerem, the lead investigator on this study, explained that individuals with obesity have “abnormally hyperactivated brain reward areas” when they look at images of high-calorie foods, even when they are full. A new treatment being developed is a nasal spray not yet approved in the United States that would use oxytocin to retrain the way our brain reacts to indulgent foods we crave. In their study, the group that was treated with oxytocin had increased levels of responsible food motivations compared to the group treated with the placebo.