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Brain-Training Exercises You Can Do Online

April 17, 2014 by

When you’re at work, you likely only utilize certain parts of your brain. Accountants utilize the mathematical side, artists use the creative side, and whichever part you don’t use as frequently may become sluggish and underutilized. If you want to maintain full brain function, the fun activities on these websites will help you stay as sharp as a tack.

Games for the Brain
This simply designed website features a variety of brain-training exercises for every type of thinking. NumberHunt improves your basic math skills, Colored Lines uses logic and special reasoning, and Memocoly improves your memory by asking you to remember a series of colors in the order in which they appear on the screen. Games for the Brain even allows you to rack up points to monitor your improvement over time.

Lumosity
You’ve likely heard of the Lumosity website, but it’s worth the hype. This attractive site allows you to create a profile and build a personalized training program, specifying the areas of the brain you want to work on. It incorporates memory, speed, problem solving, attention, and flexibility into its simple games and tests, and it tracks your improvement in each area along the way.

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3 Reasons to Take Time to Read Every Day

January 10, 2014 by

Whether you get lost in an e-reader, your smartphone, or a good old-fashioned hard-cover, the benefits of reading remain the same. Here are three reasons to always keep reading a part of your daily routine.

1. Reading reduces stress.
Studies report that reading is a more effective means of stress relief than listening to music, going for a walk, playing video games, or sipping tea. Pick up your favorite engrossing novel, enjoy some peace and quiet, and get lost in the story weaved by your favorite author.

2. Reading keeps your brain in shape.
Consider reading a form of exercise for your brain. A person's participation in creative activities, like reading, while young has been shown to slow cognitive decline later in life. Such activities may even ward off Alzheimer's disease.

3. Reading is free entertainment.
A visit to your local library can provide you with several hours of free entertainment. Compare this to the price of a movie or amusement park ticket, and your wallet will thank you.

Benefits of Reading: Getting Smart, Thin, Healthy, Happy [Reader's Digest]
7 Unconventional Reasons Why You Absolutely Should Be Reading Books [Huff Post]
10 Benefits of Reading: Why You Should Read Every Day [Lifehack]

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Farm-To-Table: Understanding Community Supported Agriculture

October 3, 2013 by

The movement towards locally grown food means only good things for the American table. The shorter the distance a food item has to travel to your plate, the more nutrients and favor it retains. Many people now buy much of their produce at the local farm stand or market, which supports the community as well. But if you prefer convenience or don't have the time to get to the farm market, why not have the harvest shipped right to your door?

CSA, which stands for “Community Supported Agriculture,” is a great way to support local farmers while still getting a fabulous deal on your grocery items. The idea is simple: you, the consumer, pay a fee to the farmer at the start of the season, and in exchange, you get a delivery of fresh produce every week for the entirety of the season. If you look into it, keep in mind that most CSAs offer both summer and fall seasons.

The benefits of signing up for a CSA are great, for both farmers and consumers alike. First off, the prices are extremely reasonable, and the convenience of having the food delivered can be a real time saver. For the farmer, getting the money up-front allows them to invest in their business, which helps them to grow, and it also makes for easier bookkeeping.

The one and only disadvantage is that you do not get to choose what veggies and fruit you get each week — but for foodies, this can be a fun challenge.

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The Facts About MSG

September 19, 2013 by

We've probably all heard something about MSG, but do you really know what it is? Is it safe for us to eat? There are labels that proudly boast no MSG but is that necessary?

Here are some facts about MSG from the Food and Drug Administration:

  • MSG stands for monosodium glutamate. It is the salt of a common amino acid called glutamic acid. Basically it's a flavor enhancer for foods to add a savory flavor. 
  • MSG can be found naturally occurring in nature in foods such as tomatoes and cheeses. Added MSG today is made from the fermentation of starch, sugar cane, molasses, or sugar beets. 
  • Is MSG safe to eat? The FDA says yes. While scientists have hypothesized that some people may have a sensitivity or allergy to MSG, it is rare. Reactions to MSG may include headache and nausea. 
  • If you would like to stay away from MSG just look for it on the label. The FDA requires any food with MSG to be listed as monosodium glutamate. Be aware that some foods naturally contain MSG like hydrolyzed vegetable protein, autolyzed yeast, hydrolyzed yeast, yeast extract, soy extracts, and protein isolate. 

For more information on MSG, visit the FDA website. 

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Foot Care Tips for an Active Lifestyle

March 8, 2013 by

Your feet are one of the most important parts of your body, and you subject them to a lot of abuse every single day. Foot pain can be seriously debilitating, whether it be from strains, blisters or other issues. Here are some helpful tips for keeping your feet in good shape.

The most important thing you can do for your feet is wearing the right kind of shoe. Not only should they fit snugly, but they should also be appropriate for the kind of activity you are doing. Different kinds of shoes are designed for different things, so make sure your shoe offers the ideal combination of support and comfort.

Good sock selection is also very important. It’s important to wear socks that will wick moisture away from your feet as you exercise. Excess moisture left on the skin can result in blisters, fungal infections and more.

Toenail care is essential for healthy feet. You should always trim your toenails in straight lines perpendicular to your toes. This prevents ingrown nails and other issues. Make sure not to trim down the side of the nail.

If you feel anything unusual with your feet, you should consult a podiatrist immediately. Left undiagnosed, foot problems can lead to very significant health issues that can impact you greatly.

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