6 Ways Sex Affects Your Brain


 
Even though you're bumping uglies everywhere but your heads, your brain should be the center of your sex life. Orgasms occur in the brain (and elsewhere), and you want to make sure that you're getting the most, um, bang for your buck. Consider these six ways that sex affects your brain, and always think (and act) responsibly.

  1. It Makes You Want More

    The major neurochemical that's affected by sexual activity is dopamine. Dopamine is the control center for survival mechanisms and cravings. It's also the neurotransmitter whose reuptake is inhibited in the use of cocaine. All this to say, sex is a drug. The more you have, the more you crave. And that's the chemical truth.

  2. It Makes You Want To Cuddle

    When you have sex, oxytocin is released, pair-bonding you to the person that you're shagging. Oxytocin is released in higher doses after a female orgasm, while male orgasms release more dopamine — activating the addictive reward brain centers, not the "cuddle hormone."

  3. During an Orgasm, You Literally Go Insane

    Your brain is affected in numerous ways at the point of climax, with thirty brain centers being activated during female orgasm. Your nervous system short circuits and your pain centers are numbed, just by the act of finishing the deed. Scientists at Rutgers have the studies to prove it — a good old-fashioned orgasm jumbles up the brain so much, it can make you all but paralyzed (seriously) by pleasure.

  4. It Can Make You A Junkie

    Sex addiction is a real thing, just like drugs and alcohol. Anything you do compulsively can turn into an addiction, and having mega amounts of sex can incite junkie-like behavior. Your pleasure centers are affected upon orgasm, and endorphins and dopamine are affected and released. If you get more high than you do randy, make sure that your sexual activity is reinforcing positive not destructive behavior. Junkies might get laid in scads, but no one wants the issues that come with compulsive copulating.

  5. It Makes You Feel Good

    If you can't have sex, eat some chocolate. And if you're not hungry, whet your appetite for love. Sexual activity releases endorphins (just like chocolate!) and adrenaline (just like running!), making you feel great. Who knew that post-coital glow was chemically founded? After a roll in the hay, enjoy the good that you've done for your mind and body.

  6. It Makes You Healthier

    A healthy sex life that's a positive force in your life can work wonders for your brain chemistry and help level you out. The mark of a balanced sex life is one that lifts you up, not brings you down. Those suffering from mild depression (which often comes with loss of libido) or other mood disorders can help even out their chemistries by engaging in sexual activity — but you've got to make sure that it's a balanced and healthy situation from square one.

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Your Brain on Vacation: 11 Proven Benefits of Taking Time Off


 
Your brain works hard every day, regulating your breathing, controlling your heart rate, helping you shout answers at the TV while "Jeopardy" is on. Isn't it time you gave it a rest? Sure, you could zone out for a few minutes and take a so-called "brain vacation," but then you risk making all your other organs jealous. Allow us to give you the incentive to book that trip you've been debating taking to the Bahamas: your brain reaps terrific benefits like these when you shut the office down and check out.

  1. Lower stress levels:

    We're sure we don't have to tell you taking time off from stressful work makes you feel less stressed. But you may have only suspected the corollary benefit, which is that your performance goes up after a period of no stress. A study by doctors at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York found that in rats and medical students, test results were much lower for tests taken during periods of high stress. But given time to let that stress dissolve, the subjects scored much higher.

  2. Stimulating creative thinking:

    If you can afford to take your vacation abroad, you'll receive the added benefit of kick starting your creative juices. Research by Northwestern University professor Adam Galinsky and INSEAD business professor William Maddux found that travel abroad helps people overcome "functional fixedness" by forcing people to adapt to new cultures and ways of doing things. However, the boost in creativity was found to be more significant in people who lived abroad, as opposed to brief visitors, so the longer you can stay, the better.

  3. Enhanced changes in brain connections:

    Kids may look forward to hiking, fishing, riding roller-coasters, eating junk food, or any number of other fun activities that don't get to do at home. But for many adults, the best thing about vacation is sleep. And sleep has a number of brain benefits and can even physically impact the brain for the better. A UC-San Francisco study with cats proved sleep helped create more brain change after an environmental stimulus. And during deep sleep, the brain reorganizes connections to the most optimal arrangement.

  4. Improved memory:

    Dopamine is one of the "happy hormones" produced by the brain that plays a number of roles, but especially factors into learning. Dopamine is released when we experience something new (as we do during a vacation) and helps form memories. Dr. Russell Poldrack, of the Imaging Research Center at the University of Texas at Austin says that participating in such new activities can even help prevent Alzheimer's disease.

  5. Combat depression:

    Although science cannot yet explain the entire process for what causes depression, it is known that at its root, depression is a brain problem. It is believed that the chemicals the brain uses to communicate are out of balance in people with depression. It has been proven, however, that vacations help the brain fight depression. For example, a 2005 study conducted at Wisconsin's Marshfield Clinic found that women who don't take regular vacations are two to three times more likely to be depressed than women who take them regularly.

  6. Increased serotonin output:

    In addition to increased dopamine, vacation also causes your brain to up its production of serotonin. Although too much serotonin can cause problems, a good amount of it is crucial for emotional stability and even a person's social life, as high serotonin levels predispose people to a positive outlook and a friendly demeanor. Could this explain why it's so easy to make friends while you're on vacation?

  7. Improved reaction time:

    A 2006 study out of New Zealand discovered that after a vacation, people had a 25% quicker reaction time in the brain, eyes, and muscles on average, and as much as an 80% improvement in some cases. And that was after a vacation that lasted as little as two or three days. The boost was attributed to the better-quality and longer-lasting sleep that travelers get on vacation.

  8. Keep your brain out of "calorie" mode:

    This is actually an overall health benefit, but it begins with your brain. Dr. Tony Massey says that even small stressors like trying to talk on a cell phone and drive in traffic cause your brain to go through chemical changes: your brain begins outputting signals to your body that make you feel hungrier and crave calories, especially empty calories. So getting away from stress on vacation can actually help you keep your weight down.

  9. Improved ability to coordinate and plan:

    In addition to allowing you more free time to work out, virtually every vacation involves exercise you wouldn't normally get, like carrying luggage, running to make a flight, walking around sightseeing, and more. And of course, the brain benefits of exercise are well-documented. Aerobic exercise strengthens your mind's ability to plan long-term, coordinate multiple tasks, and stay focused longer. So while laying on a beach for a week is good, mixing in a hike, bike ride, surfing lesson, or golf outing is even better.

  10. Feeling like a kid again:

    According to Baylor neuroscience professor David Eagleman, adults tend to compress memories, which results in the feeling that time is going faster than it really is. The way to combat this perception is to take a vacation somewhere you've never been before, "essentially putting you — neurally — in the same position as when you were a child." And who doesn't want to feel like a kid again?

  11. Limits brain-damaging screen time:

    The amount of time children spend in front of video screens is higher than ever. Although too much time staring at TV and computer screens is not good for anyone, it is especially damaging to children, whose brains are still developing. Experts are saying children are risking dependency on screen time due to over-exposure, and they worry that the brain could be permanently rewired after too much computer game time. Leave the laptops and portable DVD players at home, and vacations are a great way to give your kids' brains a much-needed screen time break. http://www.onlinemba.com



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7 Health Issues Men Over the Age of 40 Shouldn’t Ignore


 

Posted by: Staff Writers
Writer for InsuranceQuotes.org

Contrary to the messages our youth-obsessed country perpetuates on TV and in films, both men and women are incredibly creative, productive, and yes, passionate in their 40s. We hope you knew that already. However, with age comes certain health issues that shouldn't be ignored. But men, generally speaking, don't like to go to the doctor. Some men may even consider going to the doctor as a sign of weakness. To make matters worse, men in our society are encouraged to be macho and stoic when it comes to physical discomfort, which can cause them to ignore symptoms of serious diseases. So guys, it's time to man up and check out these seven health issues men 40 or older need to be aware of and discuss them with a trusted physician. Your loved ones will be glad you did!

  1. High Blood Pressure:

    As you get older, your blood vessels become stiffer, and your blood pressure goes up. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can lead to serious health problems including stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure. Fortunately, there are many ways to monitor your blood pressure outside of your doctor's office, including an easy-to-use iPhone app. And there are several simple and enjoyable preventive measures you can take to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level, including exercise, eating healthy, and meditation.

  2. Diabetes:

    Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, sometimes called adult-onset diabetes, is most common in people over the age of 40. This type of diabetes can lead to kidney or eye problems.  People with African-American, Hispanic or Latino, Native American, and certain Asian and Pacific Island heritage are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It's important to have your doctor test your blood sugar to diagnose diabetes if you are experiencing its symptoms, including increased thirst and hunger or frequent urination, or if there is a history of diabetes or obesity in your family.

  3. High cholesterol:

    Hypercholesterolemia or high cholesterol can lead to the hardening of arteries, heart disease, and even stroke. It is more commonly diagnosed in men under the age of 55, but its risks increase with age. Since high cholesterol is often symptomless, have your doctor test your blood regularly. Good dietary habits and exercise are great preventive measures you can take toward maintaining a healthy level of cholesterol.

  4. Depression:

    The National Institute of Mental Health reports that more than 6 million men have depression each year. Symptoms of depression are often erroneously and derogatorily described as evidence of a "mid-life crisis," rather than indicators of a serious health issue. Men suffering from undiagnosed depression may exhibit clichéd "male" behavior, including anger and aggression, and engage in alcohol and drug abuse. Fortunately, once properly diagnosed, depression can be treated through talk-therapy, mediation, and even acupuncture, before turning to prescription drugs.

  5. Lung cancer:

    The number of new lung cancer cases has dropped steadily since the 1980s, no doubt due in part to the Surgeon General's 1964 report on smoking and health. But lung cancer is still the leading cancer killer in both men and women, more than prostate, colon, and breast cancer combined! A small number of people who don't smoke get lung cancer. But experts agree that smoking, a habit that can be harder to kick than heroin, is a leading cause of lung cancer. So if you smoke, try to quit. Will it be easy? No. But your body and your loved ones will thank you in the end.

  6. Prostate cancer:

    After lung cancer, prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men. However, there is increased awareness of the importance of discussing testing for prostate cancer with your doctor. The two commonly used tests for early detection of prostate cancer, a blood test and rectal exam, are helpful but not absolutely conclusive. Talk to your doctor about your family's health history, as well as any symptoms you may be experiencing, including trouble urinating, swelling in your legs, and discomfort in your pelvic area, to determine if further testing is necessary to screen for prostate cancer.

  7. Impotence:

    Men can experience varying degrees of impotence or erectile dysfunction as they get older. Many of the health issues we discussed can contribute to impotence, including unmanaged diabetes, obesity, smoking, substance abuse, and cardiovascular disease. And addressing these health issues, with exercise and a better diet, can help you in the bedroom. If you are experiencing impotence, before you take those Viagra ads soundtracked by blues guitar too much to heart, talk with your doctor in detail about your health and lifestyle. There may be a simple, drug-free solution to the issue.
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9 Signs That Neuroscience Has Entered The Classroom

There is often a big divide between what happens in the laboratory and the way laboratory findings are practically applied. The relationship between neuroscience research and education is no exception. While there are numerous educational products that claim to be based on neuroscience research (often quite dubiously so), the real impact of brain-based research on education has been much more subtle. While neuroscience hasn't yet radically changed the way we think about teaching and learning, it is helping to shape educational policies and influencing new ways of implementing technology, improving special education, and streamlining day-to-day interactions between teachers and students. While there is still a long way to go before we truly understand the science of learning and how to use those findings in the real world classroom, it's important to highlight some of the key ways that neuroscience is changing the classroom of today for the better.
  1. Cognitive tutoring:
    Cognitive tutoring is still in its infancy, but it is looking to be one of the most promising products of the intersection of neuroscience and education. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon are using their expertise in neuroscience and programming along with help and input from teachers to build software that's both innovative and practical for everyday use. The first tutor created by the team focuses on algebra and has so far had promising results in helping students raise their math test scores. So how is it different from other tutoring programs? The cognitive tutoring programs allow students to learn by doing and are based on cognitive psychology theory, employing an AI system to adjust to student needs as well as to track student progress and thought processes so teachers can better help them learn. Read more about the tutoring system here, and learn how schools can tailor it to their individual needs as well.
  2. High schools starting later:
    Neuroscience research has demonstrated that sleep patterns change, often significantly, as individuals age. Multiple studies have found that adolescents need more sleep than other age groups and are unlikely to function at peak cognitive capacity early in the morning. In addition to needing more sleep, teens also simply have different circadian rhythms, which often makes them drowsy and moody in the morning. Many schools are starting to use this data to make changes, pushing back start times to allow students to sleep in a little later. Surprisingly, as little as 30 minutes of difference can have a major impact on mood and attentiveness, and schools that have chosen to take this neuroscience research into account when making policies are reaping the benefits, reporting fewer students showing up late, skipping breakfast, and feeling sleepy throughout the day.
  3. Offering more variety:
    Repetition can be a valuable learning tool, no matter what you're trying to learn, but neuroscience research has pinpointed a "spacing effect," demonstrating that students learn more when episodes of learning are spaced out over time rather than pushed into one single episode. One of the ways this manifests itself is by bringing greater variety into the classroom, with lessons extending over the course of a semester rather than being fit into a few days or weeks. Researchers have also found that variety is key in learning because, simply put, the brain craves it, boosting levels of both attention and retention in students. So how is this being put into practice? Teachers are presenting information in unique ways or asking students to solve a problem using multiple methods, not just memorizing a single way to do so. This same research has also debunked the idea that there are individual learning styles, suggesting that presenting information in a variety of ways is helpful to all students, not just those who enjoy more visual or auditory content.
  4. Individualized education:
    While our general brain anatomy is similar, neuroscience is showing that no two brains work exactly alike. Personal experiences actually determine where information is stored in the brain, developing unique neuron structures for each person. Because we're all wired a little bit differently, learning tools that are adaptable to individual needs are especially valuable in the classroom. New, highly plastic digital tools are filling part of that role, but neuroscience and education are taking this information in another direction as well. Teachers are being encouraged to expose students to novel experiences when presenting information to build entirely new neural connections or to connect new information to previous experiences students have had to take advantage of existing brain pathways.
  5. Understanding that you use it or lose it:
    When it comes to knowledge, you either use it or you lose it. Anyone who has ever tried to remember lessons from grade school decades later can attest to this, but neuroscience backs it up, demonstrating that people who read more challenging books often have a greater variety and number of neural connections. This research also has practical applications for modern education aside from simply encouraging students to read. Research has shown that the more time students spend outside of school, the more they'll forget, leading to more work to regain lost information. As a result, many schools are shortening summer breaks or going to a year-round schedule in order to reduce the amount of time students are away from their studies.
  6. Better identification and intervention for learning disorders:
    Neuroscience research is making it easier to identify which students have learning disabilities and to get those students interventions that can significantly help their academic performance. Through neuroscience research, new biomarkers and diagnostic strategies for disabilities like ADHD and dyslexia have been identified, in turn leading to more successful early interventions for students and some potentially amazing tools to help students learn. One example is a neuroscience-based reading program for dyslexic students called Fast ForWord, which helps students compensate for the difficulties they have with auditory processing. The scientists behind the software are experimenting to see if it can also help other students without dyslexia build their cognitive "muscles" and take advantage of brain plasticity in the same way that it does for dyslexic students.
  7. Making learning fun:
    Increasingly, neuroscience is demonstrating the importance of making learning a fun and positive experience. Pleasurable experiences cause the body to release dopamine, which in turn helps the brain remember facts. One great example of how this is making it into the classroom is Khan Academy, an online learning portal that challenges students to complete games and problem sets in order to win badges. Many students report feeling an affinity for subjects like math and science that they didn't have before the game-based learning program was implemented in their schools. Even when students didn't have a marked increase in test scores after using Khan, they reported a more positive attitude about learning, which can often be a major hurdle for educators. Recent research has also shown just how much of an emotional experience learning can be, with negative emotional states like fear, anxiety, shame, or worry making it difficult or impossible for students to reason, learn, or store new memories. This data further stresses the need for developing learning environments that are not just fun but are also positive, safe places for students.
  8. Making learning social:
    Human beings are highly social creatures, so it should come as no surprise that neuroscience would point to a positive effect from social learning experiences. A study by teacher and neurologist Judy Willis in 2011 found that students who worked on writing in positive, supportive groups experienced a surge in dopamine (which we've already discussed the positive effects of), as well as a redirection and facilitation of information through the amygdala into the higher cognitive brain, allowing students to better remember information over the long term. She also found that learning in groups tended to reduce anxiety, which can frequently be a major roadblock to effective learning. Some schools have used this study and others like it as the basis for allowing students to do more group work or even to help struggling peers grasp a new concept.
  9. Focus on neuroeducation:
    We've already discussed neuroscience research that has shown us how diverse our brains can be, but research also demonstrates that they are incredibly dynamic. Through practice, it's actually possible to change the way our brains are structured, adding more brain connections and changing neural pathways through the neuroplasticity afforded by our brain cells. Education is just beginning to acknowledge that successful learning isn't just a process of taking in facts; it's also about strengthening and developing the brain itself. These developments can not only help to improve learning in those with disabilities but can also improve memory and language skills in all students, regardless of ability. Educators are increasingly encouraging administrators to move away from memorization-based learning to programs that ask students to solve problems, think critically, and explore creativity, as these methods not only build knowledge but also enhance and build brain pathways themselves, prepping the brain for future educational experiences.
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As I move forward, I grow wiser

As I move forward, I grow wiser from http://merlinmindpower.com
 
I move forward because standing still is the only guaranteed way to fail. Moving forward, whether I walk through victories or defeats, is the only way I will learn and grow.
Every step I take brings me one step closer to my goals. While on the journey to my dreams, I gather wisdom from my experiences, which helps me make better decisions in the future. In doing so, I am setting myself up for a life with no regrets.
I am eager to learn new lessons around me every day. I am mature enough to learn from the situations of others even before I face those situations myself. When I experience a shortcoming, I remind myself that mistakes are simply lessons in disguise.
When I experience a personal victory, I take note of successful strategies that I can use in the future. If I ever encounter failure, I reflect on my actions in order to perform better the next time.
I open myself up to new challenges with confidence allowing life to be my classroom. Each day I embrace life with the expectation that I will receive knowledge from the most unexpected places.
I dare to venture into every day, even when I am surrounded by uncertainty, because being a risk taker pays off with new knowledge that I never would have acquired otherwise.
Today, I choose to walk forth into my destiny with wisdom and direction. I embrace the opportunity to learn from the many sources of knowledge that engulf me. My knowledge increases as I fearlessly accept the lessons I am being taught by life itself.
Self-Reflection Questions:
1. What lessons has life taught me recently?
2. What unexpected knowledge can I find today?
3. How can I share my wisdom with others?
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