healthbriefs
can money Buy
Happiness?
Y
es, so long as you spend it on others, suggests a
recent study by the University of British Columbia
and the Harvard Business School. The researchers found
that people who spent money on others reported greater
happiness than those who did not, or than those who spent it on themselves—
regardless of income. Surprisingly, the amount of money spent on others did not
matter; as little as five dollars a day did the trick.
The researchers wanted to test their theory that how males and females
spend their money is at least as important as how much money they earn.
Individuals participating rated their general happiness, reported their annual
income, and provided a detailed breakdown of their monthly spending, includ-
ing bills, gifts for themselves and others, and donations to charities.
Yoga Helps prevent falls
I
t seems that women 65 and older who enroll in an Iyengar yoga program are
getting far more from their practice than a limber and relaxed body. Accord-
ing to a new study by Temple University’s Gait Study Center, certain Iyengar
yoga poses also improve balance and stability and help prevent falls, a leading
cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma
in the elderly.
With one-third of adults suffering some type of fall
each year, Iyengar yoga practice may provide multiple
preventative benefits; it has been shown to improve
stride, increase flexibility and muscle strength in the
lower extremities, improve single
leg stance, and increase confidence
in walking. While learning proper
ways to stand, pose and breathe,
use of yoga props allows students to
gradually master positions and build
confidence in their physical prowess—an important factor for all ages.
Blueberries Jump-
start memory
Move over
ChiCken
C
oncerned about becoming forgetful? A research team
from the University of Reading and the Peninsula
Medical School in Southwest England reports that blue-
A new study released by the
berries may hold the key to enhanced brain function. The
united states Agricultural flavonoids in blueberries, particularly anthocyanins and
research service reports that,
flavanols, have been shown to cross the blood-brain bar-
as people age, plant foods
rier and directly affect learning and memory, by enhancing
help preserve valuable muscle
neuron connections in the brain.
mass. vegetables, in contrast
Impaired or failing memory is one of life’s major chal-
to meat, counteract acidosis
lenges as we age, and scientists are now showing the potential health benefits of
in the body, a condition that
long-time diets rich in fresh fruits. Although previous research had suggested that
eating blueberries may benefit memory, this latest study shows the mechanism by
may break down muscles.
which this favorite food keeps our brains sharp.
10 Phoenix
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