April 30, 2012
April 29, 2012
Frontiers | The Neurobiology of Decision-Making and Responsibility: Reconciling Mechanism and Mindedness | Frontiers in Decision Neuroscience
Frontiers | The Neurobiology of Decision-Making and Responsibility: Reconciling Mechanism and Mindedness | Frontiers in Decision Neuroscience
This article discusses how we make decisions at the neuronal level, and where free will and moral responsibility may originate in the brain.
This article discusses how we make decisions at the neuronal level, and where free will and moral responsibility may originate in the brain.
April 26, 2012
Fruits and Vegetables During Childhood Promote Lifelong Health
Can a good diet as a child prevent heart disease as an adult? New research from Finland suggests that the answer is yes.
Atherosclerosis is the primary cause of premature death from coronary heart disease. Previous research has demonstrated that in adults, a diet high in fruit and vegetables reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Up to this point, however, there has been no good long term research studies showing a direct link between childhood nutrition to the development of cardiovascular risk factors as an adult.
In the Young Finns Study researchers wanted to know the impact of childhood nutrition upon adult heart disease. In 1980, the scientists looked at the dietary habits of over 4000 children from 3 to 18 years of age. They then did follow-up assessments of the children 6 years, 21 years, and 27 years later.
Several important components of childhood nutrition were predictive of increased cardiovascular risk factors as an adult. Boys who were breast fed, compared to given baby formula, when they grew up tended to have improved functioning of endothelial cells, the cells which line the inside of blood vessels. A childhood diet high in fruits and vegetables was associated with improved flexibility of the arteries during adulthood. In women, consumption of sugar sweetened soft drinks was linked to increased obesity as an adult.
There were two basic dietary patterns identified in the children: a traditional diet and a health conscious diet. The traditional diet of rye, potatoes, milk, butter, sausages and coffee was associated with the development of multiple cardiovascular risk factors as an adult. On the other hand, a health conscious diet which emphasized fruits and vegetables was associated with beneficial outcomes, including decreased cholesterol plaque buildup in the carotid arteries as an adult.
This research strongly suggests that dietary habits and patterns established during childhood continue into adulthood. Eating behaviors and food choices while a child tend to be linked with adult nutritional choices. This has profound implications for parents and schools.
Encouraging children to make wise food choices almost certainly will lead to better lifelong health and a decreased risk of premature death from heart disease. Furthermore, the research simplifies the dietary goals for children. We simply need to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in our children, and the likely outcome is a much healthier child who grows into a much healthier adult.
Reference: Kaikkonen JE et al. Does childhood nutrition influence adult cardiovasculardisease risk?-Insights from the Young Finns Study. Annals of Medicine, 2012 April 12.
Author: Tom Heston, MD
Atherosclerosis is the primary cause of premature death from coronary heart disease. Previous research has demonstrated that in adults, a diet high in fruit and vegetables reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Up to this point, however, there has been no good long term research studies showing a direct link between childhood nutrition to the development of cardiovascular risk factors as an adult.
In the Young Finns Study researchers wanted to know the impact of childhood nutrition upon adult heart disease. In 1980, the scientists looked at the dietary habits of over 4000 children from 3 to 18 years of age. They then did follow-up assessments of the children 6 years, 21 years, and 27 years later.
Several important components of childhood nutrition were predictive of increased cardiovascular risk factors as an adult. Boys who were breast fed, compared to given baby formula, when they grew up tended to have improved functioning of endothelial cells, the cells which line the inside of blood vessels. A childhood diet high in fruits and vegetables was associated with improved flexibility of the arteries during adulthood. In women, consumption of sugar sweetened soft drinks was linked to increased obesity as an adult.
There were two basic dietary patterns identified in the children: a traditional diet and a health conscious diet. The traditional diet of rye, potatoes, milk, butter, sausages and coffee was associated with the development of multiple cardiovascular risk factors as an adult. On the other hand, a health conscious diet which emphasized fruits and vegetables was associated with beneficial outcomes, including decreased cholesterol plaque buildup in the carotid arteries as an adult.
This research strongly suggests that dietary habits and patterns established during childhood continue into adulthood. Eating behaviors and food choices while a child tend to be linked with adult nutritional choices. This has profound implications for parents and schools.
Encouraging children to make wise food choices almost certainly will lead to better lifelong health and a decreased risk of premature death from heart disease. Furthermore, the research simplifies the dietary goals for children. We simply need to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in our children, and the likely outcome is a much healthier child who grows into a much healthier adult.
Reference: Kaikkonen JE et al. Does childhood nutrition influence adult cardiovasculardisease risk?-Insights from the Young Finns Study. Annals of Medicine, 2012 April 12.
Author: Tom Heston, MD
Molecular Imaging - Android Apps on Google Play
New android app available from the Internet Medical Association:
Molecular Imaging - Android Apps on Google Play
Molecular Imaging - Android Apps on Google Play
April 25, 2012
April 6, 2012
Percentage of Adults Aged ≥18 Years Who Were Current Smokers in 2010
Percentage of adults aged ≥18 years who were current smokers in the United States during
2010.
Source: National Health Interview Survey, 2010 data. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis.htm.
Reported by: Gulnur Freeman, MPA, gfreeman1@cdc.gov, 301-458-4085; Patricia F. Adams.
April 4, 2012
April 2, 2012
Metastatic Bony Disease on PET/CT
 | ||
| Metastatic Bony Disease on 18F-FDG PET/CT |
Top 10 Courage Builders
Want to increase and strengthen your courage? These top 10 courage building exercises can help.
#1: Listen to music.
"When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest." - Henry David Thoreau
Music helps balance your inner rhythm with your outward actions. Listen to music specifically designed to uplift and strengthen the spirit.
#2: Speak your mind gracefully
"Moral cowardice that keeps us from speaking our minds is as dangerous to this country as irresponsible talk. The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character." - Margaret Chase Smith
"Grace under pressure." - Hemingway's response when asked to define having guts.
When a wrong exists, someone must speak up against it. This may be difficult, but by overcoming the difficulty you build up your courage. The most effective speech is when you are considerate of others while clearly stating your case.
#3: Be Hopeful.
"If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream." - Martin Luther King Jr.
#4: Develop Good Habits
"Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny". - Anonymous
#5: Meditation
Meditation clarifies our thoughts and strengthens our resolve. It increases our resolve and focus. Regular meditation also helps the physical body repair and regulate itself. Most people meditate through prayer although there are many, many different ways to meditate. One good way is by practicing the relaxation response as explained in detail by Herbert Benson and Miriam Klipper.
#6: Take bold action
Overcome fear by doing those things you know to be just and right. Courage is action over fear. Stand up for your beliefs and take action.
#7: Exercise
In Toughness Training for Life, James E. Loehr recommends regular situps to build up a core of toughness. Everyone can do some form of exercise. Give it your all and watch your courage grow.
#8: Eat right
Maximize your physical potential by eating right. This means for many people a diet full of vegetables, fruits, and grains while light on the red meat. When great courage is needed, you will be ready.
#9: Study
Courageous action is smart action. Adopt a respect for education, including math and science. Become as well educated in your line of work as you can be. This will make you more effective, and when your courage is called upon, you will act in an efficient and effective manner.
#10: Be generous
Give of yourself in a cheerful and uplifting way. Consistently think of nice and thoughtful things you can do for others. Make a difference in people's lives through your generosity.
#1: Listen to music.
"When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest." - Henry David Thoreau
Music helps balance your inner rhythm with your outward actions. Listen to music specifically designed to uplift and strengthen the spirit.
#2: Speak your mind gracefully
"Moral cowardice that keeps us from speaking our minds is as dangerous to this country as irresponsible talk. The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character." - Margaret Chase Smith
"Grace under pressure." - Hemingway's response when asked to define having guts.
When a wrong exists, someone must speak up against it. This may be difficult, but by overcoming the difficulty you build up your courage. The most effective speech is when you are considerate of others while clearly stating your case.
#3: Be Hopeful.
"If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream." - Martin Luther King Jr.
#4: Develop Good Habits
"Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny". - Anonymous
#5: Meditation
Meditation clarifies our thoughts and strengthens our resolve. It increases our resolve and focus. Regular meditation also helps the physical body repair and regulate itself. Most people meditate through prayer although there are many, many different ways to meditate. One good way is by practicing the relaxation response as explained in detail by Herbert Benson and Miriam Klipper.
#6: Take bold action
Overcome fear by doing those things you know to be just and right. Courage is action over fear. Stand up for your beliefs and take action.
#7: Exercise
In Toughness Training for Life, James E. Loehr recommends regular situps to build up a core of toughness. Everyone can do some form of exercise. Give it your all and watch your courage grow.
#8: Eat right
Maximize your physical potential by eating right. This means for many people a diet full of vegetables, fruits, and grains while light on the red meat. When great courage is needed, you will be ready.
#9: Study
Courageous action is smart action. Adopt a respect for education, including math and science. Become as well educated in your line of work as you can be. This will make you more effective, and when your courage is called upon, you will act in an efficient and effective manner.
#10: Be generous
Give of yourself in a cheerful and uplifting way. Consistently think of nice and thoughtful things you can do for others. Make a difference in people's lives through your generosity.
The Courage of Dr. King
"If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream." - Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King was an inspirational leader of the civil rights movement in the 1950's and 1960's. He was perhaps best known for his powerful speeches, and his commitment to nonviolent means to bring about social change. The power of Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream was that behind his dream, he had great hope. A dream often can seem so far off, so unbelievable, that we fail to act. If it is just a fantasy, why work hard at it? Without hope, despair, but with hope, courage. With a great, burning desire and overwhelming hope, your dream seems possible. It is a real possibility, not just a whimsy or a fantasy. It is the hope that builds consistent, courageous action. That hope is what Dr. King gave us, to build up our courage to do the right thing. To respect each other. When disagreements occur, resolve them with nonviolence.
To build up your hope, listen to some of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s speeches. Learn about his life, and his struggles. Ask yourself, what gave King such courage? What gave him hope? Certainly, the conditions in the deep south during his life were unjust and highly segregated. Separate seating, separate facilities, separate treatment. In spite of this, something remarkable happened. The courage, strength, and hope of good people responded to King's calls for change. Nonviolence worked. Hope kept him going to the very end, which for him tragically ended in an assassination in 1968 at the hands of James Earl Ray. Yet his dream, his hope still inspires us today, almost a half century later.
Build hope through an optimistic outlook. In the movie Dumb and Dumber, Mary and Lloyd were speaking. Lloyd asks Mary what his chances are with her. Mary responds not good, perhaps one in a million. In response to Mary's one in a million odds, Lloyd replies, "so you're telling me there's a chance. Yeah!" Lloyd has an optimism outlook. He just doesn't seem to understand that he can't do something. What makes the movie endearing is the purity of the characters. Lloyd and Harry constantly have hope. They are too "dumb" to understand the long odds of their success. Yet, somehow they accomplish their objectives nonetheless, and they are happy.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream, powered by unshakable hope, changed the world. You can change your world, and that of everyone you touch, by having a great hope that fuels your dreams.
Regularly practice these courage strengthening behaviors:
1. Listen to inspirational music
2. Speak up in a firm yet kind and humble manner
3. Be hopeful
RESOURCE: Martin Luther King, Jr. A call to action: the landmark speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. eBook, B000Q9IN8G.
Dr. Martin Luther King was an inspirational leader of the civil rights movement in the 1950's and 1960's. He was perhaps best known for his powerful speeches, and his commitment to nonviolent means to bring about social change. The power of Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream was that behind his dream, he had great hope. A dream often can seem so far off, so unbelievable, that we fail to act. If it is just a fantasy, why work hard at it? Without hope, despair, but with hope, courage. With a great, burning desire and overwhelming hope, your dream seems possible. It is a real possibility, not just a whimsy or a fantasy. It is the hope that builds consistent, courageous action. That hope is what Dr. King gave us, to build up our courage to do the right thing. To respect each other. When disagreements occur, resolve them with nonviolence.
To build up your hope, listen to some of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s speeches. Learn about his life, and his struggles. Ask yourself, what gave King such courage? What gave him hope? Certainly, the conditions in the deep south during his life were unjust and highly segregated. Separate seating, separate facilities, separate treatment. In spite of this, something remarkable happened. The courage, strength, and hope of good people responded to King's calls for change. Nonviolence worked. Hope kept him going to the very end, which for him tragically ended in an assassination in 1968 at the hands of James Earl Ray. Yet his dream, his hope still inspires us today, almost a half century later.
Build hope through an optimistic outlook. In the movie Dumb and Dumber, Mary and Lloyd were speaking. Lloyd asks Mary what his chances are with her. Mary responds not good, perhaps one in a million. In response to Mary's one in a million odds, Lloyd replies, "so you're telling me there's a chance. Yeah!" Lloyd has an optimism outlook. He just doesn't seem to understand that he can't do something. What makes the movie endearing is the purity of the characters. Lloyd and Harry constantly have hope. They are too "dumb" to understand the long odds of their success. Yet, somehow they accomplish their objectives nonetheless, and they are happy.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream, powered by unshakable hope, changed the world. You can change your world, and that of everyone you touch, by having a great hope that fuels your dreams.
Regularly practice these courage strengthening behaviors:
1. Listen to inspirational music
2. Speak up in a firm yet kind and humble manner
3. Be hopeful
RESOURCE: Martin Luther King, Jr. A call to action: the landmark speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. eBook, B000Q9IN8G.
The Courage Reboot
Author: T Heston
Sometimes, the brain can build up excessive recurrent thoughts, some good, but also some that are harmful. As discussed in the Wake-up Call of Courage, the intentional development of good habits is a key component of developing and strengthening your courage. But what is also needed is to eliminate and reduce the impact of negative thought memes, also known as thought viruses . The best way I've found to reboot the brain is by going through the following exercise, based upon a system by John Reese.
You need to have approximately one hour to complete a reboot of your brain. Make sure you are in a quite place where you won't be interrupted. Have available your favorite writing tools, perhaps a pen and paper or an online, private journal.
First, write down everything that you need to do. Some people call this a brain dump, others call it the to-do expedition. Your task is to make the list complete. Keep going until you cannot think of anything else. Concentrate on this task for at least 10 minutes before moving on to the next step. This is your to-do list. When you are done, put your list aside and take a short break of 5 minutes.
Now, write down all of your dreams, wants, and desires. Write these down regardless of the financial costs. For now, don't worry about how much effort it will take, or how likely you think it is possible for you to achieve. Just get these desires out of your brain. Write down your perfect life as you picture it. Write down the physical things, and also the metaphysical things. These are the physical and spiritual things that you really, really want. Completely empty your thoughts on this topic. This is your goal list. Keep going for at least 10 minutes, then take a short break.
The third step is to confront your fears in writing. Put all of your fears down on paper. It doesn't matter how small, how large, how real, or how imagined. The important thing is to put it all down. This is your list of fears. Again, keep working on this for at least 10 minutes then take a 5 minute break.
Now it is time to read out loud all of your entries from each of your three lists: a) your to-do list, b) your goals, and c) your list of fears. Read them aloud in the order you wrote them down. When doing this, if any new thoughts occur to you, write these down on the appropriate list.
Closely examine your fears, and while doing so, think about solutions that could help you overcome these fears, or decrease the fear. If you think of a complete solution, then add this to your to-do list and strike the fear off of your fear list. For example, maybe you are afraid of premature death. You come up with the idea that by walking for 20 minutes a day, you will greatly diminish this fear because you know you are taking active steps to improve your health. Write down "walk for 20 minutes a day, more days than not" on your to-do list.
Next it is time to closely examine your goal list. Think of possible solutions. Also check to see if you have any fears associated with any particular goal. As your ideas come forth, write them down on either the to-do list or the list of fears.
Finally, prioritize and begin work on your to-do list. This is the final step in your brain reboot. This completes the process, because now you can relax knowing that you have begun definite action steps to move you towards your goals and away from your fears. This builds up your courage by helping you become a person of action, not just words or thoughts. After performing a brain reboot once, it becomes much faster the second time. Do this on a regular basis as part of your personal improvement system, and watch your courage grow as your fears and anxieties decrease.
REFERENCE: Lofland D. Thought viruses. 1997.
Sometimes, the brain can build up excessive recurrent thoughts, some good, but also some that are harmful. As discussed in the Wake-up Call of Courage, the intentional development of good habits is a key component of developing and strengthening your courage. But what is also needed is to eliminate and reduce the impact of negative thought memes, also known as thought viruses . The best way I've found to reboot the brain is by going through the following exercise, based upon a system by John Reese.
You need to have approximately one hour to complete a reboot of your brain. Make sure you are in a quite place where you won't be interrupted. Have available your favorite writing tools, perhaps a pen and paper or an online, private journal.
First, write down everything that you need to do. Some people call this a brain dump, others call it the to-do expedition. Your task is to make the list complete. Keep going until you cannot think of anything else. Concentrate on this task for at least 10 minutes before moving on to the next step. This is your to-do list. When you are done, put your list aside and take a short break of 5 minutes.
Now, write down all of your dreams, wants, and desires. Write these down regardless of the financial costs. For now, don't worry about how much effort it will take, or how likely you think it is possible for you to achieve. Just get these desires out of your brain. Write down your perfect life as you picture it. Write down the physical things, and also the metaphysical things. These are the physical and spiritual things that you really, really want. Completely empty your thoughts on this topic. This is your goal list. Keep going for at least 10 minutes, then take a short break.
The third step is to confront your fears in writing. Put all of your fears down on paper. It doesn't matter how small, how large, how real, or how imagined. The important thing is to put it all down. This is your list of fears. Again, keep working on this for at least 10 minutes then take a 5 minute break.
Now it is time to read out loud all of your entries from each of your three lists: a) your to-do list, b) your goals, and c) your list of fears. Read them aloud in the order you wrote them down. When doing this, if any new thoughts occur to you, write these down on the appropriate list.
Closely examine your fears, and while doing so, think about solutions that could help you overcome these fears, or decrease the fear. If you think of a complete solution, then add this to your to-do list and strike the fear off of your fear list. For example, maybe you are afraid of premature death. You come up with the idea that by walking for 20 minutes a day, you will greatly diminish this fear because you know you are taking active steps to improve your health. Write down "walk for 20 minutes a day, more days than not" on your to-do list.
Next it is time to closely examine your goal list. Think of possible solutions. Also check to see if you have any fears associated with any particular goal. As your ideas come forth, write them down on either the to-do list or the list of fears.
Finally, prioritize and begin work on your to-do list. This is the final step in your brain reboot. This completes the process, because now you can relax knowing that you have begun definite action steps to move you towards your goals and away from your fears. This builds up your courage by helping you become a person of action, not just words or thoughts. After performing a brain reboot once, it becomes much faster the second time. Do this on a regular basis as part of your personal improvement system, and watch your courage grow as your fears and anxieties decrease.
REFERENCE: Lofland D. Thought viruses. 1997.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)