Kids and adults alike need to be more aware of concussion signs and symptoms, and effective interventions for treatment. Despite COVID-19 modifications, many high-impact sports such as football, soccer, and hockey are gearing up for fall and winter games. A tackle on the football field can often lead to an unreported concussion, with symptoms not… read more
Obesity and increased body mass index (BMI) is associated with a myriad of health problems including diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Recent research published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease confirmed a correlation between higher BMI and decreased brain activity and blood flow. This diminished cerebral perfusion can result in cognitive and psychological deficits including… read more
The media has been full of stories on unhealthy repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, including a rise in the purchase of alcoholic beverages. Obviously we all agree that overindulging in alcohol is harmful for body and brain. Yet is a glass of wine after a stressful day altogether a bad thing? New research published by… read more
New research published in BMC Neuroscience revealed that antibiotic treatment during the early life of mice caused neurotransmitter impairment. The antibiotics changed animal microbiome which then created a reduction in the receptors that impact frontal cortex function. These changes in the mice brains decreased social behavior and diminished pain receptors. Obviously these findings do not… read more
I never intended to be a homeschooler. But as with COVID-19, sometimes life hands us surprises. Instead of grumbling about it I decided to do what I do best (research!) and help my family survive and even thrive in this new season. —– Disclaimer: The perspectives and opinions expressed in the following article are solely… read more
With technology advancing so fast its not hard to believe that a research team evaluated the performance of babies on a touch screen. The researchers used an educational cognitive assessment application called Babyscreen and evaluated how many items were completed, how fast the items were completed, and how accurate their results were. The toddlers were… read more
Can’t find your keys? Forgot to attend that virtual meeting? Overwhelmed with the plethora of emails from your child’s school? These uncertain times can translate into chronic and acute stress. Our brains suffer from the ongoing onslaught of anxiety and memory is often the first to go. However, exercise is a quick trick that can… read more
Leadership is a crucial attribute to have in today’s world if a person wants to be successful, and now there could be a new mindset theory to boost leadership qualities! Most people have only heard of Fixed or Growth Mindsets, but the Benefit Mindset is now coming into fruition. The Benefit Mindset focuses on “being… read more
Altruism looks good on the outside, but usually comes at a cost. This type of prosocial behavior can be a conundrum because offering generosity takes from the giver, gives to the taker, and gives to the giver. Confused? New research from the June 2020 issue of Science Advances helps us sort it all out. “Prosocial… read more
The first half of 2020 has brought unprecedented changes in social constructs, education, and financial status, just to name a few. The worldwide coronavirus epidemic has affected and continues to affect every citizen of the globe, regardless of fame, status, or wealth. For the average family, COVID-19 meant kids no longer attended brick-and-mortar school, job… read more
Summertime means more outside adventures for young and old alike. And along with the hiking, biking, and boating come increased emergency room visits for concussion and other traumatic brain injury. According to the Human Brain Mapping journal, depression is the number-one psychiatric symptom associated with traumatic brain injury, and research shows brain training can help.… read more
If you are like most people, this season of quarantine has brought significant lifestyle changes. Working and schooling at home allow for snack-time at all hours of the day (or night!), the gym is closed for that early-morning workout, and economic stresses translate to cheaper and typically less-healthy grocery options. Thus the “Quarantine-15”… gradual weight-gain,… read more
