Day 12

Several studies have found that a strong, active brain helps build cognitive reserves.  This is the brain's ability to create new neural pathways.  While it is still an active area of study, the basic understanding is that patients with greater cognitive reserves are able to better fight the affects of brain disease.

How do you add to your cognitive reserves?  Learn, move, and challenge yourself.  The more complex and diverse an activity is, the greater the return in cognitive reserve.  If you typically do not read, start, if you read often, try learning a new language and reading a book written in that language.  If you normally use your right hand to brush your teeth/hold your fork/move your computer mouse, spend a week using your left.  Go learn a new skill, try tennis or golf, learn gymnastics or ballroom dancing.  Anything that challenges you in a new way, will increase your cognitive reserves.

Fun Challenge -

Here is a challenge to anyone reading this, pick one and do it every day for the next week
Do everything with your non-dominant hand
Do a handstand (please be careful)
Do a different puzzle (crossword,  jigsaw, 3d (Rubic Cube)

Comment with results

News from the MS Society

 Study suggests early signs of MS may float in spinal fluid
The study released Tuesday was small and must be verified by additional research. But if it pans out, the finding suggests scientists should take a closer look at a different part of the brain than is usually linked to MS.

If this study pans out, it may give patients and doctors a head start in treatment.  For now the risks currently outweigh the benefits.

Today's workout

Just squat
Warm up
Then 210 x 1