How wonderful it's been to be home more than a week...and be able to go out to dinner one day...and breakfast another... and lunch another. Each excursion builds up my endurance and it's great to do things normal people do! So much enjoyed going to church last Sunday, our pastor had a great sermon on fear. They showed a little video clip from Monsters Inc - what's behind the door? Our fears are probably as varied as we are and I have to say right now I do have a fear of not getting better - or of getting something else. I think, hope, and pray I will never take good health and strength for granted again as long as I live. I loved the end of the sermon, though, and hope I'm expressing this in the way he meant. One of the best ways to fight fear is to distance yourself from fear and worry-mongers and seek fellowship with hope-mongers. I guess it's another way of saying accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative. So basic... so critical... so hard sometimes to remember and practice.
Well, Kevin came in again last night and he and Gary are out to pick up the RV Gary rented for my comfort to take to Creede tomorrow. No tent trailer this time and I have to say I'm really looking forward to it. We stay at a campground about 30 miles above the town of Creede, and about 2 miles below the Rio Grande reservoir, right on the Rio Grande river. It borders the Weminuche wilderness area, a fantastic place for hikers and so incredibly beautiful. Gary's family along with some aunts, uncles, cousins, stayed there every summer I think at least 40 years in a row. Then when we had a family we continued the tradition and have spent a week there so many times. Have reconciled myself to the fact that I have to just rest up there and it's ok but it took me awhile to get here! I usually get my fishing fix for the year there, we fish every day and I love it so much. Will hope to be really back to nomal next summer and able to do the hikes we do to get to the best fishing areas.
I happened the other day across a list I made years ago about what I liked and didn't like about my life and what I wanted to do about it. One thing listed was the absence of fun - I'm so happy to say that I really have done something about that. I know I mentioned this before, but a couple of years ago I started sharpshooting, which I love - started piano lessons a year ago, bought an ATV which we haven't used yet as much as I'd like to but have had much fun on it so far - and got a kayak this year, which sadly has not yet been used - but it will be! You know, all work and no play really does make for dullness so for those of you stuck there, think about some way you can add fun to your life. NOT something someone else wants you to do - something you want to do just for yourself. It's not selfish, it's energizing and does so much to help you keep going and giving - yes, kind of like the Energizer bunny.
There is no cell or internet coverage where we're going so I'll check back in when we return next week - someone is watching the house while we're away but can't give updates on the blog. Hope you all have a great, safe, happy, and FUN weekend!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Freedom
Well, first of all, I see that my link to the walking sites didn't come through so I'm sorry about that. If you're interested it was "trailsdenver.com". There are so many more, just do a Google search to see them. Was thinking today about freedom and the opposite, which are all the things that bind us and keep us from experiencing freedom. When I was working with someone many years ago she asked me one day "Val, what would it take for you to know freedom?" and it was such a startling question that I asked her where it came from. Shortly after that I came across a verse in Ps 119:32 "I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free." Ever since then I've wanted to run! Not physically, my body won't let me do that anymore, but in every other way to be and feel free - and I'll admit, I haven't made it yet.
From time to time I think about all the shackles we have, some that we put on ourselves, that keep us from running. It's heart-wrenching to me when I see on TV a prisoner shuffling in with shackles - to think that we would put them on ourselves is nearly unbelievable, yet I think nearly every one of us does it. One way to know what those are is to think about where we spend our time and our money. For many, it's long work hours, for some food or even the lack of it, same with exercise. For many it's pornography or alcohol or drugs - anything that consumes us and keeps us from being who we really want to be. And my point is that whether the shackle comes from a positive thing like work or a negative thing like drugs, it keeps us from running.
It's a good thing to think about and really be honest with yourself - do you know freedom? If not, do you want to? If you have interest, there are some verses you might be interested in looking up: Psalm 118:5; Psalm 119:45; Psalm 146:7; John 8: 32 and 34-36; Galatians 5:1.
Here's to true freedom for all of us!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
If you can't beat 'em
Join 'em! I decided to stop whining about being "only" able to walk and learn more about my walking options. For those of you outside Denver, my apologies, but for those in Denver, there's a wealth of info available online. I've included a link to one site but there are so many more that may be even better. I was born and raised in Denver and have spent most of my life here, but there are so many places I haven't seen. So we're going to do a little exploring and if we find something really great especially for walking, I'll let you know. I went in for a post-op visit today and as we were waiting, a young man came in with his parents in a brand-new quadriplegic wheelchair. Another of God's gentle reminders about blessings.
I was thinking today that my journey may not be quite as long as I thought it would be, especially since I don't need chemo. Besides which, I'm really tired of being the focus of this site and would imagine you are as well! I love writing, but am asking for your feedback, please, about whether I should continue the blog. I've thought about adding a "prayer, please" section which could be anonymous or not and if you have a story you'd like me to share, would be happy to do that. If the blog is a blessing to you and you'd like me to continue it would you just drop me a quick note? I know some of you have had trouble leaving comments on the blog site so you may just use my email address instead: vvwzoet@hotmail.com. Note it begins with two "v"s, which sometimes look like a "w". Thanks much, dear friends.
Val
I was thinking today that my journey may not be quite as long as I thought it would be, especially since I don't need chemo. Besides which, I'm really tired of being the focus of this site and would imagine you are as well! I love writing, but am asking for your feedback, please, about whether I should continue the blog. I've thought about adding a "prayer, please" section which could be anonymous or not and if you have a story you'd like me to share, would be happy to do that. If the blog is a blessing to you and you'd like me to continue it would you just drop me a quick note? I know some of you have had trouble leaving comments on the blog site so you may just use my email address instead: vvwzoet@hotmail.com. Note it begins with two "v"s, which sometimes look like a "w". Thanks much, dear friends.
Val
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Time
Nearly all my working life I've focused each day on how much I can accomplish with the time I have. Have you heard of the Calvinist work ethic? It was so strong in our home that I would have no chance of getting away from its influence, even if I wanted to. But my personal focus regarding accomplishments has been more on "what" than on "who". In the little tests you can do that tell whether you're more task or people oriented, tasks win out every time. That's not to say I don't care about people, because I truly do, but I'm so task oriented that at the end of each day I would mentally assess how much was accomplished - and that also determined, to a great extent, my sense of worth.
These days I don't so much focus on what I can't do as try to remember all the things I shouldn't do, which seems like most everything. Even the reading I love and computer time are curtailed because of eyestrain. So if my value is based on my accomplishments, I'm virtually worthless right now - my innate sense of value got tipped upside down, to say the least.
It got me thinking again about time - the one thing we all have in equal measure. For nearly the first month I knew about the tumor, I was told it was a sarcoma - a deadly form of cancer. I didn't know what the treatment options were or whether I would choose to use them and didn't know how long I would live. Literally overnight I came to the deep realization that the only thing of real importance is people - relationships with the people I love and those with whom God has allowed me to share my life. All the "things" faded to insignificance, except for some thought about to whom I should leave them.
How much more of a spotlight could there be on my own erroneous way of thinking? Even though I don't impose my own standards on others in terms of value, it has to be in there somewhere - that our value as human beings is related to what we offer, what we accomplish, with the obvious conclusion about those who, as adults, can offer nothing. It's a way of thinking that leads down a road many of our leaders would love to see us use...to a world where healthcare and the right to live is determined by someone's interpretation of value or worth. I pray God will change my own heart and way of thinking about how I spend my time each day - that no matter what I can or can't "do" I'll remember to look into His eyes of love and see myself reflected there, cherished and loved not because of what I can offer, but simply because I am - and I am His.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Major Detour
You really never know what a new day will bring - as Kristen already reported, a week ago today I went to the ER at SkyRidge because my feet and legs were getting more swollen. Multiple clots in both legs, worse on the right was the diagnosis so they admitted me again, that was honestly the last thing I expected. While I was on the gurney in the ER I started having some bad back pain and thought it was from the ER bed. It continued that night after they moved me upstairs and just grew steadily worse, severe pain across my low back and down both legs, to the point I was counting the minutes until I could have more narcotics. It was all consuming, I couldn't think, could barely talk, couldn't sleep, couldn't escape it except for the edge that was taken off when I received IV narcotics. I couldn't even pray, except to groan Oh, God, help me. I can't even imagine, and don't want to know what it would have been like without all your prayers. The steroid injection finally relieved the pain and the good thing that happened is that the pain shifted from my head to my back and the bad head pain I had hasn't come back so now I'm almost completely off narcotics! You can't imagine the freedom I feel unless you've been there too.
I got to go home again Saturday, and how wonderful it is, again, to be here. I'm surrounded by tangible evidence of care and love from so many - beautiful cards, flowers, meals - all part of that mighty, gentle river I mentioned before. And I am working on thank you notes, I'm so sorry those are taking so long to get done but I wanted to thank each one of you again for your expressions of love and support, for your prayers. I am blessed. I wanted to leave you today with words from an old hymn, another that's been of such comfort these last few weeks especially.
Val
I got to go home again Saturday, and how wonderful it is, again, to be here. I'm surrounded by tangible evidence of care and love from so many - beautiful cards, flowers, meals - all part of that mighty, gentle river I mentioned before. And I am working on thank you notes, I'm so sorry those are taking so long to get done but I wanted to thank each one of you again for your expressions of love and support, for your prayers. I am blessed. I wanted to leave you today with words from an old hymn, another that's been of such comfort these last few weeks especially.
Be Still My Soul
Katharina von Schlegel - 1700s
Be still my soul – the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul – thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul, thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul, the waves and winds still know,
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still my soul, the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still my soul, when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed – we shall meet at last.
With love,Val
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Tuesday
Good morning,
My Mom is back in the hospital with blood clots in both legs - she is at SkyRidge this time. She had swelling yesterday in both legs and feet yesterday and wisely called her doctor immediately. She will be in the hospital for the next few days and we will keep you updated.
Kristen
My Mom is back in the hospital with blood clots in both legs - she is at SkyRidge this time. She had swelling yesterday in both legs and feet yesterday and wisely called her doctor immediately. She will be in the hospital for the next few days and we will keep you updated.
Kristen
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Target Zero
They told me I'd have roller-coaster days and I hit the bottom of a steep hill last night - will hope the hills become shallower as time passes. I think if my doctors could have me focus on one word these next three months it would be "safety" - a word often paired with "health". It's interesting to see how quickly you become much more aware of your environment and potential risks when there is an intentional focus. Coincidentally, CH2M HILL began a safety initiative a few years ago called "Target Zero" - the goal of which was to reduce the number of recordable safety incidents and create a safer workplace and mindset. It took some time to better educate us and get us completely on board, but if I were to guess a common denominator of focus among our employees on a global basis today, it would be practicing - living out every day - the highest safety standards. Most meetings in our offices around the world begin with a safety message and we're all still learning, all the time.
I've pasted below some summer safety tips, but on this 4th of July I especially hope all the adults out there will practice super safety when it comes to fireworks. Have a SAFE and HAPPY holiday!
Keep your family safe this summer by following these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Please feel free to use them in any print or broadcast story with appropriate attribution of source.
FUN IN THE SUN Source: http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/tanning.htmBabies under 6 months:
The two main recommendations from the AAP to prevent sunburn are to avoid sun exposure, and dress infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck to prevent sunburn. However when adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of suncreen with at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor) to small areas, such as the infant's face and the back of the hands. If an infant gets sunburn, apply cold compresses to the affected area.
For All Other Children:
The first, and best, line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave.
Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
On both sunny and cloudy days use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater that protects against UVB and UVA rays.
Be sure to apply enough sunscreen - about one ounce per sitting for a young adult.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
Use extra caution near water and sand (and even snow!) as they reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly.
HEAT STRESS IN EXERCISING CHILDRENSource: http://www.aap.org/policy/re9845.html
The intensity of activities that last 15 minutes or more should be reduced whenever high heat and humidity reach critical levels.
At the beginning of a strenuous exercise program or after traveling to a warmer climate, the intensity and duration of exercise should be limited initially and then gradually increased during a period of 10 to 14 days to accomplish acclimatization to the heat.
Before prolonged physical activity, the child should be well-hydrated. During the activity, periodic drinking should be enforced, for example, each 20 minutes, 5 oz of cold tap water or a flavored sports drink for a child weighing 90 lbs, and 9 oz for an adolescent weighing 130 lbs, even if the child does not feel thirsty.
Clothing should be light-colored and lightweight and limited to one layer of absorbent material to facilitate evaporation of sweat. Sweat-saturated shirts should be replaced by dry clothing.
Practices and games played in the heat should be shortened and more frequent water/hydration breaks should be instituted.
POOL SAFETYSource: http://www.aap.org/family/tipppool.htm
Install a fence at least four-feet high around all four sides of the pool. The fence should not have openings or protrusions that a young child could use to get over, under, or through.
Make sure pool gates open out from the pool, and self-close and self-latch at a height children can't reach.
If the house serves as the fourth side of a fence surrounding a pool, install an alarm on the exit door to the yard and the pool.
Never leave children alone in or near the pool or spa, even for a moment.
Keep rescue equipment (a shepherd's hook - a long pole with a hook on the end - and life preserver) and a portable telephone near the pool. Choose a shepherd’s hook and other rescue equipment made of fiberglass or other materials that do not conduct electricity.
Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as "floaties." They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children a false sense of security.
Children age 4 and older should be taught to swim. Parents may choose to start swimming lessons before age 4 if their children are developmentally ready, but swim programs should never be seen as “drown proofing” a child of any age.
Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm's length, providing "touch supervision."
Avoid Entrapment: Suction from pool and spa drains can trap an adult underwater. Do not use a pool or spa if there are broken or missing drain covers. Ask your pool operator if your pool or spa’s drains are compliant with the Pool and Spa Safety Act.
Large inflatable above-ground pools have become increasingly popular for backyard use. Children may fall in if they lean against the soft side of an inflatable pool. Although such pools are often exempt from local pool fencing requirements, it is essential that they be surrounded by an appropriate fence just as a permanent pool would be so that children cannot gain unsupervised access.
BUG SAFETY
Don't use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child.
Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens where flowers are in bloom.
Avoid dressing your child in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints.
To remove a visible stinger from skin, gently back it out by scraping it off horizontally with a credit card or your fingernail.
Combination sunscreen/insect repellent products should be avoided because sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, but the insect repellent should not be reapplied.
Use insect repellents containing DEET when need to prevent insect related diseases such as ticks which can transmit Lyme Disease, and mosquitoes which can transmit West Nile Virus and other viruses.
The current CDC and AAP recommendation for children over 2 months of age is to use 10- 30 percent DEET. DEET should not be used on children under 2 months of age.
The effectiveness is similar for 10-30% DEET but the duration of effect varies. Ten percent DEET provides protection for about 2 hours – 30% for about 5 hours – choose the lowest concentration that will provide required length of coverage.
The concentration of DEET varies significantly from product to product, so read the label of any product you purchase. Children should wash off repellents when back indoors.
As an alternative to DEET, Picaridin has become available in the U.S. in concentrations of 5-10%.
For more information on DEET: http://www.aapnews.org/cgi/content/full/e200399v1 PLAYGROUND SAFETY Source: http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/maytra.htm Source: http://www.aap.org/family/playgrd.htmThe playground should have safety-tested mats or loose-fill materials (shredded rubber, sand, wood chips, or bark) maintained to a depth of at least 9 inches. The protective surface should be installed at least 6 feet (more for swings and slides) in all directions from the equipment.
Equipment should be carefully maintained. Open “s” hooks or protruding bolt ends can be hazardous.
Swing seats should be made of soft materials such as rubber, plastic or canvas.
Make sure children cannot reach any moving parts that might pinch or trap any body part.
Never attach—or allow children to attach—ropes, jump ropes, leashes, or similar items to play equipment; children can strangle on these.
Make sure metal slides are cool to prevent children's legs from getting burned.
Do not allow children to play barefoot on the playground.
Parents should never purchase a home trampoline or allow children to use home trampolines.
Parents should supervise children on play equipment to make sure they are safe.
BICYCLE SAFETYSource: http://www.aap.org/family/bicycle.htmSource: http://www.aap.org/family/tbikmyth.htm
Do not push your child to ride a 2-wheeled bike until he or she is ready, at about age 5 or 6. Consider the child's coordination and desire to learn to ride. Stick with coaster (foot) brakes until your child is older and more experienced for hand brakes.
Take your child with you when you shop for the bike, so that he or she can try it out. The value of a properly fitting bike far outweighs the value of surprising your child with a new one. For more information on finding the proper fit, go to http://www.aap.org/family/bicycle.htm#choosing
Buy a bike that is the right size, not one your child has to "grow into." Oversized bikes are especially dangerous.
Your child needs to wear a helmet on every bike ride, no matter how short or how close to home. Many accidents happen in driveways, on sidewalks, and on bike paths, not just on streets. Children learn best by observing you. Set the example: Whenever you ride, put on your helmet.
When purchasing a helmet, look for a label or sticker that says the helmet meets the CPSC safety standard.
A helmet protects your child from serious injury, and should always be worn. And remember, wearing a helmet at all times helps children develop the helmet habit.
A helmet should be worn so that it is level on the head, not tipped forwards or backwards. The strap should be securely fastened, and you should not be able to move the helmet in any direction. If needed, the helmet’s sizing pads can help improve the fit.
SKATEBOARD, SCOOTER, IN-LINE SKATING AND HEELYS SAFETY Source: http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/marskate.htmChildren should never ride skateboards or scooters in or near traffic.
All skateboarders and scooter-riders should wear a helmet and other protective gear; wrist guards are particularly important.
Communities should continue to develop skateboard parks, which are more likely to be monitored for safety than ramps and jumps constructed by children at home.
While in-line skating or wearing Heelys, be sure to wear appropriate protective equipment and only skate on designated paths or rinks and not on the street.
LAWN MOWER SAFETYSource: http://www.aap.org/family/tipplawn.htm
Try to use a mower with a control that stops the mower from moving forward if the handle is let go.
Children younger than 16 years should not be allowed to use ride-on mowers. Children younger than 12 years should not use walk-behind mowers.
Make sure that sturdy shoes (not sandals or sneakers) are worn while mowing.
Prevent injuries from flying objects, such as stones or toys, by picking up objects from the lawn before mowing begins. Have anyone who uses a mower wear hearing and eye protection.
Do not pull the mower backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary, and carefully look for children behind you when you mow in reverse.
Always turn off the mower and wait for the blades to stop completely before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute, or crossing gravel paths, roads, or other areas.
Do not allow children to ride as passengers on ride-on mowers.
Copyright © 2010 American Academy of Pediatrics. Please feel free to use tips in any print or broadcast story with appropriate attribution of source.
FUN IN THE SUN Source: http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/tanning.htmBabies under 6 months:
The two main recommendations from the AAP to prevent sunburn are to avoid sun exposure, and dress infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck to prevent sunburn. However when adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of suncreen with at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor) to small areas, such as the infant's face and the back of the hands. If an infant gets sunburn, apply cold compresses to the affected area.
For All Other Children:
The first, and best, line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave.
Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
On both sunny and cloudy days use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater that protects against UVB and UVA rays.
Be sure to apply enough sunscreen - about one ounce per sitting for a young adult.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
Use extra caution near water and sand (and even snow!) as they reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly.
HEAT STRESS IN EXERCISING CHILDRENSource: http://www.aap.org/policy/re9845.html
The intensity of activities that last 15 minutes or more should be reduced whenever high heat and humidity reach critical levels.
At the beginning of a strenuous exercise program or after traveling to a warmer climate, the intensity and duration of exercise should be limited initially and then gradually increased during a period of 10 to 14 days to accomplish acclimatization to the heat.
Before prolonged physical activity, the child should be well-hydrated. During the activity, periodic drinking should be enforced, for example, each 20 minutes, 5 oz of cold tap water or a flavored sports drink for a child weighing 90 lbs, and 9 oz for an adolescent weighing 130 lbs, even if the child does not feel thirsty.
Clothing should be light-colored and lightweight and limited to one layer of absorbent material to facilitate evaporation of sweat. Sweat-saturated shirts should be replaced by dry clothing.
Practices and games played in the heat should be shortened and more frequent water/hydration breaks should be instituted.
POOL SAFETYSource: http://www.aap.org/family/tipppool.htm
Install a fence at least four-feet high around all four sides of the pool. The fence should not have openings or protrusions that a young child could use to get over, under, or through.
Make sure pool gates open out from the pool, and self-close and self-latch at a height children can't reach.
If the house serves as the fourth side of a fence surrounding a pool, install an alarm on the exit door to the yard and the pool.
Never leave children alone in or near the pool or spa, even for a moment.
Keep rescue equipment (a shepherd's hook - a long pole with a hook on the end - and life preserver) and a portable telephone near the pool. Choose a shepherd’s hook and other rescue equipment made of fiberglass or other materials that do not conduct electricity.
Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as "floaties." They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children a false sense of security.
Children age 4 and older should be taught to swim. Parents may choose to start swimming lessons before age 4 if their children are developmentally ready, but swim programs should never be seen as “drown proofing” a child of any age.
Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm's length, providing "touch supervision."
Avoid Entrapment: Suction from pool and spa drains can trap an adult underwater. Do not use a pool or spa if there are broken or missing drain covers. Ask your pool operator if your pool or spa’s drains are compliant with the Pool and Spa Safety Act.
Large inflatable above-ground pools have become increasingly popular for backyard use. Children may fall in if they lean against the soft side of an inflatable pool. Although such pools are often exempt from local pool fencing requirements, it is essential that they be surrounded by an appropriate fence just as a permanent pool would be so that children cannot gain unsupervised access.
BUG SAFETY
Don't use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child.
Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens where flowers are in bloom.
Avoid dressing your child in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints.
To remove a visible stinger from skin, gently back it out by scraping it off horizontally with a credit card or your fingernail.
Combination sunscreen/insect repellent products should be avoided because sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, but the insect repellent should not be reapplied.
Use insect repellents containing DEET when need to prevent insect related diseases such as ticks which can transmit Lyme Disease, and mosquitoes which can transmit West Nile Virus and other viruses.
The current CDC and AAP recommendation for children over 2 months of age is to use 10- 30 percent DEET. DEET should not be used on children under 2 months of age.
The effectiveness is similar for 10-30% DEET but the duration of effect varies. Ten percent DEET provides protection for about 2 hours – 30% for about 5 hours – choose the lowest concentration that will provide required length of coverage.
The concentration of DEET varies significantly from product to product, so read the label of any product you purchase. Children should wash off repellents when back indoors.
As an alternative to DEET, Picaridin has become available in the U.S. in concentrations of 5-10%.
For more information on DEET: http://www.aapnews.org/cgi/content/full/e200399v1 PLAYGROUND SAFETY Source: http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/maytra.htm Source: http://www.aap.org/family/playgrd.htmThe playground should have safety-tested mats or loose-fill materials (shredded rubber, sand, wood chips, or bark) maintained to a depth of at least 9 inches. The protective surface should be installed at least 6 feet (more for swings and slides) in all directions from the equipment.
Equipment should be carefully maintained. Open “s” hooks or protruding bolt ends can be hazardous.
Swing seats should be made of soft materials such as rubber, plastic or canvas.
Make sure children cannot reach any moving parts that might pinch or trap any body part.
Never attach—or allow children to attach—ropes, jump ropes, leashes, or similar items to play equipment; children can strangle on these.
Make sure metal slides are cool to prevent children's legs from getting burned.
Do not allow children to play barefoot on the playground.
Parents should never purchase a home trampoline or allow children to use home trampolines.
Parents should supervise children on play equipment to make sure they are safe.
BICYCLE SAFETYSource: http://www.aap.org/family/bicycle.htmSource: http://www.aap.org/family/tbikmyth.htm
Do not push your child to ride a 2-wheeled bike until he or she is ready, at about age 5 or 6. Consider the child's coordination and desire to learn to ride. Stick with coaster (foot) brakes until your child is older and more experienced for hand brakes.
Take your child with you when you shop for the bike, so that he or she can try it out. The value of a properly fitting bike far outweighs the value of surprising your child with a new one. For more information on finding the proper fit, go to http://www.aap.org/family/bicycle.htm#choosing
Buy a bike that is the right size, not one your child has to "grow into." Oversized bikes are especially dangerous.
Your child needs to wear a helmet on every bike ride, no matter how short or how close to home. Many accidents happen in driveways, on sidewalks, and on bike paths, not just on streets. Children learn best by observing you. Set the example: Whenever you ride, put on your helmet.
When purchasing a helmet, look for a label or sticker that says the helmet meets the CPSC safety standard.
A helmet protects your child from serious injury, and should always be worn. And remember, wearing a helmet at all times helps children develop the helmet habit.
A helmet should be worn so that it is level on the head, not tipped forwards or backwards. The strap should be securely fastened, and you should not be able to move the helmet in any direction. If needed, the helmet’s sizing pads can help improve the fit.
SKATEBOARD, SCOOTER, IN-LINE SKATING AND HEELYS SAFETY Source: http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/marskate.htmChildren should never ride skateboards or scooters in or near traffic.
All skateboarders and scooter-riders should wear a helmet and other protective gear; wrist guards are particularly important.
Communities should continue to develop skateboard parks, which are more likely to be monitored for safety than ramps and jumps constructed by children at home.
While in-line skating or wearing Heelys, be sure to wear appropriate protective equipment and only skate on designated paths or rinks and not on the street.
LAWN MOWER SAFETYSource: http://www.aap.org/family/tipplawn.htm
Try to use a mower with a control that stops the mower from moving forward if the handle is let go.
Children younger than 16 years should not be allowed to use ride-on mowers. Children younger than 12 years should not use walk-behind mowers.
Make sure that sturdy shoes (not sandals or sneakers) are worn while mowing.
Prevent injuries from flying objects, such as stones or toys, by picking up objects from the lawn before mowing begins. Have anyone who uses a mower wear hearing and eye protection.
Do not pull the mower backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary, and carefully look for children behind you when you mow in reverse.
Always turn off the mower and wait for the blades to stop completely before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute, or crossing gravel paths, roads, or other areas.
Do not allow children to ride as passengers on ride-on mowers.
Copyright © 2010 American Academy of Pediatrics. Please feel free to use tips in any print or broadcast story with appropriate attribution of source.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Wired
Or maybe I should say unwired first, since I got my staples and sutures out yesterday! Another little milestone, and each one is progress. Also learned that my strange recent morning "out of body-mind experiences" are likely due to my brain settling into its new space so that was reassuring. But it got me thinking about the human brain and how complex it is, how every person on the planet is wired just a little differently. I don't have a long entry today but have pasted info below with some fun facts about the brain. I know I've mentioned this before, but I think in addition to each of us being able to gain flexibility, strength, and better health no matter what our age, we can each exercise our brain as well. Is there something you've always wanted to try or learn? What's holding you back? I bet your brain would love you for learning something new. Hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend! Can't believe it's here already, though, because once the 4th hits it seems like Labor Day is the next weekend, then Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas and we start all over again. Have fun and be safe!
100 Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About the Human Brain
Nursing Resources Add comments
The human brain has amazed and baffled people throughout the ages. Some scientists and doctors have devoted their entire lives to learning how the brain works. It is no wonder that people enjoy learning facts about this incredible organ in the human body. Below, you will find 100 facts about the brain including how it works, how it develops, what it controls, how it affects sleep, dreams, and memory, and more, which may be helpful. When you finish reading about these fun facts, take this short brainpower quiz and see how much you learned about the human brain.
Physical Attributes
These facts will teach you interesting bits of information about the physical make-up of the human brain.
1. Weight. The weight of the human brain is about 3 lbs.
2. Cerebrum. The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and makes up 85% of the brain’s weight.
3. Skin. Your skin weighs twice as much as your brain.
4. Gray matter. The brain’s gray matter is made up of neurons, which gather and transmit signals.
5. White matter. The white matter is made up of dendrites and axons, which create the network by which neurons send their signals.
6. Gray and white. Your brain is 60% white matter and 40% gray matter.
7. Water. The brain is made up of about 75% water.
8. Neurons. Your brain consists of about 100 billion neurons.
9. Synapses. There are anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 synapses for each neuron.
10. No pain. There are no pain receptors in the brain, so the brain can feel no pain.
11. Largest brain. While an elephant’s brain is physically larger than a human brain, the human brain is 2% of total body weight (compared to 0.15% of an elephant’s brain), meaning humans have the largest brain to body size.
12. Blood vessels. There are 100,000 miles of blood vessels in the brain.
13. Fat. The human brain is the fattest organ in the body and may consists of at least 60% fat.
The Developing Brain
Starting from within the womb, fetal brain development begins the amazing journey that leads to a well-developed brain at birth that continues to grow for 18 more years.
14. Neurons. Neurons develop at the rate of 250,000 neurons per minute during early pregnancy.
15. Size at birth. At birth, your brain was almost the same size as an adult brain and contained most of the brain cells for your whole life.
16. Newborn’s growth. A newborn baby’s brain grows about three times its size in the first year.
17. Stopped growing. Your brain stopped growing at age 18.
18. Cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex grows thicker as you learn to use it.
19. Stimulation. A stimulating environment for a child can make the difference between a 25% greater ability to learn or 25% less in an environment with little stimulation.
20. New neurons. Humans continue to make new neurons throughout life in response to mental activity.
21. Read aloud. Reading aloud and talking often to a young child promotes brain development.
22. Emotions. The capacity for such emotions as joy, happiness, fear, and shyness are already developed at birth. The specific type of nurturing a child receives shapes how these emotions are developed.
23. First sense. The first sense to develop while in utero is the sense of touch. The lips and cheeks can experience touch at about 8 weeks and the rest of the body around 12 weeks.
24. Bilingual brains. Children who learn two languages before the age of five alters the brain structure and adults have a much denser gray matter.
25. Child abuse and the brain. Studies have shown that child abuse can inhibit development of the brain and can permanently affect brain development.
Brain Function
From the invisible workings of the brain to more visible responses such as yawns or intelligence, find out how the brain functions with these facts.
26. Oxygen. Your brain uses 20% of the total oxygen in your body.
27. Blood. As with oxygen, your brain uses 20% of the blood circulating in your body.
28. Unconsciousness. If your brain loses blood for 8 to 10 seconds, you will lose consciousness.
29. Speed. Information can be processed as slowly as 0.5 meters/sec or as fast as 120 meters/sec (about 268 miles/hr).
30. Wattage. While awake, your brain generates between 10 and 23 watts of power–or enough energy to power a light bulb.
31. Yawns. It is thought that a yawn works to send more oxygen to the brain, therefore working to cool it down and wake it up.
32. Neocortex. The neocortex makes up about 76% of the human brain and is responsible for language and consciousness. The human neocortex is much larger than in animals.
33. 10%. The old adage of humans only using 10% of their brain is not true. Every part of the brain has a known function.
34. Brain death. The brain can live for 4 to 6 minutes without oxygen, and then it begins to die. No oxygen for 5 to 10 minutes will result in permanent brain damage.
35. Highest temperature. The next time you get a fever, keep in mind that the highest human body temperature ever recorded was 115.7 degrees–and the man survived.
36. Stress. Excessive stress has shown to "alter brain cells, brain structure and brain function."
37. Love hormones and autism. Oxytocin, one of the hormones responsible for triggering feelings of love in the brain, has shown some benefits to helping control repetitive behaviors in those with autism.
38. Food and intelligence. A study of one million students in New York showed that students who ate lunches that did not include artificial flavors, preservatives, and dyes did 14% better on IQ tests than students who ate lunches with these additives.
39. Seafood. In the March 2003 edition of Discover magazine, a report describes how people in a 7-year study who ate seafood at least one time every week had a 30% lower occurrence of dementia.
Psychology of the Brain
From tickling to tasting to decision-making, find out how the brain affects what you experience.
40. Tickles. You can’t tickle yourself because your brain distinguished between unexpected external touch and your own touch.
41. Imaginary playmates. A study from Australia showed that children with imaginary playmates between the ages of 3 and 9 tended to be first-born children.
42. Reading faces. Without any words, you may be able to determine if someone is in a good mood, is feeling sad, or is angry just by reading the face. A small area in the brain called the amygdala is responsible for your ability to read someone else’s face for clues to how they are feeling.
43. Ringing in the ears. For years, medical professionals believed that tinnitus was due to a function within the mechanics of the ear, but newer evidence shows that it is actually a function of the brain.
44. Pain and gender. Scientists have discovered that men and women’s brains react differently to pain, which explains why they may perceive or discuss pain differently.
45. Supertasters. There is a class of people known as supertasters who not only have more taste buds on the tongue, but whose brain is more sensitive to the tastes of foods and drinks. In fact, they can detect some flavors that others cannot.
46. Cold. Some people are much more sensitive to cold and actually feel pain associated with cold. Research as shown that the reason is due to certain channels that send cold information to the brain.
47. Decision-making. Women tend to take longer to make a decision, but are more likely to stick with the decision, compared to men, who are more likely to change their mind after making a decision.
48. Exercise. Some studies indicate that while some people are naturally more active, others are naturally more inactive, which may explain why getting out and exercising is more difficult for some.
49. Boredom. Boredom is brought on by a lack of change of stimulation, is largely a function of perception, and is connected to the innate curiosity found in humans.
50. Physical illness. The connection between body and mind is a strong one. One estimate is that between 50-70% of visits to the doctor for physical ailments are attributed to psychological factors.
51. Sadness and shopping. Researchers have discovered that those experiencing the blues are more willing to spend more money in an attempt to alleviate their sadness.
Memory
Learn how scent, jet lag, and estrogen affect memory, plus plenty of other information, with these facts.
52. Jet lag. Frequent jet lag can impair your memory, probably due to the stress hormones released.
53. New connections. Every time you recall a memory or have a new thought, you are creating a new connection in your brain.
54. Create associations. Memory is formed by associations, so if you want help remembering things, create associations for yourself.
55. Scent and memory. Memories triggered by scent have a stronger emotional connection, therefore appear more intense than other memory triggers.
56. Anomia. Anomia is the technical word for tip-of-the-tongue syndrome when you can almost remember a word, but it just won’t quite come to you.
57. Sleep. While you sleep at night may be the best time for your brain to consolidate all your memories from the day.
58. No sleep. It goes to follow…lack of sleep may actuallyhurt your ability to create new memories.
59. World Champion. A world champion memorizer, Ben Pridmore memorized 96 historical events in 5 minutes and memorized a single, shuffled deck of cards in 26.28 seconds.
60. Estrogen and memory. Estrogen (found in both men and women) has been shown to promote better memory functions.
61. Insulin. Insulin works to regulate blood-sugar in the body, but recently, scientists have discovered that its presence in the brain also helps promote memory.
Dreams and Sleep
The amazing world of dreams and what happens during sleep is a mystery rooted in the brain. Learn interesting facts about dreams and sleep in this list.
62. Everyone dreams. Just because you don’t remember your dreams doesn’t mean you don’t dream. Everyone dreams!
63. Nightly average. Most people dream about 1-2 hours a night and have an average of 4-7 dreams each night.
64. Brain waves. Studies show that brain waves are more active while dreaming than when you are awake.
65. Lost dreams. Five minutes after a dream, half of the dream is forgotten. Ten minutes after a dream, over 90% is forgotten. Write down your dreams immediately if you want to remember them.
66. Blind people dream. Dreams are more than just visual images, and blind people do dream. Whether or not they dream in pictures depends on if they were born blind or lost their vision later.
67. Color or B&W. Some people (about 12%) dream only in black and white while others dream in color.
68. Virtually paralyzed. While you sleep, your body produces a hormone that may prevent you from acting out your dreams, leaving you virtually paralyzed.
69. Snoring. If you are snoring, you are not dreaming.
70. During a dream. If you are awakened during a dream, you are much more likely to remember the dream than if you slept until a full night’s sleep.
71. Symbolism. As those who invest in dream dictionaries can attest, dreams almost never represent what they actually are. The unconscious mind strives to make connections with concepts you will understand, so dreams are largely symbolic representations.
72. Adenosine. Caffeine works to block naturally occurring adenosine in the body, creating alertness. Scientists have recently discovered this connection and learned that doing the opposite–boosting adenosine–can actually help promote more natural sleep patterns and help eliminate insomnia.
73. Dream showings. Japanese researchers have successfully developed a technology that can put thoughts on a screen and may soon be able to screen people’s dreams.
Fun and Interesting Facts
From juggling to a Brain Bank to cannibalism, read about these fun and interesting brain facts.
74. Airplanes and headaches. A study showed a correlation between flying and headaches and states that around 6% of people who fly get headaches brought on by the flight itself.
75. Juggling. Juggling has shown to change the brain in as little as seven days. The study indicates that learning new things helps the brain to change very quickly.
76. Disney and sleep. A study published in the journal Sleep Medicine describes how Disney creators used real sleep disorders in many of their animated pets.
77. Blinking. Each time we blink, our brain kicks in and keeps things illuminated so the whole world doesn’t go dark each time we blink (about 20,000 times a day).
78. Laughing. Laughing at a joke is no simple task as it requires activity in five different areas of the brain.
79. Yawns are contagious. Ever notice that you yawned after someone around you did? Scientists believe this may be a response to an ancient social behavior for communication that humans still have.
80. Brain Bank. Harvard maintains a Brain Bank where over 7,000 human brains are store for research purposes.
81. Outer space. The lack of gravity in outer space affects the brain in several ways. Scientists are studying how and why, but you may want to hold off on your next trip to the moon.
82. Music. Music lessons have shown to considerably boost brain organization and ability in both children and adults.
83. Thoughts. The average number of thoughts that humans are believed to experience each day is 70,000.
84. Ambidexterity. Those who are left-handed or ambidextrous have a corpus collosum (the part of the brain that bridges the two halves) that is about 11% larger than those who are right-handed.
85. Stressful job. According to a study by Bristol-Myers Squibb, accountants have the highest incidence of on-the-job headaches, followed by librarians, then bus and truck drivers.
86. Aristotle. Aristotle mistakenly thought that the functions of the brain actually took place in the heart.
87. Cannibalism. Some research shows that humans carry genes that help protect the brain from prion diseases, or diseases contracted through eating human flesh, leading medical experts to believe that ancient humans may have eaten other humans.
88. Shakespeare. The word "brain" appears 66 times in the plays of William Shakespeare.
Famous Brains
People have always been fascinated with the brains of famous people. Find out what experts know about these famous brains.
89. Albert Einstein. Einstein’s brain was similar in size to other humans except in the region that is responsible for math and spatial perception. In that region, his brain was 35% wider than average.
90. London taxi drivers. Famous for knowing all the London streets by heart, these drivers have a larger than normal hippocampus, especially the drivers who have been on the job longest. The study suggests that as people memorize more and more information, this part of their brain continues to grow.
91. VI Lenin. After his death, Lenin’s brain was studied and found to have an abnormally large and numerous neurons in a particular region that may explain his "strikingly acute and penetrating mental processes" for which he was famous.
92. Oldest brain. A brain thought to be 2000 years old was unearthed just recently at the University of York in northern England.
93. Babe Ruth. The Babe was tested by two Columbia psychology students and was determined to be working at 90% efficiency compared to the 60% efficiency measured for most people.
94. Daniel Tammet. Daniel Tammet is an autistic savant who, since the age of three when he suffered an epileptic seizure, has been able to perform astounding mathematical computations, knows seven languages, and is developing a language of his own.
95. Keith Jarrett. This jazz musician was discovered at age 3 to have perfect pitch, which scientists can pinpoint in the right frontal lobe.
Moments in History
The study of the brain has an interesting history. Check out this abbreviated time line to learn interesting facts about the history of brain research and development.
96. 2000 B.C.. Archeologists found evidence that primitive brain surgery was performed by drilling a hole in the skull.
97. 1811. Scottish surgeon Charles Bell described how each of the senses had a corresponding spot in the brain.
98. 1899. Aspirin was marketed as a pain reliever, but was not available without a prescription until 1915.
99. 1921. Hermann Rorschach invented the now-famous ink blot test for use with his patients.
100. 1959. The first rhesus monkey was sent into space to study human behavior.
100 Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About the Human Brain
Nursing Resources Add comments
The human brain has amazed and baffled people throughout the ages. Some scientists and doctors have devoted their entire lives to learning how the brain works. It is no wonder that people enjoy learning facts about this incredible organ in the human body. Below, you will find 100 facts about the brain including how it works, how it develops, what it controls, how it affects sleep, dreams, and memory, and more, which may be helpful. When you finish reading about these fun facts, take this short brainpower quiz and see how much you learned about the human brain.
Physical Attributes
These facts will teach you interesting bits of information about the physical make-up of the human brain.
1. Weight. The weight of the human brain is about 3 lbs.
2. Cerebrum. The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and makes up 85% of the brain’s weight.
3. Skin. Your skin weighs twice as much as your brain.
4. Gray matter. The brain’s gray matter is made up of neurons, which gather and transmit signals.
5. White matter. The white matter is made up of dendrites and axons, which create the network by which neurons send their signals.
6. Gray and white. Your brain is 60% white matter and 40% gray matter.
7. Water. The brain is made up of about 75% water.
8. Neurons. Your brain consists of about 100 billion neurons.
9. Synapses. There are anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 synapses for each neuron.
10. No pain. There are no pain receptors in the brain, so the brain can feel no pain.
11. Largest brain. While an elephant’s brain is physically larger than a human brain, the human brain is 2% of total body weight (compared to 0.15% of an elephant’s brain), meaning humans have the largest brain to body size.
12. Blood vessels. There are 100,000 miles of blood vessels in the brain.
13. Fat. The human brain is the fattest organ in the body and may consists of at least 60% fat.
The Developing Brain
Starting from within the womb, fetal brain development begins the amazing journey that leads to a well-developed brain at birth that continues to grow for 18 more years.
14. Neurons. Neurons develop at the rate of 250,000 neurons per minute during early pregnancy.
15. Size at birth. At birth, your brain was almost the same size as an adult brain and contained most of the brain cells for your whole life.
16. Newborn’s growth. A newborn baby’s brain grows about three times its size in the first year.
17. Stopped growing. Your brain stopped growing at age 18.
18. Cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex grows thicker as you learn to use it.
19. Stimulation. A stimulating environment for a child can make the difference between a 25% greater ability to learn or 25% less in an environment with little stimulation.
20. New neurons. Humans continue to make new neurons throughout life in response to mental activity.
21. Read aloud. Reading aloud and talking often to a young child promotes brain development.
22. Emotions. The capacity for such emotions as joy, happiness, fear, and shyness are already developed at birth. The specific type of nurturing a child receives shapes how these emotions are developed.
23. First sense. The first sense to develop while in utero is the sense of touch. The lips and cheeks can experience touch at about 8 weeks and the rest of the body around 12 weeks.
24. Bilingual brains. Children who learn two languages before the age of five alters the brain structure and adults have a much denser gray matter.
25. Child abuse and the brain. Studies have shown that child abuse can inhibit development of the brain and can permanently affect brain development.
Brain Function
From the invisible workings of the brain to more visible responses such as yawns or intelligence, find out how the brain functions with these facts.
26. Oxygen. Your brain uses 20% of the total oxygen in your body.
27. Blood. As with oxygen, your brain uses 20% of the blood circulating in your body.
28. Unconsciousness. If your brain loses blood for 8 to 10 seconds, you will lose consciousness.
29. Speed. Information can be processed as slowly as 0.5 meters/sec or as fast as 120 meters/sec (about 268 miles/hr).
30. Wattage. While awake, your brain generates between 10 and 23 watts of power–or enough energy to power a light bulb.
31. Yawns. It is thought that a yawn works to send more oxygen to the brain, therefore working to cool it down and wake it up.
32. Neocortex. The neocortex makes up about 76% of the human brain and is responsible for language and consciousness. The human neocortex is much larger than in animals.
33. 10%. The old adage of humans only using 10% of their brain is not true. Every part of the brain has a known function.
34. Brain death. The brain can live for 4 to 6 minutes without oxygen, and then it begins to die. No oxygen for 5 to 10 minutes will result in permanent brain damage.
35. Highest temperature. The next time you get a fever, keep in mind that the highest human body temperature ever recorded was 115.7 degrees–and the man survived.
36. Stress. Excessive stress has shown to "alter brain cells, brain structure and brain function."
37. Love hormones and autism. Oxytocin, one of the hormones responsible for triggering feelings of love in the brain, has shown some benefits to helping control repetitive behaviors in those with autism.
38. Food and intelligence. A study of one million students in New York showed that students who ate lunches that did not include artificial flavors, preservatives, and dyes did 14% better on IQ tests than students who ate lunches with these additives.
39. Seafood. In the March 2003 edition of Discover magazine, a report describes how people in a 7-year study who ate seafood at least one time every week had a 30% lower occurrence of dementia.
Psychology of the Brain
From tickling to tasting to decision-making, find out how the brain affects what you experience.
40. Tickles. You can’t tickle yourself because your brain distinguished between unexpected external touch and your own touch.
41. Imaginary playmates. A study from Australia showed that children with imaginary playmates between the ages of 3 and 9 tended to be first-born children.
42. Reading faces. Without any words, you may be able to determine if someone is in a good mood, is feeling sad, or is angry just by reading the face. A small area in the brain called the amygdala is responsible for your ability to read someone else’s face for clues to how they are feeling.
43. Ringing in the ears. For years, medical professionals believed that tinnitus was due to a function within the mechanics of the ear, but newer evidence shows that it is actually a function of the brain.
44. Pain and gender. Scientists have discovered that men and women’s brains react differently to pain, which explains why they may perceive or discuss pain differently.
45. Supertasters. There is a class of people known as supertasters who not only have more taste buds on the tongue, but whose brain is more sensitive to the tastes of foods and drinks. In fact, they can detect some flavors that others cannot.
46. Cold. Some people are much more sensitive to cold and actually feel pain associated with cold. Research as shown that the reason is due to certain channels that send cold information to the brain.
47. Decision-making. Women tend to take longer to make a decision, but are more likely to stick with the decision, compared to men, who are more likely to change their mind after making a decision.
48. Exercise. Some studies indicate that while some people are naturally more active, others are naturally more inactive, which may explain why getting out and exercising is more difficult for some.
49. Boredom. Boredom is brought on by a lack of change of stimulation, is largely a function of perception, and is connected to the innate curiosity found in humans.
50. Physical illness. The connection between body and mind is a strong one. One estimate is that between 50-70% of visits to the doctor for physical ailments are attributed to psychological factors.
51. Sadness and shopping. Researchers have discovered that those experiencing the blues are more willing to spend more money in an attempt to alleviate their sadness.
Memory
Learn how scent, jet lag, and estrogen affect memory, plus plenty of other information, with these facts.
52. Jet lag. Frequent jet lag can impair your memory, probably due to the stress hormones released.
53. New connections. Every time you recall a memory or have a new thought, you are creating a new connection in your brain.
54. Create associations. Memory is formed by associations, so if you want help remembering things, create associations for yourself.
55. Scent and memory. Memories triggered by scent have a stronger emotional connection, therefore appear more intense than other memory triggers.
56. Anomia. Anomia is the technical word for tip-of-the-tongue syndrome when you can almost remember a word, but it just won’t quite come to you.
57. Sleep. While you sleep at night may be the best time for your brain to consolidate all your memories from the day.
58. No sleep. It goes to follow…lack of sleep may actuallyhurt your ability to create new memories.
59. World Champion. A world champion memorizer, Ben Pridmore memorized 96 historical events in 5 minutes and memorized a single, shuffled deck of cards in 26.28 seconds.
60. Estrogen and memory. Estrogen (found in both men and women) has been shown to promote better memory functions.
61. Insulin. Insulin works to regulate blood-sugar in the body, but recently, scientists have discovered that its presence in the brain also helps promote memory.
Dreams and Sleep
The amazing world of dreams and what happens during sleep is a mystery rooted in the brain. Learn interesting facts about dreams and sleep in this list.
62. Everyone dreams. Just because you don’t remember your dreams doesn’t mean you don’t dream. Everyone dreams!
63. Nightly average. Most people dream about 1-2 hours a night and have an average of 4-7 dreams each night.
64. Brain waves. Studies show that brain waves are more active while dreaming than when you are awake.
65. Lost dreams. Five minutes after a dream, half of the dream is forgotten. Ten minutes after a dream, over 90% is forgotten. Write down your dreams immediately if you want to remember them.
66. Blind people dream. Dreams are more than just visual images, and blind people do dream. Whether or not they dream in pictures depends on if they were born blind or lost their vision later.
67. Color or B&W. Some people (about 12%) dream only in black and white while others dream in color.
68. Virtually paralyzed. While you sleep, your body produces a hormone that may prevent you from acting out your dreams, leaving you virtually paralyzed.
69. Snoring. If you are snoring, you are not dreaming.
70. During a dream. If you are awakened during a dream, you are much more likely to remember the dream than if you slept until a full night’s sleep.
71. Symbolism. As those who invest in dream dictionaries can attest, dreams almost never represent what they actually are. The unconscious mind strives to make connections with concepts you will understand, so dreams are largely symbolic representations.
72. Adenosine. Caffeine works to block naturally occurring adenosine in the body, creating alertness. Scientists have recently discovered this connection and learned that doing the opposite–boosting adenosine–can actually help promote more natural sleep patterns and help eliminate insomnia.
73. Dream showings. Japanese researchers have successfully developed a technology that can put thoughts on a screen and may soon be able to screen people’s dreams.
Fun and Interesting Facts
From juggling to a Brain Bank to cannibalism, read about these fun and interesting brain facts.
74. Airplanes and headaches. A study showed a correlation between flying and headaches and states that around 6% of people who fly get headaches brought on by the flight itself.
75. Juggling. Juggling has shown to change the brain in as little as seven days. The study indicates that learning new things helps the brain to change very quickly.
76. Disney and sleep. A study published in the journal Sleep Medicine describes how Disney creators used real sleep disorders in many of their animated pets.
77. Blinking. Each time we blink, our brain kicks in and keeps things illuminated so the whole world doesn’t go dark each time we blink (about 20,000 times a day).
78. Laughing. Laughing at a joke is no simple task as it requires activity in five different areas of the brain.
79. Yawns are contagious. Ever notice that you yawned after someone around you did? Scientists believe this may be a response to an ancient social behavior for communication that humans still have.
80. Brain Bank. Harvard maintains a Brain Bank where over 7,000 human brains are store for research purposes.
81. Outer space. The lack of gravity in outer space affects the brain in several ways. Scientists are studying how and why, but you may want to hold off on your next trip to the moon.
82. Music. Music lessons have shown to considerably boost brain organization and ability in both children and adults.
83. Thoughts. The average number of thoughts that humans are believed to experience each day is 70,000.
84. Ambidexterity. Those who are left-handed or ambidextrous have a corpus collosum (the part of the brain that bridges the two halves) that is about 11% larger than those who are right-handed.
85. Stressful job. According to a study by Bristol-Myers Squibb, accountants have the highest incidence of on-the-job headaches, followed by librarians, then bus and truck drivers.
86. Aristotle. Aristotle mistakenly thought that the functions of the brain actually took place in the heart.
87. Cannibalism. Some research shows that humans carry genes that help protect the brain from prion diseases, or diseases contracted through eating human flesh, leading medical experts to believe that ancient humans may have eaten other humans.
88. Shakespeare. The word "brain" appears 66 times in the plays of William Shakespeare.
Famous Brains
People have always been fascinated with the brains of famous people. Find out what experts know about these famous brains.
89. Albert Einstein. Einstein’s brain was similar in size to other humans except in the region that is responsible for math and spatial perception. In that region, his brain was 35% wider than average.
90. London taxi drivers. Famous for knowing all the London streets by heart, these drivers have a larger than normal hippocampus, especially the drivers who have been on the job longest. The study suggests that as people memorize more and more information, this part of their brain continues to grow.
91. VI Lenin. After his death, Lenin’s brain was studied and found to have an abnormally large and numerous neurons in a particular region that may explain his "strikingly acute and penetrating mental processes" for which he was famous.
92. Oldest brain. A brain thought to be 2000 years old was unearthed just recently at the University of York in northern England.
93. Babe Ruth. The Babe was tested by two Columbia psychology students and was determined to be working at 90% efficiency compared to the 60% efficiency measured for most people.
94. Daniel Tammet. Daniel Tammet is an autistic savant who, since the age of three when he suffered an epileptic seizure, has been able to perform astounding mathematical computations, knows seven languages, and is developing a language of his own.
95. Keith Jarrett. This jazz musician was discovered at age 3 to have perfect pitch, which scientists can pinpoint in the right frontal lobe.
Moments in History
The study of the brain has an interesting history. Check out this abbreviated time line to learn interesting facts about the history of brain research and development.
96. 2000 B.C.. Archeologists found evidence that primitive brain surgery was performed by drilling a hole in the skull.
97. 1811. Scottish surgeon Charles Bell described how each of the senses had a corresponding spot in the brain.
98. 1899. Aspirin was marketed as a pain reliever, but was not available without a prescription until 1915.
99. 1921. Hermann Rorschach invented the now-famous ink blot test for use with his patients.
100. 1959. The first rhesus monkey was sent into space to study human behavior.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Rainbow Book-Ends
Last week when they moved me from ICU to the neuro floor I received a big, beautiful room on the 7th floor overlooking the mountains - it seemed like the penthouse suite and I just loved looking out, day and night. Followed the full moon in all its beauty across the sky one night and never got tired of seeing the mountains. On Saturday morning, 6/25 I'd had a bad night with pain and was up early, sitting in the chair, facing the mountains and I looked up and there was a brilliant rainbow over the western sky as the sun came up. I looked at the clock and it was 6:25 am and I thought, ok, I should remember that. There were showers off and on throughout the day and that evening, at 7:25 pm we looked back toward the eastern sky and there was a brilliant double rainbow as the sun began to set. I got to thinking about my grandchildren and how I had made a card for each of them to help tell them about the bad thing I had behind my eye. They each had a rainbow, and I told them the rainbow is a symbol of God's promises to us. Then I got to thinking about God's promises - I'm not sure how many there are but sometimes I think of them this way; when we give our heart to the Lord and become his child, we become his heir, or receiver of all his gifts and promises. I think of each one of those as a gift-wrapped package with my name on it. Until I take it, unwrap it, accept and make it my own it just sits there looking beautiful but doesn't do me much good at all.
My Mom and sister gave me some book-end promises around my surgery that I wanted to share with you. The first is from Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." And the second, from the Living Bible, Psalm 94:19 "Lord, when doubts fill my mind and my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer." That's where the peace I had going into surgery came from. I challenge you today to find a promise and make it your own.
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