Body Sense

Summer 2012

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BODY TALK COMPILED BY JED HENEBERRY Exercise- Induced Down in the dumps? Research from Penn State University Excitement suggests exercise is one of the best remedies. People who are more physically active reported greater levels of excitement and enthusiasm in general, and all participants were more likely to report feelings of excitement and enthusiasm on days Smart Sun Protection Summer means sunshine, which can mean dangerous, cancer- causing sun exposure. Stay smart by taking advantage of the local ultraviolet (UV) index forecast provided by the National Weather Service. The forecast is available online at www.epa.gov/sunwise/ uvindex.html, and can now be taken on the road thanks to a new app from the US Environmental Protection Agency. The app provides forecasts by ZIP code on a 1–11+ UV index scale, and is available on multiple platforms at www.epa.gov/enviro/mobile/. they were physically active. "Doing more exercise than you typically do can give you a burst of pleasant-activated feelings," says David Conroy, professor of kinesiology at Penn State. "So today, if you want a boost, go do some moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise." Sugar Makes You Stupid You might think twice before reaching for a soda now that a study from UCLA has shown that high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a sweetener that is commonly added to soft drinks and other foods, disrupts clear thinking and memory in rats. Good news from the study is that consuming foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like fi sh, fl axseed, and walnuts, actually enhances brain function. Fernando Gomez-Pinilla, professor of integrative biology and physiology and neurosurgery at UCLA recommends limiting HFCS intake (the US Department of Agriculture estimates the average American consumes more than 40 pounds of HFCS a year) and embracing fresh berries, Greek yogurt, and possibly a daily capsule of docasahexaenoic acid (DHA) to help get the most out of your mind. Body Sense 11

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