For The Union-Tribune
Reading as therapy, physical and psychological
A good book (and this particular news feature) can change the way you think and feel, quite literally. There’s actual scientific evidence — at least for the part about reading a good book. We’re happily assuming the latter.
Researchers have found that reading can rewire neural pathways, increasing brain connectivity and, in essence, make you smarter because brain regions communicate more effectively, improving cognition.
Reading (at least the kind that brings enjoyment) also triggers the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and endorphins, all of which are associated with feelings of pleasure, relaxation and happiness.
Reading is also linked to increased empathy and understanding.
This is all good news — just remember you read it here first.
Sleep starts and stops
It’s estimated that up to 70 percent of us have experienced hypnic jerks — brief, involuntary muscle spasms that suddenly awaken you during sleep or worse, just as you’re about to fall into slumberland.
They can affect anybody, regardless of age or gender.
Why hypnic jerks happen isn’t really known. There are multiple proposed reasons, including high caffeine or alcohol consumption, intense physical workouts close to bedtime, sleep deprivation and stress.
The spasms are considered normal and have not been linked to any kind of pathological problem or mental health condition, though persons with Parkinson’s, chronic migraines or brain lesions have been documented experiencing more hypnic jerks than what is considered typical.
Still, you should consult a physician if you feel they are keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep. Or getting to sleep at all.
Body of knowledge
You cannot get goosebumps on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet, because goosebumps only occur where there is hair. They are contractions of the tiny muscles in the skin’s hair follicles.
Mark your calendar
January is awareness month for glaucoma, birth defects prevention, cervical health, blood donations and your thyroid, a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck that produces and secretes hormones that control metabolic functions in the body.
Phobia of the week
Ephebiphobia — fear of teenagers (not all that rare)
Observation
“I’ve been on a constant diet for the last two decades. I’ve lost a total of 789 pounds. By all accounts, I should be hanging from a charm bracelet.”
— American humorist Erma Bombeck (1927-1996)
Medical history
This week in 1954, The New York Times described a new frozen turkey dinner from C.A. Swanson & Sons of Omaha that would soon hit market shelves for $1 per packaged serving.
It was the first “TV dinner,” consisting of an aluminum foil tray with a foil overwrap filled with white and dark turkey slices, cornbread sage dressing and gravy, plus two separate compartments containing green peas and mashed sweet potatoes with butter.
Each 12-ounce dinner required only about 25 minutes in a hot oven to be ready for consumption, with the foil tray disposable. No plates needed. Six months later, a fried chicken TV dinner debuted and American gustatory history was changed forever.
Self-exam
Q: Which of these phrases are historical euphemisms for sex?
a) bread and butter
b) making a quilt
c) amorous congress
d) basket-making
e) afternoon tea
f) melting moments
g) convivial society
A: a, c, d, g
Fit to be tried
There are thousands of exercises and you’ve only got one body, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try them all: The “dead bug” is often described as the most effective, single exercise for activating core (abdominal, lower back, hip) muscles essential to balance and stability. It also strengthens arms and legs.
Start by lying down on your back (in supine) on an exercise or yoga mat with your knees bent.
Keeping the natural curvature of your spine, lift both legs up into a tabletop position (knees and hips bent at 90 degrees).
Raise your arms so they are both pointing straight toward the ceiling.
Maintaining a neutral spine, extend your right leg forward while simultaneously raising your left arm overhead in a controlled manner.
Return your arm and leg to the starting position, then switch to repeat the movement on the opposite side.
It’s important to keep your spine in a supported position throughout the exercise, and remember to keep breathing. This exercise should not cause any pain.
Epitaphs
“This grave contains all that was Mortal of a Young English Poet Who on his Death Bed, in the Bitterness of his Heart at the Malicious Power of his Enemies Desired these Words to be engraven on his Tomb Stone: Here lies One Whose Name was writ in Water.”
— Headstone of English poet John Keats (1795-1821), who died of tuberculosis and was buried in Rome’s Protestant cemetery without his name or dates (per his request)
LaFee is vice president of communications for the Sanford Burnham Prebys research institute.
