Keeping Your Brain Healthy: Brain-FX

IQ Isn't Fixed and Inherited After All

New studies indicate that IQ isn't as permanently fixed by genetics as previously thought. Studies are now showing that environment contributes a lot to children's abilities to learn and perform well on tests of intelligence.

Please read this post by NY Times Journalist Nicholas D. Kristof Raising Our IQ. Be sure to read the interesting comments for additional perspectives.

Cell Phones & Your Brain: Think About It

They keep turning up research that shows there is electro-magnetic stimulation to your brain caused by holding a cell phone to your ear, yet most people ignore it.

To me, it's like knowing cigarettes cause cancer, and continuing to smoke. It reminds me of how people deplore the price of gasoline, while filling up their huge SUVs.

But maybe that's just because I feel a little holier-than-thou, having given up cell phone usage a while back. I only use it for out-going calls in cases of urgency. I'll admit it can be a great help for communications while out of the office. But to use it for casual conversations, or while driving: no-no.

Here's more research to deter you from frequently using a cell phone, from the Brain Based Business blog:

A recent study on cell phones shows the side effect still excite parts of the brain. Is this good or bad…? Unfortunately researchers can’t say for sure. Check out the IBN Live reports.

Brain Awareness Week March 13-19th 2006

Brain Awareness Week is an international effort organized by the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives to advance public awareness about the progress and benefits of brain research.

The Dana Alliance is joined in the campaign by partners in the United States and around the world, including medical and research organizations; patient advocacy groups; the National Institutes of Health, and other government agencies; service groups; hospitals and universities; K-12 schools; and professional organizations.

Visit dana.org for more information on how to become involved. Last year Brain Awareness Week was celebrated in 57 countries.

My challenge to you: do something to give your brain a boost: exercise, healthy eating (strawberries and spinach, not necessarily together), a new hobby or puzzle, or learn something new. If you are a parent, talk to your kids about the brain and how they can help keep their brains healthy and happy.

And if you're not, take your brain for a walk, smell the roses, go off caffeine for a week, do something kind to your brain.