IN YOUR DAILY DOSE: today is information from the Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University about how your brain’s hippocampus is involved in your innate GPS system.

MAKING CHANGES: You may be able to improve your learning and memory center of your brain, and make a difference in how well you can follow directions, or even find your own way.

FACT OR FICTION: today are definite facts about your immune system and how it impacts your daily health.

In The News

Researchers from Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University discovered how your hippocampus - a center for learning and memory - is used in your internal GPS system by studying mice.

They looked at the behavior of the brain between aimless wandering and when the mice had a specific place they were headed. Using treadmills, colors, textures and smells, researchers studied the behavior of mice while tracking their brain activity.

In essence they found that the brain used internal functions to draw a map, and mark your destination with a big X so you could locate it later. For instance, finding a restaurant a second time requires you both know a general location (map) and the exact area (location).

When you are going somewhere new in the same area, your brain updates the internal map to help you find the second place another time. This demonstrated two different levels of learning to the researchers, one which was more stable and the other more dynamic.

Daily Health Tip

Learning new information is easier when you continue to use your brain each day. Keeping those connections in your brain firing is one great way to make your everyday activities easier - such as remembering what’s on the list for the grocery store, new names or phone numbers.

Making Changes

Work your brain cells each day. Your brain needs exercise both physically and mentally.

1. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Don’t sit for more than 30 minutes at a time without getting up to stretch and move around.

2. Learn something new each week. Whether you memorize a Bible verse, a phone number or new names, it’s important you use it, or you’ll lose it.

3. Learn something that integrates your brain and physical activity - like dancing,skiing, basketball, or roller skating. Anything that is physical and doesn’t use complete repetitive movements, such as rowing or biking.  This creates stronger neurological bonds in your brain.

4. Do crossword puzzles or other puzzles that require you see the world in a different way.

Daily Affirmation

I am inspired by young kids who lead carefree lives. Their examples remind me that it is okay to relax.

My respect goes out to those who struggle to make ends meet. I am awed by how grateful they are even when their lives are devoid of necessities.

Fact or Fiction?

Immune Deficiency Diseases

Your immune system is responsible for management of your health and wellness. Here are several interesting facts you can start using today.

1. If you don’t get enough sleep, your immune system won’t work like it’s supposed to.

2. Chicken soup really does work for colds and the flu to reduce the inflammatory response in the body and make you feel better.

3. Your body builds antibodies from the germs to which you are exposed. If your environment is too clean you don’t build antibodies.

4. Autoimmune diseases affect women more than men.

5. Happy, healthy relationships and hugs help boost your immune system. Stress compromises your immune system.

6. Your cold doesn’t give you the symptoms in your body, instead it’s the way your body responds to a cold that creates the symptoms.

Have a wonderful day!

Your Healthy Life America Team