026 - Organic Fraud, Self-Schemas, and Improving Creativity - HealthHippieMD Week In Review

Wellness on Wheels

Wellness on Wheels Is Possible discusses how car makers are building "wellness" into their new vehicles in an attempt to decrease driving fatalities.

Attention, Attention

The ability to focus is an essential skill for physical and mental wellness, yet modern society pulls our attention in multiple directions. How to unlock your "peak mind" discusses the implications of poor attention and how to build your capacity to pay attention.

Soloman's Paradox

King Solomon was wise when it came to other people, but he was less successful in taking care of his personal affairs. The dichotomy gives rise to Soloman's Paradox, the fact that most people are better at advising others than themselves. How to use "Solomon's paradox" to give yourself good life advice discusses how to overcome the phenomenon.

Are Protein Bars Healthy?

Protein bars have come a long way since they were invented in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1980s. Although many people associate "protein" with health, many choices are ultra-processed and high in sugars and additives. In the long run, you're always better off with whole food: Are Protein Bars Good for You? What to Know About Nutrition. (gift article)

How to Change your Habits to Exercise in the Morning

The jury is still out on what is better for you, exercising in the morning vs. the evening. Some evidence suggests morning workouts are superior for fat loss, while afternoon exercise improves your laboratory profile. If you want to transition to morning exercise, How to Become a Morning Exercise Person (gift article) is for you.

Learning/Understanding Multiple Languages Slows Alzheimer's Onset

Although no clinical trials have explored the impact size, multiple studies have shown that speaking two languages slows the onset of Alzheimer's Disease. The thought behind this phenomenon is that knowing more than one language builds cognitive reserve: Duolingo is a better Alzheimer's treatment than drugs. There are similar findings for playing musical instruments. Does playing a musical instrument prevent dementia?

Cancer-Mortality Rate Falls in the U.S.

Since the early 1990s, the U.S. cancer mortality rate has fallen by one-third, according to a new report from the American Cancer Society. Behavioral changes and screening are just as significant (or maybe more so) than treatment. The Surprising Reason for the Decline in Cancer Mortality.

Biotech Trends for 2023

BigThink had an article on the biotech trends we should keep an eye on for 2023: 5 biotech trends to watch in 2023.

Self-Schemas

Self-schemas profoundly affect how we feel and interact with the world. A positive self-schema has numerous benefits, while a negative self-schema can be highly detrimental to our success and happiness. Feeling insecure? 5 science-backed strategies could help break the cycle, gives some insight into how to improve how you see yourself.

Meditation and the Microbiome

A small observational study of 37 Tibetan Monks, published in General Psychiatry, attempted to link meditation to the microbiome's health. The methodology is loaded with problems, but the article is interesting nonetheless. Deep Meditation May Alter Gut Microbes for Better Health

The Key to a Good Life

The Harvard Study of Adult Development established a strong correlation between deep relationships and well-being. How does one nurture those deep relationships? What the Longest Study on Human Happiness Found Is the Key to a Good Life. +More wisdom on prioritizing friendships and relationships: 6 Keys to Lifelong Friendship +Tim Urban tackles relationships and quality time in The Tail End — Wait But Why

Animal Self-Awareness

The discovery that a wide range of animals possess self-awareness has called into question their captivity in zoos and for research. Aeon published a thought-provoking article on the fight over human exceptionalism and our right to exploit other species: Why nonhuman beings should be granted personhood rights.

One Simple Way to Improve Your Wellness and Creativity

Emotional reappraisal has many benefits. Study reveals one brilliant brain hack that can unlock your creativity discusses emotional reappraisal and how to use it to improve your well-being.

Memories vs. Perception

As I mentioned in 024 - Musical Instruments and Cognition, Law of Jante, McGurk Effect, Awe, our perception can vary from reality. Here is an article on how your brain stores information: How the Brain Distinguishes Memories From Perceptions

USDA to Crack Down on 'Organic' Fraud

Sales of organic foods in the United States have more than doubled in the past ten years, jumping by a record 12.4 percent in 2020 to $61.9 billion as consumers became more concerned about eating healthy foods, thereby increasing the incentive for fraud. USDA's Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule aims to stamp out fraud (gift article) is about the government's attempts to cut down on deceptive practices in the organic food space.

Using Virtual Worlds to Minimize Pain

An interesting article about how researchers are using virtual environments to help alleviate pain: SnowWorld melts away the pain for burn patients, using virtual reality snowballs (thanks, Josh)

Another Study Tying Hearing Loss to Dementia

A new study in JAMA demonstrated a 61% higher incidence of dementia among older people with moderate to severe [hearing loss][1] compared to those with normal hearing. Even mild hearing loss posed a risk: Hearing Loss Strongly Tied to Increased Dementia Risk