IF IT FEELS LIKE STRESS IS KILLING YOU, THAT'S BECAUSE IT MIGHT BE

WHEN YOU FEEL FRAZZLED, SO DO YOUR ORGANS AND CELLS

By Brooke Borel Posted 2 hours ago

 

Chronic Stress Has Consequences

Photograph and sculpture by Jason Freeny/Moistproduction.com

 

Chronic stress stems from many circumstances, such as poverty, a bad marriage, or long-term ailments. Its repercussions—elevated cortisol levels and inflammation—can wear us out, from the cellular level on up to our major biological systems.

Nervous System

The brain changes in response to experiences and the environment. This is especially true in childhood, when key structures—such as the amygdala, involved in the fight-or-flight center—develop. Extreme childhood adversity can alter these structures and impact mental health later in life. An estimated 30 percent of anxiety disorders are linked to early trauma. Research from Columbia University shows that orphans who spent their early years in institutional care can have abnormally large amyg­dalae, physical changes that can persist even after adoption.

Cardiovascular System

Both chronic stress and stress-related disorders, such as anxiety and depression, increase the risk for heart disease, although scientists are not entirely sure why. According to the American Heart Association, stress may indirectly influence cardiovascular health through high blood pressure as well as unhealthy behaviors, including overeating and smoking. And the shock of sudden, intense stress, such as the death of a partner, can rapidly weaken the heart, possibly because of a surge of stress hormones. The phenomenon is called broken heart syndrome.

Digestive System

The brain and the digestive tract are in constant communication, says Emeran Mayer, a gastroenterologist at UCLA. Unsurprisingly, chronic stress is associated with painful gastrointestinal issues. According to Mayer’s research, some patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) show abnormal levels of cortisol and cortisol-stimulating hormones. People with IBS are also more likely to suffer from stress-related psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and depression.

30: Percent of U.S. adults who say stress strongly impacts their physical health; 33 percent say it strongly impacts their mental health

Cells

Nearly every cell has chromosomes, and the tip of each one is capped by a bit of genetic material; each time a cell divides, these telomeres shorten. When they run out, the cell dies. The chronically stressed have unusually short telomeres, putting them at risk for many age-related illnesses. The effects can be dramatic: In 2014, researchers found that disadvantaged 9-year-old boys had telomeres 19 percent shorter than those from more stable environments.

Immune System

According to research by Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, a clinical psychologist at the Ohio State College of Medicine, vaccines are less effective when we’re stressed and wounds take longer to heal. Research from Carnegie Mellon University shows that stress even makes us more vulnerable to the common cold. In 2012, the scientists found a likely culprit: In a healthy body, cortisol helps suppress inflammation. But the chronically stressed have consistently elevated cortisol levels, so the immune system grows resistant to the hormone, effectively ignoring it. Inflammation-causing proteins called cytokines—associated with developing a cold—then go unchecked.

Metabolic System

High cortisol levels boost the amount of fat around the belly. Extra abdominal fat may increase the risk for diabetes, which in turn may impair the stress response in the brain, says Antonio Convit, a psychiatrist at the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research. The system that inhibits cortisol in the brain doesn’t work normally in people with type-2 diabetes. These patients also have blunted levels of cortisol when they wake up in the morning, as well as damage to the hippocampus, a brain region with concentrated cortisol receptors that is especially vulnerable to chronic stress.

How Does Stress Mess With Your Sleep?

Stress Hormones In The Blood

Katie Peek/Popular Science

Data source: P.W. Gold and G.P. Chousos, Molecular Psychiatry, July 2002

The stress hormone cortisol helps regulate sugar levels in the body. Cortisol levels vary throughout the day, but typically follow a circadian rhythm where they are highest in the morning, drop steadily, and then build up again overnight. Researchers from the National Institutes of Health found depressed patients tend to have abnormally high cortisol levels. Scientists still don’t know what this means, but it points to one of the many ways that stress-related disorders may interact with and disrupt normal body cycles.

Source: http://www.popsci.com/chronic-stress-it-could-be-killing-you?dom=tw&src=SOC

7 Job Interview Habits of Super Persuasive People

The next time you're looking for a job, give these powerfully effective interview habits a try.

BY PETER ECONOMY

IMAGE: Getty Images

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A job interview is an opportunity to sell yourself. It is your opportunity to prove to the interviewer that you possess the skills necessary to take the company forward and that you are someone who can be trusted.

The most important persuasion tool you have in your entire arsenal is integrity.--Zig Ziglar

If the interview was successful, then you have clearly communicated what you have to offer, and have gained another friend--and hopefully a new job.

Persuasive people know how to prepare for and excel at interviews. Here are 7 things super persuasive candidates do to gain the trust and enthusiasm of the interviewer.

1. They study up

Prior to the interview, learn everything you can about the job you are applying for and the company. You can be far more persuasive when you understand and discuss how your skills align with those of the position you are interviewing for and the company's mission and future vision.

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2. They make the first seconds count

Researchers say you have about 7 seconds to make a great first impression. When you're doing an in-person interview, you need to look your best--dress professionally. Brush up on good body language practices. Always enter the interview with a cheerful, genuine smile along with a firm handshake. And, always greet the interviewer by name.

3. They develop a relationship

Tap into your emotional intelligence for interviews. Follow the lead of the interviewer and mirror his or her emotions. Is the interviewer shy or outgoing? Tone it down for the more reserved person and pump it up for the go-getter. Empathize with the interviewer and communicate your thoughts clearly. Strive for a relaxed, open and honest, friendly conversation as if you are speaking to a friend. The fact is, most people would much rather work with someone they personally like.

4. They zoom in on skills

Answer questions confidently and include specific examples of the skills you bring to the table. What is it that makes you special? How have you solved issues, handled customers, or worked alongside your co-workers in the past that demonstrate to the interviewer that you have the ability to be productive and an asset? Through your descriptive examples of past contributions and working relationships, you will draw a picture of the kind of person and worker you will be.

5. They don't push too hard

Even though you do have to sell yourself and let the interviewer know what you have to contribute, rein in the pushiness. If you get too pushy--speaking over the interviewer or becoming argumentative or confrontational--the interviewer will begin to tune you out and move to wrap up the interview as soon as possible--sending you on your way.

6. There are certain words they never use

You don't want your interviewer to come away from the interview not 100% sure you want the job. Ending too many sentences with a question as if you're seeking approval or saying things like, "I think," "I'm fairly confident," or "I'm pretty sure," is not going to leave the interviewer feeling confident about you and your prospects for working for their company.

7. They ask a lot of questions

Your interviewer will know you're listening to their every word when you ask appropriate questions following their pauses. This shows you genuinely care and want to learn more about the position and the company. Before your interview, be sure to have a few questions ready for that end-of-interview question, "Do you have any questions?" And, be prepared to ask the interviewer the same--you want to be sure before leaving that the interviewer knows you well and that there are no lingering questions.
PUBLISHED ON: MAR 20, 2015

 

Source: http://www.inc.com/peter-economy/7-job-interview-habits-of-super-persuasive-people.html

How To Work Faster And Smarter

BY AMY JOHNSON

Do you want to work faster and smarter? It can seem like an impossible task when your to-do list is as long as your arm and the work is still piling up, but the reality is that often the common methods we choose when working are not the most productive ones.

Check out 10 tips to help you to work smarter and faster.

1. Avoid Multitasking

Although a small amount of people are great at multitasking, for most people multitasking just reduces efficiency. Doing two tasks at once means you’re more likely to make little mistakes, as your brain is jumping from task to task. Focus on one task and fully complete it before moving on to the next one to produce better quality work in the same amount of time – or less!

2. Turn Off Your Non-Essential Technology

Nowadays technology is a huge part of most people’s working day, but it can really slow you down. When are you most productive during your working day? Whether it is first thing in the morning or early in the afternoon, schedule two hours to put your phone on silent and switch off your email notifications.
You can ring and email people back once the time is over, but during that time you will work faster because you chose to only focus on your work.

3. Shut The Door While You Work

Many companies have an open door policy at work to encourage openness. However, if you want to work faster, close your door for at least a few hours during the day. Interruptions and distractions are much more likely to happen if the door is open, so cut out the temptation if you want to have an extra productive day.

4. Create A Personalized Structure

Most people tend to work faster and smarter if they have a structure. Remember that everyone is different; something that works well for your boss may not work as well for you.

Think about when you are at your most productive, and try to plan your working day around that time. Remember to plan responding to calls and emails, too; most people simply do this throughout the day, slowing down their work and making themselves less efficient.

5. Set A Finish Time

If you know you will be leaving the office at 6, it will help you work more efficiently until then. Knowing you have a deadline will help you to prioritize tasks, as well as making you less likely to procrastinate.

6. Pre-Plan Breaks

Taking short breaks helps you to stay focused so that you work faster and smarter. If you don’t schedule them into your day, you can end up taking breaks that are too long, or not taking any at all, which can result in you becoming stressed or working to a lower standard.
Try to spend your break productively – stretch your legs and make a cup of tea, rather than logging onto Facebook.

7. Remember Some Tasks Are More Important Than Others

Many people feel like they have put too much effort into a meaningless task at work at least once. Try to remember this when you decide how important each of your jobs are; some are career-changing and some will never be noticed.

If a task only takes 10 minutes, don’t try to make it amazing and spend half an hour on it – it won’t become any more important. Instead, focus on the tasks that you know matter.

8. Set A Bedtime And Keep To It

As well as a work schedule, having a sleep schedule for the days you work will help you to work faster and smarter. You will work more efficiently if you have slept well, so set a bed time that means you get enough sleep, and turn off the internet on your phone so you stick to it.

9. Keep Your Desk And Laptop Clutter Free

The less clutter you have, the less stress you will feel. This especially applies to work when your stress levels are often higher. Keep a clear desktop and desk to make it easier for you to find anything you need, so you don’t have to waste time and you can keep a clear head.

10. Make Sure You Have Everything You Need

Planning ahead and making sure you have everything you need will help to save you time and help you to work faster. Before you start your working day, make sure your phone and laptop are charged, and that you have all of the equipment you need. Having to look for a pencil, or charge your laptop could take quarter of an hour out of your day, and you may struggle to refocus on work afterwards.

 

Source: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/how-work-faster-and-smarter-3.html?n=1&ref=tp

The Brain Stimulator Method Review

The Brain Stimulator Review – We know that  persons brain is the soul of the our central nervous system. It controls unconscious activities such as breathing, digestion, and heart beat, which are also known as automated functions of the physique. This organ also regulates other conscious actions that are regarded as greater order activities like thinking, abstraction, and thought. A persons brain is superior to any other brain associated with a other living varieties that are known to mankind.

This is a unique program, has been clinically proven to help prevent and reverse brain issues such as dementia and considerably strengthen mental power, memory and concentration. This program was developed by 2 highly experienced researchers Prof. J. Wilson and Doctor. Richard Humphrey after many years of relentless off-grid study and clinical trials.

This particular method is so extraordinary and efficient that it has practically been banned in a few jurisdictions because it’s users tend to have intimidating intellectual capabilities. This program comes as PDF prepared eBook available for purchase on the internet. The PDF documents contain several easy brain exercises in addition to how they are performed to create the beneficial effects upon brain health.

Is Brain Stimulator Method Really Works?

The program has become very popular that an estimated more than 39K people and keeping track of use it daily with every confessing its efficacy. This particular controversial brain trick has been clinically proven in order to drastically improve greater brain functions including intellectual functions, and promote and regrow nerves permanently.

The Brain Stimulator Method may return your brain overall performance to the useful many years (20s) not issue your current age or even cognitive condition. Actually, the unique brain exercises within the eBook have been proven to enhance rejuvenate brains intellectual performance in just a fortnight. You will be surprised to understand that the developer from the method is a 104-year old neuroscientist that recovered from Alzheimer’s illness in just 14 days.

Advantages Of Brain Stimulator Method Program:

• The method is simple, however highly effective. It can be used through anyone of any age as well as cognitive status. It is possible from the comfort of your home.
• .The method is very secure as no medicines, mechanical stimulation or any other weird methods are utilized.
• It will help to prevent and change brain issues such as dementia, as well as effortlessly improve storage, concentration and focus. This particular effects are long term
• Brain Stimulator Method is backed by many years of off-grid research by top neuroscientists and supported by many peer reviewed healthcare journals.
• The eBook is actually competitively priced and it possesses an unbelievable discount. Apart from, it comes with 60-day money back guarantee, if you are not satisfied with the outcomes.

Dis-advantages Of Brain Stimulator Method Program:

Apart from advantages, here is some cons of this method:

• There is very little unfavorable thing to say relating to this eBook because it is packed with so many benefits you will simply find out after using the product.
• One problem with this eBook is the fact that very little information is on its mechanism associated with action because of copyright laws issues. Besides, pharmaceutical drug companies and health professionals are fighting to keep their stance.

Final Thoughts About This Method:

If you or your family member has been suffering from the signs and symptoms of declining brain wellness such as forgetting people’s titles, forgetting your secrets, difficulty communicating, lack of balance and co-ordination, personality changes and have already been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s illness or you want to enhance your brains performance then your Brain Stimulator Method is the way to go. Go to their official web page and purchase the product. You’ll wake up to find a brand new you.

Source: http://www.tilakmundu.com/the-brain-stimulator-method-review.html

Measuring dementia risk: Now there's a number for that, too

Neurologists have developed a test to help predict the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment, or MCI. People with MCI are much more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

By MELISSA HEALY

March 18, 2015, 3:18PM

Few of us would be eager to have a future of dementia revealed to us while we are still sharp. But there are powerful arguments for knowing -- as early as possible -- if we are at risk.

True, there is currently no medication that can slow or reverse Alzheimer's disease. But more and more research suggests that long before dementia sets in, nearly imperceptible changes are happening in the brain. Researchers believe that the key to bending dementia's arc will be to intervene either before behavioral symptoms set in or when they are still very mild.

And if researchers are to find therapies for dementia that work, they will need clinical trial participants who are brave enough both to learn they are at risk early and to submit to experimental treatments.

A new study, published Wednesday in the journal Neurology, distills a way for physicians and their patients, in the course of a regular office visit, to measure an individual's risk of developing mild cognitive impairment, or MCI. In a population of 1,449 Minnesotans 70 to 89 years old, the resulting algorithm helped identify individuals whose scores were in the top 25% and who were more than seven times more likely to develop MCI than those in the bottom quartile of risk.

Patients diagnosed with MCI are at greatly increased risk for Alzheimer's disease: studies suggest that each year, 10% to 15% of those with MCI will progress to Alzheimer's. So knowing one's risk for developing MCI may be one of the earliest ways to detect future Alzheimer's patients at a point when still-experimental therapies might work.

“This risk scale may be an inexpensive and easy way for doctors to identify people who should undergo more advanced testing for memory issues or may be better candidates for clinical trials,” said Dr. Ronald C. Petersen, a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and lead author of the study.

Until now, the most powerful single marker for Alzheimer's disease risk has been whether an individual is a carrier of a specific variation of the APOE-4 gene. The current study finds that a person's APOE-4 carrier status can further refine his or her risk for mild cognitive impairment. But the risk measure devised here also takes into account other contributors to risk that can be easily gleaned during an office visit.

For men and women alike, a diagnosis of diabetes contributes powerfully to the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment, particularly if the individual is younger than 75 and has developed the metabolic condition already. Two other hefty contributors to MCI risk are high levels of agitation, anxiety or apathy, as measured by a patient's response to a battery of neuropsychiatric questions.

A history of alcohol problems, self-reported memory problems and failure to complete at least 12 years of education also contribute to a man or woman's risk of MCI. And a history of stroke or atrial fibrillation nudged risk scores up modestly.

Some risk factors are specific to a patient's gender.

For women, being a current smoker, or having had worrisome cholesterol numbers, high blood pressure or diabetes in midlife drive risk of MCI higher.

Could a blast of sonic waves restore memory lost to Alzheimer's disease?
Could a blast of sonic waves restore memory lost to Alzheimer's disease?
For men, being widowed or having never married raises MCI risk. And having been obese at anytime (body mass index of 30 or above) also drive up the likelihood of MCI. In men, walking carefully or unsteadily -- slow gait -- also raises risk.

When added to this constellation of risk measures, APOE-4 carrier status proved only to confer moderately increased risk of developing mild cognitive impairment.

In an accompanying editorial published in Neurology, Dr. Timo Grimmer and Alan B. Zonderman cautioned that, until the current findings have been replicated in a larger and more ethnically and educationally diverse sample, physicians would be "well advised to utilize the risk score with caution."
But Grimmer, an Alzheimer's disease researcher, and Zonderman, a cognitive neuroscientist at the National Institutes of Health, said the study offers physicians and their patients some key guidance on how to lower risk of dementia, starting in midlife: for women, avoid or stop smoking, and for men, stay trim.

For both sexes, the latest research underscores the importance of keeping alcohol consumption moderate or quitting altogether. And at all costs, head off the development of type 2 diabetes, a metabolic condition closely linked to obesity.

 

Source: http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-dementia-number-20150318-story.html

Why men lose their memory younger than women

Men are affected by memory loss earlier than women, according to a study. Why does it happen and what can we do to stave it off?

'This type of decline happens in other organs of the body, so why shouldn’t it happen with the brain?' Photo: ALAMY

 

By Telegraph Men

10:33AM GMT 17 Mar 2015

Men over 40 have worse memories than women of the same age, according to a study carried out by American scientists.

The research showed that the hippocampus area of the brain, which is key to memory storage, normally began shrinking from the age of 30 in both sexes, but tended to decline more rapidly in men.

Dr Clifford Jack Jr. of the Mayo Clinic and Foundation in Minnesota said it was still unclear why this was, but might be because the female hormone oestrogen protects women’s brains from neuron damage until later in life.

The study - of 1,246 people between the ages of 30 and 95 - also showed that memory lapses are felt by everyone once they reach middle age, and those who experience them should not necessarily worry about the onset of dementia.

“A decline in memory is something that happens to everyone,” Dr Jack said.

“This type of decline happens in other organs of the body, so why shouldn’t it happen with the brain?”
Another academic said the study would help with our understanding of dementia.
Dr Charles DeCarli of the University of California at Davis, Sacramento, said: "Understanding the basic biology of these early processes are likely to substantially inform us about ways in which we can maintain cognitive health and optimise resistance to late-life dementia."
In common with previous studies, this new research found that men had lower average scores than women on verbal mental tests even as teenagers. Women tended to keep the advantage in this area until they went through the menopause or hit their 50s.
Previous studies have suggested Champagne, cups of cocoa and learning another language could help stave off memory loss.

Others have put forward regular exercise or even “a sharp pinch” as the secret to enjoying total recall even into later life.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/active/mens-health/11476932/Why-men-lose-their-memory-younger-than-women.html

10 reasons your belly fat isn’t going away

Published March 17, 2015

 

A little bit of belly fat is actually good for you: it protects your stomach, intestines, and other delicate organs. But too much fat is anything but healthy. Extra fat cells deep in your abdomen (aka visceral fat) generate adipose hormones and adipokines—chemical troublemakers that travel to your blood vessels and organs, where they cause inflammation that can contribute to problems like heart disease and diabetes. The good news? Every pound you shed can help reduce your girth.
"Once women start losing weight, they typically lose 30 percent more abdominal fat compared with total fat," said Dr. Rasa Kazlauskaite, an endocrinologist at the Rush University Prevention Center in Chicago.
Even better, the choices you make every day can supercharge your ability to burn belly fat. Here are 10 common pitfalls—and ways to undo each one.
You're on a low-fat diet
To shed belly fat, it's good to eat fat—specifically monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). When researchers in one study asked women to switch to a 1,600-calorie, high-MUFA diet, they lost a third of their belly fat in a month.

 

"MUFAs are satiating, so they help you eat fewer poor-quality foods," said Dr. David Katz, director of the Yale Prevention Research Center.
Belly blaster: Have a serving of MUFAs—like a handful of nuts, a tablespoon of olive oil, or a quarter of an avocado—with every meal and snack.
You've been feeling blue for a while
Women with depressive symptoms were far more likely to have extra belly fat, found a recent Rush University Medical Center study. That may be because depression is linked to reduced physical activity and poor eating habits.
Belly blaster: Exercise! "It improves levels of brain chemicals that regulate metabolism of fat, as well as your mood,"Kazlauskaite said.
This enhances your motivation to do other things that help ward off depression, like seeing friends. But if you're so bummed out that you don't want to do things you used to enjoy, it's time to seek the help of a therapist.
Your food comes from a box
Simple carbs (like chips) and added sugar (in items like sweetened drinks) cause your blood sugar to spike, which triggers a flood of insulin—a hormone that encourages your liver to store fat in your middle.
Belly blaster: Instead of focusing on cutting out junk, center your efforts on adding in healthy fare (think extra servings of vegetables at each meal). As Katz said, "Filling your tank with high-quality fuel thwarts hunger."
You're skimping on the miracle mineral
Magnesium regulates more than 300 functions in the body. No surprise, then, that a 2013 study found that people who consumed more of it had lower blood sugar and insulin levels.
Belly blaster: At least twice a day, reach for magnesium-rich foods such as dark leafy greens, bananas, and soybeans.
You're hooked on diet soda
A study in Obesity found that diet soda drinkers were more likely to have a high percentage of fat in their bellies. The researchers think that diet drinkers may overestimate the calories they're "saving," and then overeat.
Belly blaster: If you're not ready to kick your habit, the researchers suggest reducing the number of food calories in your diet.
You love burgers
When Swedish researchers gave one group of adults 750 extra daily calories, mainly from saturated fat, and another group the same amount of calories but mostly from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for seven weeks, the saturated fat group accumulated two times as much visceral fat.
Belly blaster: Dine on fatty fish like salmon or trout once a week to get a good dose of PUFAs. The rest of the time, reduce your intake of red meat and opt instead for protein low in saturated fat, such as legumes and chicken.
You think girls don't get beer guts
According to a 2013 Danish study, beer may indeed be linked with abdominal obesity. And though beer appears to have the greatest impact, wine won't save you from a spare tire: One study found that the amount of alcohol of any type that women drank contributed to weight gain.
Belly blaster: Stick with seven or fewer alcoholic beverages a week. Light to moderate drinkers are the least likely to carry excess weight anywhere, shows a recent Archives of Internal Medicine study.
You can't recall when you last said "om"
Menopause-related hormonal changes (which typically begin in your 40s) make it harder to shed stomach pudge—but vigorous yoga can help offset the effects. A 2012 study found that postmenopausal women who did an hour-long yoga session three times a week for 16 weeks lost more than 1/2 inch around their waists.
Belly blaster: Not a fan of Sun Salutations?
"Take an hour to do something nice for yourself," which could help control your stress hormones, advised Dr. Sheila Dugan, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist in Chicago.
Your meals are beige
Brightly colored fruits and veggies are loaded with vitamin C, which reduces cortisol. What's more, a recent study in The Journal of Nutrition showed that people who ate more of the nutrients in red, orange, and yellow produce had smaller waists as a result.
Belly blaster: Add color to your plate by topping fish with a mango salsa, or throw diced red pepper into your turkey meatballs.
Your sweat sessions don't involve sweat
Research has shown that high-intensity interval training, or HIIT—bursts of vigorous activity followed by short periods of gentle activity or rest—boasts belly-shrinking benefits.
"High-intensity exercise seems to be more effective at reducing insulin, triglycerides, and cortisol, and it burns more calories in less time, too," noted Shawn Talbot, PhD, a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine.
Belly blaster: If you enjoy biking or running, for example, accelerate to a pace that makes it hard to talk for two minutes; then slow down for a minute, and repeat until you're done. Like resistance training? Try a series of moves like squats or push-ups for two minutes each with a 60-second break between them.

Source: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/03/17/10-reasons-your-belly-fat-isnt-going-away/