According to Timothy Bussey, a behavioral neuroscientist researcher from Cambridge, running or aerobic exercise stimulates and leads to the growth of hundreds of thousands of new brain cells or fresh grey matter. These new brain cells improve the ability to recall memories without confusing them which is a skill that is crucial for learning as well as other cognitive tasks. It is believed that this growth will slow down the deterioration of mental ability that happens during the aging process. In other words exercise can play a vital role in keeping your brain young and healthy.
In the study, the running group grew fresh grey matter. Tissue samples from the dentate Gyrus part of the brain revealed on average 6,000 new brain cells in every cubic millimeter. The dentate Gyrus is part of the hippocampus one of the regions of the adult brain that can grow fresh brain cells. So, be like those healthy mice, find your own running wheel.
Previous studies have shown that”neurogenesis” is limited in people with depression but their symptoms can improve if they exercise regularly. Some antidepressant drugs work by encouraging the growth of new brain cells. Although unsure why exercise triggers the growth of grey matter, it is hypothesized that it may be linked to an increased blood flow or higher levels of hormones that are released while exercising. Also, exercise might reduce stress as this unhealthy condition inhibits the growth of new brain cells by a hormone called cortisol. If you are depressed or stressed by reading this information, quickly get up and start moving.
Joyce Carol Oates, the American author and professor at Princeton University, said it brilliantly:” Running! If there’s any activity happier, more exhilarating, more nourishing to the imagination, I can’t think of what it might be. In running the mind flees with the body, the mysterious efflorescence of language seems to pulse in the brain, in rhythm with our feet and the swinging of our arms.” This information was found in The Guardian, Monday, January 18, 2010,
Linda and I were the hosts for Thanksgiving. joining us at our table included Secretariat and Debbie, Secretariat's sister Penny( a double century bike rider) and husband Steve( knowledgeable about Katz’s Deli in New York), Debbie’s sister Sharon and daughter Alyssa( a Humboldt State college student), and Linda’s daughter Christie( participated in the 5K Sacramento Thanksgiving fund raiser ). The food was simply outstanding and the company superb. It was a super Thanksgiving celebration.
Saturday’s plan includes a trail run from Franks. Will be doing about 16 miles. Saturday’s group will more than likely consist of Secretariat, , Chris, Madhu and Farah and me. Penny, Steve, Debbie and others plan to do some hiking at Cronin ranch. That evening our group and others are going us at a nearby restaurant to celebrate my birthday which is a few days away. Incidentally Chris Turney’s birthday is one day after mine. Birthdays can be good. I know from personal experience as I have had many.
Remember to keep moving and run for your life.
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