Tuesday, September 13, 2011

A Hearty Laugh


A recent study out of the Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD found that laughing causes the blood vessels of the cardiovascular system to dilate and relax.  This means that the vessels open up wider, allowing blood to flow easier throughout the body.  In other words, your heart doesn't have to work so hard to pump blood where it needs to.  This proves that laughing really is great medicine! 

Exercise & Your Brain

Did you know?  When you exercise, your brain releases something called BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor).  BDNF rejuvenates brain cells and circuitry to improve your mental function.  Exercise also increases blood flow to the brain which means more oxygen and nutrition reaching the brain.  Want to think more clearly?  Make exercise a routine part of your lifestyle!