PAINKILLERS CAN KILL HEARING:

 

Men who regularly take over-the-counter painkillers are twice as likely to suffer hearing problems as those who don't, a new study shows. Researchers have found that younger men are particularly at risk. For instance, taking acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) at least twice a week doubles the risk of mild to severe deafness before the age of 50. Other painkillers, including aspirin and ibuprofen (as in Advil), are also linked to hearing loss, the Harvard University researchers have found. (“I said IS YOUR HEADACHE GONE YET?”)
– DailyMail.co.uk
 

 

 

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SLEEP:

 

• We actually sleep better than we think we do. A recent University of Maryland study finds we’re getting just as much sleep nowadays as folks did 40 years ago.
• We need less sleep as we age. While it’s thought that school-age kids need circa 9 hours per night, seniors can get by on much less.
• Multiple, shorter sleep sessions rather than one long one are an option. This so-called ‘polyphasic’ sleep is common in babies, the elderly, as well as other members of the animal kingdom.
• EEGs show that most of us experience 2 alertness dips each day – one at night-time and the other at mid-day. That’s why feeling the need for an afternoon ‘desk nap’ is normal and can actually be good for you.
• A good night's sleep is within reach of most of us if we exercise regularly but not right before bedtime, go to bed at the same time nightly, and refrain from caffeine, heavy or spicy foods, and alcohol for 4-to-6 hours before bed-time.
– LiveScience.com
 

 

GREYER MATTERS:

 

 

Neuro-scientists at California’s UCLA have found that, as we age, our brain's reaction time slows and our ability to multi-task diminishes. But maturity also brings an enhanced ability to reason out problems and to empathize. And the middle-aged brain can still strengthen neuron circuits associated with memory and decision-making. The bottom line, according to the new research: The aging brain may be less quick, but it’s more shrewd. (Proof that wisdom is learned?)
– NPR.org

 

YOU GET WHAT YOU EAT:

 

According to medical researchers in Belgium, you can influence the gender of your baby just by eating specific foods. The study, published in the “Applied Health Solutions Journal”, shows a steady diet of fruits and vegetables will give you a good chance of producing a bouncing baby boy. (For a girl, try sugar and spice …)
– “Social Studies”