Issue Date: August 12, 2007
Think about it: Strong brains need exercise
Increasingly, research shows that regular workouts can help boost memory.
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Sudoku may offer some mental exercise, but it turns out that actual exercise may do even more for brain health. Researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in San Diego have linked physical exercise to neurogenesis, the scientific term for new brain cell growth.
"There is growing evidence that regular and consistent, moderate physical exercise can improve cognitive performance in young, healthy individuals and in the aging population," says Fred H. Gage, lead researcher of the study and Adler professor at the Salk Institute. "Our own research revealed that physical exercise increases the birth and survival of new brain cells in the mouse hippocampus, a brain area important for learning and memory."
Scientists still are working to prove a direct link between exercise and the prevention of such diseases as Alzheimer's, but for now they predict it could help eliminate especially frustrating experiences like losing your keys. Says Gage: "It can help you remember people that you met recently, as well."
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Cool off at a water park
If you thought a water park was nothing more than a couple of slides and a swimming pool, then it's high time to visit the country's new crop of water parks. These multi-ride complexes now rival classic amusement parks. Here are some of the best:
Noah's Ark, Wisconsin Dells, Wis. America's largest water park has 45 water slides, two wave pools and two "endless" rivers set on 70 acres. The main attraction is the "Black Anaconda," a 1/4-mile-long water coaster that claims to be the country's longest.
Great Wolf Lodge, Scotrun, Pa. The Hydro Plunge, a roller coaster that switches between a motorized track and a free-fall water slide, is the big draw at this park in the Poconos.
Schlitterbahn, New Braunfels, Texas It will take you almost an hour to navigate the mile-long Raging River inner-tube chute.
Wet 'n Wild, Orlando. Thrill seekers come here for the Bomb Bay's trap door that opens and sends you down a chute for 76 near-vertical feet.
Splashin' Safari, Santa Claus, Ind. More than 10 stories tall, Zoombabwe, said to be the world's tallest enclosed slide, is some serious fun.
Blizzard Beach, Lake Buena Vista, Fla. If you want big thrills at this Disney park, then head for Summit Plummet for a nearly vertical, 120-foot-tall water slide.
Water Country USA, Williamsburg, Va. Hop on an inner tube on one of the four 415-foot-long flumes of Jet Scream for a 25 mph ride. Or, race friends down the Nitro Racer course.
Everett Potter is an award-winning travel writer.
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Credit loophole closes
Want to improve your credit score by piggybacking on a relative's stellar credit card account? Start looking for Plan B. Fair Isaac Corp. has announced a change in its FICO credit scoring system that will no longer consider authorized user accounts when calculating credit scores.
"Adding a family member or friend as an authorized user on an existing credit card account has often been used as a way to establish credit," says Fair Isaac's Craig Watts. "But some credit repair organizations have recently used this system [called "credit renting"] as a way to sell authorized user account access to consumers with credit problems."
The change aims to close that loophole beginning in September with one of the three major credit-reporting agencies; the other two will follow suit in 2008.
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Popcorn can help save your life
3 cups popcorn
= 1 serving whole grain
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Lots of studies say eating whole grains -- including popcorn -- may help save you from heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
Now, the Iowa Women's Health Study finds that women over age 55 who eat the most whole grains are 35% less apt to die of an array of inflammatory diseases. That includes infections, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
How much? In the study, those who ate at least 11 servings of whole grains a week received the most protection against inflammatory diseases (excluding cancer and heart disease).
What qualifies? Whole-wheat kernels (wheat berries), wild rice, brown rice, popcorn, bulgur wheat, oats and oatmeal, barley, buckwheat, kasha, cracked wheat, quinoa, and various whole-grain cereals (check labels).
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