Author Archives: Edward Brownlee

7 Supplements That Might Actually Help | Readers Digest

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There are seven supplements that can help some people strengthen their bones, improve their sleep, protect their heart, and more.

1. Calcium: Strong Bone Builder. Calcium is the  most abundant mineral in the body, and is primarily stored in your bones. If you don’t get enough in your diet, your body will start taking it from your bones, resulting in a heightened risk of osteoporosis. Calcium also helps your muscles to move effectively, your blood vessels to send blood throughout your body, and your nerves to send messages to control important bodily functions, such as the release of hormones.

2. Collagen: For Skin and Joint Health. Collagen is a protein that helps form connective tissue, including skin, bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The body makes less of it with age, leading to sagging skin and osteoarthritis, so maintaining adequate levels is important.

3. Fish Oil: For Your Brain and Heart. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids called EPA and DHA, which your body needs to form cell membranes throughout your body—especially in your eyes and brain. They can also reduce triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood linked to heart disease.

4. Magnesium: Healthy Muscles and More. Your body uses this mineral to regulate blood pressure and blood sugar, make proteins, and ensure healthy muscle and nerve function. Low levels of magnesium may contribute to migraine headaches and muscle cramps.
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5. Melatonin: For Better Sleep. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate your circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock that tells you when it’s time to go to bed at night or wake up in the morning. Your body releases melatonin as you approach bedtime to make you sleepy, especially if you manage to get plenty of daylight in the morning and avoid too much light at night. When you wake up, your levels of melatonin dip.

6. Vitamin B12: Important for Nerve Health. Vitamin B12, one of eight B vitamins, plays a key role in red blood cell formation and nervous system function. Healthy levels of B12 can prevent vitamin deficiency anemia, which can lead to weakness and fatigue, along with nerve damage, memory problems, depression, and heart palpitations.

7. Vitamin D: Bone, Brain, and Immunity Booster. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, which is key for maintaining bone density. Your body also needs it for healthy neuromuscular and immune function. Getting enough may support brain function and decrease the risk of depression. Low vitamin D has also been linked to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Reference:

  1. Ashley Abramson, 7 Supplements That Might Actually Help You, Readers Digest, August 1, 2024.  https://www.consumerreports.org/health/supplements/supplements-that-might-actually-help-you-a6441144119/

Negativity Bias

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The human brain is wired to give more weight to negative information than to positive or neutral information. It is wired to focus on what’s wrong in your life and environment.

Negativity bias is thought to have evolved as a survival mechanism of the human brain. Historically, recognizing and reacting to negative or threatening stimuli was crucial for survival, as these could indicate potential dangers such as predators. It allowed humans to survive the challenges and risks of living in the wild amongst predators.

This evolutionary background has led to a predisposition for humans to focus on negative information, which persists even in modern environments where such immediate threats are less common.

An example of negativity bias is: You are hiking with friends. While enjoying the scenery, you suddenly see a rattlesnake. The snake immediately slithers away. However, when asked about the hike later, you remember the snake incident more vividly than the beautiful scenery.

Being aware of negativity bias and actively seeking positive information can help balance the disproportionate focus on negative events.

Negativity bias causes you to dwell on the negative, making bad experiences seem much more important than they really are. This, in turn, can impact your decision-making and the opinions you form about others.

Negativity bias is a cognitive bias where negative experiences have a greater impact than positive ones. While negativity bias is pervasive, it can be mitigated through mindfulness, gratitude and focusing on positive experiences.

References:

  1. Kassiani Nikolopoulou, What Is Negativity Bias, Scribbr.com, February 2, 2023. https://www.scribbr.com/research-bias/negativity-bias/

 

7 Scientifically Proven Benefits Of Gratitude

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It’s easy to focus on the negatives during difficult times, but even on your hardest days, a daily gratitude practice trains your brain to look for the good in every day and helps you become more resilient.

Practicing gratitude has been scientifically proven to be associated with an individual’s well-being, general feelings of happiness and overall mental health.

Here are 7 scientifically proven benefits of gratitude from an article titled, “7 Scientifically Proven Benefits Of Gratitude That Will Motivate You To Give Thanks Year-Round”, by psychotherapist, Amy Morin:

  • Gratitude opens the door to more relationships
  • Gratitude improves physical health
  • Gratitude improves psychological/brain health
  • Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression
  • Grateful people sleep better
  • Gratitude improves self-esteem
  • Gratitude increases mental strength

It’s so easy to focus on the negatives during difficult times, but even on our hardest days, a daily gratitude practice trains our mind to look for the good in every day and helps us become more resilient.

In a 2003 research study, the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that “gratitude was a major contributor to resilience following the terrorist attacks on September 11,” concluding that “recognizing all that you have to be thankful for — even during the worst times—fosters resilience.” (Psychology Today)

  1. https://www.namidanecounty.org/blog/2020/4/14/how-to-start-a-gratitude-journal

Always Something to be Grateful

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“There is always always always something to be grateful for…Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you.” It’s about appreciating the small moments, expressing kindness, and recognizing the abundance in your life.”

No matter what challenges or hardships you face, there is always something to be grateful for. It might be a small moment of peace in the chaos, a smile from a stranger, or the simple fact that we have another day to try again.

Gratitude isn’t about having a perfect life; it’s about recognizing the good things and beauty in the imperfect.

When you pause to appreciate the little things — a warm cup of tea, a breath of fresh air, or the support of a friend — you cultivate a mindset that can transform your outlook, reminding you that even in the darkest times, light can still be found.

Gratitude is a powerful force that can ground you in the present and helps you navigate life’s ups and downs with joy, grace and resilience.

References:

  1. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/QzNoUpUdgCJ7n2Uy/

Gratitude Journal

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Starting a gratitude journal can be as simple writing down three things you are thankful for, no matter how small. Over time with using a gratitude journal, something tends to shift. You will begin noticing the little joys—the warmth of sunlight, a kind word from a friend, a delicious meal. As you continued this practice, your perspective changed. Even in difficult moments, there were reasons to be grateful.

One evening, I wrote about a simple act of kindness: a stranger held the door open for me at a coffee shop. It was such a small thing, but it touched my heart. That moment reminded me that goodness exists everywhere, even in the midst of challenges.

Gratitude became my anchor. It didn’t erase my problems, but it helped me navigate them with more resilience. I learned that gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you”; it’s about actively seeking out the beauty and goodness around us.

So, if you ever feel overwhelmed, consider starting a gratitude practice. Write down a few things you’re thankful for each day. You’ll be surprised at how it shifts your perspective and brings more positivity into your life.

National Debt

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The U.S.National Debt grows because the Federal government consistently spends more than it collects in revenue. This persistent gap between spending and revenue has existed for over two decades.

As of 8:40 am on August 19, 2024 (https://www.usdebtclock.org/)

Excessive fiscal spending and changes in tax policy play a significant role. Policies like the Inflation Reduction Act, the Chips Act and Obama Care, impact government spending, extensions of tax cuts and new tax legislation, like the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, impact government revenues.

Essentially, new federal spending without offset taxes to pay for it and tax cut without correlated cuts in spending are the root causes of increasing deficit spending and skyrocketing National Debt

Lawmakers must focus on long-term fiscal sustainability. Delaying action will make addressing the debt even harder. A gradual, spending-focused approach is essential, including reforms to mandatory programs like Social Security and Medicare.

Tax increases must be part of the solution, and policymakers should prioritize less distortionary taxes (such as consumption taxes) or tax reforms that broaden the tax base. For instance, returning to Clinton-era policies could bring more working families back onto the tax rolls.

In summary, addressing the debt requires a balanced approach, thoughtful policies, and a commitment to fiscal responsibility.

References:

  1. https://econofact.org/addressing-rising-us-debt

Sentences That Will Get You Ahead

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Sentences that will get you ahead:

  • Journaling is the most timeless and priceless form of therapy that will help you think clearly, understand yourself better, and make a better sense of life. 
  • Every second you spend comparing your life to someone else’s is a second spent wasting yours. So stop comparing and create your own definition of success instead.
  • You grow rich when you seek new experiences, not material things. 
  • You spend your entire life inside your head, so make it a good place to be. 
  • You have to believe in yourself before anyone else does. That’s the cornerstone upon which real confidence is built. 
  • Stay curious, question everything, and if you want something, ask for it.
  • The life you experience is simply a reflection of your mindset and habits. 
  • You will never lose if you never quit. 
  • Accept people for who they are and not who you want them to be.
  • The best revenge is no revenge. Improve yourself and forget they exist. 

https://x.com/seekwiser_/status/1820347918806847848

Health is Wealth

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Your physical and mental health are investable assets, not a costly liability!

The adage “health is wealth” is a paraphrase of the Roman poet Virgil’s famous comment that “the greatest wealth is health.” The adage presents the idea that your physical and mental well-being are arguably your most valuable asset.

At its core, “health is wealth” means that your physical and mental well-being are far more intrinsically important than financial wealth in the realm of life satisfaction.

It’s saying, “Yes, money is great. It can solve many problems and lead to a fantastic quality of life. But in the absence of good health, money and financial assets mean very little.”

In other words, don’t pursue wealth to the detriment of your health and well-being! After all, you can’t enjoy the financial fruits of your labor if you’re in constant pain, unable to move, struggling to breathe, going to the hospital every few months, or worrying about your health…or dead.

Only if you’re well and feel well can you take full advantage of your wealth. Moreover , staying healthy is also crucial to reaching your full financial personal and professional potential.

It’s hard to be happy when you’re unwell! Thus, chasing wealth at the expense of well-being can often backfire – especially when you realize happiness also tends to make people wealthier.

“Health is wealth” is a proverb and truism that most of us could benefit from being reminded of every now and again.

After all, it’s too easy to fall into the trap of pursuing money at all costs – forgetting that, without our physical and mental health, life really isn’t that pleasant! Furthermore, by prioritizing your health, you stand to accrue even more money in the long run (and to actually be able to enjoy it without pain, discomfort, or a lack of energy getting in the way).

Health Is Wealth: What It Means and Why It’s True

References:

  1. Danny Newman, Health Is Wealth: What It Means and Why It’s True, Wealth Tender,
    https://wealthtender.com/insights/health-is-wealth/

Financial Well-Being in America

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One out of every 15 Americans is a millionaire according to a recent UBS report. That’s 38% of all millionaires in the world.

Yet, headlines state that 58% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck and that credit card debt is at an all-time high.

Two extremes of financial well-being in America.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) defines financial well-being as a state of being wherein a person can fully meet current and ongoing financial obligations, can feel secure in their financial future, and is able to make choices that allow them to enjoy life.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) conducted the National Financial Well-Being Survey in late 2016. The findings revealed wide variation in how people feel about their financial well-being. Some subgroups fare relatively well, while a majority face greater challenges.

From 2017 to 2020, the average financial well-being score for U.S. adults increased slightly, reaching 55.

However, approximately 1 in 10 Americans still had low or very low levels of financial well-being2.

Unfortunately, recent reports indicate that financial struggles have intensified. In 2022, the average overall financial wellness score declined, and fewer workers reported being financially resilient.

Inflation has had a significant impact on financial well-being in America. When inflation hit 9.1%in June 2022, 83% of Americans were concerned about rising prices. Even though inflation has eased to around 3%, 73% still express concern.

Inflation continues to shape Americans’ sense of financial well-being and spending decisions, even as rates of inflation have eased in recent years.

References:

  1. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/financial-well-being-resources/data-spotlight-financial-well-being-in-america-2017-2020/
  2. https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/retail-distribution/consumer-behavior-trends-state-of-the-consumer-tracker/inflation-financial-wellbeing-consumer-spending-habits.html

GLP-1 — Glucagon-like peptide

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Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a peptide hormone that plays a crucial role in blood sugar regulation. Let’s dive into some key points:

  1. Origin and Production:
    • GLP-1 is produced and secreted by intestinal enteroendocrine L-cells and certain neurons in the brainstem upon food consumption.
    • It derives from the posttranslational processing of the proglucagon peptide.
  2. Biologically Active Forms:
    • GLP-1 exists in two main forms: GLP-1 (7–36) amide and GLP-1 (7–37).
    • These forms enhance insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, helping to lower blood sugar levels.
  3. Incretin Effect:
    • GLP-1 is an incretin, meaning it stimulates insulin release when blood glucose rises.
    • Unlike other incretins, GLP-1’s action remains effective in patients with type 2 diabetes.
  4. Degradation and Treatment:
    • Endogenous GLP-1 is rapidly degraded, resulting in low fasting plasma levels.
    • GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) and DPP-4 inhibitors have been developed to enhance GLP-1 activity.
    • GLP-1-based treatments are associated with weight loss and a lower risk of hypoglycemia.

GLP-1 is a player in effective diabetes management!