Love comes in many forms. Though Valentine’s Day celebrates romantic love, book lovers felt something was missing. So they also dubbed Feb. 14 Library Lovers’ Day and held the first celebration in Australia in 2006. The holiday recognizes both the benefits libraries add to our communities and the magic of a good book. Public libraries have existed for more than 2,000 years, and today, they are everywhere. Believe it or not, our country has more libraries than Starbucks! There are libraries in schools, prisons, hospitals, research facilities, government buildings, and museums. U.S. presidents are honored with libraries in their names, and the world’s largest library, the Library of Congress, boasts over 39 million books. Today, the average American checks out seven items from their local library each year. And modern libraries provide a lot more than just books. They also supply computer and internet access, which some residents would otherwise go without. Plus, libraries help children and adults alike with literacy, offer after-school programs, support patrons with job-searching and interviewing, and even assist new small businesses. The brain is arguably our most important organ, and it’s definitely the most complex. As a result, someone who has experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after an accident will be affected in unpredictable ways. One of the more frightening reactions is a seizure. Since the human brain is still not entirely understood, it can be difficult for doctors to predict how a person will respond to a TBI. In some cases, the electrical signals in the brain can get crossed and cause a seizure or epilepsy, which results in multiple seizures over an extended period. Generally speaking, the more severe a TBI is, the more likely the seizures or epilepsy are. They can happen minutes after the accident or start months later. A seizure is an electronic disturbance in the brain, and it temporarily takes over a person’s actions. If you or a loved one have suffered a TBI, you should know how to recognize the symptoms of a seizure. Though they are generally characterized by falling to the ground and experiencing uncontrollable convulsions, there are earlier signs. Hours or days before a seizure, many people experience irritability, lightheadedness, headaches, or difficulty concentrating. In the moments before an attack begins, they will often experience nausea, unusual smells or tastes, intense fear, deja vu, or pins and needles. If So, You May Suffer Seizures HAVE YOU SUFFERED A TBI? Take a Look, I CELEBRATING LIBR
It’s crazy to think that being head over heels, madly in love with someone can benefit your body in the same way that broccoli can, but it’s true! Science has proven that being in love comes with myriad health benefits. Fewer colds and natural pain control? Yes, please! Love triggers the “feel good” hormone, dopamine. When you first fall in love — and the butterflies are flying uncontrollably — dopamine is at very high levels, and mentally, you’re happy, healthy, and positive. As the relationship matures, oxytocin, also known as the bonding hormone, blends with dopamine and reduces stress. We all know that stress can lead to a number of health complications, so the less stress, the better! New research has found that just being around someone you love can act as a natural pain reliever. Research has also determined that married people complain less about headaches and back pain. When your mind is happy, your immune system is stronger, making you less prone to getting a cold or stomach bug. Some research has even shown that happily married couples live longer than those who are not happily married. The hormone vasopressin helps to control your blood pressure. Being in love releases vasopressin into your body, keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level. Both your heart and lungs are also impacted by the love you have for another. If you aren’t in love, you can still reap the benefits through a strong and healthy social support system. When you have friends who bring you joy and happiness, even just a hug may help to release positive hormones and keep your health on track. Take time to invest in positive relationships to keep your heart and body healthy and happy, both literally and figuratively. Love Really Can Be a Drug The Power of Love
So, what are you waiting for? Let the love flow!
2
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator