PowerYour Brain
Reading Is an Exercise in Healthy Living
muscle. This means if you “exercise” regularly through reading, you can literally increase your brainpower. You can even train your brain to get a better night’s sleep by winding down through reading before bed. Just make sure it’s a paper book and not an e-reading device, because screen light can trigger your brain into staying awake. PICK-ME-UP In the case of those with depression or low self-esteem, reading leads to a more positive outlook and more inspiration to achieve things that make them feel more fulfilled. Overall, researchers have discovered that when people read about other people or characters doing things in books, they’re more likely to be inspired to try the same activity in real life. Identifying with characters in a book also helps the reader learn how to build real-life relationships, allowing them to identify and empathize with a wider range of people.
I love reading because it’s done so much for me, but you don’t have to take my word for it! Research has shown that reading actually leads to a healthier, happier brain, which translates directly into everyday life. BRAIN TRAINING Your brain is the control center for your body, so when it’s running smoothly, your body functions better. Reading brings existing neural pathways to life and also helps create new bridges across synapses. This is because when you read a book, you need to remember a lot of details, like names, locations, ideas, and plots. Every time you encounter one of these new elements while reading, your brain is actually creating a new memory and strengthening existing ones. As more synapses are utilized, your mental aptitude and health improves. HEALTHY HABITS Research has shown that reading can reduce stress in individuals by up to 68%. Less stress allows your entire body to function more efficiently. The brain has the ability to retain information and recall it like an exercised
I’ve said it more than once, but I’ll say it again: Reading is a truly wonderful thing!
SUCCESS STORIES
“I had difficulty walking without pain and bending my knee. The staff provided exercises to strengthen my muscles and balance. Through the process, my balance improved and the exercises made me able to walk and do my job without pain. I have regained mobility and have returned to my normal activities.”
Hoppin’ John
A traditional New Year’s favorite in the South, Hoppin’ John includes black- eyed peas that are said to represent coins, a sign of prosperity for the coming year. It’s usually served alongside collard greens, which represent cash.
–Susan Came
Ingredients
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1 smoked ham hock 1 medium onion, diced 1 cup long-grain white rice
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1 cup dried black-eyed peas
5–6 cups water
1 dried hot pepper, optional (arbol and Calabrian are great options)
“ I had major rotator cuff/ bicep surgery. When I first came to PT, I needed help getting my arm in and out of my sling. Now, I can do everything I could do prior to the injury. Dr. Patt, Crystal, Sue, Amber, Tracy, Julia, Sarah, Nadine, and Anthony all helped in my healing process. I couldn’t have done this without their help.”
Directions 1. Wash and sort peas.
2. In a saucepan, cover peas with water, discarding any that float. 3. Add pepper, ham hock, and onion. Gently boil and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until peas are just tender, about 90 minutes. At this point, you should have about 2 cups of liquid remaining. 4. Add rice, cover, drop heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes, undisturbed. 5. Remove from heat and let steam for an additional 10 minutes, still covered. 6. Remove lid, fluff with a fork, and serve.
–Tony Riccio
Inspired by Epicurious
Professional Physical Therapy | 508-528-6100 • 3
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