Do you work long hours? Well pay heed– a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, shows workers who put in long hours at work are underestimating the long term damage they are inflicting on their brains. The study examined the association between long working hours and cognitive functionin middle age. Data were collected from a study of 2,214 British civil servants. The middle aged workers who put in 55 hours or more had poorer mental skills, short term memory and ability to recall words than those who worked 40 hours or less.
This is probably the first large prospective study on the association between long working hours and cognitive function. Results indicate clearly that advances attained by working overtime may be lost in terms of reduced wellbeing and cognitive function of employees. “Therefore the disadvantages of overtime work should be taken seriously”, says Dr. Marianna Virtanen from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.
Brain trainers are increasing in popularity, they are marketed as helping to improve memory, keep the mind fit and active and in some cases to prevent dementia. Recently the consumer group Which looked at the effectiveness of several devices and their claims. The panel of experts concluded that none of the claims was supported by peer-reviewed research in a recognised scientific journal and much of it was flawed. But there is evidence that exercise, a healthy diet and an active social life help keep an agile mind
Which editor Martyn Hocking said: ‘If people enjoy using these games, then they should continue to do so – that’s a no-brainer. But if people are under the illusion that these devices are scientifically proven to keep their minds in shape, they need to think again.’ link to continue reading Source:Which
Social network sites risk infantilising the mid-21st century mind, leaving it characterised by short attention spans, sensationalism, inability to empathise and a shaky sense of identity, according to a leading neuroscientist
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In today’s Guardian ,Patrick Wintour, writes about this startling warning from Lady Greenfield, professor of synaptic pharmacology at Lincoln college, Oxford. Greenfield believes ministers have not yet looked at the broad cultural and psychological effect of on-screen friendships via Facebook, Bebo and Twitter.Link to continue reading
Over the past few weeks in the Lower Mainland of BC there has been a spate of gang related shootings and incidents. Premier Gordon Campbell called the recent scourge of gun violence in the Lower Mainland “appalling,” adding British Columbians “have had enough.”
So this newly published research from Leicester University is quite topical. It looks at gangs in schools, and the findings suggest that the influence of a locality in which a school is situated is one of the biggest concerns where problems of gangs in schools exist. [continue reading…]
Brain trainers are increasing in popularity, they are marketed as helping to improve memory, keep the mind fit and active and in some cases to prevent dementia. Recently the consumer group 
