BLAST THE BEAT- Literary Synthesis

You know the car. The one that shakes your house with its base every time it drives by. Next time it happens, allow your body to respond to the beat. Let go. Shake your hips and enjoy their ride.

Music has the power to induce movement in humans. The human body spontaneously responds to beats ranging between 300–900 milliseconds. Science declares the most favorable tempo for walking is around 110–120 bpm (Burger et al., 2014).

Anchoring is a phenomenon attached to cyclic movements in the spatial and temporal region that executes movement. These become engaged at various points in the cycle. In neurological studies, fMRI has shown that rhythm has pathways between the brain's motor and auditory system, including the basal ganglia, the premotor cortex, the auditory cortex, and the supplementary motor area (Burger et al., 2014). Kilchenmann and Senn (2015) highlight how music induces emotion. Witek et al. (2017) state that not only does music influence our bodies in the way they move, but the body synchronizes with the beat in spatial complexity.

    The next time you feel drained, try turning on songs with a high beat and see what it does. The music might enter your body and release chemicals that charge your emotions and energize you. When you exercise, let music open your body to more power as it responds to the music’s energy. The next time you are depressed and want to drown your sorrows in depressing songs, try cranking up the beat instead. You just might find that a rich base will release your tension and lift your mood.

References:

· Burger, B., Thompson, M. R., Luck, G., Saarikallio, S. H., & Toiviainen, P. (2014). Hunting for the beat in the body: on period and phase locking in music-induced movement. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 8, 903–903. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2014.00903

· Kilchenmann, L., & Senn, O. (2015). Microtiming in Swing and Funk affects the body movement behavior of music expert listeners. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 1232–1232. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01232

· Witek, M.A.G., Popescu, T., Clarke, E. F., Hansen, M., Konvalinka, I., Kringelbach, M. L., & Vuust, P. (2017). Syncopation affects free body-movement in musical groove. Experimental Brain Research, 235(4), 995–1005. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-016-4855-6

TELEPATHY - Poetry

Presented; a measure of thought.

Implanted in another's head.

Exquisite power.

Divine command unnoticed.

Sensory channels opened.

Physical manipulation

Spectators left baffled.

From one mind to the other.

Ultimate control.

________________________________________________________________________________

Telepathy

by Stephanie Daich

START SEEING BLUE -Literary Synthesis

If you could live for a hundred years, would you want to? Imagine the changes you would see in a lifetime. In five places around the world, people are reaching their 100-year milestone. These areas have been called the blue zones. Only 20% of genes dictate how long we might live, and the other 80% comes from lifestyle. Residents in the blue zones have discovered the fountain of life that slows the aging process. Research has broken down their activities into nine denominators (Buettner and Skemp, 2016).

1. Moving Naturally. The centenarians are not gym rats. They live a lifestyle of natural work in their homes and gardens, benefiting their health.

2. Purpose. Blue zone centenarians start their mornings with purpose.

3. Downshift. Residents of blue zones take time daily to nap, reflect, play and even have a happy hour.

4. 80% Rule. Blue zone citizens have their last meal in the later part of the afternoon. They also stop eating when they feel 80% full, allowing time to feel the cessation of hunger.

5. Plants. Their diets are rich in beans and lentils. Meat tends to make it into their diet only five times each month. These portions, which generally are pork, are only about three to four oz.

6. Wine. They drink regularly, about one to two glasses of wine per day.

7. Belong. Most centenarians are members of a faith-based organization that offers social and community ties.

8. Loved Ones First. The residents in blue zones put their families as their top priorities.

9. The right Tribe. The community they are raised in honors health.

(Buettner and Skemp, 2016)

Americans could do well to adopt the practices of the blue zone. With obesity becoming a pandemic in the United States, a healthy lifestyle of diet and exercise could greatly benefit us. 90% of dieters give up within seven months of dieting. In the blue zones, candy is less rampant. Candy is not used as a reward in schools for children. This impacts children in their early years, mentally and physically (Buettner and Skemp, 2016).

The elderly of the Ikaria mountainous in the Eastern Aegean Sea have strong muscles, good functionality, and low depression. The credit goes to their healthy lifestyle (Legrand, 2021). Weeks (2015) emphasizes the importance of focusing on community health and making changes. They believe in creating a blue zone lifestyle for the health movement.

With the nine denominators of blue zone health, what do you already follow, and what could you improve on? Perhaps living until 100 is not your goal; however, wouldn’t you want to meet your maximum health capabilities? If the fountain of life is living healthier, isn’t it worth taking a drink of the waters of health?

References:

• Buettner, D & Skemp, S. (2016). Blue zones: Lessons From the world’s longest lived. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 10(5), 318–321. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827616637066
• Legrand, R., Nuemi, G., Poulain, M., & Manckoundia, P. (2021). Description of lifestyle, including social life, diet and physical activity, of people ≥90 years living in Ikaria, a longevity blue zone. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(12), 6602–. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126602
• Weeks, J.(2015). The blue zone intersection: What role for integrative health in community health? … plus more. Integrative Medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), 14(5), 22–25

A CALL TO THE UNIVERSE -Literary Synthesis

Could the universe give me what I want? My good friend of Navajo heritage told me it could. She believed the universe carried a powerful connection to everything living. Forbes (2001) says among the Native Americans, each community has its way of seeing the universe as the entity of creation. They see the cosmos as a living link among all things. Forbes (2001) states that most Native Americans see the universe as being alive with the power to act and watch over life on earth.

 

As you go through life, what guides you? Do you believe in fate, karma, God, or the universe's call? What if you are more science guided and do not believe in anything but a series of consequences? It is hard for many to know what to ground themselves in. Many people believe all they must do is give their problems to the universe, and it will guide them. Borbala (2018) states the universe calls to us in these ways: 

• ·         Through people, this can happen as someone comes to help you or you discover an answer over the radio or social media.
• ·         Synchronicities, as everything seems to align during the day to send you a message.
• ·         Numbers can form patterns that represent meaning to you.
• ·         Pay attention to the lyrics when you hear songs on the radio or people singing. They might have something to tell you.
• ·         If you have a random thought about someone or something, you should follow through, for it could be the universe calling you to action.
• ·         The universe could communicate with you through billboards, road signs, and Instagram. Are you listening?
• ·         What are your dreams trying to convey to you?
• ·         Nature can say hello or lift your soul through an appearance from an animal or plant. 
• ·         When you have deep feelings or know something is true, it might be from the universe.

Hamdan (n.d) believes that mala beads have grounded energy that connects you to the universe. BYOB School (2019) talks about our purpose in life and the ripple effect we have in the universe, believing the universe will guide us to our purpose. (Tilly, n.d.) adds that you must be present in the moment to listen to the universe and be aware of the dynamics and society around you. You can reflect on what you see and feel as you look for patterns that call you.

Non-believers of a higher force claim that there is no supernatural force, stating the universe moves in accordance with the motion of the physical law. Electrical and chemical neurons govern our universe, and the universe does not have a higher power (Sherman, 2013).

I have seen an increasing belief and dependence upon universal powers in friends, literature, and society. I do not persuade or fight against this faith but keep my eyes, heart, and ears open to what others value. And did the universe give me what I had desperately wanted when my friend introduced me to the idea? No. But that was a good thing. It wasn't what I needed. I do believe one day all our minds will open to the power of creation. What we learn may shock us.

 

References:

• Borbala (2018). 17 Ways the universe communicates with you (signs from spirit). Follow Your Own Rhythm. Retrieved December 4, 2022, from https://www.followyourownrhythm.com/blog-1/2018/8/21/17-ways-the-universe-communicates-with-you
• BYOB School (2019). The universe is calling you - here's how you know. BYOB School- BUILD YOUR ONLINE BUSINESS. Retrieved December 4, 2022, from https://www.byobschool.com/blog/the-universe-is-calling-you-here-s-how-you-know
• Forbes, J. D., (2001). Indigenous Americans: Spirituality and Ecos. Daedalus. A publication of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. Retrieved December 4, 2022, from, https://www.amacad.org/publication/indigenous-americans-spirituality-and-ecos
• Hamdan, N. (n.d.) YO! Universe, what is my purpose and how can you help me? Karma and Luck. Retrieved December 4, 2022, from https://www.karmaandluck.com/blogs/news/the-universe-is-calling-pick-u
• Learn Religions (n.d). How many Christians are in the world today? Learn Religions. Retrieved December 4, 2022, from https://www.learnreligions.com/christianity-statistics-700533
• Sherman, J.E., (2013). There's no higher power, but there is significance. Easter reflections toward a new scientific spirituality. Psychology Today. Retrieved December 4, 2022, from, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ambigamy/201303/theres-no-higher-power-there-is-significance
• Tilly, M. (n.d.). The universe is talking to you. Here's how to listen. The Institute of You. Retrieved December 4, 2022, from https://instituteofyou.org/how-to-listen-to-the-universe/

 

 

COULD STEM CELLS BE THE MIRACLE WE ARE LOOKING FOR -Literary Synthesis

    How do you feel when you watch your older family and friends plagued by degenerative diseases; Do you wish you could end their suffering or do more for them? Regenerative medicine might be the path that renews life and vigor in those we love. Stem cell research repairs and promotes the regeneration of tissue and organs in a microbiological realm. As the scientific community continues to develop this regenerative medicine, they hope to replace damaged and aged tissue with immune therapy (Stoltz, 2019).

Adult stem cells can self-renew, differentiate, and transcribe for gene accessibility. Adult stem cells have been used to remodel disease and develop drugs (Pramanik, et al., 2017).

Zhang et al. (2017) focus on mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) removed from bone marrow, which has shown promise in the neurologic field of medicine used in animal models to repair damage from strokes. 

Stem cell research has improved heart disease, diabetes, stroke, Parkinson’s, and genetic defects. Cells derived from a patient’s stem cells could produce their needed organ for a transplant with little risk of organ rejection (Health Articles 101., n.d.). 

Health Articles 101., (n.d.). highlight the controversy of those who oppose stem cell research. For the opposers, many have deep religious ties to their anti-stem cell stance. They believe stem cell manipulation takes on a God-like approach that carries moral and ethical dilemmas and consequences. Another argument against stem cells is the idea that we are cloning humans. Many stem cells come from fertilized eggs in the laboratory that is denied the chance of becoming human (Health Articles 101., n.d.).

What is the price of longevity to you? Do you feel we are playing God, or have we tapped into one of the most significant resources for healing? As more research develops, ethical dilemmas will be crossed and examined. What side of stem cell technology will you be on?

 

References:

• Health Articles 101. (n.d.). Stem Cells Controversy. Healtharticles101.com. Retrieved December 4, 2022, from https://healtharticles101.com/stem-cells-controversy/#:~:text=Both%20sides%20of%20the%20stem%20cells%20controversy%20are
• Pramanik, S., Sulistio, Y. A., & Heese, K. (2017). Neurotrophin signaling and stem cells—implications for neurodegenerative diseases and stem cell therapy. Molecular Neurobiology, 54(9), 7401–7459. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-016-0214-7
• Stoltz, J.F., (2019). Stem cells and regenerative medicine: proceedings of the 8th International China-Europe, Wuhan, China, June 2018 (Stoltz, Ed.). IOS Press.
• Zhang, Z., Buller, B., & Chopp, M. (2019). Exosomes - beyond stem cells for restorative therapy in stroke and neurological injury. Nature reviews. Neurology, 15(4), 193–203. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41582-018-0126-4

 

LAUGH IT OUT -Literary Synthesis

When was the last time you laughed at yourself? How do you use humor in your life? Some people use humor in everything they do, while others avoid it. Laughing has been shown to have therapeutic effects on your physical and mental state (Amici, 2019).

Humor helps people cope with challenging situations. It can lighten the mood among strangers. Humor connects people as they laugh together. How does laughter help those living in totalitarian regimes cope with life? Slucki et al. (2020) state that laughter is a form of resistance and coping. When oppressed people use humor, it helps them maintain a sense of their humanity and humanness when so much is taken from them. Giappone et al (2018) show that laughter can be a way to lighten shame or insecurities about ourselves.

Humor relieves tension and stress. It can alleviate pain, increase adrenaline and noradrenaline, reduce blood pressure, slow breathing, and relax muscles. Laughter produces catecholamines that heighten endorphins and change the mind's focus (Amici, 2019).

The next time you find yourself in a high-anxiety situation, can you find the humor in it? Can you laugh at the situation or yourself to relax and connect with others? How can you use humor to heal? Maybe if we found more to laugh at, we would spend less time in the clinic.

 

 

Here are some fun quotes on laughter from Laughter Online University (n.d):

 

1.                  [Humanity] has unquestionably one really effective weapon—laughter. Power, money, persuasion, supplication, persecution—these can lift at a colossal humbug—push it a little—weaken it a little, century by century, but only laughter can blow it to rags and atoms at a blast. Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand. — Mark Twain

2.                  A good laugh heals a lot of hurts. — Madeleine L'Engle

3.                  A good laugh is a mighty good thing, a rather too scarce a good thing. — Herman Melville

4.                  A good laugh is sunshine in the house. — William Thackeray

5.                  A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. — Phyllis Diller

6.                  A smile starts on the lips, a grin spreads to the eyes, a chuckle comes from the belly; but a good laugh bursts forth from the soul, overflows, and bubbles all around. — Carolyn Birmingham

7.                  A well-balanced person is one who finds both sides of an issue laughable. — Herbert Procknow

8.                  Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand. — Mark Twain

9.                  Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine. — Lord Byron

10.              Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can: all of them make me laugh. — W. H. Auden

11.              An optimist laughs to forget; a pessimist forgets to laugh. — Tom Nansbury

 

References:

Amici, P., (2019). The Humor in Therapy: the Healing Power of Laughter. Psychiatria Danubina, 31(Suppl 3), 503–508.

Giappone, R., Bonello, K., Francis, F., & Mackenzie, I. (2018). Comedy and Critical Thought : Laughter as Resistance, edited by Iain MacKenzie, et al., Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2018. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.cham .

Laughter Online University (n.d). Laugh quotes and laughing quotes. Laughter Online University. Retrieved on November 02, 2022, from https://www.laughteronlineuniversity.com/quotes-about-laughter/

Slucki, D., Patt, A., Finder, G. N., Shternshis, A., Shneer, D., Schwarz, J., & Caplan, M. (2020). Laughter After: Humor and the Holocaust. In Laughter After. Wayne State University Press.

 

HERE COMES THE SNOW -Literary Synthesis

Get out your boots and gloves, because it is the season for snow, but will it come? Most people have an opinion on snow, yet that opinion can change depending on how much it snows that winter (Act for Libraries, n.d.). Some people dread snow while others welcome it.

Winkler, et al. (2021) show how snowpacks can negatively and positively affect the region of their accumulation. Heavy snowpacks form hydrologic remodeling and cause floods. Yet when there isn't enough snow, many areas will suffer droughts.

Forecasting the season's snowpack and snowmelt is essential to the water resources of their area. Snowmelt aids in electricity production, land modeling, irrigation, reservoirs, and the present and future ecological status. Because of this, scientists continue to improve their assessment tools for snowmelt and runoff (Şensoy, and Uysal, 2012).

Snow can bring chaos to areas not well equipped for snow removal. Local governments and businesses must consider the safety and the environment for snow removal systems (Marshall, 2021). Donegan (2018) shows how wet and heavy snow can cause more heart attacks and injuries for those removing it. Snow damages trees and buildings, causes power outages, and makes traveling more dangerous.

Act for Libraries (n.d.) states that many people look forward to snow during the holiday season. Entertainment industries have weaved the anticipation of snow into movies and songs. Snow can boost the economy of resort towns. Yet, the longer the cold and snow stick around in the winter, the more people stay in poorly insulated buildings, which can increase the cold and flu sicknesses. The elderly are shown to suffer physiologically and mentally in the cold and become more isolated (Act for Libraries, n.d.).

What will the snowfall in your region be this year? Will you get a snowpack of value or destruction? Will there be many snow days or a dangerous absence of them? Will the snow be wet or dry? How will your city and the department of transportation safely remove snow? And the biggest question for Western Civilization is, will it be a white Christmas?

 

 

References:

• Act for Libraries (n.d.). The effect of snow on human society. Actforlibraries.org. http://www.actforlibraries.org/the-effect-of-snow-on-human-society-3/
• Donegan, B. (2018) 4 dangers of heavy, wet snow. The Weather Channel. https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2018-03-01-dangers-heavy-wet-snow
• Marshall, K (2021). The real value of snowmelt systems. Plumbing & Mechanical, 39(9), 29–29.
• Şensoy, A., & Uysal, G. (2012). The value of snow depletion forecasting methods towards operational snowmelt runoff estimation using MODIS and numerical weather prediction data. Water Resources Management, 26(12), 3415–3440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-012-0079-0
• Winkler, M., Schellander, H., & Gruber, S. (2021). Snow water equivalents exclusively from snow depths and their temporal changes: the Δ snow model. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 25(3), 1165–1187. https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1165-2021