Old brains do learn new tricks. Trying different things, working out, and making social connections can alter neural structures even when you’re older, improving your memory and health as a result, according to research presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference in Chicago this past weekend. But don’t wait until you reach your golden years. Read the full article in Men’s Health.3 Ways to Outsmart Father Time—Starting Now!
Old brains do learn new tricks. Trying different things, working out, and making social connections can alter neural structures even when you’re older, improving your memory and health as a result, according to research presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference in Chicago this past weekend. But don’t wait until you reach your golden years. Read the full article in Men’s Health.
Fighting with your guy or having your brilliant (or so you thought) ideas vetoed in a meeting can compel you to head straight to the weight room or the running path—and for good reason. A serious sweat session zaps stress, releasing tension and anger, and boosting levels of feel-good brain chemicals including endorphins. 
In most of sports’ recent doping scandals, there’s one thing no one questions: the substances used. But next month—on sports’ biggest stage—one known performance-enhancing drug will be allowed. In fact, you may have used it to boost your own performance as recently as this morning. 
We survived one polar vortex already. So before the next round of glacial temperatures approaches, take steps to protect yourself against these three lesser-known dangers. 
As you set your goals for the New Year, consider planning beyond your next race or even your next season and choosing an ambitious long-term target. 
If there’s one time to brag about being a runner, it’s at the doctor’s office—especially when your appointment includes blood or urine analyses. “Let your physician know if you are exercising heavily, and also how often and how recently you did tough workouts; it can influence how we interpret tests,” says William Roberts, M.D., a family physician and medical director for the Twin Cities Marathon. 
If you’ve hit the path or checked out the crowd at your local 5K lately, you’ve likely seen athletes wearing tall, colorful compression socks. Some runners—and the companies who make the socks—swear the tight-fitting garments help you stride faster and recover more quickly. But a new study casts doubt on at least some of these claims. In fact, college runners actually exercised for less time when wearing them, according to results just posted online in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 
Sure, you’ll cut down on visits to the feminine hygiene aisle in the drug store. Now, University of Pennsylvania researchers offer another, more compelling reason to eagerly await the permanent departure of your monthly visitor: Your mood may lift, too. 
New health headlines provide a novel excuse for extra pounds: I can’t help it—it’s in my genes. But are “hunger genes”—DNA mutations linked to everything from cravings to a lagging metabolism—the reason you’re overweight?