Brain Rules

     For University 101 I have to read a book called Brain Rules by John Medina.  Basically this book discusses ways our brain's function from how they function a certain way, to the effect on our brain from certain activities we participate in.  The first chapter went into great detail about how exercise benefits the brain in a great way.  Not only is exercise healthy for the body, but has added benefits for making us as individuals smarter.  By participating in aerobic activity we allow more oxygen to reach our brain which helps it function better and retain more information.  In order to learn our brain has to be functioning.  In order for our brain to function it needs oxygen.  So to put it all together our brain needs exercise to function at its full capacity.  The author even went into detail about certain studies that have been done on how much more well off a person is based upon their aerobic activity.  We are shown how someone who participated in regular aerobic activity their entire life was significantly more alert and cognitive into their late 80's then someone who sat around all day and did nothing during their younger years. This really struck me hard because I am avid exerciser.  I go to the gym daily because it is healthy for my body, now I know it is healthy for my mind.  Seeing how my daily ritual of exercise can aid in my brain function and help me learn better makes me look forward to the future when I will be able to be more alert than the average person who did nothing as a teenager.
     The second chapter in Brain Rules mainly discussed how our brain's have evolved over time to where they are now.  Our ancestors had one small brain in their heads, we have three small brains that form one large brain.  It is even proven that our heads have become bigger over time, amazing!  Most of this growth attributes to our evolution of walking and going from four legs to two legs.  Once we did that we had to expend less calories to get around and more energy could go to the development of our brain.  Basically, our adaptation to life has affected the way our brain has evolved.  After reading this chapter I cannot wait to read more!
     On a different note, today was the Major Information Fair.  I have nothing to really say on this topic as I did not attend.  I know right now that my major as Pre-Pharmacy is exactly where I want to be so I do not have any interest in changing in my major.  Also, I am already very involved in organizations within this major and do not think I can handle anything else right now.  Maybe next semester I will swing by to take a look.