Big dreams produce big results when we have a big plan

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TOPIC: BIG DREAMS PRODUCE BIG RESULTS WHEN WE HAVE A BIG PLAN

Author: Yuki Sakurai

You may have heard the story of the two fish. According to the story, one fish was put into a small tank and it remained small in order to fit his environment. Another fish was put into a large. It grew to be a large fish, again because of the environment. The moral of the story being that your environment effects the way you grow and develop. By the same token, people become products of their environment developing the same traits as those around them. Perhaps you have heard the story of the Chinese mother who made the choice to move to a better neighborhood in order to raise her son among people with good values and progressive character traits. Because of her choice, her son grew up to be a famous philosopher in China. The people you surround yourself with become a large influence in your life. Their goals and values become normal and comfortable, making it easy to achieve the same level of success. Therefore, it is fair to say that your environment determines the course of your life to a large degree.

BellaVita’s moto for 2016 is “Dream Big.” This can be compared with the example of the two fish. If you dream small, you will only be able to achieve at a small level. However, if you dream big, you will be able to achieve at a much higher level. Your accomplishments will give you confidence, the confidence to leap forward to even loftier goals.

Our big dream with BellaVita is to achieve the rank of “Elite Presidential.” In order for you to achieve this goal, you should associate with those who have the same goals and the ability to dream big. If you can visualize the goal you want to accomplish, then your dream will become a reality. Your large water tank will become an ocean and your accomplishments will become even larger. You will be able to achieve with BellaVita.

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TOPIC: MEDITERRANEAN DIET

Author: Dr Julia Zhou

The Mediterranean diet (MeDI) contains fruits, vegetables, whole grains, breads, legumes, potatoes, mixed nuts, and seeds. The diet also contains extra virgin olive oil, along with moderate amounts of fish, poultry, dairy and eggs.

Many studies suggest MeDI is beneficial for many health conditions, including cardiovascular, respiratory, diabetes, osteoporosis, depression, and Alzheimer’s. In terms of mental function, it has been found that MeDI may boost aging brain power and improve scores in tests of memory, attention span and abstract thinking better than a low-fat diet.

A recent large cross-sectional study by investigators at Columbia University linked adherence to MeDI to larger brain volume in an elderly population, suggesting this type of diet has the potential to prevent brain atrophy and, by extension, preserve cognition in the elderly.

The aim of the current study was to investigate the association between adherence to the MeDi and structural MRI-based measures of both brain volume and cortical thickness among elderly individuals. The study cohort included 674 multiethnic Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years or older who had no signs of dementia. All participants underwent high-resolution structural MRIs as well as an assessment of MeDi adherence based on a 61-item food-frequency questionnaire that asked participants about intake of fish, vegetables, fruits, legumes, cereals, dairy products, meat, poultry, and alcohol.
After adjustment for age, sex, education, ethnicity, energy intake, and APOE status, the investigators found that those with higher MeDi adherence scores had larger brain volume (intracranial volume, total brain volume, total gray matter volume, total white matter volume). The association was driven by higher intake of fish and lower intake of meat. Potential mechanisms include anti-inflammatory and/or anti-oxidative effects, as well as potential slowing of the accumulation of β-amyloid which is found at the center of neuritic plaques.
The authors conclude that the MeDi may benefit brain health and boost mental power. 

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