When we talk about healthy brain ageing we are really discussing one of two things: how to minimize ongoing damage to the hardware of the brain, mostly by keeping its blood supply as good as possible; or how to improve the operation of the brain's software.
There is currently no magic bullet to protect the brain, but one area that has been best researched, and about which we can say with reasonable confidence, "this will help", is mental activity.
There is plenty of evidence that older people who stay mentally active, by learning a new language, doing crosswords or taking part in other intellectually challenging activities, preserve full cognitive function for longer. They have spent more time doing cognitively demanding activities over a lifetime, and they are, to some extent, buffered from the physical effects of brain ageing and degenerative diseases. We call this buffer "cognitive reserve" - a back-up reservoir of brain function that can protect from the consequences of brain damage, allowing us to continue to perform well. For example, people with a higher IQ, longer education or cognitively challenging employment have been found to have a lower risk of developing dementia. In fact, studies have found that people with higher cognitive, reserve who do get dementia exhibit less severe symptoms even when they have more brain damage than those with lower cognitive reserve.
The more we understand about its role in protecting our brain and how to boost our reserve, the more effective we will be3 in designing interventions to keep the human brain healthier for longer.
We think it can be built up throughout life for everyone. Therefore, taking part in cognitively challenging activities, learning new skills and continuing to "use it or lose it" probably applies no matter how old you are. Crucially, it's never to late to start.
A. Many ways of doing this have been suggested, but few have scientific weight behind them.
B. Though there is not enough scientific research about it, many suggestions have been put forward.
C. Cognitive reserve isn't exclusive to those who have the IQ of a genius or who've devoted their life to theoretical physics.
D. Yet there's still much to discover about the potential of cognitive reserve for optimizing the brain's resilience.
E. This is despite the fact that their brains actually show normal amounts of age- and disease-related damage.
F. However, studies about the potential of cognitive reserve for optimizing the brain's resilience leave much to be desired.
Although many companies offer tuition reimbursement(偿付) , most companies reimburse employees only for classes that are relevant to their positions. A company that reimburses employees for all college credit courses — whether job related or not —offers a service not only to the employees, but to the entire company.
One good reason for giving employees unconditional tuition reimbursement is that it shows the company's dedication to its employees and it is important for a company to demonstrate to its employees that it cares. The best way to do this is to make investments in them.
A company that puts out funds to pay for the education of its employees will get its money back by having employees stay with the company longer. It will reduce employ turnover, because even employees who don't take advantage of tuition reimbursement programs will be more devoted to their company, just knowing that their company cares enough to pay for their education.
Although companies do indeed run the risk of losing money on employees, who go on to another job in a different company as soon as they get their degree, more often than not, the employees will stay with the company. Thus, throughout those years. the employer will have a more sophisticated, more intelligent, and therefore more valuable and productive employee. And, if the employee stays, that education will doubly benefit the company: Not only is the employee more educated, but now that employee can be promoted so the company doesn't have to full a high—level vacancy from the outside.
Though unconditional tuition reimbursement requires a significant investment on the employer's part, it is perhaps one of the wisest investments a company can make.
A. In this way, companies will have more productive employees.
B. In today's economy, job security is a thing of the past and employees feel more and more expendable.
C. In return, this dedication to the betterment of employees will create greater loyalty.
D. This is indeed a very limiting policy.
E. Even if employees do leave, it generally takes several years to complete any degree program.
F. Open positions can be assigned to people who already know the company well.
The factors that cause youth unemployment often differ among regions and labor systems. In much of Western Europe overemphasized labor protection makes it more difficult for youths to land good jobs. Since firing full-time workers is so complicated and expensive, employers are unwilling to take on new staff, while people who are already employed, mainly older workers, often keep their jobs for life. In developing countries with high birthrates and very young populations, like the Philippines, growth isn't strong enough to absorb the wave of youngsters entering the workforce each year. Young people entering the workforce are often the most vulnerable in economic downturns - new employees are often the first to get sacked(被解雇) , while college graduates find few employers willing to hire.
In Spain, Italy and Japan, for instance, companies looking to gain flexibility in regulated labor markets often offer new, young staffers only short-term contracts. These contracts, which sometimes last for only a few days, usually come with low salaries and few benefits. Since such staff is temporary, employers have little intention to invest in training.
Facing such obstacles, young people everywhere are finding that traditional route to success -education - isn't paying off as much as in the past. They will often be offered low-skilled jobs from waiters to supermarket clerks. A March report from the UK's Office for National Statistics showed that the share of recent college graduates in Britain working in lower-skilled jobs rose to nearly 36% in 2011 from less then 27% a decade earlier. Typical is Cairo's Ahmed Said. He graduated from college with a business degree, and after performing the obligatory year of military service, he applied for jobs in accounting and data entry. But Said, 24, had no luck, and today he works as a waiter at a cafe near Tahrir Square. "This was my last choice" he says, "and this is the job that I get."
A. Young graduates often find themselves competing with more-experienced workers.
B. More and more college graduates are forced to take jobs below their skill level.
C. They started applying for any positions they could find in other countries.
D. In some parts of the world, such jobs are all that is available to college graduates.
E. Yet youth unemployment also has common roots throughout the world.
F. Those young workers who do find employment are often trapped in awful contracts.
Praise is like sunlight to the human spirit; we cannot flower and grow without it. And yet, while most of us are only too ready to apply to others the cold wind of criticism, we are somehow reluctant to give our fellows the warm sunshine of praise.
Why-when one word can bring such pleasure? A friend of mine who travels widely always tries to learn a little of the language of any place she visits. She's not much of a linguist, but she does know how to say one word-"beautiful"-in several languages. . The ability has earned her friends all over the world.
It's strange how chary we are about praising. . Instead, we are embarrassed and shrug off the words we are really so glad to hear. Because of this defensive reaction, direct compliments are surprisingly difficult to give. That's why some of the most valued pats on the back are those which come to us indirectly, in a letter or passed on by a friend. When one thinks of the speed with which spiteful remarks are conveyed, it seems a pity that there isn't more effort to relay pleasing and flattering comments.
. An artist gets compliment for a glorious picture, a cook for a perfect meal. But do you ever tell your laundry manager how pleased you are when the shirts are done just right? Do you ever praise your paper boy for getting the paper to you on time 365 days a year?
To give praise costs the giver nothing but a moment's thought and a moment's effort- . It is such a small investment-and yet consider the results it may produce. “I can live for two months on a good compliment," said Mark Twain.
So, let's be alert to the small excellences around us-and comment on them. We will not only bring joy into other people's lives, but also, very often, add happiness into our own.
A. Praise is particularly appreciated by those doing routine jobs.
B. Comment is often made about activities which are relatively easy and satisfying, like arranging flowers; but not about jobs which are hard and dirty, like scrubbing floors.
C. It's especially rewarding to give praise in areas in which effort generally goes unnoticed or unmentioned.
D. Perhaps a quick phone call to pass on a compliment, or five minutes spent writing an appreciative letter.
E. She can use it to a mother holding her baby, or to a lonely salesman fishing out pictures of his family.
F. Perhaps it's because few of us know how to accept compliments gracefully.
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A. Besides, some scientists note that any new product like this will need to stand up to the real world, where dirt coats surfaces over time. B. It is calculated that covering a 1, 000-square-foot roof with this new paint could cool a building by about 10 kilowatts. C. The price of barium sulfate is comparable to, or even slightly more expensive than, titanium dioxide that is used in some other commercial paints. D. Now it's time to shed some light on the other end of the practical paint spectrum: the "whitest white." E. That is to say, this new paint can be a tool to fight the climate emergency by cutting carbon emissions. F. Unfortunately, manufacturing precise layers of multiple substances and applying them to a surface in a set order costs more than simply slapping on some paint. |
Cool Colour
The "blackest black" paint, famed for its thermal disguise potential, has long absorbed 99.9 percent of public attention. Research shows that surfaces coated with a newly formulated white coloring reflect 98. 1 percent of sunlight, creating a powerful cooling effect.
This coating absorbs just 1.9 percent of sunlight compared with 10 to 20 percent for conventional white or "heat-reflective" paints, says Xiulin Ruan, a Purdue University mechanical engineer. By reflecting so efficiently, the novel paint can actually help a coated building release the heat inside."Our model shows if you're in, you can save up to 70 to 80 percent on air-conditioning in the summer," Ruan says.
Scientists have been developing reflective paints for decades, but commercial products still remain at or above the surrounding temperature. In the past 10 years researchers have found greater success with multilayered coating to reflect many wave-lengths of light.
Thus, Ruan decided to take a hybrid approach and create an ordinary paint that could easily be brushed or sprayed onto a surface. After testing particles of several different compounds, he and his colleagues ultimately selected a relatively inexpensive one called barium sulfate.
Actually, there is plenty of competition from other researchers. The manufacturers have to struggle with "how to make sure that the paint stays white after 30 years of use." However, Ruan says he and his colleagues do have the confidence to remove this fear. He hopes to bring a version of his paint to market in a year or two.
You may have witnessed this yourself, but I know when I'm walking outdoors or walking in a green environment, I feel less stressed, a sense of calm. And the walk doesn't need to be a major hike nor for hours on end.
Listen carefully to hear the birds singing and the wind rustling(沙沙作响) in the leaves of the trees or hear the running water.Keep yourself from listening to music on this particular walk. You should be sure to have all your senses available to hear the sounds of nature.
Look at the variations of the color green in the forest or colors within the body of the water you are experiencing. How many different shapes of leaves do you see? Are there waves in the water you are viewing or is the water still and calm?
When you're outside—whether it's in a forest, on a beach or simply outside your home-take a moment to breathe in deeply, smelling and tasting the air; place your hands on a tree or a finger in the water to experience the feel of nature.
It is a combination of all these senses you have opened by participating in this experience.
If you cannot go outdoors-either due to the time of day or night, weather or physical limitations—there are options to still gain this experience. It is best to experience forest bathing in person, but it's always good to have a second option.
A. The last sense is the state of mind.
B. The green forest is the best place for walking.
C. Log onto a video or look for apps with views of forests or oceans.
D. Make sure to take notice of the shape, color and size of your surroundings.
E. If you are walking alone, it is more likely that all your senses can be activated.
F. A 10- to 15-minute walk can help with your mood and psychological well-being.
G. If walking on sand near the water, listen to the sand surrounding your footsteps.
Most students feel more anxiety before and during an exam. Normal levels of stress can help you work, think faster and more effectively, and generally help you perform better in exams.
It can cause your mind to “blank out” or make you unable to concentrate. Here are some strategies to help you keep your anxiety to a manageable level.
The better prepared you get for an exam, the less anxiety you'll suffer from. Six weeks before the exams is probably soon enough for the end of year exams, depending on where you are in your studies and what year you are in. Maintain your health-eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep and exercise regularly. Look at exams as an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you've been learning throughout the term. The night before an exam, calmly review material one final time, organize all your supplies (your pens, calculator, eraser, and so on)，and get a good night's sleep. Get to the exam on time. Don't talk to people outside the room because their nervousness could be "catching".
If you're afraid you will forget important facts, write them down as soon as you get into exam. When needed, take a short relaxation break by closing your eyes, stretching (伸展) and relaxing muscles, and breathing deeply. If you start to panic, tell yourself. “I will stay calm. I can handle this.” Read directions carefully and stay focused on the exam. Just keep working. Never leave early yourself.
A．Staying positive is also important.
B．Pay no attention to students who finish early.
C．However, too much anxiety can lower your performance.
D．Spend some time thinking about what is causing the anxiety.
E．The key to reducing exam anxiety is to start your revision early.
F．As for anxiety during an exam, just follow the following strategies
G．Remember that most people feel tense at this point-it is only natural.
Ways to Teach Kids How to Manage Money
As adults, we've had a lifetime to learn how to manage our money. Finance may seem like a grown-up concept. Here are ways to teach kids how to budget (预算) and value a dollar.
Firstly, help children understand that everything costs money. Your children need to know the value of their money compared to the value of the things they'd like to buy. When they want a new toy, point out the cost and remind them how much they have to spend. Take the money from their jar, bring it to the store, and hand it to the cashier. They'll clearly see their amount of money shrink, though they'll get a toy in return.
As your kids decide how to spend money, teach them to start from something important. If they spend all their savings on one item, they won't have the money to spend on other things they might want. Because they don't have enough money to buy everything they'd like, they need to figure out what's most important to them.
In addition, show them how to shop smart. From buying products to doing cost comparisons, adults try to make their budgets stretch as far as possible — and you can teach your kids to do the same with their money. If your children want to buy a new toy, help them check the price at Target Toys at different stores.
Your kids watch what you do, so practice the same smart financial habits you're teaching them. It gives them context for the choices they see you making. One way to teach your children about finance is to involve them in your own financial decisions. For example, if you tell them you can't afford something they want, then turn around and buy a new television, which sends mixed signals. But if they know you've been saving up for a new television — that the entire family can enjoy — they're more likely to understand.
A. While everything costs money, some options cost less.
B. You should give your kids sufficient money to manage.
C Finally, adults should try to set a good financial example for kids.
D. When children get cash of their own, they need to decide how to spend it.
E. When they're buying something with their money, make the process visual.
F. However, it's never too early to start teaching your children about managing money.
Many companies today hold meetings to discuss their new plans. As people are paying more attention to the environment problems, more companies are looking for ways to reduce their bad influence on the environment. Many of them achieve this by using a web meeting.
It's an easy way of hosting and attending a meeting. Participants (与会者) don't have to leave the office. Each of them will receive an invitation with the meeting time and date on it. When the meeting is ready to begin, they must sit before their computers.
With a web meeting, all participants can attend the meeting at their own desks. As a result, no fuel (燃料) is used and less time is taken up in attending a web meeting.
Materials for the meeting are e-mailed to all the participants before it begins. For the company, this not only saves the use of paper but also greatly reduces the mailing cost.
As a meeting hall is not used, the only power for a web meeting is the power that is used by the computers. Besides, organisers don't have to pay for food and accommodation (住宿) for the participants. .
In a word, a web meeting is a cheaper, greener, and more friendly way of hosting and attending a meeting. So they can more easily find their working partners who have the same green ideas. In return, they develop good relationship with other companies and improve their business.
A. The web meeting is a technology that allows people to communicate better over the Internet.
B. All these mean that less energy is used.
C. Then participants can just read them on the screen.
D. Companies that hold web meetings are willing to work hard for a better environment.
E. They can be printed (打印) by the receivers.
F. They don't need to drive a car to travel to and from the meeting.
G. Web meetings are quite popular now.
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A. That turned out to be not exactly correct. B. But Buchanan warned against such an assumption. C. But a number of business organizations say it should remain untouched. D. But what works for a clothing company might not work for a different one. AB. Raising the minimum wage is identified as a key way to address the income gap. AC. For opponents a wage increase, increasing the minimum wage could reduce total employment by about 500, 000 jobs. |
More Clarity Needed on Wage Debate
These days, the minimum wage has become something of a big issue in America. For supporters. 16. 5 million low-wage workers could see an increase in their weekly earnings and 900, 000 people could rise above the poverty line.
Gap Inc, has decided to increase the minimum hourly rate it pays employees to $9 this year and then $10 next year. The company's announcement will effect 65, 000 Gap employees by 2017. Clearly Gap officials believe the money they invest in higher wages will pay off in increased sales and customer satisfaction. There's certainly nothing wrong with that.
Also last week, Wal-Mart found itself at the center of the wages gossip when it was reported that the company was looking at supporting an increase in the minimum wage.
Wal-Mart spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan said the company remains neutral on the idea of a minimum wage increase, but "obviously it's something that we look at closely, as any other company would". She said that more than 99 percent of company associates are paid above the current minimum wage. It has been discussed how increased income for low-wage workers might translate into increased spending. So it's reasonable to say that a company like Wal-Mart could see a jump in sales if the minimum wage rose.
"That is assuming that consumer behavior would be, 'If they have more money, they'll spend more money," she said. "That isn't always necessarily true. If we had a crystal ball, we could guess what consumer behavior would be in the future if a minimum wage increase goes through. But you just can't. "
