Researchers at the University of Oregon have found that giving money to charities stimulates pleasure centers in the brain the same way as, get this, sex or food does. In the study, nineteen women were given $100 each and then told they had to give the money away. Their brains were scanned by MRI as the women watched automatic transfers go from their accounts to a local food bank. 
The areas of the brain that were stimulated were the caudate nucleus and the nucleus accumbens – areas known for pleasure.
Here’s what I find questionable: would the pleasure centers have been stimulated if the women had to give away their own money. Ha, ha, ha – and they call this science. Sheesh. Please University of Oregon, do the next study on a group of insurance adjusters, would ya? Now that would be moolah well spent.
SAY GOODBYE TO POP-TARTS
Well, Kellogs Co., the maker of Frosted Flakes and Fruit Loops, says it’s going to make its cereals and snacks targeted at kids healthier or stop making them altogether. Following threats of lawsuits by parent and advocacy groups who worry of childhood obesity, Kellogs has decided to step it up and make a healthier version of these long time sugary snacks.
Now wait just a doggone minute here – I like Pop-Tarts. Geez, do you gotta change them just cuz some child abusers have been actually feeding this product to their children forbreakfast? C’mon, most of us levelheads know its candy. What next – organic Abba Zaba?
SPORTS-CREAM FOLLOW-UP
As we discussed a few days ago, the consequences following the death of a young lady who had used excessive amounts of sports cream is that experts are now urging clearer warnings to be used on labels. Some are even suggesting that creams should be only used with medical supervision.
Gotta say it again: don’t take the safety of over-the-counter (OTC) medications for granted. All chemicals are poisons if administered in high doses or over an extended period of time. Read warning labels and teach your children to do the same. Definitely make it your business to know what your kids are taking – and keep abreast of what’s happening in health. It can save your kid’s life.
