“Rethinking the Calorie” – The Atlantic, January 26, 2016
This article claims that the simple weight-loss formula—burn more energy than you consume—may actually be holding us back in the fight to curb obesity. Progress to understand this is critical: in the U.S. alone, the inability to curb the extraordinary prevalence of obesity costs more than $147 billion in healthcare, as well as $4.3 billion in job absenteeism and yet more in lost productivity.
“Help Your Team Manage Stress, Anxiety, and Burnout” – Harvard Business Review, January 21, 2016
A few tips: (1) Model and encourage wellbeing practices, (2) Allow time to disconnect outside of work, (3) Train the brain to deal with chaos, (4) Emphasize “mono-tasking” for better focus, (5) Be purposeful about “gap” time during the work day, or slow periods over the course of the working year.
“Clearing the Body’s Retired Cells Slows Aging and Extends Life” – The Atlantic, February 3, 2016
A series of experiments on mice has led to what might be “one of the more important aging discoveries ever.” By clearing senescent cells (those that accumulate as we get older, and are implicated in the health problems that accompany the aging process) from mice, researchers at the Mayo Clinic seem to have managed to slow the deterioration of their kidneys, hearts, and fat tissue. The animals lived healthier and, in some cases, they lived longer.
“A neuroscientist says there are powerful (brain) benefits to exercise” – Quartz, January 13, 2016
A neuroscientist assesses the neurological implications of exercise on how we live, learn and age as a society. (1) It combats stress; (2) it improves our ability to shift and focus attention; (3) it results in improved memory; and (4) it improves the imaginative functions of the hippocampus. As the scientist observes: “If regular exercise becomes routine for the vast majority of children and adults, we could have a population that’s not only healthier and less stressed, but also more productive”.
“You won’t be happiest until you turn 65 years old” – Quartz, February 4, 2016
According to a recent government survey conducted in the UK, people aged 65-79 have the highest levels of life satisfaction and happiness, and the lowest levels of anxiety. By contrast, those aged 45-59 reported the lowest levels of life satisfaction. In this survey, life satisfaction follows a U-shaped curve, possibly driven by socio-economic factors. The youngest cohort and those who have retired tend to have less responsibility and more time, and thus are more satisfied with life; those aged 45-54 may struggle to balance work and family commitments. Women reported higher levels of anxiety than men, but also reported higher levels of happiness.
A Striking Stat
At current rates, it would take the world another 118 years to close the economic/earnings gender gap.
Avg. global earnings 2006 2015
Men $11K $21K
Women $6K $11K
Source: World Economic Forum, ”What Are the 10 Biggest Global Challenges,” 2/16
