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10 tricks to improve memory
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Whether you're old or still young, here are tips to keep your memory fresh. - photo by Sarah Anderson
Whether its setting down something then not remembering where we put it or walking into a room and forgetting why we went there, weve all had frustrating moments of forgetfulness.

Harvard Health noted that while genes do play a role in whether people lose their memories as they age, choices and lifestyle have an impact as well.

Just as muscles grow stronger with use, mental exercise helps keep mental skills and memory in tone, Harvard Health noted.

While any brain exercise is better than being a mental couch potato, some are better than better, in particular activities that take you out of your comfort zone, such as learning a new language or volunteering.

And The Memory Institute noted there are limitless benefits to a better memory, from improved work performance to seldom forgetting where you put your car keys.

Mayoclinic.org, helpguide.org and lifehack.org have these tips to keep your memory in shape:

  1. Do a crossword puzzle, read a newspaper section you tend to skip, take alternate driving routes to stimulate your brain.
  2. Pay attention to what you're trying to learn. Involve all the senses that you can, review what youve learned and use mnemonic devices, such as the acronym of HOMES to remember the names of the Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior.
  3. Take breaks when taking in new information. The ability to retain what youre learning drops after a certain time period, which leads to a fatiguing information overload.
  4. Get together with loved ones. Lack of social interaction can lead to depression and stress, which can contribute to memory loss.
  5. Organize your home because youre more likely to forget where things are if it's in disarray. Keep track of tasks in a planner, possibly even repeating it aloud for further emphasis.
  6. Get a good nights sleep, about seven or eight hours a day because it helps consolidate your memory for better recall.
  7. Stick to a healthy diet, with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat protein. Watch what you drink as well. Too much alcohol or not enough water can mess with your memory.
  8. Make physical activity a part of your routine. It increases blood flow to your body, including the brain, which might improve memory.
  9. Follow doctor recommendations for chronic conditions, such as depression or kidney or thyroid problems. Similarly, unexplainable dips in memory may be caused by heart disease, diabetes, hormone imbalance and medications, which is something to talk to your doctor about.
  10. Meditate. Theres only so much information the brain can process at one time, and too many distractions can interfere with the transfer of information to long-term memory.
Its toxic: New study says blue light from tech devices can speed up blindness
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A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers. - photo by Herb Scribner
It turns out checking Twitter or Facebook before bed is bad for your health.

A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers.

That process can lead to age-related macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, according to the researchs extract.

Blue light is a common issue for many modern Americans. Blue light is emitted from screens, most notably at night, causing sleep loss, eye strain and a number of other issues.

Dr. Ajith Karunarathne, assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, said our constant exposure to blue light cant be blocked by the lens or cornea.

"It's no secret that blue light harms our vision by damaging the eye's retina. Our experiments explain how this happens, and we hope this leads to therapies that slow macular degeneration, such as a new kind of eye drop, he said.

Macular degeneration is an incurable eye disease that often affects those in their 50s or 60s. It occurs after the death of photoreceptor cells in the retina. Those cells need retinal to sense light and help signal the brain.

The research team found blue light exposure created poisonous chemical molecules that killed photoreceptor cells

"It's toxic. If you shine blue light on retinal, the retinal kills photoreceptor cells as the signaling molecule on the membrane dissolves," said Kasun Ratnayake, a Ph.D. student researcher working in Karunarathne's cellular photo chemistry group. "Photoreceptor cells do not regenerate in the eye. When they're dead, they're dead for good."

However, the researchers found a molecule called alpha-tocopherol, which comes from Vitamin E, can help prevent cell death, according to Futurism.

The researchers plan to review how light from TVs, cellphones and tablet screens affect the eyes as well.

"If you look at the amount of light coming out of your cellphone, it's not great but it seems tolerable," said Dr. John Payton, visiting assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. "Some cellphone companies are adding blue-light filters to the screens, and I think that is a good idea."

Indeed, Apple released a Night Shift mode two years ago to help quell blue lights strain on the eyes, according to The Verge. The screen will dim into a warmer, orange light that will cause less stress on the eyes.