This research is fascinating and is reported in layman’s language. I used to be able to read the studies and understand all the chemical and scientific lingo. Not any more! So I appreciate an article that makes sense and doesn’t require me to try to remember my college biology or chemistry classes to make sense out of the research. And pain studies are of interest to all of us!

ScienceDaily (Apr. 27, 2010) — A substance similar to capsaicin, which gives chili peppers their heat, is generated at the site of pain in the human body. Scientists at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio have discovered how to block these capsaicin-like molecules and created a new class of non-addictive painkillers.

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by Jonnie Wright 

I was so eager to sit down to a new Bible study this morning! But all these inconsequential have-tos nibbled at my enthusiasm: brush teeth, make hot chocolate, fix chair for cat, get to that pile of to-dos by the computer, don’t lose the list for trip, and… On and on went the distractions until the phrase “little foxes ruin the vineyard” stopped me cold. Here were all these little foxes nibbling at my heels and snipping off the grapes of my joy with each diversion. (I came across this word picture in Heart to Heart with Holley called ”Invisible Squirrels.” It intrigued me.)

Sit down! Sit down! My brain intoned, or you’ll never get started! Yes, but… “Come away with me my love. Listen to my voice, hear my sweet voice and receive my joy.” I sat! I sighed into His arms and let His Words overtake me–His voice sweet, His face lovely. Again I was renewed… and reminded that the cat and the cushions and the lists would sort themselves out. All I needed to do was to turn those little foxes over to God and He’d chase their yipping right out of my mind.

Lord, “Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.” (SS 2:15)

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Found this info from Reliv. Hope it motivates you to get out there and do more exercise! Since I cannot, I’ll keep my fingers exercising by looking for other interesting information for you.

Exercise doesn’t just make you look better and control your weight; it’s also good for your brain and lowers your risk of some diseases.

We’re not talking about brain exercises like Soduku or crossword puzzles. We mean heart-pumping physical exercise. While that run around the track, stint on the treadmill or killer kickboxing class is boosting your heart rate, it’s also firing up your cognitive abilities.

In a study at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, middle-aged monkeys ran on a treadmill for one hour each day, five days a week for five months, which is the optimal exercise regimen recommended for improving fitness in middle-aged people. During the fifth week of exercise, monkeys completed cognitive tests and were twice as fast as those who didn’t exercise. They were also more alert and engaged.

But you don’t need a monkey to tell you that physical exercise increases blood flow to your brain. This blood delivers nutrients and oxygen, which may be why cognitive function increases. Plus, being more alert and engaged increases your ability to learn.

Previous studies have shown that people who exercise learn faster, think clearer and bounce back more easily from brain injuries such as stroke. The mild stress caused by exercise triggers the brain to protect against neuron damage, which may explain why exercisers’ brains recover better from brain injuries.

Aerobic exercise such as running or jogging also stimulates the growth of new brain cells and ability to learn. In addition, exercise reduces the level of the cortisol hormone, which is associated with stress.

On the flip side, lack of physical activity is linked to more colon cancer cases than any other risk factor. Turn this around by getting physically active and you’ll be 30 to 40 percent less likely to get colon cancer than sedentary people.

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I heard a good sermon today about running the race and finishing strong. The heart of Paul can be found in Philippians as he describes the lofty truths of Christianity in practical terms.