Working out doesn’t keep your brain young (TIME)

It’s a long-held belief that hitting the gym makes your brain as buff as your body. Now party-pooping researchers from the States have nixed that idea, finding that among the elderly, sweat sessions have no impact on cognitive ability. The scientists were perplexed at the findings, but suggested that working out when you’re young could keep your mind fitter in old age. Best hit the squat rack before it’s too late.



Talking about holidays beats buying stuff (Quartz)
When that tax rebate comes in, you’re better off putting it towards a trip than an iPhone. Scientists have discovered that talking about experiences is more rewarding than boring your colleagues with a list of your new toy’s functions, which compounds findings that the things you do are more fulfilling in the long-term than things you have. Of course, you could just buy both and take loads of selfies.

Overhydration is not good for performance (New York Times)

Ignore the calls to swig deep in every rest period. The cramps you think are signs of dehydration probably aren’t, and chasing them with liquid puts your at risk of a more serious issue – overhydration. What was once a barely seen issue is now rearing its head at endurance events, youth spots and even yoga classes, as we all swallow the myth that you need to chug litres a day. Just stick to drinking when you feel thirsty, in the gym and at your desk.

NHS complaints up by 20% in a year (Daily Mail)

As its finances tighten and health ministers seem set on alienating the entire medical profession, new figures show that its patients feeling the NHS squeeze. Complaints about the health service have soared over the last 12 months, up a fifth to more than 550 a day. Like the old joke goes: “Doctor! Doctor! I feel like a pair of curtains!” “Sorry, I haven’t got time to see you, you’ll have to make an appointment and come back in a month.”

Are you prepared for the kale crisis? (Guardian)

Your smoothie staple is about to become much harder to find, as a plague of aphids descends on European kale crops. The hipster bugs aren’t stopping there; other brassicas, including your muscle manna broccoli, are also at risk. Best stockpile it now before your local Tesco is overrun by looters with complicated facial hair