There's a remarkable change taking place within your brain every single day and chances are, you don't even realize it. Every time you overcome a bad habit, acquire a new skill, or have a new idea, your brain remaps itself. This isn't poetic, it's science and it is called neuroplasticity.

For decades, scientists thought the adult brain was static, hardwired after childhood but over the last few decades, that's been completely rewritten by futuristic science. Today we know that the brain is dynamic, a changing entity that continues to adapt throughout life. Whether you're healing from trauma, creating new habits, or attempting to hone focus, your brain has the capacity to change—structurally and functionally.

What makes it even more intriguing is the way all this occurs unseen, as if a sculptor is working quietly, remolding clay with every experience, feeling, and deed. Neurons are reconfigured, synapses grow or dissolve. Large areas of the brain expand or contract based upon usage.

You're not tied to the brain you were born with. Neuroplasticity is possibility, and opening it up doesn't involve miracle tablets—it takes regular, conscious effort. From mindfulness exercises to movement and mindset changes, tiny habits can result in huge rewiring. Let's see how it works—and what it might do for your mental health.

What Is Neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity is the brain's capacity to reorganize its structure and function as a result of learning, experience, or injury. It's a process by which new connections are created among neurons or the existing ones are stabilized, enabling the brain to change. Says Dr. Prajwal Rao, Professor and Head of Neurology at Pune's Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, "Neuroplasticity is the brain's built-in mechanism for recovery.". It's how the nervous system adapts, compensates, and—even when injured—develops new ways of working."

This concept has transformed the treatment of injury to the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord. Following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or spinal cord injury (SCI), rehabilitation efforts now center upon retraining the brain through neuroplastic principles.

What is The Common Thread Between Birth Injury to Neurodegeneration?

On the surface, cerebral palsy and Parkinson's disease seem worlds apart. One is a motor disorder due to brain damage in utero or in the first moments after birth; the other is an otherwise healthy neurological disease that typically happens later in life. But both have damaged brain circuits—and that's where neuroplasticity comes in.

As Dr Rao explains, "Cerebral palsy, usually resulting from brain damage at birth, and Parkinson's disease, an incurable condition that degrades brain cells responsible for movement, are worlds apart. But both have something in common: both are the result of damage to brain circuits. And that's where neuroplasticity becomes relevant.".

The brain's neural network is able to create new paths or reinforce old ones, particularly when they are stimulated by activity, learning, or therapy. In cerebral palsy individuals, this rewiring is able to improve coordination and movement. In Parkinson's patients, the brain can be persuaded to tap into alternative pathways to make up for motor deficits by doing targeted exercises or activities."

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In children with cerebral palsy, it is possible to train the brain to redirect impaired motor functions to healthier areas. With age, neuroplasticity makes it possible to enhance movement despite the damage being static. In Parkinson's disease patients, therapies involving targeted movement, rhythm, and coordination exercises can restore or even recover motor functions by facilitating alternate neural pathways to assume lost functions.

When you learn something new—how to ride a bike, how to play the piano, or even how to type—your brain is making certain links between neurons stronger. That's neuroplasticity in action. But here's the kicker- this very principle will work even after neural damage, provided the brain is stimulated with regular and targeted activity.

Consider for instance the mechanism of task-specific repetition. In order for neuroplastic changes to occur, the task needs to be:

Novel: It stimulates new circuits.

Challenging: It keeps the brain engaged.

Repetitive: The more it's practiced, the more efficient and instinctive it becomes.

Whether it's a child learning to walk again or an adult trying to regain hand coordination after a stroke, neuroplasticity makes progress possible—not perfect, but often meaningful. "Modern rehabilitation approaches are now designed to tap into this power. Tools like robot-assisted therapy, virtual reality, and non-invasive brain stimulation are showing promise in helping patients recover brain functions. It’s like giving the brain a second chance to learn what it lost. The key, is timing and repetition, the earlier and more consistently someone engages their brain through goal-directed activity, the better the chances of building new neural pathways. Think of it as physical therapy for your brain," adds Dr Rao.

What Are Some New Technologies Leveraging Brain Plasticity?

Rehabilitation in today's world is more than walking along parallel bars or doing puzzles. Advanced therapy is capitalizing on the plasticity of the brain. Some of these include:

Virtual Reality (VR): Engaging surroundings assist patients in moving and balancing in interactive, real-time situations.

Robot-Assisted Therapy: Machines assist limbs by guiding them through movement to facilitate neuromuscular retraining.

Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation: Methods such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) increase plasticity by altering neural activity.

These are not sci-fi tools—these are already being used in clinics, aiding individuals in regaining control over their body and life following neurological injury.

How Neuroplasticity Can Help Treat Neurological Disorders?

One of the most robust outcomes in neuroplasticity research is that sooner is better. The earlier therapy begins—particularly after trauma—the more plastic the brain will be. Speed is only part of it, however. Consistency and intensity are also crucial. Working on highly structured, goal-driven activities daily reinforces new neural pathways and promotes sustained change.

It's physical therapy for your brain: challenge, repeat, get used to it, repeat once again.

It's crucial to understand: neuroplasticity is no panacea. It does not reverse damage to the brain or stop diseases in their tracks. Parkinson's disease continues to progress, and cerebral palsy is still a life-long affliction. But accessing the brain's capacity to reorganize provides a means to improvement, not merely management.

Neuroplasticity cannot reverse all symptoms but can enhance function, independence, and most importantly quality of life.

We’re still scratching the surface of what neuroplasticity can do. But what’s clear is this: the brain is not a static organ. It’s dynamic, responsive, and, with the right tools and persistence, capable of remarkable change. From the neonatal ICU to nursing homes, this concept is reshaping neurological care.

As Dr. Rao concludes, “This doesn’t mean neuroplasticity is a magical cure. Conditions such as Parkinson's remain progressive, and cerebral palsy is accompanied by a lifetime of difficulties but tapping the brain's own malleability provides clinicians and patients with an extraordinary tool to enhance quality of life. Briefly, neuroplasticity is becoming one of medicine's most promising frontiers. Whether in a child with cerebral palsy learning to walk, or an older person with Parkinson's learning to balance again, the brain's capacity to rewire itself might be one of its most powerful assets.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued its 2025-26 outlook, predicting a respiratory virus season with similar peak hospitalizations from COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as last year. The agency also warns that COVID-19 hospitalization rates could rise if a variant with moderate immune-escape properties emerges.

While avoiding sick individuals is the first line of defense against the flu, cleaning and disinfecting your home after someone recovers is equally important to prevent the virus from spreading to others.

Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: Understanding the Difference

Before tackling flu germs, it’s crucial to understand the difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning removes visible dirt, dust, and germs using soap and water, while disinfecting targets remaining germs with products like sprays, wipes, or bleach. Experts recommend cleaning first, then disinfecting, for maximum effectiveness.

Focus on High-Traffic Surfaces

Viruses can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours and on unwashed hands for about an hour. High-traffic areas in your home are most likely to harbor germs. Prioritize disinfecting:

• Doorknobs and drawer handles
• Light switches
• Stair rails

If someone was sick in a vehicle, disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as steering wheels, door handles, seats, and seat belts. Disinfecting wipes are convenient, but always follow manufacturer instructions and wash your hands afterward.

Kitchen and Bathroom Cleaning

In the kitchen, wash all utensils, dishes, and glasses in hot, soapy water or a dishwasher. Then disinfect:

• Countertops and cabinets
• Refrigerator handles
• Sinks and faucets
• Coffee makers, microwaves, and ovens
• Garbage cans

For bathrooms, disinfect:

• Toilets, sinks, and faucets
• Doorknobs and light switches
• Shower and bathtub surfaces
• Soap dispensers and toilet paper holders
• Floors and overlooked areas like toothbrush holders
• Consider replacing toothbrushes to prevent lingering germs
• Laundry and Bedroom Surfaces

Flu viruses can survive on soft surfaces like clothing, bedding, and towels. Wash all laundry in the hottest water recommended on care labels and dry thoroughly. Also, disinfect laundry baskets or hampers.

In bedrooms, disinfect doorknobs, bedside tables, bed frames, and drawer handles. Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors. For children, machine-wash soft toys and clean hard toys with soap and disinfectant.

Electronics Are Germ Hotspots

Mobile phones, keyboards, tablets, and remote controls can carry harmful microorganisms. Clean screens with a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with soapy water, or use disinfecting wipes carefully, avoiding alcohol-based products that may damage electronics. Consider wipeable covers for easier disinfecting.

Ventilate Your Home

Open windows if outdoor temperatures are comfortable. Fresh air reduces airborne germs and helps when using disinfecting products. Proper ventilation ensures that lingering viruses don’t continue to spread indoors.

Recovery First, Deep Cleaning Later

If you are still recovering from the flu, wait until you feel well before doing intensive cleaning. Recovery typically takes a week, but may take longer for those with underlying conditions or complications. Enlist help from family, friends, or professionals to avoid overexertion.

Flu is highly contagious, particularly when people spend more time indoors. Cleaning and disinfecting your home after recovery is vital to prevent spreading the virus. Start with high-traffic areas, then move to kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and electronics. Always wear gloves and a mask when using disinfectants and follow instructions carefully.

By taking these precautions, you help protect your household and visitors from catching the flu, ensuring a safer and healthier home this season.

A disease that slowly creeps in and affects one of the vital organs, may sound terrifying and rare, but it is more common than we realize. Fatty liver diseases are one of the most common form of liver diseases in children, and this number has doubled in the past 20 years.

According to the American Liver Foundation. About 100 million people in the US have MASLD, or Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, which was previously known as NAFLD. This happens when the percentage of fat in the liver is more than 5%-10% of the liver’s weight. While you may think that it doesn’t affect your health as much, but it can actually cause you a lot of issues.

How Does Fatty Liver Affect Your Health?

Your liver is a vital organ that processes food and waste in your body. A healthy liver should contain very little fat. Over time, too much fat can lead to scarring of the liver, a serious condition called cirrhosis. Fatty liver is common, affecting about one in three adults, according to Australian Healthdirect.

Fatty liver disease often has no symptoms. However, if symptoms do appear, they may include feeling tired or unwell, having pain in the upper right part of your stomach, or losing weight without trying. More serious signs that the disease has progressed and caused liver damage include:

• Jaundice: When your skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellow.
• Bruising easily.
• Dark-colored urine.
• A swollen stomach.
• Vomiting blood or having black stools.
• Itchy skin.

What Should We Avoid To Make Our Liver Healthy?

Cases of fatty liver disease are on the rise, largely due to poor dietary habits and a reliance on processed foods. While this condition can lead to serious health issues over time, making a few simple changes to what you eat can significantly reduce fat buildup in the liver and lower your risk of liver disease. Gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi, who is trained at top universities, recently shared his top three food choices that can harm your liver. According to Dr. Sethi, you should avoid the following three common foods to protect your liver:

Sugary Drinks

Dr. Sethi calls sugary drinks like sodas and juices "liquid poison" because they are full of empty calories. Drinks that contain high-fructose corn syrup can overwhelm the liver, causing it to turn the extra sugar into fat. This process contributes directly to fatty liver disease. Instead, Dr. Sethi recommends sticking to water, tea, or coffee.

Deep-Fried Foods

Foods that are deep-fried, especially in unhealthy oils, should be avoided. They contain high amounts of unhealthy fats that can lead to fat buildup and inflammation in the liver. This can cause liver damage and contribute to obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Ultra-Processed Foods

Items like chips, candies, hot dogs, and instant noodles are highly processed and harmful to your liver. These foods are full of unhealthy fats, added sugars, and artificial ingredients that put a strain on your liver, leading to inflammation and an unhealthy gut.

Dr. Sethi stresses that making these simple dietary changes can make a big difference in protecting your liver's health.

Gina Marie Bakery, a company located in Connecticut, has issued a voluntary recall for several of its cookie products. The recall was announced after the company discovered a major issue with its packaging: it failed to list some important ingredients.

Specifically, the cookies may contain almonds, sesame, and several food colorings without declaring them on the label. The company is taking this action to ensure customer safety and has stopped all sales of the affected products until the problem is completely fixed.

How Dangerous Are Allergens In Food?

The recall is a serious matter because of the health risks involved. For people with allergies to nuts, sesame, or certain food dyes, eating these cookies could cause a severe or even life-threatening allergic reaction.

Reactions can range from mild symptoms like hives and lip swelling to a dangerous condition called anaphylaxis, which can make it hard to breathe and can be fatal. Thankfully, no illnesses have been reported so far. This recall is a proactive step to prevent anyone from getting sick due to the incorrect labeling.

What Were The Major Allergens In Gina Marie Bakery?

The recall includes several types of cookies sold in 1-pound and 2-pound plastic containers. The specific products are Italian Mixed Vanilla Cookies, Italian Sesame Cookies, and several others, all of which were distributed to various stores in Connecticut and parts of Massachusetts. If you have any of these cookies in your home, it's very important that you do not eat them. Instead, you should return them to the store where you bought them for a full refund. If you have any questions or concerns, you can call the company directly at 203-596-8007. Here are the specific products listed

• Italian Mixed Vanilla Cookies
• Italian Sesame Cookies
• Vanilla Chocolate Dipped Cookies
• Vanilla with Apricot Jam Cookies
• Toasted Almond & Cherry Biscotti
• Vanilla Cookies with Raspberry Peach Jam

How To Respond During Emergency Allergic Reaction

In case you have consumed an allergen or believe you are having an allergic reaction, ensure that you take proper steps for the best outcomes. Anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergy reactionm is a very serious allergic reaction and a medical emergency. It requires immediate treatment with an adrenaline (epinephrine) injector, as a delay can be fatal. It’s important to know the difference between a mild reaction and a severe one.

Signs of a mild reaction:

• Swelling of the lips, face, or eyes
• Hives or welts on the skin
• A tingling feeling in the mouth
• Stomach pain or vomiting (especially after an insect sting)

What to do:

If you see these signs, stay with the person and call for help. Get the adrenaline device ready in case the reaction gets worse. A mild reaction might not always happen before a severe one begins.

Signs of Severe Allergic Reaction

Anaphylaxis is life-threatening. Look for any one of these signs:

• Breathing Trouble: Noisy breathing, a persistent cough, or wheezing.
• Throat and Mouth Swelling: A swollen tongue or a feeling of a tight throat.
• Voice Changes: A hoarse voice or difficulty talking.
• Dizziness or Collapse: Feeling dizzy, fainting, or collapsing.
• In Children: A young child may become pale and limp.

What To Do When A Person Is Having An Allergic Reaction?

1. You must ensure that you act immediately if someone is having an allergic reaction in front of you.
2. Lay the person flat. Do not let them stand or walk. If they are unconscious, put them on their side. If they are pregnant, lay them on their left side. If they have trouble breathing, let them sit with their legs out straight.
3. Use the adrenaline device. Give the person their adrenaline shot right away.
4. Call for an ambulance.
5. Call their emergency contact. Let their family or contact person know what is happening.
6. Give another shot if needed. If the person doesn't improve after five minutes, you may need to give a second dose of adrenaline.
7. Go to the hospital. Even after the reaction seems to stop, the person must be taken to the hospital and watched for at least four hours.
8. If the person becomes unresponsive or is not breathing normally, commence CPR