Synapse Chicago

Tomorrow might be a minor holiday, but its message has major effects – National Protein Day! This day focuses on the health benefits of one of the basic building blocks of our body. Not only does protein assist in the development of muscle, bone, and skin, it is crucial for brain health. A healthy brain produces hundreds of neurotransmitters for regular maintenance of the brain and needs protein to do it. In fact, protein can even increase your mood by breaking down into L-tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin (or “the happy molecule”).

Looking for some non-meat options to up your protein intake? Try quinoa, pumpkin seeds, lentils, and tofu.

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Francis Cecil Sumner. Dr. Sumner was the first African American to receive a Ph.D. in Psychology. He is regarded as the “Father of Black Psychology” and helped to establish the Psychology Department at Howard University. His research proved to counteract racism and bias in psychological studies of African Americans. Several of his students went on to make great strides in the field, including Dr. Kenneth Clark, creator of “The Doll Test.”

In honor of Black History Month, we would like to celebrate the work of Dr. Eugene Pen*ston. His breakthrough research in the fields of alcoholism, drug addiction, and PTSD were integral in the development of the Pen*ston-Kulkosky Protocol (or Alpha-Theta protocol). The results were transformative, resulting in a cessation of relapse in up to 80% of his patients! This therapeutic intervention is widely used today with equally amazing results.

Interested in learning more about the Pen*ston Protocol? Check out the link for more info!

https://www.isnr-jnt.org/article/view/16667

*stonKulkosky

Did you know that as much as 95% of all dreams are quickly forgotten shortly after waking? Why are dreams so difficult to remember? The changes in the brain that occur during sleep do not support the information processing and storage needed for memory formation, which may be to our advantage as negative emotions are much more common during dreaming than positive ones.