5. Optical Illusions and the Brain

Thesis: I learned that optical illusions aren't the trick of our eye or brain but our visual perception and its limitations. What we see is based on our normal perception, so under the weird circumstance we see the odd sensation. 
Evidence: Optical illusions uses color, light, and patterns to create the images that deceive our brain. The information that the eye catches is processed by the brain that creates a perception that doesn't match the real image. It's really just a shortcut for our brain- these illusions mislead our brain to take these shortcuts because what we see is actually light bouncing off of it and entering into our eye. It converts into electrical impulses which your brain turns into an image in a tenth of second. But your eye takes in streams of lights, so it's difficult for your brain to process it all at once. 
So-What: Not every optical illusion we see moves, some make us see colors or shades that aren't even there. But what makes the image move is due to psychedelic peripheral drift vision- how we perceive light and dark. Our brain is able to see the light colors faster than dark making it seem like the image is moving. You can reset the perception of motion by blinking, shifting your eyes, and looking away and back refuels the illusion of motion.

4. Lung Cancer

Thesis: Risk factors for lung cancer include, cancer (family history), smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, asbestos and other carcinogens. All increase the risk of lung cancer especially with repeated exposure damaging and changing the lung tissue right away.
Evidence: Risk of lung cancer increases with each cigarette smoked each day every year, quitting early decreases chances developing lung cancer. Even not smoking but inhaling it is a risk and increases the risk. Radon is produced from the uranium in soil, rock, and water that becomes apart of the air we breath, but unsafe levels of radon can build up in buildings and homes. Buildings and homes can contain asbestos and other carcinogens which is known for the causes of cancer. Cancer that runs in the family increases the risk of lung cancer. 
So-What: Ways to prevent and decrease the risks can be to quit smoking at a young age which can significantly lower chances of development. Radon testing kits are available for purchase at home improvement stores to test whether your environment is safe. If it happens to be unsafe, treatment is also available. Improving your lifestyle to increase your lung health is to relax and do breathing exercises (deep breaths), laugh, exercise regularly, healthier diet, hydrate, keeping your airways clear and breath through your nose. 

3. BMI/BMR

BMI- Body Mass Index is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women
My BMI: 19.5 (Normal Weight)
Three Reasons a Healthy Weight is Important:
-Overall health and can help prevent and control many diseases and conditions
-Helps lower risks of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, etc.
-Helps you feel good about yourself and let you enjoy life with more energy
BMR- Basal Metabolic Rate is the amount of energy (calorie form) that the body needs to function while resting for 24 hours
My BMR: 1332.45264 calories
Comparison between BMI AND BMR is that BMI is calculated using your height and weight to compose to develop the body composition while BMR is the number of calories your body burned when your body is at rest. BMI usually stays constant as long as your height stays at one. BMR decreases with age because as we get older our metabolism gets slower. Both are important to help you measure your health. Your BMI and BMR are associated in the sense that the higher your body composition, the higher the BMR.

2. MM Disease

Disease: Carpal Tunnel
Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, weakness, and other problems on the hand due to pressure on the median nerve on the wrist. Pressure can come from swelling which include hypothyroidism, rheumatoid, arthritis, and diabetes, etc.
Prognosis: Many reported treatments and surgeries helped. Residual numbness/weakness is common.
Treatments: -Home treatments can be administered: changing/avoiding activities that could've caused symptoms or wear a wrist splint
-Physical therapy/occupational therapy: ultrasound, stretching, and range-of-motion
-Medicine: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation, oral corticosteroids (injections)
-Surgery: only if you've had the syndrome for a long time period, nerve damage or risk of nerve damage

References: http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/carpal-tunnel/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-topic-overview#1

1. MM Career

Career: Physical Therapist
Description: Responsible for evaluating needs of patients and developing treatment plans. Providing therapy services defined in treatment plans. Rely on experience and judgement to plan and accomplish goals and performs many tasks with creativity and latitude is required.
Training/Education: Requires Master's degree or MBA. Certified as a physical therapist.
Salary: Average 81,603 a year

Reference: http://www1.salary.com/Physical-Therapist-Salary.html