Moments of fear grip us all at certain times. Why is that, we always ask. Is it the standard "fight or flight" response that is built into our psyche?

Scientists this week revealed that they in fact know more than in previous years about what causes us to jump when something scares us. It comes down to studying the evolutionary habits of animals in much of the research, and it could lead to better treatments for those folks who have irrational fears that run amok.

In other words, the anxiety disorder could receive a treatment boost if scientists could discover why the brain makes up fears for little reason -- causing some people to live, work, play and sleep in fear. For millions, any new development would be very welcome.

Source

Halloween is upon us. And I'm scared. Not because of ghosts, goblins, witches, and warlocks, though. It's the candy that does it for me -- the sheer excess of sugar that will fill my kids' treat buckets on the night of trick-or-treat. My boys, who will quickly become beggars, will know no limits and will haunt me for weeks with their sweet requests. I haven't yet decided how I'll manage to trash a good portion of the goo my guys will score on this spooky night. But I do know I'd love it if nutritious treats could somehow find a place in the Halloween tradition. Maybe I need to nix the whole door-to-door thing and host my own little healthy hang-out -- complete with these Halloween treats.

• Organic apples, pears, and other fruits could be provided for easy munching. A little caramel dipping sauce could spice things up a bit.

• A handful of salt-free pretzels, sesame seeds, whole grain cereal, dried cranberries, and other dried fruits would make a perfect crunchy mix.
  

• Seedless grapes added to flavored sugar-free Jello could be the start of one favorite fruity indulgence.

There are many horribly healthy options out there. But will they -- can they -- ever replace what what kids have come to love so much about Halloween? It's the candy that keeps them coming back for more.

It's the candy that keeps me afraid of those knocks on the door.

Source