Parkinson’s is a progressive brain disease which leads to shaky hands and slow movement, and there is no cure. Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese martial art that combines (结合) slow, gentle movements with deep breathing and relaxation, may be an effective means of reducing the suffering. Recently, the researchers say that those who practised the martial art twice a week had fewer complications (并发症) and better quality of life than those who didn’t. Experts say the findings back up previous studies on the benefits of exercise for those with Parkinson’s.

The study, from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, monitored the health of hundreds of Parkinson’s patients for up to five years. One group of 147 people practised regular Tai Chi while another group of 187 did not. The researchers found that the disease progressed more slowly in the Tai Chi group on measurements of symptoms (症状), movement and balance. This group also saw fewer falls, less back pain and dizziness, with memory and concentration problems also lower than in the other group. At the same time, sleep and quality of life continuously improved.

Prof. Alastair Noyce, professor in neurology and neuroepidemiology at Queen Mary University of London, called it “an important study”—the positive effects on aspects of motor (运动的) and non-motor functions are impressive — but said there were limitations in its design, and more tests were needed.

“We already recommend Tai Chi, as well as other forms of exercise, but understanding which forms of exercise are most beneficial is an important goal to improve the long-term management of patients,” he said.

Can you imagine being able to remember every single experience of your life and every word in your favorite book? That’s what Becky’s life is like.

Three years ago, Becky was reading a reading a newspaper article which mentioned that it was impossible for people to remember the details of their life in the first three years.

“What nonsense!” she thought, because she could clearly remember her life all the way back to when she was just 12 days old. Her parents had carried her to the driver’s seat of their car and laid her down for a photo. But it wasn’t nonsense. She was just one of only 80 known people suffering from a mysterious condition called HSAM（超忆症）.

Becky’s unusual case was shown on a program called 60 Minutes, where reporter Allison tested her ability by asking her about her favorite book series, Harry Potter, Allison would pick up a book and open a page and read her a line. Immediately Becky would name the book, chapter number, copter name and could recite every word until Allison told her to stop.

Being able to remember every little detail is great, but as every HSAM suffer will tell you, it’s also tough to deal with it. We always forget things to get over sad experiences in our lives, but it’s something that people like Becky can’t do. Even walking on the street and lightly knocking into somebody can bring some me bad memories from Becky’s childhood. Also, like Becky, people with HSAM never do well in school, because they have problems picking up the important information from what they've learnt.

Becky’s great brain could help scientists find a cure for terrible mental illnesses like Alzheimer’s(老年痴呆症).Her condition could hold the secret to treating or even preventing Alzheimer’s.

You should always seek professional medical help as soon as you are able to , but following correct first-aid steps can be the difference between life and death. Here are some suggestions about how to care for an unconscious(不省人事的) person.

Determine responsiveness.

If a person is unconscious , try to awake him by gently touching his hands and feet or by speaking to him.【小题1】, determine whether he is breathing.

Check for breathing and a pulse.

If the person is unconscious and unable to be awoken, check for breathing ;look for a rise in the chest area.【小题2】.Feel for air using the side of your face. If no signs of breathing are clear , check for a pulse.

If the person remains unresponsive , prepare for CPR (心肺复苏).

Unless you suspect a spinal (脊柱的) injury , carefully roll him onto his back and open his airway.【小题3】, leave the person where he is , provided he is breathing. If the person begins to vomit, move him over to his side to help prevent choking.

【小题4】

Check these three things frequently as you give the person first-aid CPR.

●Airway. Does the person have a clear airway?

●Breathing. Is the person breathing?

●Circulation. Does the person show a pulse at major pulse points?

Make sure the person is warm as you wait for medical help.

Cover a towel or a blanket over the person if you have one. However , if the person has heatstroke，do not cover him or keep him warm.【小题5】.