When I was a kid, I always heard, “People never grow new brain cells,” which was often followed up by the fun fact, “Every seven to 15 years all of your cells have been replaced, so you’re essentially a brand new person!”
So, wait. Which is it?
Biology is confusing and complex, especially for somebody like me who isn’t trained in biology, but just like when you’re taking a true and false test as soon as you see absolutes like never and all it’s reasonable to be suspicious of the statement’s accuracy.
Many cells do indeed get replaced – more often than seven years in many cases – but there are also some cells that don’t get replaced such as the inner lining of your eye or your tooth enamel. While it does appear parts of your brain don’t regenerate new cells, there is growing evidence that neurogenesis (the growth and development of nervous tissue) does occur in at least one part of the adult brain: the hippocampus. This is structure that helps with learning, memory, mood and emotion.
Exciting, right?
What’s more exciting is that you can aid in the generation of new brain cells in the hippocampus! Diet and lifestyle have been shown to influence neurogenesis. While there are many behaviors and activities in that list, there are two in particular that stood out: learning and exercise. As an active recreation facility, the Manassas Park Community Center can help with both!
There are tons of opportunities to learn something new here at the community center! We have American Sign Language and Arabic if you’re looking to explore a new language. If you want to learn a craft, we have crochet and sewing classes. You can generate new brain cells and create a new outfit!
Neural stem cell researcher Sandrine Thuret, suggests that any activity that will increase blood flow to the brain should be beneficial so the plethora of fitness programs we have available should have you covered! Group exercise classes like boot camp and Zumba will definitely get your blood pumping. Our two new exciting classes, barre conditioning and salsa, merengue, and bachata classes, can help motivate you to exercise and help you learn something new. If sports are your preferred method of fitness, drop-in basketball , volleyball, and pickleball are great options that are available.
If you’re interested, give us a call at 703-335-8872 and ask our amazing front desk staff all about the programs we have available here at the Manassas Park Community Center – or maybe we should change our name to the Manassas Park Neurogenesis Center?
In any case, we’ll see you soon!
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Prince William County government offices and facilities will be open on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Still, employees can take unscheduled leave or engage in unscheduled telework due to current weather conditions.
While the county remains open for business, residents are encouraged to check for the latest updates on facility-specific operations by visiting pwcva.gov/emergency.
Some county services may be impacted by the weather. Before visiting a county facility, call ahead or check the county’s website.
Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Wednesday, January 8, 2025, due to inclement weather and hazardous road conditions.
Fredericksburg Regional Transit (FXBGO!) announced that transit service, which was suspended on Tuesday due to winter weather, is expected to resume at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 8. Residents relying on public transportation are encouraged to plan accordingly and check for updates before traveling.
In addition to transit disruptions, the city’s trash collection schedule has been adjusted. Monday’s missed routes resumed today, and services will shift forward by one day for the remainder of the week. Tuesday’s trash will be collected on Wednesday, Wednesday’s on Thursday, and so on.
The City of Fredericksburg’s Public Works Department continues its efforts to clear snow and ice from roadways. Primary collector roads are reported to be in good condition, but some residential and collector roads remain compacted with snow and ice. Crews are applying plowing and chemical treatments as necessary to address these areas. As temperatures drop overnight, roads may refreeze, and drivers are urged to exercise caution when traveling.
The City also reminds property owners and occupants of their obligation to clear sidewalks adjacent to their properties. Snow and ice must be removed within 12 hours after snowfall ends, or by noon the following day if precipitation occurs overnight or on a Sunday. Sand or abrasives may be used if removal isn’t feasible. Residents and businesses are also responsible for clearing ADA access ramps to ensure safe pedestrian passage.
The animals below are STRAYS turned into the PWC Animal Services Center between 01/03/2025 – 01/06/2025. We post photos of stray animals brought to the Center a couple of times each week to help owners find their missing pets.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
