Brains Grow Differently

 

By John R. Fisher, PhD (assisted by AI)

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Introduction

Parents, teachers, and anyone who has raised teenagers have probably noticed it: girls often seem to mature earlier, while young men may take a bit longer to reach the same level of judgment, impulse control, and emotional steadiness. This difference isn’t just social—it’s biological. Modern neuroscience shows that although everyone develops through the same stages, the timing of brain maturation is different for men and women. Understanding these patterns helps us appreciate why young adults think and act the way they do—and how we can support them along the way.

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The Prefrontal Cortex: The Last Piece to Finish

The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain responsible for:

• decision-making

• managing emotions

• impulse control

• long-term planning

This area matures last, and its development shapes the “adult” mind.

Women Mature Earlier (Around 21–23)

Research using MRI scans shows that women typically complete key brain-development processes earlier. These include:

• myelination, which strengthens neural pathways

• synaptic pruning, which removes unused or inefficient connections

Because puberty also begins earlier for girls, hormones such as estrogen help accelerate emotional regulation and executive function.

Men Mature Later (Around 25–27)

For men, the same processes occur—but they take longer. Testosterone surges begin later and influence brain development over a longer period. As a result:

• impulse control develops more gradually

• risk-taking tendencies last longer

• emotional regulation stabilizes later

Why the Difference?

The gap reflects natural biological pacing. Girls move through developmental stages sooner, which pushes brain maturation earlier. Boys move through these stages later, creating a longer runway to reach full adult neurological function.

How This Plays Out in Real Life

These biological timelines help explain common patterns:

• Young women often display stronger planning and emotional self-management in their early 20s.

• Young men may be more likely to take risks and act impulsively until their mid-20s.

• By the late 20s, both sexes reach similar levels of mature cognitive functioning.

These are trends, not rules—every individual is different. But the general patterns hold across populations.

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Conclusion

Men and women reach full brain maturity on different timelines, but both follow a predictable developmental arc. Recognizing these differences helps parents, leaders, and young adults themselves understand that maturity is not just a choice—it’s a process shaped by biology. When we appreciate how the brain grows, we respond with more patience, more compassion, and better support for young people navigating the transition into adulthood. Ultimately, understanding brain development helps us live better—not by judging differences, but by respecting them.

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References

Lenroot, R. K., & Giedd, J. N. (2010). Sex differences in the adolescent brain. Brain and Cognition, 72(1), 46–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bandc.2009.10.008

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Additional Supporting References

Giedd, J. N. (2008). The teen brain: Insights from neuroimaging. Journal of Adolescent Health, 42(4), 335–343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2008.01.007

De Bellis, M. D., & Keshavan, M. S. (2003). Sex differences in brain maturation in youth: A structural MRI study. Cerebral Cortex, 13(12), 1284–1291. https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhg102

Communication in Healthcare

 

What we can learn from clinicians about handling emotions in tough situations?

By Dr. John Fisher (assisted by AI)

Communication in healthcare involves more than sharing information. It is emotional work. Clinicians often face fear, grief, frustration, anger, and confusion—both from patients and within themselves. Their ability to manage their own emotions directly affects communication quality, patient safety, and their own well-being.

A study by Luff et al. (2016) shows how clinicians handle their emotions during difficult conversations. The researchers identify several practical strategies that help clinicians stay calm, clear, and professional.

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1. Stepping Back Helps Clinicians Stay Grounded

Luff et al. (2016) found that clinicians often pause before they respond. Even a brief moment—a breath or a short silence—helps them stay steady instead of reacting too quickly.

This reflects emotion regulation theory, which explains how people manage feelings before they express them. Pausing is an example of antecedent-focused regulation because the clinician redirects emotion before it grows stronger.

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2. Cognitive Reframing Reduces Distress

The study also showed that clinicians use cognitive reframing. They remind themselves that strong emotions from patients or families are about the situation, not about them personally.

This mental shift helps them stay calm and compassionate. It reduces defensiveness and allows clearer communication. This strategy fits Gross’s (1998) idea that reframing is one of the most effective ways to manage strong emotions.

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3. Debriefing With Colleagues Builds Emotional Control

Another important strategy in the study was debriefing. After a difficult conversation, clinicians talk with a colleague to release tension and gain perspective. Luff et al. (2016) found that this helps clinicians:

• process emotions safely

• prevent emotional overload

• reflect on the situation

• communicate more effectively in the future

This shows that emotional support within the healthcare team improves communication with patients.

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4. Self-Management Improves Empathy and Clarity

Clinicians who manage their emotions well communicate more effectively. Luff et al. (2016) found that they show more empathy, calmness, clarity, and professionalism during stressful moments.

This ties to emotional labor theory (Hochschild, 1983). Healthcare workers often must appear calm even when they feel stressed. The study shows that they can do this in a healthy way—by regulating emotion rather than suppressing it.

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Why This Matters

Strong communication depends on how a message is delivered, not only on the words used. When clinicians manage their emotions well, they:

• prevent conflict

• make room for patient concerns

• build trust

• reduce their own stress

• support safer decision-making

The findings from Luff et al. (2016) highlight how closely emotional skills and communication skills are connected.
With rising burnout in healthcare, learning to manage emotions during communication is no longer optional—it is essential.

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Reference

Luff, D., Martin, E. B., Jr., Mills, K., Mazzola, N. M., Bell, S. K., & Meyer, E. C. (2016). Clinicians’ strategies for managing their emotions during difficult healthcare conversations. Patient Education and Counseling, 99(9), 1461–1466. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2016.06.017

Healing Waters

 

The Enduring Story of Boulder Hot Springs

By John Fisher (assisted by AI)

Our family first discovered hot springs in the 1980s when our children were young, making stops at three different springs during our travels. Among them, Boulder Hot Springs in Montana stood out—not just for its healing waters, but for its history, character, and enduring charm. Over the years, as we journeyed to and from Alberta where our children now live, Boulder Hot Springs became a favorite stop. Today, reopened as a hotel and spa, it still retains the spirit of the past with themed rooms and the quiet dignity of a place deeply rooted in Montana history.

The History of Boulder Hot Springs
The site now known as Boulder Hot Springs was first used by Native peoples who traveled through the valley during seasonal crossings, pausing to bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters. By the early 1880s, A.C. Quaintance built a hotel that drew local miners and ranchers in search of rest and healing after long days of labor.

In 1909, the main building and baths were rebuilt in California Mission style by millionaire James A. Murray. Through the decades, the resort welcomed presidents, the wealthy, and everyday travelers alike. In 1935, an earthquake destroyed the Olympic-sized pool, but Boulder Hot Springs remained a bustling retreat well into the mid-20th century.

By the late 20th century, the property had fallen into decline until Dr. Anne Wilson Schaef, author and healer, became a guiding force in its restoration. Beginning in 1989, she and her team poured years of effort into saving the hotel—patching old walls, repainting, and steadily bringing life back to the once-dilapidated building. She also headquartered her internationally recognized healing work, Living in Process, at Boulder Hot Springs. Dr. Schaef kept the spirit of the springs alive until her passing in 2020, leaving behind both a restored landmark and a legacy of healing.

A Living Treasure
Today, Boulder Hot Springs continues its tradition as a place of renewal. Guests are welcomed into uniquely themed rooms, each with a character that blends old-world charm with modern comfort. The hot pools, steam, and stillness invite visitors to experience the same restorative powers that have drawn people here for generations.

For our family, it remains more than a stop on the road north—it is a touchstone to memory, history, and healing. Every visit reminds us why Boulder Hot Springs has endured: it offers not only warmth and rest, but also a deep sense of connection with the land, the past, and the people who have kept it alive.

Conclusion
From its beginnings as a Native resting place, to its heyday as a grand mission-style resort, through near ruin, and finally to its rebirth as a hotel and spa, Boulder Hot Springs embodies resilience and renewal. For us, it is both a personal tradition and a Montana treasure.

Keywords: Boulder Hot Springs, Montana history, healing waters, Anne Wilson Schaef, hot springs hotel
Hashtags: #BoulderHotSprings #MontanaHistory #HealingWaters #FamilyTradition #HistoricHotels

Radon Mine Math

A look at the dose, risk, and what it means for short stays 

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Inside the Earth Angel Mine

By John Fisher (assisted by AI)

My wife and I recently dug into the numbers behind spending time at a radon mine in Basin, Montana. We wanted to know: if two nonsmoking women—one age 50, one age 75—spent three hours a day in the mine for five days, what kind of radiation dose would they get, and what would that mean for long-term health? The results might surprise you: the dose is measurable, the risk is real, but it is small for a short visit.

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Breaking Down the Dose

The air in the mine carries about 1,700 picocuries per liter of radon on average (that’s roughly 63 kBq/m³ for those who like the technical side). Levels go up and down during the day, anywhere from about 700 to 2,200 pCi/L.

Spending a total of 15 hours underground (three hours each day for five days) works out to about 0.9 millisieverts (mSv) of effective radiation dose. For comparison, a chest CT scan is around 7 mSv, while natural background radiation in the U.S. is about 3 mSv per year.

Testing in the Earth Angel Mine matches these numbers closely. Measurements taken in 2024 and 2025 showed radon levels between about 1,600 and 2,300 picocuries per liter, right in line with the 1,700 pCi/L average described above. That means the dose estimates are consistent: a short visit of around 15 hours total adds up to less than 1 millisievert of radiation, far below what you would get from a medical CT scan and only a fraction of the natural radiation we all receive in a year. The science confirms that while the exposure is real and worth noting, it remains quite low for visitors who only spend a few days at the mine.

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What That Means for Risk

Radiation experts estimate lifetime cancer risk by using a general rule of about 5–6% increased risk per sievert of exposure. At 0.9 mSv:

• For a 50-year-old nonsmoking woman, the added lifetime risk is about 0.005% (roughly 1 in 20,000).

• For a 75-year-old nonsmoking woman, the risk is lower because there’s less time for a radiation-related cancer to appear. The figure is about 1 in 30,000 to 1 in 60,000.

These are averages across populations—not personal predictions. Risks add up if you go back year after year.

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Practical Pointers

• Choose your spot wisely: Radon levels fluctuate. Areas with lower concentrations cut exposure.

• Stay hydrated and comfortable: Unlike some mines that feel warm and damp, the Earth Angel Mine stays cool at about 55°F (13°C). Wear layers to keep warm while underground, and be sure to drink water and rest after each session.

• Protect your lungs: No smoking, ever. It multiplies radon’s risk.

• Don’t overdo it: Benefits reported in European studies often last 3–6 months. Give your body time before repeating a course.

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Conclusion

Spending a few days at a radon mine delivers a measurable but modest dose of radiation. The potential benefits—like pain relief and reduced inflammation—are balanced against a small but real cancer risk. For nonsmoking visitors, especially older adults, the numbers suggest the risk from a short visit is low. Still, it’s worth knowing the math so you can make an informed decision before you go underground.

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Keywords: radon therapy, Basin Montana, radiation dose, health risks, cancer risk

Hashtags: #RadonTherapy #MontanaTravel #HealthRetreat #RadiationRisk #WellnessJourney