【推荐1】The question of whether our government should promote science and technology or the liberal arts in higher education isn’t an either / or one, although the current emphasis on preparing young Americans for STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths)-related fields can make it seem that way.

The latest congressional report acknowledges the critical importance of technical training, but also insists that the study of the humanities and social sciences must remain central elements of America’s educational system at all levels. Both areas are the key to producing citizens who can participate effectively in our democratic society, become innovative leaders, and benefit from the spiritual enrichment that the reflection on the great ideas of mankind over time provides.

Parents and students who have invested heavily in higher education worry about graduates’ job prospects as technological advances and changes in domestic and global markets transform professions in ways that reduce wages and cut jobs. Under these circumstances, it’s natural to look for what may appear to be the most “practical” way out of the problem; “major in a subject designed to get you a job” seems the obvious answer to some, though this ignores the fact that many disciplines in the humanities characterized as “soft” often, in fact, lead to employment and success in the long run. Indeed, according to surveys, employers have expressed a preference for students who have received a broadly-based education that has taught them to write well, think critically, research creatively, and communicate easily.

Moreover, students should be prepared not just for their first job, but for their 4th and 5th jobs, as there’s little reason to doubt that people entering the workforce today will be called upon to play many different roles over the course of their careers. The ones who will do the best in this new environment will be those whose educations have prepared them to be flexible. The ability to take advantage of every available tool and insight—picked up from science, arts, and technology—to solve the problems of the future, and seize the opportunities, will be helpful to them and the nation.

【推荐1】Art—no matter whether you choose to create it yourself or simply observe and enjoy it—is a relaxing and inspiring activity for many people. However, the particular benefits of artistic expression go much further.

Studies suggest that art therapy (疗法) can be very valuable in treating issues such as depression and anxiety disorder. It is a great way to express your emotions without words, process complex feelings and find relief.

You don’t necessarily have to see a therapist in order to experience some of the benefits of artistic expression. There are many simple activities you can try from the comfort of your home such as art journaling, drawing, making collections, sculpting with clay, etc. It doesn’t matter what media you choose. The only thing that matters is that you feel comfortable using it. Human beings are naturally creative, and all you need to do to complete an art therapy activity successfully is to be with yourself and your emotions. Once you free your creativity, your inner artist will quickly wake up.

However, working with a licensed therapist also has its advantage because a professional can tailor each activity to your own needs. If the activities are done in a group, they are excellent for building healthy connections with other people, which may be very helpful if you are fighting depression.

Experts agree that art therapy has many benefits, from promoting your self-respect, and providing you a safe outlet to relieve your emotions, to giving you a sense of control over your life and helping you to get to know and understand yourself better. During the process of art creation, you will be taking yourself on a journey of self-discovery that will help you get rid of emotional roadblocks, and learn how to communicate with yourself and others.

【推荐2】Dog owners walked about 23minues longer each day than non-dog owners In a new study, dog owners took 2,760 additional seps—compared to people who didn’t have a dog at home. Bu here’s the real good news: That extra exercise was done at a moderate（适度的）pace, which means it could help adults meet their recommended weekly totals for physical activity.

The research, published in BMC Public Health, focused on adults 65 and older, who tend to be less active than younger people. The study included 43 dog owners and 43 non-dog owners, all of whom were monitored continuously for three week-long periods. When they compared the two groups, the researchers found that dog ownership was associated with a large, potentially health-improving effect.

Dog owners walked about 23 minutes longer each day than non-dog owners, 119 minutes versus 96 minutes on average. They also took an additional 2,760 steps, and had eight fewer continuous periods of sitting down. Most of that extra walking was done at moderate pace, defined as 100 or more steps a minute. Dog owners walked at this pace for 32 minutes a day, versus just 11 minutes a day for non-dog owners.

The World Health Organization（WHO）recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week. This increased walking time alone could just about satisfy that requirement, say the researchers—so it makes total sense that 87 percent of dog owners in the study met these guidelines, versus just 47 percent of non-dog owners.

Co-author Nancy Gee says that pet ownership may help older adults get more activity or maintain their current activity level for a longer period of time. “This could improve their chances of a better quality of life, improved or maintained cognition（认知）, and perhaps, even overall longevity（寿命）,”she said.

Here at Health, we’ ll add that caring for pets has been shown to have plenty of other physical and mental health benefits, as well. As animal lovers ourselves, we’ re happy to add one more to the list.

【推荐3】More and more students are going abroad for their furtherstudy Do you want to know some famous colleges and universities?

Started in 1636, Harvar University is the oldest of all the colleges and universities in the United States.Yale University, Princeton University, Columbia University and DartmouthCollege were opened soon after Harvard University. In the early years, these schools weare much alike. Only young men went tocollege. All the students studied the same subjects,and everyonelearned Latin, Greek and Hebrew. Little was known about science then, and one kind of school could teach everything that was known about the world. When the students graduated, most of them became ministers or teachers. In 1782, Harvard University started a medical school for young men who wanted to become doctors. Later, lawyers could receive their training in Harvard University’s law school. In 1825, besides Latin and Greek, Harvard University began teaching modern languages, such as French and German. Soon it began teaching American history. As knowledge increased, Harvard University and other colleges began to teach many new subjects. Students were allowed to choose the subjects that interested them.

Today, there are many different kinds of colleges and universities. Most of thethem are made up of smaller schools that deal with special fields of learning. There’s so much to learn that one kind of school can’t offer it all.