Healthy Minds, Underwater World Cup, BFFs and Modern Vacations

There's intriguing news on the Alzheimer's front as exercise and Vitamin D have emerged as possible preventatives for dementia. At the Alzheimer's Association International Conference taking place in Honolulu this week, research suggests the so-called "sunshine vitamin" helps keep the disease at bay.

Another report claims moderate to heavy exercisers had half the risk of developing the disease than their couch potato counterparts.

At the very least, exercise increases quality of life. What's not so good for your health? Being a cross-every-t and dot-every-i perfectionist.

Meanwhile, as celebrations of Spain's first-ever win of the World Cup wind down and millions of jubilant fans reach for hangover remedies, Paul the prognosticating octopus has received a reward from his grateful hometown. The 2-year-old cephalopod, a resident of the Sea Life Aquarium in the German city of Oberhausen, now swims with a World Cup Trophy (well, a copy of the trophy) of his very own.

If you're lucky enough to have a circle of long-time friends, you know how these relationships can sustain you. Shared memories, easy intimacy--it's the stuff that makes midlife challenges easier, and it's the subject of The Girls from Ames, a lovely new book about 11 friendships forged in youth and maintained over the decades.

It's summertime, and the living is maybe not so easy. That hasn't kept intrepid vacationers from making the most of the summer months with creative (if scaled-back) plans.

Another reason to travel often? Increased immunity. No kidding.

If you're in the market for a permanent "staycation" (and I hereby promise to forever retire that phrase and never ever use it again), Eden Prairie (such a name!) in Minnesota has won the "Best Small Town in America" survey.

In the same vein, the Wall Street Journal gives two Connecticut beach towns high marks as great places to retire.

Finally, for those of you who think no one noticed when you slipped in a few hours of work during the family vacation...you've been busted.