Lots of people believe that their memory gets worse as they get older. But this doesn’t have to be  41  for you. Research shows there are some things you can do to help keep your brain active and your memory sharp as you age.  42  physical exercise and mental exercise will help your memory. Physical exercise improves circulation of the blood. This helps your brain function  43  . Keep your body active by walking, going to the gym, swimming, or riding your bike. Your brain, like your muscles, also needs  44  to stay in shape. Try to challenge yourself by doing mental exercises. Do crossword puzzles, read a lot, and play games that require  45  – games like chess. All of these mental exercises will help improve your memory. Remember, memory is like a muscle. The more you use it, the better it gets.

        Since the Tangshan earthquake in 1976, which killed over 240,000 people, China has required that new structures withstand major quakes. But the collapse of schools, hospitals and factories in several different areas around Sichuan may raise questions about how rigorously such codes have been enforced during China’s recent, epic building boom. 

        Many parents have said their children were crushed in shoddy school buildings that toppled while nearby apartments and government offices stayed upright.