by dr.kotula on May 18, 2012
On any given think about how much you use your eyes. Your eyes allow you to see that steaming cup of coffee or tea first thing in the morning, the flowers blooming in your garden, the smiles on the faces of your children or the inner sanctum of your office at work.
Our eyes are such a valuable tool, so why wouldn’t you take care of them?
May is Healthy Vision Month and a good time to visit the importance of eye care and if and when you need to see an eye doctor.
Taking care of your vision is something that should begin at an early age and continue through your lifetime.
While many eye problems don’t begin until later in life, it is not uncommon for preschool age children to have vision issues.
Good vision care can also contribute to good overall health. It is not uncommon for those who suffer vision issues to be more susceptible to conditions like diabetes, poor hearing, heart concerns, falls and injuries.
The Centers for Disease Control reports among those 65 and older:
- 54.2 percent of those who are blind and 41.7 percent of those with impaired vision report their overall health as fair or poor.
- In comparison, 21.5 percent of those without vision problems rated their health as fair or poor.
The Centers for Disease Control offers what I believe are great suggestions for a lifetime of good vision health:
- Be aware of your family’s vision history
- A good diet (dark leafy greens and fish) help promote good vision health
- Keep you weight at a healthy level
- Protective eye wear is recommended when playing sports for doing outdoor activities around your home.
- Sunglasses block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation
- If you wear contact lenses, properly wash your hands to prevent infection
- Examine your workplace and take precautions accordingly
Healthy vision equals a healthy life.
Additional resources:
Tips for healthy eyes
Make Vision Health a Priority
The Aging Eye
by dr.kotula on May 11, 2012
On Sunday mother’s everywhere will be honored by their children. Many will get spoiled with their favorite meal, receive beautiful bouquets of flowers, get pampered at a spa, get the day off from cooking or cleaning or simply receive a hug and a kiss.
If you still are searching for the perfect gift, why not give her the gift of a healthier lifestyle?
National Women’s Health Week (May 13-19) is held to inspire women to put their health at the top of their “to do” list and make the simple changes that can make a difference.
So here are some ideas to help you and your Mom get on your way to a healthier lifestyle or improve upon the positive steps you are already taking.
Eat right: Always include a fruit with every meal or snack and vegetables are a must as well. Both provide key vitamins, minerals and fiber which help fight off disease.
Keep her safe: Make sure the batteries in her smoke alarm are changed on a regular basis. Buy her a fun hat to wear on those sunny days to guard her from the sun’s harmful rays. Check her home for potential hazards that could result in a fall.
Rest easy: Get to know your mom’s sleep habits. Lack of sleep can contribute to various chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, obesity and depression. Also keep her stress level at a minimum. If she is stressed, then good sleep can be difficult.
Move it: Get your mom moving! Go for walks with your mom, work in the yard, take a bike ride or even go dancing. Most experts recommend 2 ½ hours of physical activity a week.
Stop the bad habits: If you smoke or your mom smokes – QUIT. A person who stops smoking greatly increases their chance at a healthier life and reduces the early onset of some diseases. Smoking is not only bad for you, but secondhand smoke is also bad for those around you.
Just remember even the smallest steps can result in big changes toward a healthier life.
Happy Mother’s Day!
