SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION:
HEALTH & WELLNESS
skin to prevent overexposure to the harmful rays of the sun,
even in the cooler months.
• Find a good retinoid. Derived from vitamin A, retinoids boost
collagen production in the skin to stimulate blood vessels and
unclog pores.
SEEING INTO THE FUTURE
Twenty-first century children will be looking beyond genetics
as a cause for needing corrective eyewear, according to the
American Optometric Association (AOA). In the Digital Age,
children are exposed to electronic devices their whole lives as
an integral part of social and educational practices. Teachers are
continuing to increase the amount of digital technology used in
the classroom, and it is expected that computer simulations will
account for much of the learning style in the future. Both teachers
and parents are finding that children are adapting well to the use
of technology in the classroom, making learning more interactive
and current than most textbook learning.
The AOA’s 2015 American Eye-Q survey stated that 41 percent
of parents say their kids spend three or more hours per day using
digital devices, and 66 percent of kids have their own smartphone
or tablet. As technology becomes more of an essential part
of modern life, it is important for parents to facilitate balance
in their children’s digital usage. Electronic devices, including
televisions, give off blue and violet light that may affect vision
by causing eyestrain and discomfort. If your child has to do
homework using a computer or tablet, then keep the television
and other devices off during dinnertime and enjoy conversation
together. Optometrists also researched the importance of natural
sunlight exposure to the eyes and say that a lack of exposure to
natural light could affect the growth and development of vision.
Digital eyestrain symptoms
• Burning
• Itchy or tired
• Increased headaches
• Fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Head and neck pain
The best way to properly monitor eye and vision health is to
make sure your child gets a comprehensive eye exam every year.
KEEP YOUR TEETH & GUMS HEALTHY
A big smile can say a lot about your overall health, so if you’ve
been skipping out on the dentist, you may want to schedule your
visit. A yearly dental visit protects against poor oral health that
can lead to greater problems down the road. Good oral hygiene,
including brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
and flossing, can protect against the damaging effects of gum
disease. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that is due to
plaque and tartar buildup on teeth, leaving gums red, swollen,
and irritated. When left untreated, gingivitis can advance to
periodontitis. A more serious and painful disease, periodontitis
causes gums to pull away from teeth, allowing bacteria to
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CANON-MAC
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WINTER 2019
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