SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION:
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
HEALTH & WELLNESS
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
build in the pockets between. Due to the
infection and inflammation, your body’s
natural reaction is to fight the bacteria,
which can lead to breakdown of the
bones and tissue around your teeth.
Studies also suggest that poor oral
health is related to systemic diseases
including diabetes, oral cancer, stroke,
and heart disease. Routine visits to
your dentist can identify oral problems
before they become painful and more
serious. So how can you protect your
pearly whites against long-term health
concerns?
• Schedule routine checkups with your
dental professional.
• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Floss daily (you may not see
immediate benefits, but you’ll be
saving your gum health in the long
run).
• Eat a balanced diet to get the proper
nutrients your teeth and gums need to
stay strong.
• Drink lots of water!
• Quit smoking; it is one of the most
significant risk factors in developing
gum disease.
• Replace your toothbrush every three
months.
NO BONES ABOUT IT
Is your job a pain in the neck? If you
work in a sedentary environment, your
response is probably yes. Musculoskeletal
pain is caused by excessive sitting
throughout the day, leading to slouching,
hunching over, and muscles in your body
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CARLYNTON-MONTOUR
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WINTER 2019
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