SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION:
HEALTH & WELLNESS
quitting smoking would take up this entire article, but for
skin’s sake, give them up!
Treatment Years
Now is the time to treat the years of damage that the sun and
other elements have caused to your skin.
• Put the right nutrients into your body. It’s important to
make sure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs on
the inside for radiant skin on the outside. This includes lots
of water!
• Take cover when heading outside. SPF products shouldn’t
be skipped at this age either and should be applied daily. Try
adding a hat and cover your 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.
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.
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
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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).