Health & Wellness SPECIAL SECTION
who wore hearing aids . It noted that individuals not using hearing aids showed more signs of anger , anxiety and frustration , causing them to be less involved in social activities than those who wear aids .
The risk for dementia also increases in those who suffer from hearing loss , due to sensory loss and growing social isolation , pointed out in a study conducted by the Archives of Neurology .
Start becoming aware of the signs of hearing loss , and consult your doctor or audiologist if you start to notice some of the symptoms :
• Trouble hearing over the phone
• Vertigo , causing dizziness , pain , or ringing in the ears
• Mumbled voices
• Having to ask others to repeat themselves often
• Avoidance of social situations
• Having a family medical history of hearing loss
Individuals with hearing loss may often be reluctant to face the reality , but also may not know about the deeper implications of letting it go untreated . If you or someone you know may be experiencing some of the symptoms of hearing loss , be sure to understand and share the benefits of seeking treatment .
Take Care of Your Skin
As we learned in grade school , the largest organ is our skin . Our skin regulates body temperature , protects against the elements , and gives us the feeling of different sensations . Since it does so much for us , it is important to take care of it . A skin care routine is important for men and women of all ages , although it will vary throughout the years .
Teenage Years
When starting your first skin-care routine , it ’ s important to first determine your skin type . It ’ s pretty simple to figure out whether oily , dry , or combination . Between breakouts and blemishes , think about how your skin feels on a day-to-day basis . Here are some do ’ s and don ’ ts about treating your skin during your teens .
• DO : Pick a cleanser , scrub , toner , and moisturizer that are meant for your skin type . Labels make it easy to choose between the different brands . Many brands have a line of products developed especially for oily , dry , or combination skin . It is still important to put on moisturizer if you have oily skin , but be sure to look for one that is oil-free .
• DO : Look for a moisturizer or foundation that has SPF ! It is important to have something with SPF whenever you go outside , to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun both now and in the future ( you ’ ll be so glad you did ).
• DON ’ T : Pick ! You can pick your friends , but don ’ t pick your stubborn pimples ! Although you might want to rid yourself of whiteheads and blackheads , resist the urge ! It could lead to long-term damaging effects on your skin .
• DON ’ T : Leave makeup on overnight . As tempting as it is to crash after a long day , make sure to give your pores a rest from makeup . Makeup-removing wipes are a quick alternative to a full washing , to at least get a majority of the products off of your face .
• DO : Be sure to wipe down your cell phone . Bacteria can live on the surface and cause major breakouts on your cheeks and chin if not properly sanitized .
Prevention Years
As a young adult , it ’ s important to continue good habits of caring for your skin . This is the prime age to prevent unwanted wrinkles that you may start to face in the next five to 10 years . Now is the time to take charge by :
• Wearing eye cream . We have seen the commercials about preventing wrinkles . But when do you have to start ? NOW ! The skin around your eyes is very thin and just a short amount of sunlight could cause lasting wrinkles .
• Applying a product with SPF to face , neck , and hands . Skipping the protection of an SPF could throw off your entire routine . Find a good moisturizer that combines protection with moisture and apply it to your face , neck , and hands . The neck and hands are often overlooked , but are prime spots for the sun to hit and cause wrinkles .
• Quitting bad habits . Now is a better time than ever to kick the bad habits you may have picked up in high school and college . The benefits of canceling your package at the tanning salon and quitting smoking would take up this entire article , so 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 shouldn ’ t be skipped at this age either and should be applied daily . Try adding a hat and cover your skin to prevent over-exposure 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 are 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 said their kids spend three or more hours per day using digital devices , and 66 percent of kids had their own smartphone or tablet . As technology has become even 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
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