SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION:
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
HEALTH & WELLNESS
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
going without use for hours. Studies are
finding that although a regular workout
routine helps, it won’t combat the
constant weight on your rump. Although
some offices are moving toward healthier
options, such as convertible stand up/
sit down desks or treadmill desks (if you
have the skill to think and walk at the same
time), most of us have to face our chairs
every day. What a pain!
There are ways to prevent the negative
effects, such as stiffness and poor
circulation, of constant sitting:
• Get up and move! If you find yourself
sitting for extended periods of time, you
need to break the habit. Schedule an
alarm for every 30 minutes to get up and
take a lap around your office. Manage
your time effectively by going to pick up
your paper from the printer or grabbing
a glass of water. Even better? Visit a co-
worker to talk about a project instead of
sending an email.
• Establish proper sitting habits. Keep
your back straight, feet at 90 degrees,
and eyes level with the top of your
computer screen. Make sure your
shoulders aren’t hunched when resting
your elbows on your desk to type.
• Stretch in place. Adding stretching
to your daily routine is beneficial for
anyone. Stand up and do a few stretches
at your desk to get your muscles
loosened up and moving. Feeling
spunky? Add a few jumping jacks in to
get your heart rate pumping for some
extra energy.
• Realize how much sitting you do.
Sitting for eight hours at your job has
negative effects on your body, but going
home and sitting on the couch for the
Continued on page 31 >
HAMPTON ❘ WINTER 2019
29