SPECIAL SECTION: HEALTHY LIVING
age of 60. Genetics, race, and smoking can also affect risk for
AMD. A comprehensive eye exam can detect AMD through
dilation and testing. Your eye care professional will look for
yellow deposits beneath the retina to determine if you have
AMD. Intermediate and late AMD can be treated with daily
intake of vitamins and minerals that can slow the progression of
the disease. Therapy and surgery can also be considered for types
of advanced neovascular AMD, which typically results in severe
vision loss, to stop further progression.
Hearing Loss and Prevention
It is common for hearing loss to occur as you age. According to the
Mayo Clinic, about 25 percent of people in the United States between
the ages of 55 and 64 have some degree of hearing loss, increasing
to one in two people by age 65 and older. Chronic exposure to loud
noises and aging are the two main causes of hearing loss, resulting
in muffled speech from others, difficulty understanding words,
frequently asking others to repeat themselves, loud volume on the
television or radio, and avoidance of social settings.
Hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear,
infection in the ear, or ruptured eardrum. Damage to the inner ear
can happen with age, or constant exposure to loud noises over an
extended period of time. These cause wear on the nerve cells in the
cochlea that send sound to the brain. When they are damaged, signals
aren’t transmitted as effectively, causing loss of hearing. Heredity,
aging, occupational and recreational noises, some medications,
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and some illnesses may cause either partial or full hearing loss, but
there are ways to treat hearing loss. Treatment can include surgical
procedures, hearing aids, or cochlear implants.
Preventive measures can also be taken to protect against noiseinduced hearing loss and to avoid age-related hearing loss. Be sure
to wear protective earmuffs if you work in a loud environment or
if you are hunting, going to concerts or doing other loud activities
for an extended period of time. It is also important to have your
hearing tested on a regular basis. Early detection is key to preventing
complete hearing loss.
Mouth Health
Your mouth can tell a lot about your overall health. Investing in
your oral health is also investing in your general health. There are
several conditions that are linked to oral health including endocarditis
and cardiovascular disease. When bacteria from your mouth, or other
parts of your body, spread through your bloodstream they can attach
to your heart, causing an infection in the inner lining, also called
endocarditis. Research suggests that poor oral health is linked to
clogged arteries and stroke as well.
Keeping tabs on your oral health is critical for warding off bad
breath and poor health. It is important to brush at least twice a day,
floss, eat a healthy diet, replace your toothbrush every three to four
months, and avoid tobacco use to maintain a healthy mouth. Visiting
your dentist for regular cleanings can also ensure that oral hygiene is
at its best.