HEALTH & WELLNESS SPECIAL SECTION
• 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 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 states 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 find 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 the computer or tablet , keep the television off during dinnertime and instead enjoy conversation together . Optometrists also researched the importance of natural sunlight exposure to the eyes and say that the lack of exposure to natural light could affect the growth and development of vision .
DIGITAL EYESTRAIN
• 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 longterm 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 rest of the night doubles
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