Health & Wellness SPECIAL SECTION
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 your children have to do their homework using a computer or tablet , then be sure to keep the television and phones off during dinnertime and instead enjoy conversation together .
Optometrists also have 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 .
Symptoms of 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 semiannual or annual 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
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