IN Murrysville Winter 2017 | Page 30

HEALTH & WELLNESS S PECI AL S ECTIO N 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 • Fatigue • Burning • Blurry vision • Itchy or tired • Head and neck pain • Increased headaches 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, Continued on page 30 > Delivering Best Practices to Premier Care. I t will never be unimportant to evaluate the quality of care you and your family receive. With an abundance of medical surveys, rankings and other types of recognition, it can be hard to distinguish between accurate claims and overinflated advertising. High quality care and treatment is becoming more avail- able with an identification and execution of “best practices.” These care strategies are a direct result of collecting and sharing population health data and medical outcomes across the industry, well beyond our region. Premier Medical Associates is a nationally recognized leader at bringing positive change and quality outcomes to our patient care. Premier works directly with prominent US health organizations, like Optum and AMGA, to participate, exchange data and discover best practices across many facets of health. We are tackling many leading health concerns such as blood pressure, immunization, preventative screening and closer monitoring of chronic conditions. You and your doctor are the front-line of care. High- functioning health organizations, including Premier, are giving physicians, PAs and nurse practitioners a roadmap to better primary care. Mark DeRubeis, CEO, explained, “No one physician can go it alone today; it takes technology, data and an alliance with other medical experts. National collaboration and the individual physician’s commit- ment to a higher standard of care are both key to improving the health care here at home.” PremierMedicalAssociates.com PremierMedicalAssociates.com 28 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Murrysville Member of the Allegheny Health Network