IN Penn Hills Winter 2018 | Page 23

HEALTH & WELLNESS S P E C I A L S E C T I O N also affect risk for AMD. A comprehensive eye exam can detect it through dilation and testing. Your eye care professional will look for yellow deposits beneath the retina to determine whether 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 the perception of muffled speech from others, difficulty understanding words, frequent requests for 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, 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 noise-induced hearing loss and to avoid age-related hearing loss. Be sure to wear protective earmuffs if you work in a loud environment or 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. Are you currently taking EYE VITAMINS? AIO Pioneers New Vitamins for Age-Related Macular Denervation Dr. Miguel Busquets and Dr. Brian Jewart have helped innovate vitamin formulas specifically designed for their own patients’ needs with low and high risk ARMD, which is not possible with mass-produced brands. For more information on how to order vitamin supplements for your eye care needs, please call 888-634-9800. JUNIPER VILLAGE AT FOREST HILLS EXCEPTIONAL INDIVIDUALIZED CARE AND SERVICE Senior Living, Personal Care and Memory Care • Spacious Studios, Suites and One-Bedroom Apartments Available • Variety of Options to Suit Everyone’s Budget • On-Site Nursing Staff and 24 Hour Assistance with Daily Care Needs • Structured Activities and Programs Seven Days a Week • Housekeeping and Laundry Services • Delicious Meals and Snacks Daily Mouth Health Your mouth can tell a lot about your overall health. Investing in your oral health is also investing in your general Continued on next page > Senior Living at Forest Hills 107 Fall Run Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 junipercommunities.com 412.244.9901 Call us to schedule a complimentary lunch and tour today! PENN HILLS ❘ WINTER 2018 21