HEALTH & WELLNESS
SPEC IA L SEC T IO N
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 children have to do their 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
• Itchy or tired
• Blurry vision
• Increased headaches
• 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
28 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Pine-Richland
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 long-term 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