SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION:
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
stated 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 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 child has to do
homework using a computer or tablet, then
keep the television and other devices off
during dinnertime and enjoy conversation
together. Optometrists also 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.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Digital eyestrain symptoms
• 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 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.
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