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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.
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.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
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
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.
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.
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