SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION:
HEALTH & WELLNESS
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.
KEEP YOUR TEETH & GUMS
HEALTHY
• Take cover when heading outside.
SPF products shouldn’t be skipped at
this age either and should be applied
daily. Try adding a hat and cover your
skin to prevent overexposure to the
harmful rays of the sun, even in the
cooler months.
• Find a good retinoid. Derived from
vitamin A, retinoids boost collagen
production in the skin to stimulate
blood vessels and unclog pores.
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
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
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WEST ALLEGHENY
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