SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION : HEALTH & WELLNESS
its sleep cycle , allowing for more restful nights .
• Create wind-down activities before bed . The half-hour before bed should be free of high-energy activities . Start a bedtime routine that includes calming activities like bathtime or reading .
• Make a bed sanctuary . As adults , nothing is better than a comfortable place to sleep at night . Make your children ’ s beds the same for them . Add extra pillows for comfort and a favorite stuffed animal to keep them company at night . Keep lights down to a dim lamp or nightlight to make the room dark enough for sleeping .
• Keep electronics out or off . Electronics produce a blue light that sends a signal to your brain to stop the release of melatonin , making it harder to fall asleep . On top of wanting to text with friends or check social media , children and teens will give any excuse to stay awake . Electronic devices are best left in the dark at bedtime .
HEAR ALL ABOUT IT
Although hearing loss is most commonly associated with aging , it could happen at any time and can be caused by environmental conditions like working in a noisy environment , earwax buildup , or inner ear damage .
According to the National Center for Health Statistics , the average person waits six years after the first signs of hearing loss to get checked by a doctor . Hearing problems are considered an undertreated issue for reasons including patient denial , vanity , and less awareness of issues associated with hearing loss . With the oldest Baby Boomers entering their 70s , an age at which many individuals only start seeking medical attention for hearing ailments , it is important to take charge at the first signs of trouble .
A study on the psychological effects of hearing loss was done for the American Psychology Association and focused on mental health in patients who suffer from hearing loss . The National Council on Aging study found that 2,304 people who suffered from hearing loss but used no form of treatment were 50 % more likely to suffer from sadness or depression than individuals who wore hearing aids . It revealed that individuals not using hearing aids showed more signs of anger , anxiety and frustration , causing them to be less involved in social activities than those who wear aids .
The risk for dementia also increases in patients who suffer from hearing loss , due to sensory loss and growing social isolation , pointed out in a study conducted by the Archives of Neurology .
Start becoming aware of the signs of hearing loss , and consult your doctor or audiologist if you start to notice some of the symptoms :
• Trouble hearing over the phone
• Vertigo , causing dizziness , pain , or ringing in the ears
• Mumbled voices
• Having to ask others to repeat themselves often
• Avoidance of social situations
• Having a family medical history of hearing loss .
Individuals with hearing loss may often be reluctant to face the reality , but may not know about the deeper implications of letting it go untreated . If you or someone you know may be experiencing some of the symptoms of hearing loss , be sure to understand and share the benefits of seeking treatment .
SKIN CARE
As we learned in grade school , our largest organ is our skin . Our skin regulates body temperature , protects against the elements , and gives us the feeling of different sensations . Since our skin does so much for us , it is important to take care of it . A skin care routine is important for men and women of all ages , although it will vary throughout the years .
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 said their kids spent three or more hours per day using digital devices , and 66 percent of kids had their own smartphone or tablet . As technology has become even more of an essential part of modern life , it is important for parents to facilitate balance in their children ’ s digital usage .
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