Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam for Healthy Vision Month

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If you had to give up one of your five senses, which one would you be willing to part with? It certainly would be a difficult choice, but chances are that you would never want to give up your sight. After all, we perceive up to 80 percent of all our impressions from our sense of sight.

If vision contributes the majority of all input data to our brain, it definitely deserves regular care and maintenance. Healthy Vision Month is an annual initiative that encourages all men, women and children to consider the importance of lifelong eye health. It is a perfect time to renew your commitment to your vision by taking proactive steps to protect your gift of sight.

Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam
You may not have any noticeable vision issues, but do not rely on the absence of symptoms as proof that your vision is healthy. Many eye diseases like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration have no warning signs in the early stages. Once there are symptoms present, it often means that permanent damage has already occurred. Comprehensive eye exams are also helpful to diagnose refractive errors, focusing problems and conditions like dry eye or computer vision syndrome. Possibly the most important feature of a dilated eye exam is that it allows your eye doctor to evaluate the health of your retina and optic nerve.

You may be at increased risk for a specific eye disease or eye condition if it runs in your family. Researchers have mapped genes for diseases like glaucoma and are identifying genes in macular degeneration, so it is important to know what eye diseases run in your family. Use family gatherings to talk to your relatives about family eye health history, and share this information with your eye care professional.

Live a healthy lifestyle
You cannot do anything to change your family history, but you make daily choices that influence your eye health. You have the ability to help preserve your vision by eating a nutritious and balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, managing chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, and not smoking (Source: National Eye Institute).

Use protective eye wear
Each year, about 2.4 million eye injuries occur in the United States, but 90% could have been prevented by wearing correct eye protection. Safety goggles, safety glasses and eye guards can prevent most injuries at home, on the job or outside. Eye protection is important for the entire family and not just adults, so invest in protective eye wear for the whole family. And as a final reminder, sunglasses should be worn in all types of weather and not just when it is sunny outside. (Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology).

Value your sense of sight by following these four steps. You can start by making an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam with dilation for the whole family. Thank you for celebrating Healthy Vision Month and helping to spread the word to others!

5 Exercises to Relieve Knee Pain

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We use our knees in nearly all of our daily activities, so it should come as no surprise that they develop some wear and tear over time. Years of standing, bending, climbing, walking, and squatting can place a great deal of pressure on the knees, leaving them prone to aches, stiffness and swelling.

Knee pain can occur in people of all ages, but it is most common in older individuals. An estimated 25 percent of American women and 16.5 percent of American men over the age of 70 report having knee pain (Source: Everyday Health). Regardless of your age, there are two important steps that can help you prevent and control knee pain: exercise and maintain a healthy weight.

According to Harvard Medical researchers, when you walk, the force placed on your knees is about 1.5 times your total body weight. That force increases to two to three times your body weight when climbing stairs and a shocking four to five times your body weight when squatting. If you are currently overweight, your knees are enduring a great deal of stress on a daily basis. Losing even just a few pounds can take a great deal of pressure off your knees and may help alleviate your symptoms (Source: Bicycling).

Low-impact exercises are also important for strengthening knees and keeping the joints lubricated. Try adding these exercises to your routine to keep knee pain under control:

  • Walking – Walking is a simple and effective way to stay mobile and relieve joint stiffness. And because it places the least amount of stress on your knees, it is a safe option for those dealing with knee pain.
  • Wall sits – Wall sits strengthen the muscle groups that support the knee joint, which can help to keep the knees healthy and strong. Stand with your back against the wall and feet about hip distance apart. Gradually lower your body into a seated position and hold for 30 seconds.
  • Leg lifts – Leg lifts are another great way to strengthen the muscles that surround the knee. Lie flat on the floor with legs fully extended. Raise one leg about 12 inches off the floor, then lower and repeat for 10 to 12 reps. Repeat with the other leg.
  • Calf raises – Standing behind a chair with feet about hip-width apart, raise your heels a few inches off the floor until you come up onto your toes. Hold for a few seconds, and then slowly lower your heels back to the floor.
  • Stretching – Muscles that are limber and pliable allow for proper joint movement and decrease the risk of injury. To maintain healthy knees, remember to regularly stretch all leg muscles including the calves, hamstrings, quads, hip flexors, and IT band.

6 Digestive Symptoms That Could Be a Sign of Something More Serious

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Digestive problems are common, but that doesn’t mean they are easy to discuss. Gas, bloating, and bathroom habits are not considered polite conversation, and many individuals choose to suffer in silence rather than seek treatment for their symptoms.

A recent survey found that up to 74 percent of Americans are living with digestive problems such as diarrhea, gas, bloating, and abdominal pain, yet half of them never discuss these symptoms with their doctor (Source: Fox News). These individuals run the risk of letting serious digestive problems continue undetected and untreated. While digestive symptoms may be harmless, they can often be the first sign of a more serious condition (Source: Bustle). The following are some digestive symptoms that warrant further investigation:

  • Difficulty swallowing – It’s normal to experience difficulty swallowing when you eat too quickly or take oversized bites, but if you’re constantly feeling as though food is getting caught in your throat, it’s time to see your doctor. Blockages in the esophagus or esophageal strictures (narrowing of the esophagus) are two issues that can cause difficulty swallowing, and they require medical attention. You may also have eosinophilic esophagitis, a condition which causes inflammation in the esophagus, or achalasia, a condition in which the muscles in your esophagus do not relax properly.
  • Rectal bleeding – Rectal bleeding could be a harmless side effect of hemorrhoids, or it could be an early warning sign of serious conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease or colon cancer. Always discuss rectal bleeding with your doctor immediately.
  • Noisy digestion – The digestive system makes all sorts of noises while it’s at work, but if you notice grumbling and groaning within just a few minutes of eating, your body may be reacting to something in your food. Keep track of which foods appear to trigger this reaction and discuss it with your doctor at your next appointment.
  • Pain from kidney stones – Severe pain in the side and back that spreads to the abdomen and groin often indicates kidney stones. You may also notice that urine looks cloudy, pink, red or brown, and has a foul odor to it. Seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, or chills, as this could indicate infection.
  • Heartburn – Nearly everyone experiences heartburn from time to time, but chronic episodes could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a chronic digestive condition marked by frequent acid reflux, and it requires treatment to prevent damage to the esophagus. If left untreated, GERD can lead to ulcers, esophageal strictures, Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal cancer.
  • Changes in bowel habits – Frequent diarrhea or constipation is a sign that something is not working properly in your digestive system. Talk to your doctor about any unusual changes in your bowel habits, as these may be indicators of celiac disease, diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or colon cancer.

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How to Prevent Work-Related Eyestrain

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What may be more surprising is that 14 percent of reported eye problems are related to computer work. It doesn’t take a construction site accident or chemical burn to damage your vision; it can happen in the comfort of your soft leather office chair.

March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month, a perfect time to do some self-evaluation on how we are valuing and caring for our vision. As our jobs and daily tasks increasingly rely on computers and electronic devices, it is important for us to understand how prolonged screen time affects our vision.

Our eyes can see a limited amount of light wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum. The wavelengths of visible light are between about 390 nanometers (nm) to 700 nm. Laptop computers, tablets, smartphones, LEDs and CFLs all emit blue light, which has wavelengths of 380 nm to 500 nm. These short, high-energy light waves create a glaring effect on the eyes that can lead to symptoms like dry eye, blurred vision, headaches, nearsightedness, and eye fatigue. Some doctors believe that overexposure to blue light has the potential to cause retinal damage and increase the risk for macular degeneration.

Now that we know the facts about blue light, what can we do about the fact that most Americans use electronics in the workplace and at home? Here are some simple reminders that you can jot down on a post-it note and adhere to your computer screen:

  • Install a blue-light filter app on your smartphone and tablet.
  • Talk to your ophthalmologist about getting some glasses for the office with anti-reflective (AR) lenses.
  • Keep the computer roughly 30 inches away from your eyes.
  • During your workday, remember the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
  • Blink frequently. This simple action reduces dry eye and maintains eye health.
  • Visit your eye doctor regularly. Nothing can substitute for a comprehensive eye exam to evaluate your eye health.

Joint Replacement Becoming an Appealing Option for Younger Patients

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A study presented at the 2014 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) meeting showed that knee replacement surgeries have increased 120 percent over the past decade. This stark increase was mostly due to an influx of younger patients. Researchers noted that surgeries rose by 89 percent among patients in the 65 to 84 age bracket, while they rose an astonishing 188 percent among patients in the 45 to 64 age bracket.

Dr. Geoffrey Westrich, co-director of Joint Replacement Research at Hospital for Special Surgery, has witnessed this surge of younger patients at his own facility.

“Clearly, times have changed regarding our treatment of patients with knee and hip arthritis,” he says. “In the not-so-distant past, most younger patients with advanced arthritis were told to live with the pain or cut back on their activities, and wait until later in life to have joint replacement. Many younger patients…are still told to wait, despite the fact that their quality of life suffers.”

According to Westrich, minimally invasive techniques and improved implant designs have made surgery a more appealing option for younger patients, and it’s changing the way surgeons look at joint replacement as well. New implants have a more natural feel, offer improved range of motion, and are expected to last upwards of 20 years. For patients who lead active lifestyles, this makes joint replacement surgery an especially appealing long-term solution (Source: Hospital for Special Surgery).

While joint replacement surgery can offer improved joint function and greater quality of life for younger patients, there is the concern of revision surgery further down the line. The AAOS estimates that 10 percent of patients who undergo joint replacement will require a revision at some point in the future. The younger the patient is at the time of joint replacement surgery, the sooner they will face the possibility of revision surgery. In cases where the patient is especially young, conservative therapies such as over-the-counter pain reliever and corticosteroid injections may be the best option until surgery becomes a necessity (Source: Arthritis Foundation).

New Technology Offers Exciting Lens Options for Cataract Surgery

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It is estimated that 20.5 million Americans have cataracts, which is about one in every six individuals over the age of 40. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss, but they are treatable through surgery. In an outpatient procedure, your eye surgeon can remove your cataract and replace the lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) that is customized to your vision needs.

IOLs have been safely and successfully implanted routinely since the 1970s. Today, new technology and designs offer a multitude of options for IOLs. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by your choices, think of all the possibilities that are available to you in being able to select a lens that suits your activity level and lifestyle.

Here are the basic types of IOLs from which you can choose:

  • Monofocal lens—Monofocal lenses improve vision at one distance: far, intermediate or near. It is most common for individuals to want improved distance vision, which means that they still will need to wear glasses for reading. This is the least expensive IOL, and it is usually covered by Medicare and private insurance companies. If you have astigmatism and choose to have a monofocal IOL, you will likely need to wear glasses at all times.
  • Astigmatism-correcting monofocal lens—Depending on the shape of your cornea, you may be a candidate for an astigmatism-correcting monofocal lens. This toric lens corrects astigmatism and cataracts in a single procedure. After surgery, you may still need glasses or contact lenses for reading. Toric lenses are considered a premium lens, which means that you will be responsible for additional costs because this lens is considered a luxury and not a necessity.
  • Multifocal lens—Around the age of 40, most adults notice a change in their ability to focus on nearby objects. If you wear glasses or contacts for distance vision and your near vision is diminishing, you may want to consider a mulitifocal lens. In some cases, this IOL can eliminate your need for eyeglasses because they help improve near, distance and intermediate vision. A multifocal lens is considered a premium lens, so you will be responsible for additional costs.

Talk to your eye surgeon about which IOL he or she suggests for your vision. Cost will also factor into your decision, so call your insurance company to verify your benefits and estimated out-of-pocket expenses.

Can Arch Supports Help You Avoid Foot Surgery?

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Bunions, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and neuromas. If you suffer from any of these common foot ailments, you want to find relief – and fast! Many patients think that surgery is their only option to correct foot problems and deformities, but that isn’t necessarily true. According to Dr. Steven Rosenberg, most foot ailments can be alleviated with proper-fitting arch supports.

Arch supports help alleviate foot pain by supporting the joints and allowing the foot to function properly. Well-fitted supports prevent abnormal pronation (rolling of the foot) which can lead to structural problems that may eventually require surgery.

The key to finding the right support inserts is making sure they are designed to fit in the arch of the shoe and they offer support in the right places. Inserts that are placed in the arch of the shoe will support the foot joints and slow down the formation of bunions, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis and neuromas (pinched nerves or benign nerve tumors). Proper-fitting supports also create space in the great toe joint to prevent jamming and joint pain and will prevent the arches of the feet from flattening.

In some cases, surgery may be the best form of treatment. However, Rosenberg suggests that this option only be considered when all other conservative treatments have failed. Surgery is always an option you can keep on hold while you explore other treatments, but once surgery is performed, you cannot revert the foot back to its original state. It is always best to start with the least invasive form of treatment and work towards more aggressive therapies until you find relief (Source: Huffington Post).

Family History Can Elevate Your Risk for Colon Cancer

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March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. This is a time to raise awareness about colon cancer, the third-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and take preventative action. Colon cancer affects 5 percent of the U.S. population (1 out of every 20 individuals), but many people are unaware of the risk that colon cancer presents.

Family History Affects Colon Cancer Risk
Although most colon cancers develop independently, about 5 to 10 percent of colon cancers are genetically inherited. This means that a person who has a family history of colon cancer and develops the disease is more likely to have inherited the gene than a person with no family history of colon cancer.
Being aware of your family’s health history is essential because you may be a candidate for early screening. People who are at average risk for colon cancer should schedule their first colonoscopy at 50 years of age. If colon cancer runs in your family, you should talk to your doctor about being screened earlier.

Lynch Syndrome and FAP
Two common inherited colorectal syndromes are hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). These diseases affect men and women alike and can develop at young ages. Children of men and women who carry the gene for Lynch syndrome and FAP have a 50 percent risk of inheriting the disease-causing gene.

Lynch syndrome comprises 3 to 5 percent of all colon cancers. While the average age for a new diagnosis of colon cancer is 72, the average age for a new diagnosis of Lynch syndrome is 45. It is important for individuals with Lynch syndrome to be under a doctor’s care because Lynch Syndrome makes one prone to developing other cancers including endometrial (uterine), stomach, breast, ovarian, small bowel (intestinal), pancreatic, prostate, urinary tract, liver, kidney, and bile duct cancers.

FAP is also associated with additional health risks. Those affected by FAP develop hundreds or thousands of precancerous polyps in the colon, and the number of polyps increases with age. These polyps begin forming in the mid-teens, and people with FAP will develop colon cancer in their thirties unless the colon is surgically removed.

Why You Should Be Screened Earlier
If you have a family history of colon cancer, it is important to be screened for colon cancer at an earlier age and at shorter intervals. Even having a family history of precancerous polyps can increase your chances of developing colon cancer by 35 to 70 percent. Not everyone should wait until the age of 50 to get a colonoscopy. The age at which you should get your first colonoscopy is often known as your “colonoscopy age.” There are a few factors that affect your colonoscopy age:

  • Having a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps
  • Having a first-degree relative like a parent, sibling or child with colon cancer or colon polyps
  • Being of African American descent

Here is a general guideline: If you have a first-degree relative with colon cancer or colon polyps, you should be screened ten years earlier than the age that the relative was at time of diagnosis. Having a family history of colon cancer does not mean that you will develop the disease. What it does mean is that you need to make regular doctor 
visits a top priority. Regular check-ups and routine colonoscopies are your best defense against colon cancer.

This March, celebrate Colon Cancer Awareness Month by making sure that you are up-to-date on your colon cancer screenings. Another way to support the cause is to talk to your loved ones about getting a colonoscopy. Colon cancer prevention requires commitment and participation from everyone, so spread the word—and save a life!

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The New and Improved Cataract Surgery

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But today’s cataract surgery is nothing like cataract surgery in its early days. Here are some ways that cataract surgery has advanced:

  • More sophisticated instruments and medications. Eye surgeons use diamond blades to create micro-incisions. Ultrasonic waves break up the deteriorated lens for easy removal. Pre and post-procedure eye drops help prevent infection.
  • Use of lasers to perform cataract surgery. While the laser may never completely replace the human hand when it comes to cataract removal, laser-assisted cataract surgery provides a precise, reproducible procedure.
  • Customizable lenses. When the old eye lens is removed, an artificial lens called an intraocular lens or IOL, takes its place. There are several types of lenses from which to choose, such as monofocal, astigmatism correcting and multifocal.
  • Shorter recovery time. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure today. Infection is rare because of antibiotic drops that are prescribed before and after surgery. Small incisions often eliminate the need for sutures, and most patients can resume their daily activities rapidly.
  • Convenient locations. Cataract surgery it is often performed in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) instead of a hospital. ASCs offer personalized care in a smaller environment, and many patients prefer the ease and convenience of an ASC instead of a larger facility.
  • Reducing the dependence on eyeglasses. Although multifocal IOLs are usually not covered by insurance companies, many patients choose a multifocal lens so they will not have to wear eyeglasses. Multifocal lenses allow for clear distance and near vision, and many patients claim that their post-procedure eyesight is clearer than it ever was before.

Cataract surgery may sound like it is only for the elderly generation, but that is an incorrect assumption. In fact, 40 and 50-year olds are choosing cataract surgery because they will enjoy more years of clear vision! Talk to your ophthalmologist to find out whether you are a candidate for cataract surgery. Thanks to cataract surgery advancements, lifelong healthy vision is now a reality.

4 Low-Impact Exercises for Joint Pain

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Exercise is probably the last thing on your mind if you suffer from joint pain, but it could be just what the doctor ordered. Research shows that staying physically active can combat chronic joint pain by increasing flexibility, reducing fatigue and promoting circulation of fluids to the joint capsule. Exercise also helps to improve your pain threshold to make your joint symptoms more manageable (Source: WebMD).

When exercising to relieve joint pain, you want to find activities that are low-impact. These will improve cardiovascular health and help you build strength in weak or painful joints without making your symptoms worse. Here are some low-impact activities you can try to keep your joints limber and healthy:

Rowing
The rowing machine is arguably one of the most underutilized cardio machines in the entire gym, but it can be the perfect total-body workout for patients with arthritis or chronic joint pain. Rowing requires you to use all your major muscle groups, so you’re sure to notice stronger arms, legs, core, back, and shoulders. And because the resistance is controlled by the amount of effort you put forth, it’s easy to adjust the intensity of your workout to fit your comfort level.

Swimming
Aquatic exercise is particularly beneficial for joint pain sufferers because the water reduces joint impact while providing resistance. Swimming is a full-body workout that lengthens and strengthens muscles, improves range of motion and increases cardiovascular fitness. You don’t need to have impeccable form to enjoy the benefits of swimming. Whether you do the backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle, or you simply dog paddle from one end of the pool to the other, you’re sure to enjoy a great workout that strengthens and soothes your joints.

Elliptical
Gyms and fitness centers are full of elliptical users who appear to be effortlessly gliding their way to a leaner, stronger body. But make no mistake, the elliptical provides a challenging workout for your upper and lower body. The elliptical simulates walking, running or climbing, but the gliding movements of this machine reduce impact on your joints for a safe, comfortable workout.

Indoor Cycling
The smooth motions of cycling are easier on joints than higher-impact exercises, and they are great for strengthening weak hips and knees. If you’re new to indoor cycling, you may want to ask a fitness instructor or personal trainer to assist you with setting up your bike. Proper bike settings and good form are essential to keeping joints supported and injury-free.