5 Glaucoma Risk Factors to Be Aware Of

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Glaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss and blindness. This sight-robbing disease has no cure or method of prevention, yet it affects more than 3 million Americans. According to the National Eye Health Education Program, glaucoma’s prevalence will increase by 58 percent by 2030 and affect 4.2 million men, women and children.

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, so it’s wise to take some time to learn more about this eye disease and assess your risk. Although anyone can develop glaucoma, you may have an increased chance of developing the disease depending on the following glaucoma risk factors:

Family History of Glaucoma

Heredity is responsible for over half of glaucoma cases, and you are up to ten times more likely to develop glaucoma if you have a sibling with the disease (Glaucoma Research Foundation). If glaucoma runs in your family, encourage family members to make yearly appointments for comprehensive eye exams to detect glaucoma early.

Age

Another glaucoma risk factor is your age. Your chances of developing eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration increases with age. If you are over 60 years old, you are six times more likely to develop glaucoma.

Ethnicity and Glaucoma

After cataracts, glaucoma is the most common cause of blindness among African Americans and people of African ethnicity. A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology suggests Mexican Americans may also be at elevated risk for developing primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease.

Elevated Eye Pressure

Glaucoma is often associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), or inner eye pressure. You may wonder what normal eye pressure is: the Glaucoma Research Foundation considers normal eye pressure to be 12-22 mm Hg. An ophthalmologist can perform a simple pressure test, known as tonometry, during an eye exam and can advise you as to whether you have elevated IOP. Higher-than-normal eye pressure does not indicate glaucoma, but it is a primary glaucoma risk factor.

Glaucoma Eye Exams Preserve Vision

Because glaucoma symptoms and warning signs are rare, it is essential to see your eye doctor regularly. If you have a family history of glaucoma, you will need to schedule your appointments more frequently. Knowing your risk for glaucoma and scheduling comprehensive eye exams are integral to preserving your vision for years to come. Because glaucoma-related vision loss is irreversible, glaucoma treatments like eye drops, laser procedures and surgery are more effective in the early stages of the disease.

During your eye exam, ask your doctor to review your complete medical history with you so you can make updates or changes. Be sure to include family medical history, and mention any chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes or heart disease, as well as any eye diseases that run in your family.

Schedule an appointment for yourself and your entire family during National Glaucoma Awareness Month and enjoy the gift of clear vision.

How Long Does a Colonoscopy Take?

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So, do you know the facts about colonoscopies – or just the myths? Read on as we dispel the falsehoods and arm you with the facts about colonoscopies.

Myth: Colonoscopies take too long.

Fact: A colonoscopy procedure takes only 30 minutes.

Colonoscopies do not “take all day,” but it’s certainly understandable why people circulate this myth. The procedure itself takes only 15-30 minutes, but the colonoscopy prep and pre-op/post-op time commitment makes the procedure seem much longer. However, when you consider the years (or even decades) a colonoscopy can add to your life, the time spent on this life-saving procedure comes into perspective.

It may be tempting to opt for alternative colon cancer screening tests. However, a colonoscopy offers significantly more health benefits for similar cost, making it the recommended screening for colon cancer detection and prevention. Moreover, it’s the only colon cancer screening method that actually prevents cancer by allowing your doctor to remove precancerous colon polyps during the procedure. All colon cancer begins as a polyp, so no polyps mean no cancer! No test besides a colonoscopy can prevent you from getting colon cancer.

The Facts About Having a Colonoscopy

Everyone loves a good story with exaggerated details for humor and emphasis, but colonoscopy tales tend to lose credibility as they circulate. The best way to bust myths is to know the facts. Here are the facts regarding the steps of a colonoscopy and why each step is important:

Before the Colonoscopy

Staying colon cancer-free requires some work on your part, and that is the bowel preparation, also referred to as colonoscopy prep. Proper bowel prep is essential for an effective colonoscopy. For a full colon cleanse, you will need to follow the detailed instructions included in your bowel prep kit. You’ll need to adhere to a clear liquid diet in the hours prior to your colonoscopy. You can have some approved treats with specific restrictions. And there are ways you can make colonoscopy prep easier.

During the Colonoscopy

You should plan on spending two to three hours at your outpatient GI center on the day of your colonoscopy. You will need to arrive early for your appointment so you can check in and fill out paperwork. Once the nurse calls you back, the procedure will move along quickly. Most colonoscopies are performed with anesthesia or sedatives that put you to sleep, so you won’t even remember the procedure.

While under anesthesia, your GI doctor will examine the length of your colon for any signs of colon cancer or other diseases of the digestive system. At that time, the doctor will remove suspicious polyps to reduce your risk of cancer.

After the Colonoscopy

You will feel a little groggy upon awakening, but once you’re alert, you will get dressed and meet with your doctor to briefly go over your results. If no polyps are found and you have no family history of the disease, you won’t have to come back for another ten years.

A family member or friend must drive you home. The good news is that you can spend the rest of the day resting and eating a normal diet. The sedative will continue to wear off throughout the day, and you will be able to return to work the following day. 

24 hours for 10 years

Is 24 hours of your time worth 10 years of good health? When you look at it that way, is it really even a question? Don’t let myths drive your healthcare decisions. If you have questions about how a colonoscopy is done or when to get a colonoscopy, ask your gastroenterologist.

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Lose Weight to Ease Your Knee Pain

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That’s because extra pounds put stress on your knees which can cause damage and lead to pain.

If you are overweight and have knee pain, here is some encouraging news: you don’t have to lose a great deal of weight to make a significant difference in your pain level. Although moving toward a healthy weight should always be your goal, the fact is, losing just a couple of pounds could improve your knee pain significantly. And losing just a little bit of weight can have a positive ripple effect: if you have less knee pain, you may find it easier to exercise and continue to lose weight and improve your health.

One Pound Off the Body = Four Pounds Off the Knees!

In 2005, researchers found that if an overweight or obese person with knee osteoarthritis loses one pound, that equates to four pounds of pressure taken off the knees. That means losing just 5 pounds will take 20 pounds of pressure off your knees. Increase that to 10 pounds, which feels achievable to most people, and you’ve just removed a full 40 pounds of pressure off your knees.

How Being Overweight Leads to Cartilage Damage and Knee Pain

If you don’t lose excess weight, it continues to put stress on your cartilage, wearing it down. Cartilage is a rubbery tissue that works like a shock absorber, protecting the ends of your bones and reducing friction on your joints. When this cartilage in your knee joint becomes worn down, it limits the knee’s normal movement and can cause pain.

Obesity Increases the Chance of Needing Surgery for Knee Pain

If you are overweight or obese and do not lose weight, it puts you at greater risk for needing surgery, like knee replacement. During this surgery, an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in knee replacement will remove the damaged knee joint and replace it with a new artificial joint. An artificial joint, also called an implant or a prosthesis, such as an artificial knee, typically has a lifespan of 15-20 years. After that, you will need a second surgery, known as revision surgery, to replace the existing implant with a new one.

Exercising for Weight Loss When Your Knees Hurt

A 2000 study showed patients lost weight and reduced their knee pain through diet and exercise. Here are some exercise tips to help get you started:

  • Swimming: If you have knee pain but want to exercise, swimming is one of the best activities you can choose. Through swimming, you can build muscle and maintain joint and cardiovascular health while putting minimal strain on your knees.
  • Walk. Take daily walks, but avoid hard surfaces, which can make your knee pain worse. Wear properly cushioned shoes and take care as you take your steps forward.
  • Strengthen, Stretch and Stabilize. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) offers an excellent exercise routine for people with knee pain who want to stay fit and improve their knee health.

To remain motivated, remind yourself that you’re not only going to improve your overall health but reduce pain too. Ask a friend to join you, and you can start a shared journey toward better health and less pain.

Reduce Seasonal Depression with Exercise, Nutrition and Probiotics

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Although no one knows exactly why SAD happens, some researchers believe it is caused by a change in the body’s circadian rhythm due to lower levels of sunlight during the fall and winter seasons.

This lack of sunlight can cause hormones and biochemicals to become unbalanced. For instance, the brain may produce less serotonin, which is known to affect mood. Melatonin levels can also change, which can affect sleep.

Are You at Risk for Seasonal Depression?

Seasonal depression is more common in people ages 18 to 30 and happens more frequently in women than in men. Here are some SAD symptoms. Do you recognize any of them in yourself or others?

  • Appetite changes, increased desire for carbohydrates
  • Excess sleepiness
  • Feeling of sadness or hopelessness
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Insomnia
  • Lack of interest in daily activities
  • Social isolation
  • Weight gain

Seasonal Depression: What You Can Do

Moving closer to the equator can help, since the days there are longer in the wintertime, and few people who live in these regions suffer from seasonal depression. However, if you’re not quite ready to pack it all up and relocate to another part of the globe, take heart: there are ways you can reduce your risk of developing SAD or improve symptoms if you already have SAD. Here are just some of the steps you can take:

Exercise:

Studies show 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day, along with 20 minutes of exposure to sunlight, can go a long way towards treating seasonal depression or managing existing SAD symptoms. Why not do both at once by taking a walk outdoors during lunchtime or an early afternoon break when daylight is at its peak? Walk with a friend, and it might help boost your mood even further.

Nutrition:

Although nutrition is important all year, if you’re at risk for SAD, it’s even more important to make wise food choices during the fall and winter. Opt for foods that boost serotonin levels like oatmeal, milk, eggs, nuts, spinach, salmon and turkey.

Probiotics:

In recent years, probiotics have received increasing attention, and research has shown several benefits including the role of probiotics in improving depression. In a 2017 study, scientists were able to reverse symptoms of depression in mice by feeding them a probiotic bacteria found in yogurt. More research still needs to be done to understand exactly how probiotics might improve SAD. In the meantime, it makes good sense to add a probiotic supplement to your diet to help boost your defense against seasonal affective disorder.

More Help with Seasonal Depression

 

If you follow these suggestions, but still are struggling with symptoms of seasonal depression, know there is help. For instance, light exposure treatment is effective for most people with severe SAD symptoms. It involves sitting in front of a full-spectrum light source for a specified amount of time each day, and lights can be purchased without a prescription. However, they work best when a doctor provides guidelines about how to use them.

Your doctor may be able to prescribe an antidepressant if needed. If you are feeling extremely depressed or suicidal, get help right away, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255.

10 Ways to Prevent Eye Fatigue at Work

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Do your eyes burn or feel tired, itchy or dry at the end of your workday? You may have computer vision syndrome (CVS), or digital eye strain caused by staring at screens for extended periods. CVS causes an estimated ten million eye doctor visits per year, but you can avoid eye strain by improving your workstation and being proactive in your daily routine.

Here are 10 Ways to Reduce Eye Fatigue at Work:

  1. Select a darker paint color for your office walls and choose a matte finish. White walls or bright paint can cause glare and can increase eye strain.
  2. Cover the windows in your office with curtains, blinds or shades to reduce incoming light.
  3. Choose a computer monitor that tilts and swivels.
  4. Buy an anti-glare screen for your computer monitor.
  5. Wear blue light filtering glasses. High-energy visible (HEV) blue light can penetrate deep into the retinal cells and lead to eye damage. Wearing these glasses with a special coating protects your eyes from the harmful effects of HEV blue light.
  6. Blink more often. Most people blink about 18 times per minute, but staring at digital screens decreases blink rates by about 50 percent. You may find it helpful to write “blink” on a note and post it on your computer.
  7. Take regular breaks and follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
  8. Get your eyes examined every year. Keeping up with your annual comprehensive eye exams ensures you have an updated prescription and helps you avoid eye disease.
  9. Measure the distance from your eyes to your screen and show this measurement to your ophthalmologist. Your eye doctor may suggest a different distance to increase eye comfort.
  10. If you wear contact lenses, alternate with glasses a few times per week to prevent eye dryness. Glasses with anti-reflective coating can reduce glare and prevent eye strain.

Call Your Eye Doctor

Talk with your ophthalmologist about more ways to keep your eyes moist and refreshed at work to prevent digital eye strain. Even if you have had an eye exam within the last year, call your eye doctor if you experience eye pain, double vision, blurred vision or sensitivity to light. One appointment could help restore eye comfort and increase your productivity.  

6 Tips to Reduce the Stress of the Holidays

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Maybe you’re stressed about something specific, like seeing a certain relative who always pushes your buttons. Or perhaps your stress is more general – the constant feeling that there’s just not enough time to get everything accomplished.

Although it can be hard to know how to beat the holiday stress, much of it can be avoided if you find new ways to take care of your physical and mental health. Here are some strategies you can use to reduce stress this holiday season:

1. Exercise as Stress Relief

Over the holidays, it’s okay to take a day or two off from working out but do keep in mind that exercise is one of the best stress-busters of all. Don’t stop physical activity all together. Instead, do something active that’s also fun. Instead of staying indoors with the adults after breakfast, bundle up, go outside and play with the kids. Or this year, why not sing and dance to your favorite holiday songs?

2. Create New Traditions

Sometimes traditions outgrow themselves, but it can be hard to let them go. This year, remind yourself that just because you’ve always done things a certain way, you don’t have to continue doing them that way. To adjust more easily, think ahead of one new tradition you can start this year and one you can let go. Then go ahead and make the change.

3. Use Breathing Exercises to Reduce Stress

One way to stay ahead of stress and reduce the impact of holiday pressures is to practice focused breathing. Deep, abdominal breathing increases oxygen to the brain and relaxes the mind and body. Plus, you can practice it while you are doing other things, such as preparing a holiday meal.

4. Avoid Stress Eating

It’s common to overeat over the holidays and to feel stressed about it later on. Instead, figure out a strategy you’ll use when the food appears. For instance, decide in advance that you’ll enjoy your favorite foods but that you won’t take a second helping. Or choose to enjoy holiday cookies or other sweets only once a day, such as after dinner, versus whenever they appear.

5. Let Others Help You to Reduce Stress

Don’t insist on doing everything yourself during the holidays — not only will it cause you stress, it will probably make others around you stressed too. Instead, delegate holiday tasks to friends and family members. Often, they’ll be happy you told them what they can do and will be glad to help.

6. Remain Flexible

Although the holidays require careful planning, especially if you are hosting others at your home, planning and plotting every hour will only make you feel more stressed. If the plan changes, accept it and move on. Remind yourself that plan B often ends up being just as rewarding!

How to Reduce Acid Reflux and Stress

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The Stress-Heartburn Connection

Heartburn and stress are related, but which condition causes the other? Many people with acid reflux admit they often feel stressed and anxious, but the pain and discomfort of reflux can be extremely stressful. Stomach upset, regurgitation, chest pain, coughing and throat burning can cause loss of appetite, irritability and insomnia resulting in an intricate cycle of physical and emotional turmoil. It’s not surprising researchers continue to study the complex relationship between reflux and anxiety.

Stress Leads to Unhealthy Behaviors

Your digestive health is inextricably connected with your emotions. You may notice acid reflux increases during a family crisis or a job transition. Some studies suggest tension in the workplace or low job satisfaction increases the risk for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a progressive disease that can lead to long-term digestive complications.

Other research claims tension does not escalate acid production or regurgitation. Rather, it reduces the pain threshold and makes the esophagus more sensitive to acid erosion. Stressful situations can also cause you to overeat, drink alcohol, smoke and eat unhealthy food, which can all contribute to reflux and heartburn.

Lifestyle Choices to Prevent Stress and Heartburn

Regardless of whether stress causes heartburn or heartburn causes stress, you can prevent both by:

  • Eating a healthy, low-acid diet
  • Exercising regularly
  • Quitting smoking
  • Limiting alcohol
  • Eating smaller, frequent meals
  • Taking time to relax, meditate or be still
  • Getting a full eight hours of sleep each night

Make a GI Doctor Appointment

Call your gastroenterologist if you experience frequent heartburn in conjunction with stress. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and schedule an upper endoscopy if necessary. Prompt treatment will help you avoid further complications and improve your digestive health.

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Exercise Reduces Heartburn and Depression

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Winter and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Do you notice your mood takes a nose dive as the days grow shorter? For millions of Americans, gray skies and lower temperatures contribute to a condition called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Also known as seasonal depression, SAD is considered a subset of clinical depression and is marked by depression that follows a cyclical pattern with the seasons. People affected by SAD often experience low energy, sleeplessness and difficulty concentrating.

Cold Weather and Acid Reflux

Cold days also tend to turn up the heat of heartburn from acid reflux. There are several reasons you might have more reflux in the wintertime. Most people are less active in colder seasons and spend more time in bed or on the couch, making acid reflux more likely. Chilly weather also goes hand-in-hand with calorie-rich comfort foods, spicy foods, chocolate and caffeine. These heartburn triggers weaken the valve between the stomach and esophagus leading to reflux.

Exercise Can Help with Seasonal Depression and Heartburn

Boosting your activity level can help reduce symptoms of seasonal depression as well as heartburn. Exercising raises serotonin, the “happy hormone” that gives you an overall sense of wellbeing. It also increases circulation, improves digestion and helps manage weight. Excess fat around the abdomen puts pressure on the stomach and allows gastric acid to flow into the esophagus. Studies show losing even five pounds can significantly reduce heartburn. 

Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day, and go outside if at all possible. Vitamin D from sunlight can boost your mood and improve your spirits, so get out for even a short walk. You can alternate activities like swimming, biking, yard work, yoga or hiking. Along with exercising, eat a well-balanced diet and get plenty of sleep.

Follow up with your Physician and GI Doctor

Seasonal affective disorder and all forms of depression need consistent monitoring by a physician, so don’t try to treat your symptoms alone. It’s also important to call your gastroenterologist if you experience frequent heartburn because you could have a serious condition called GERD, a progressive disease that can cause long-term health complications. Call a GI doctor today to make an appointment for evaluation and counsel.

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4 Foods that are Good for the Eyes

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You can obtain the minerals and vitamins your eyes need by filling your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables, fish and healthy oils.

When composing your grocery list, consider some of these eye-healthy entrees and sides:

Salmon

Salmon contains fat, but not all fat is unhealthy. In fact, your eyes require omega-3 fatty acids to prevent dry eye and macular degeneration. Fatty acids also facilitate proper drainage of inner eye fluid to prevent glaucoma. Salmon and other oily fish contain rich levels of omega-3 fatty acids, so look for some recipes with salmon, tuna, trout, mackerel or herring for your entrée.

Sweet Potato

Instead of a traditional baked potato to accompany your fish, try a baked sweet potato with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a small amount of real butter. It’s a perfect accompaniment to a piece of flavorful fish, and your eyes will benefit from the beta-carotene and vitamin E. These essential antioxidants protect your eyes from UV damage and environmental toxins that can contribute to cataracts.

Carrots

Carrots may not cure all your vision problems, but they can help you maintain high levels of vitamin A. This critical antioxidant is an essential ingredient in rhodopsin, a unique protein that allows the retina to absorb light.

Citrus and Leafy Greens

Citrus fruits are full of vitamin C, and leafy greens contain vitamin C, lutein and zeaxanthin. These powerful antioxidants can prevent premature cataract development and can counteract the natural effects of aging. For an extra dose of nutrients, prepare a green salad of spinach and kale topped with sliced oranges and a sprinkle of walnuts (which contain healthy oils that lubricate the membranes of the eye).

Call an Ophthalmologist Near You

A nutritious diet, regular exercise and routine eye exams offer powerful protection against eye disease. Call your ophthalmologist if it has been more than a year since your last comprehensive eye exam. Many eye diseases do not exhibit symptoms in early stages and, if not detected, can cause permanent vision loss. Call your eye care center for an appointment today.

10 Healthy Holiday Tips to Prevent Heartburn

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Holidays provide countless opportunities to overeat and indulge in rich foods. You may already have acid reducers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on hand to cool the burn of acid reflux, but how about trying to prevent heartburn naturally?

With deliberate planning and self-control, you can have all the taste of the holiday goodies without the chest pain, sour taste and throat burn. Here are ten healthy eating tips to keep the jolly in your holiday.

  1. Volunteer to plan the menu — Offer to plan or prepare the holiday meal. Making menu decisions will ensure that you can enjoy several dishes that won’t cause acid reflux.
  2. Avoid Heartburn Trigger Foods — Common heartburn triggers include citrus, mint, chocolate, onions, garlic, spicy foods, greasy foods, red meat and dairy. Try to avoid these common heartburn triggers in your recipes or research suitable substitute ingredients that will provide similar flavor and texture.
  3. Cook at home — When you cook at home, you can control the menu, ingredients and cooking methods. Choose fresh, whole foods instead of prepared, fast foods.
  4. Eat small amounts — Overeating can place pressure on the valve that separates the stomach and esophagus. Use a smaller plate and take tiny portions. You can always go back for a second helping later.
  5. Be careful about condiments — Gravy, sauce and dressing are usually high in fat or sugar, and condiments often contain acid and spices. Use sparing amounts and eat slowly.
  6. Limit alcohol and caffeine — Beverages can also cause reflux, and alcohol and caffeine are common heartburn triggers. Limit your intake of wine, beer, soda, coffee and tea.
  7. Keep your regular meal schedule — Those holiday munchies look tantalizing but grazing throughout the day is a recipe for reflux. Eat at your usual meal times to regulate digestion.
  8. Wear loose-fitting clothing — Tight pants or a top with a fitted waistline can constrict the stomach and increase the likelihood of heartburn.
  9. Take a walk after dinner — Resist the urge to take an after-dinner nap. Lying down after eating can allow digested food to escape the stomach and flow back into the esophagus.
  10. No eating before bed — Eat your last meal of the day two to three hours before bedtime to allow for complete digestion.

These tips can help you prevent heartburn all year long, not just on holidays. If you follow these suggestions but still experience acid reflux regularly, call your gastroenterologist. You may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition that requires a doctor’s diagnosis and prompt treatment.

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