How to Lower Eye Pressure Through Glaucoma Medication and Meditation

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Meditation Can Help Lower Eye Pressure in Open-Angle Glaucoma

A recent study published in the Journal of Glaucoma suggests holistic glaucoma treatment such as meditation and mindfulness can reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease.

The study included 90 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma who were divided into two groups. One group participated in one-hour guided daily meditation sessions for 21 days, and the other group served as the control. All participants continued their prescribed glaucoma medication to lower IOP. Individuals who practiced meditation showed lower IOP, reduced stress and improved quality of life. The control group did not experience these benefits.

Researchers concluded holistic glaucoma treatment, in conjunction with prescribed glaucoma medication, can benefit glaucoma patients.

Ophthalmologists Can Detect Glaucoma Early Through Comprehensive Eye Exams

According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, more than 3 million Americans have glaucoma, but half are unaware they are affected. Ten percent of all cases of blindness in the United States are caused by glaucoma, and 75 percent of those affected are senior adults.

Because primary open-angle glaucoma symptoms are rare, patients cannot depend on warning signs to alert them of a vision problem. In fact, glaucoma can diminish the visual field by 40 percent without notice. Lowering IOP in open-angle glaucoma is the only method to prevent optic nerve damage and vision loss. This is why it is essential to have annual eye exams with an ophthalmologist.

Through annual comprehensive eye exams, ophthalmologists can detect glaucoma at an early stage before vision damage takes place. Eye doctors can check eye pressure with a test called tonometry and can detect early indications of disease long before a patient would notice signs and symptoms of glaucoma. Additionally, ophthalmologists can identify other forms of degenerative eye disease like cataracts and macular degeneration.

Make an Appointment with Your Ophthalmologist

Call your ophthalmologist to ask whether you are due for a comprehensive eye exam. If you have glaucoma, your doctor can suggest other natural ways to lower eye pressure like exercise, diet, biofeedback and relaxation. Although holistic glaucoma treatment can never replace prescribed glaucoma eye drops or glaucoma medication, these therapies may delay the progression of the disease and help preserve vision.

Medicare Website Compares Procedure Costs at Hospitals and ASCs

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This is part of a Congress-mandated initiative called the 21st Century Cures Act.

“Can you imagine going to the grocery store, getting the groceries you need for the week, but never knowing the price of your items until a week later when the store sends you a bill? Sadly, that’s how healthcare works every day” – Seema Verma, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator (CMS Blog).

Medicare Pricing Tool

The Procedure Price Lookup Tool allows a qualified Medicare beneficiary to compare average payments and copayments for medical procedures performed in hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs) and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). The website also provides the national average copayment a beneficiary with no Medicare supplemental insurance policy (Medigap) would pay the provider.

Colonoscopy, upper endoscopy and esophageal dilation are three of the most common GI outpatient procedures. Here are the average costs Medicare patients would pay for these procedures at a hospital outpatient department (HOPD) compared to an ambulatory surgery center (ASC). 

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Medicare Website Compares Procedure Costs at Hospitals/ASCs

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This is part of a Congress-mandated initiative called the 21st Century Cures Act.

“Can you imagine going to the grocery store, getting the groceries you need for the week, but never knowing the price of your items until a week later when the store sends you a bill? Sadly, that’s how healthcare works every day” – Seema Verma, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator (CMS Blog).

Medicare Pricing Tool

The Procedure Price Lookup Tool allows a qualified Medicare beneficiary to compare average payments and copayments for medical procedures performed in hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs) and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). The website also provides the national average copayment a beneficiary with no Medicare supplemental insurance policy (Medigap) would pay the provider.

Cataract surgery, cataract removal with YAG laser and blepharoplasty (removal of excess skin above or below the eye) are three of the most common outpatient eye procedures for Medicare patients. Here are the average costs Medicare patients would pay for these procedures at a hospital outpatient department (HOPD) compared to an ambulatory surgery center (ASC).

Medicare Website Compares Costs at Surgery Center vs Hospital

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This is part of a Congress-mandated initiative called the 21st Century Cures Act.

“Can you imagine going to the grocery store, getting the groceries you need for the week, but never knowing the price of your items until a week later when the store sends you a bill? Sadly, that’s how healthcare works every day” – Seema Verma, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator (CMS Blog).

Medicare Pricing Tool

The Procedure Price Lookup Tool allows a qualified Medicare beneficiary to compare average payments and copayments for medical procedures performed in hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs) and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). The website also provides the national average copayment a beneficiary with no Medicare supplemental insurance policy (Medigap) would pay the provider.

Here are the average costs Medicare patients would pay for common procedures at a surgery center vs hospital.

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.