Devices and Aids to Support Low Vision and AMD

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February is not only Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month, it is also Low Vision Awareness Month, so let’s explore some aids that can help you see clearly if you are affected by low vision.

E-readers and Audio Books

Age-related macular degeneration affects central vision, which makes even large print books difficult to read. Electronic readers allow you to customize your font, type size and contrast so you can continue to read those best sellers. If you would rather listen to a book, try a subscription to an audio book website or check out your favorite audio books at the library. 

Voice Commands

Using voice commands on smartphones or smart home systems, you can check the weather, get the news, control your lights or make a phone call. There are also computers, watches, timers, blood pressure cuffs and blood sugar machines that communicate data through sound instead of numbers and images.

Large Buttons and Contrasting Colors

Having low vision can make it difficult to use telephones, thermostats and remote controls. Look for devices with large-sized numbers and buttons and high-contrast colors to help you use these everyday necessities more efficiently.

Magnifiers and Lights

With magnification and brighter lighting, you may still be able to read, sew, complete a crossword puzzle or read a hand-written note. Consider using a magnifier on a stand, hand-held magnifier or reading glasses. You may also find it helpful to replace your light bulbs with higher wattage bulbs and add more lamps in darker areas of your home (source: American Academy of Ophthalmology).

Do not let age-related macular degeneration and low vision limit your independence. Talk to your ophthalmologist for more visual aids and tips to manage low vision. The best way to maintain your eye health and prevent vision loss is to schedule your yearly eye exams. 

American Heart Health Month Promotes Colon Health Too

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February is American Heart Month, and whether you are battling heart disease or not, it is the perfect time to evaluate your diet and make some healthy changes that are good for both your heart and your colon.

A sedentary lifestyle increases your risk of heart attack, stroke and colon cancer, but exercise gets your blood pumping and your digestive tract moving. Find an activity you enjoy and commit to exercising regularly. Aim for slow but consistent workouts. Avoid the weekend warrior mentality that often results in injury or burnout.

To Support Heart and Colon Health Through Exercise:

  • Take a 20-minute walk
  • Find a yoga class
  • Go for a swim
  • Take a hike
  • Play tennis or racquetball with a friend
  • Lift weights
  • Find a dance class

Obesity is another risk factor for heart disease and colon cancer. In the U.S., 70 percent of adults are overweight or obese due to overconsumption, especially of foods that are high in saturated fats (American Heart Association). What you eat and how much you eat affects your risk of both heart disease and colon cancer.

  • To Prevent Heart Disease and Colon Cancer Through Diet:
  • Use an app like My Fitness Pal to track calories, fat and macronutrients
  • Fill at least half of your plate with fruits and vegetables
  • Limit red meat consumption to once a week as it may increase heart disease and colorectal cancer
  • Load up the rest of your plate with whole grains, nuts and lean proteins
  • Avoid processed foods like chips, cookies, ice cream, cake and doughnuts
  • Read labels and watch sodium intake
  • Monitor your portion sizes using a food scale or measuring cups
  • Bulk up on fiber-rich foods (SCCN)

Why Eating Fruits and Vegetables is Good for Your Heart and Colon

We all know that fruits and veggies are good sources of vitamins and minerals, are high in fiber, and are low in calories, but did you know that they also contain nutrients that may actually prevent heart disease? Research shows that people who eat more than five servings of fruits and vegetables a day have about a 20 percent lower risk of heart disease and stroke than people who ate less than three servings a day (Time). Here are some ways to increase your veggie intake:

  • Make fruits and vegetables the main course of your meals
  • Try vegetable stir-fry, vegetarian fajitas, burrito bowls, roasted or grilled veggies, soups and salads
  • Avoid canned fruits and vegetables and opt for fresh or frozen ones instead
  • Prepare and refrigerate fruits and vegetables for convenient and healthy snacks
  • Check out our Colon-Healthy Recipes board on Pinterest for heart-healthy fruit and veggie recipes

This month, work to prevent heart disease and colon cancer by boosting your activity level and improving your diet. Your heart (and your colon) will thank you!

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African Americans are at Higher Risk for Colon Cancer

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Why is There a Disparity in the Risk for Colon Cancer?

Studies reveal that the higher incidence of colon cancer in African Americans is likely due to factors such as reduced access to healthcare and insurance and limited knowledge regarding the benefits of screening. African Americans are less likely to get a colonoscopy and to be treated for colon cancer than other racial groups. Because of this, colon cancer rates are 25 percent higher and mortality rates are 50 percent higher in African Americans compared with Caucasians.

When to get Screened for Colon Cancer

In 2005, The American College of Gastroenterology published new guidelines stating that colon cancer screening of African Americans should begin at age 45 due to statistics regarding incidence and survival. Most adults who are at average risk for colon cancer should get screened for colon cancer at age 50, but family history or personal history of polyps or colon cancer could also affect screening age.

Colonoscopy Offers the Best Protection Against Colon Cancer

Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer screening because it can detect and remove growths called polyps before they become cancerous. Other types of screenings such as fecal occult blood tests or double contrast barium enemas are designed only to detect cancer. A colonoscopy is the only screening that can both detect and prevent colon cancer.

You Can Affect Your Colon Cancer Risk

The most effective way to reduce your risk of colon cancer is to make colon-healthy choices every day like avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, eating a high-fiber and low-fat diet, and being physically active. With routine screening, nutritious diet and regular exercise, colon cancer incidence and mortality can decrease significantly. So take steps to reduce your chance of colon cancer today.

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How to Prevent Macular Degeneration or AMD

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Risk Factors of AMD

  • Age — AMD is more likely to develop after the age of 50, but certain habits could cause it to develop earlier.
  • Smoking — Studies show that people who smoke are twice as likely to develop AMD.
  • Ethnicity — Caucasians are at a greater risk for developing AMD than African Americans or Latinos.
  • Family history — There are at least 20 genes that can affect your risk for developing AMD, so family history is a significant risk factor. Currently, there are no genetic tests that can diagnose or predict AMD.

 Engage in Healthy Habits to Prevent AMD

Just as there are steps you can take to prevent heart disease or diabetes, you can make healthy choices to reduce the risk or slow the progression of AMD through diet, physical activity and healthy habits.

Eat Healthy Foods to Help Lower AMD Risk

As a kid, you probably heard, “Eat your vegetables!” There is proof that eating more veggies really does protect our vision. Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, bok choy, red leaf lettuce, collards, mustard greens and swiss chard provide vitamins A, C and K which are known to preserve vision. Eating more fish is another way to protect your eyesight. Fish like mackerel, tuna and salmon provide a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids that strengthen the macula.

Work Out Regularly to Avoid AMD

You probably do not need a reminder that exercise is good for your overall health, but it is also good for your eye health. Studies show that people who exercise have a lower risk of AMD than those who do not exercise. Physical activity does not have to be strenuous or expensive either. One ideal activity is walking because it is convenient, simple and low-impact.

If you are improving your diet and exercising regularly, you may not need to make a separate effort to improve your blood pressure or cholesterol levels. However, if nutrition and physical activity are not sufficient to normalize your levels, make an appointment with your doctor.

Quit Smoking and Cut AMD Risk by Half

Research shows that smoking doubles the risk of developing AMD. Along with harming your vision, smoking damages every system in the body. If you choose to quit smoking, you may need some help, so talk to your doctor, friends or family members for support. 

Maintaining annual appointments to have your eyes examined is always the first line of defense against AMD. Make an appointment with your ophthalmologist for a checkup today.

What is the Best Diet for Heartburn?

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That does not have to be true, however. Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be both enjoyable and heartburn-friendly if you know which foods to incorporate into your diet. 

Heartburn can flare when your stomach produces too much gastric acid, and your food choices can directly affect this. Here are three meals that incorporate heartburn-reducing foods that your stomach will appreciate.

Oatmeal and Wheat: Try Whole Grains for Breakfast

Oatmeal has been a whole-grain breakfast favorite for generations. It is a good source of fiber, so it keeps you feeling full and promotes regularity. Oats also absorb stomach acid and reduce symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). For something sweet, top your oatmeal with bananas, apples or pears. The fructose in these fruits is less likely to trigger acid reflux than other sugars. Of course, eating oatmeal every day could get boring, so switch things up with a warm bowl of Cream of Wheat, or some whole grain toast with peanut butter.

Avoid coffee and most teas that contain caffeine, which can cause heartburn. Instead, brew a soothing cup of ginger tea. Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that will help regulate acid production.

Vegetables: Add Some Color and Nutrients to Your Lunch

Vegetables are low in fat and sugar, which makes them stomach-friendly and healthy. Foods that are high in sugar or fat can be difficult to digest and can spike acid production. Some veggies that reduce heartburn include cucumbers, leafy greens, broccoli, green beans, potatoes, asparagus and cauliflower. 

Try these options for a light and tasty lunch:

  • ​Baked potato with steamed broccoli 
  • Mixed green salad with fresh-cut vegetables and a light oil and vinegar dressing (apple cider vinegar is known to help control heartburn)
  • Veggie wrap or veggie quesadilla

Lean Proteins and Healthy Fats: Accents to a Delectable Dinner

​​Lean proteins like legumes, beans, chicken, turkey, fish and seafood are low in fat and help regulate stomach acid production. Instead of using oil to pan fry or deep fry foods, use healthier cooking methods like grilling, poaching, roasting and baking. Avoid making meat the main component of your dinner. Instead, see it as an accent or an accompaniment to a bed of greens, roasted vegetables, brown rice or fresh fruit.

​​Not all fats are unhealthy, so indulge in the good fats contained in nuts, seeds, avocados and olive oil. You can reduce your saturated and trans fat intake by substituting healthy monounsaturated fats (source: Health Line).

​​Remember that one of the best ways to control heartburn is to make thoughtful and healthy food choices. These options for reducing symptoms should provide some ideas and encouragement for your journey to find heartburn relief.

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What Is the Source of My Neck Pain?

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Sometimes, the cause of neck pain is simple and straightforward, and a doctor can diagnose a neck injury and offer recommendations for treatment. However, sometimes pinpointing the source of the pain can be challenging. Part of the reason is that the neck is a highly complex structure made up of cervical discs, tendons, muscles and other soft tissue, all of which can sustain injury. Additionally, the fact that the neck must continuously support the weight of the head only adds to the pain you can experience when you have a neck issue.

Understanding Types of Neck Pain

Most neck pain can be divided into two categories: neck pain caused by a single event, such as a car accident, and neck pain due to long-term “wear and tear” conditions like arthritis.

Whiplash, which often occurs during a car accident, is a result of the neck being forcibly and rapidly bent forward and backward. Those who experience whiplash, typically wear a neck brace during recovery. Whiplash can cause neck pain, headaches and dizziness. Fortunately, most neck pain due to whiplash subsides and normal functioning returns.

“Wear and tear” neck pain can have a variety of causes. It can be due to degeneration or rupture of the cervical discs. Additionally, a painful, bone-on-bone sensation can result when cartilage and other tissues erode. Pinched nerves can also be the source of neck pain.

What Do Your Symptoms Suggest?

Never try to self-diagnose a neck issue. However, it is important to take note of the symptoms you are having. That way, you will be able to describe your neck pain in greater detail, which will help your doctor during diagnosis and treatment.

Common neck conditions and injuries and their symptoms include:

  • Cervical kyphosis: An abnormal curvature in the neck. Symptoms are chronic pain and limited movement.
  • Cervical nerve compression. A pinched nerve in the neck. This results in numbness and tingling or a feeling of weakness in the hands or the arms.
  • Cervical spondylosis: A type of neck arthritis. Pain and stiffness often worsens over the course of the day.
  • Whiplash: Muscles and tendons are stretched unnaturally. Stiff neck, shoulder pain, muscle spasms and headache are common symptoms.

Finally, if your doctor prescribes a cervical collar (neck brace), be sure to follow the usage instructions carefully. The collar will stabilize your neck and can help you heal more rapidly, without the need for additional medication.

Thyroid Conditions and Digestive Problems

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On the other hand, it could be something seemingly unrelated.

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It is responsible for making and distributing thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and help the body use energy. When the thyroid gland is not functioning properly, it can cause a wide range of problems including digestive issues. Many people with chronic gastrointestinal problems cannot find relief because they have an undiagnosed thyroid condition.

Hyperthyroidism, or too much thyroid hormone in the body, causes bodily functions to speed up. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are a racing heart, nervousness, hand tremors, anxiety, difficulty sleeping and an enlarged neck. Digestive symptoms of an overactive thyroid can include difficulty swallowing, vomiting, diarrhea, lactose intolerance, liver problems, H. pylori bacterial infection and weight loss.

Hypothyroidism, or too little thyroid hormone in the body, can cause the body’s processes to slow down. This may cause symptoms such as fatigue, dry skin, depression, constipation, forgetfulness and weight gain. Digestive symptoms of an underactive thyroid can include dyspepsia (chest pain), low stomach acid, poor absorption, constipation, gallstones, anemia and bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.

The thyroid gland can have a significant impact on the gastrointestinal system. A common misconception is that diet causes chronic digestive trouble and weight changes, but this may be an oversimplification. Thyroid conditions and their resultant symptoms are often complex and require ongoing treatment by an endocrinologist.

January is Thyroid Awareness Month, so make an appointment with an endocrinologist or gastroenterologist if you think you may have a thyroid condition. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, an estimated 27 million Americans have thyroid disease, and about 13 million cases are undiagnosed. One appointment may provide the necessary insight to alleviate your digestive problems and put you on the road to better health.

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How to Maintain Your Eye Health After a Glaucoma Diagnosis

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Just remember that treating your glaucoma is a team effort, and you are not alone. January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, a good time to make sure that you are “aware” of the glaucoma support that is available to you.

Visit Your Ophthalmologist Regularly

If you are taking glaucoma medication, your ophthalmologist will want to see you every 3 to 6 months. This can vary according to your specific needs, so ask your eye doctor how often you should schedule your appointments.

Keep a Copy of Your Medical Records

Many patients have no idea that they can request copies of their medical records. Keeping a copy of your records and test results can be educational and informative as you learn more about the specific tests that a glaucoma diagnosis requires. Having access to your records may empower you to ask questions and take an active role in your treatment.

Keep a Log or Journal with Questions

Between eye appointments, you may have questions or concerns. Designate a health notebook so you can document your questions and thoughts and share at your next appointment.

Enlist the Support of Family and Friends

If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, do not keep it from your family and friends. Allow them to assist you with care and provide moral support.

Do Not Settle for Less than the Best

Maintaining your vision is important, and if you have a diagnosis of glaucoma, you will be visiting your ophthalmologist more often. Be sure that your relationship with your ophthalmologist is one of mutual respect and openness. If you are not satisfied with your care, it may affect the amount of effort you put forth in the treatment process. You can always get a second opinion or choose a new ophthalmologist. Select the doctor who has a style and approach that fits both your clinical needs and your personality.

Your glaucoma treatment will be successful if you take an active role in your care plan. Educate yourself, rely on family and friends, ask questions and communicate with your doctor regularly. Learning to live with glaucoma is not easy, but it is manageable with the right support and care.