Limit Exposure to Electronic Devices, Experts Say

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Research shows that too much screen time is posing a hazard to our vision, but few are willing to make a change until their vision is affected (Source: Yahoo News).

For years, eye care professionals have cautioned that overexposure to blue light could be more harmful than we realize. Electronic devices emit high-energy light waves that penetrate deep within the eyes and can cause chronic issues such as:

 

  • Headaches
  • Shoulder pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Neck pain
  • Sleep problems
  • Dry eye

From smart phones and tablets to LED monitors and flat-screen televisions, we are constantly exposing our eyes to blue light and putting ourselves at risk for eye damage. Although we cannot back-pedal when it comes to technology, we can implement some guidelines to safeguard our vision. Here are some ways that you can limit your exposure to blue-light and reduce your risk for vision-related issues:

  • Give your electronics an early bedtime. Turn off digital devices at least one hour before you go to bed, and don’t power them back up until morning. Blue light suppresses melatonin levels and can cause insomnia.
  • Keep your distance. Increase the distance between you and your digital device by using the zoom feature to see small print and details, instead of putting the device closer to your eyes.
  • Make your devices work for you. Adjust your device settings to reduce glare on screens or use a glare filter to decrease the amount of blue light reflected from the screen.
  • Implement the 20-20-20 rule. When you are using any device or computer, take a 20-second break and look away from the screen every 20 minutes and view something 20 feet away.
  • Call your eye care professional. Every year, schedule a full eye exam to maintain your vision health. Contact your eye doctor immediately if you experience any changes in your vision.

Less Than Half of Hip Fracture Patients Taking Recommended Vitamin D Supplements

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Vitamin D supplements are a known preventive treatment for osteoporosis, a degenerative bone disease that increases the risk of fractures in the spine, wrist, hip, arm, or leg.

May is National Osteoporosis Month, an annual campaign designated to raise awareness of the prevention and treatment techniques for osteoporosis. Approximately 44 million people in the United States have osteoporosis, and an additional 10 million people are at risk for the disease. Current guidelines by the U.S. Food and Nutrition Board recommend 600 International Units (IUs) of vitamin D daily for adults and 800 IUs for those over the age of 70 to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures.

A Canadian study evaluated vitamin D intake among 573 hip fracture patients over the course of two years following hip fracture surgery. More than half of study participants were women, and the mean study age was 74.1. Researchers found that only 47.5 percent of patients consistently took the recommended amount of vitamin D supplements. Another 35.6 percent took supplements inconsistently, and less than 19 percent reported taking no vitamin D supplements at all.

“Vitamin D supplementation following hip fracture surgery is grossly under-prescribed,” said co-study author Mohit Bhandari, M.D., Professor and Academic Chair of the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at McMaster University. “Given its potential to improve patient function independent of other therapies, it seems improved advocacy and education—aimed at doctors and patients—about vitamin D supplementation is both worthwhile and evidence-based.”

Vitamin D supplements are just one of many treatments that can help prevent subsequent fractures in osteoporosis patients. Other treatments include weight-bearing exercise, bone-strengthening medications, hormone supplements, and calcium supplements. The AAOS recommends that physicians screen and monitor elderly and at-risk patients for osteoporosis and assist them in receiving proper preventative treatment to reduce the risk of fractures (Source: OrthoSpineNews).

Colon Cancer Risk Increases among Adults Born in the ‘90s

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New data presented by the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute indicates that people born in 1990 are two times more likely to develop colon cancer and four times more likely to develop rectal cancer than people born in 1950. These findings are quite surprising, given that 90 percent of new colon cancer cases occur in adults over the age of 50.

Colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates in older adults have dropped significantly over the past few decades. Researchers credit this progress in part to improved screening rates, which can detect the presence of colon polyps before they become cancerous. However, routine screenings are not generally recommended for adults under the age of 50, which means that young-onset colon cancer often goes undetected during its earliest, most treatable stages.

Rebecca Siegel, lead study author and epidemiologist at the American Cancer Society, said they have not yet identified the cause of this sharp increase in younger individuals. She did, however, point out that the rise in obesity mirrors trends in colon cancer. Certain factors associated with obesity, such as poor diet and sedentary behavior, are also risk factors for colon cancer, which could offer some explanation.

This study is not the first to detect a rise in young-onset colon cancer. Dr. George J. Chang, chief of colorectal surgery at MD Anderson Cancer Center, predicted two years ago that one in 10 colon cancers and one in four rectal cancers would be diagnosed in adults under the age of 50 by the year 2030.

The American Cancer Society is currently reviewing colorectal cancer screening guidelines to determine whether any changes need to be made (Source: CNN). However, young adults can still take preventive steps to reduce their colon cancer risk even if they are not eligible for screening. These steps include:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
  • Limiting alcohol intake
  • Exercising regularly
  • Limiting intake of red meats or processed meats
  • Not smoking
  • Recognizing colon cancer symptoms, such as changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain or blood in the stool

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Natural Tips to Keep Your Vision Healthy

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Give your diet a makeover

Piling your plate high with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins will help boost your eye health. Some of the most important nutrients for good vision are omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E, so try to increase your intake of leafy greens such as spinach, kale and collard greens. Fatty fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, so look for recipes that include salmon, tuna and other oily fish. Nuts (especially walnuts) nourish the eyes as well as eggs, beans and other legumes. Oranges, citrus fruits and peppers are some of the best sources of vitamin C.

Wear your shades

Make sunglasses a part of your wardrobe 365 days a year. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun causes premature oxidation, or free radical damage, which can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration. Shades that offer offer 99-100 percent UVA and UVB protection and wrap around the face will protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun.

Reduce digital eye strain

According to the Vision Council, over 31 percent of Americans suffer from digital eye strain. Digital screens produce blue light, harmful light waves that penetrate deep within your eyes and can cause permanent damage. Most cases of digital eye strain can be managed by taking specific precautions including adjusting your computer monitor, wearing blue light filtering lenses, using anti-glare screens, and downloading blue light filters for your electronic devices. 

It is impossible to eliminate electronic devices in our digital world, but you can create good habits to protect your vision. Remember the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break and look at an object at least 20 feet away. Dry eye is a common side effect of digital eye strain because we tend to blink less often when staring at a computer screen. Try writing yourself a note to “Blink More” and put the post-it on your computer monitor. Even small steps like this can make a significant impact on your comfort as well as your eye health.

Make regular appointments with your eye doctor

The best gift you can give to your eyes is an annual comprehensive eye exam. Eye exams help detect eye diseases like glaucoma which often have no symptoms, as well as refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness and presbyopia. An eye exam also gives your eye doctor a glimpse into your overall wellness. It is not uncommon for ophthalmologists to identify chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension because these diseases often affect the eyes. So get a comprehensive eye exam and you’ll receive a mini check-up as a bonus!

You can boost your eye health one choice at a time. Healthy Vision Month is just one way to remind us to re-committing to healthy habits that help maintain clear eyesight.

Stop Spring Allergies before They Start

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Sniffling, sneezing, watery eyes, and congestion are just a few issues that allergy sufferers expect to deal with all season long. And if you don’t get a head start on addressing your symptoms, you could be in for a long battle.

Seasonal allergies are caused by an overreaction in the immune system. When you inhale allergy triggers, such as pollen or mold spores, your immune system mistakenly identifies these particles as harmful substances and releases antibodies to neutralize the threat. These antibodies attach themselves to mast cells which release histamine, a chemical neurotransmitter that triggers allergy symptoms.

Controlling seasonal allergies often requires a multifaceted approach, and pre-treatment is a crucial step in this process. Pre-treating seasonal allergies turns on your body’s defenses so it is already prepared to handle allergens. Pre-treatment also helps prevent symptoms from compounding and becoming more difficult to treat.

There are some rules to follow when pre-treating seasonal allergies:

  • Mometasone furoate (Nasonex) or fluticasone propionate (Flonase) are nasal steroid sprays that can be used in advance. These medications treat more allergy symptoms than other drug classes, but they take a month to reach full effectiveness. Begin using nasal steroid spray once daily beginning one month prior to allergy season.
  • Oral antihistamines or antihistamine sprays or drops may also be used in advance, though they are not as effective as steroid sprays. Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness, making them a poor option for older adults at risk of falls.
  • Decongestant sprays are only meant to be used for a few days and are not appropriate for pre-treatment. Decongestant pills may be used to prevent nasal congestion, but they are not safe for individuals with hypertension or heart problems.

There are several treatment options that can help keep your allergy symptoms under control. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss different therapies and develop a complete treatment plan that’s right for you. Taking preventive steps now will keep you breathing easy all season long (Source: Harvard Health).

Gut Bacteria Links Diet to Colon Cancer

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The link between diet and colon cancer is clear, and now we may be one step closer to understanding why.

New findings published in the journal JAMA Oncology show that certain gut bacteria appear to play a role in the development of colon cancer. A group of Boston researchers tracked the diets of over 137,000 study participants over a period of decades and examined over 1,000 colon tumor samples. The researchers specifically looked for Fusobacterium nucleatum, an inflammatory bacterium that is believed to promote colon cancer. The results showed that individuals who adhered to a high-fiber diet rich in whole grains had a lower risk of colon cancer containing Fusobacterium nucleatum, but their risk for developing colon cancer without the bacterium remained unchanged.

Study co-senior author Dr. Shuji Ogino said of the results, “Though our research dealt with only one type of bacteria, it points to a much broader phenomenon – that intestinal bacteria can act in concert with diet to reduce or increase the risk of certain types of colorectal cancer.”

This study is the first of its kind to establish a link between long-term dietary habits and bacteria in colon tumors. Co-senior author Dr. Andrew Chan explained that further studies are needed to examine the relationship between diet, gut microbiota and cancer development (Source: News Medical).

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Is it Time for Cataract Surgery?

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Cataracts affect about one in every six Americans over the age of 40, making them the most common cause of vision loss in the United States. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens, which is made of water and protein. Through age and oxidative damage, the protein in the lens begins to clump together and create a cloudy area known as a cataract.

The good news is that cataract-related vision loss is reversible through surgery. There is no prescribed age for cataract surgery, so it is up to you and your eye care professional to decide when you should schedule the procedure. Even though it is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States, cataract surgery can still seem quite intimidating. However, the benefits of cataract surgery are numerous, including restored vision and the ability to resume all the daily activities you enjoy.

If you are unsure of when you should have your cataracts removed, you are not alone. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has developed a list of four questions to help you determine when it is time to schedule cataract surgery:

  • Are cataracts negatively impacting your daily or occupational activities? Common symptoms of cataracts are blurred vision, double vision, lack of contrast, increased glare, and sensitivity to light. This can make activities like reading, driving, cooking, or doing housework or yard work increasingly difficult.
  • Are cataracts affecting your ability to drive safely at night? Another symptom of cataracts is the appearance of “halos” around lights and difficulty seeing in low light conditions. This can make driving extremely challenging and even dangerous.
  • Are your cataracts interfering with the outdoor activities you enjoy? Sensitivity to light can be distracting, annoying and even painful because of your cataracts, and this may discourage you from spending time outside.
  • Can you manage your cataracts in other ways? If you are not ready for cataract surgery, can you compensate for changes in your vision by using brighter light bulbs and contrasting colors in your home and workplace? Other small changes may include using a magnifying glass for reading or purchasing polarized sunglasses to reduce glare.

Cataract surgery is available to you when you and your ophthalmologist agree that you are ready. Ravi D. Goel, M.D., cataract surgeon and a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, gives a good explanation by saying, “If cataracts aren’t disrupting your life, you can probably wait and have surgery when they really start to bother you. But for those who are feeling impeded by their blurry or dulled vision, the procedure can make a significant beneficial impact” (Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology).

Try New Methods to Relieve Back Pain during Stress Awareness Month

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There are several factors that can contribute to back pain, but one common cause is muscle tension from stress and anxiety.

April is Stress Awareness Month, a 30-day campaign to raise awareness about the causes and cures for stress. While we typically think of stress as a mental and emotional struggle, what many of us don’t realize is that stress can manifest itself through a number of physical symptoms such as fatigue, body aches and muscle pain.

Medication is often our first line of defense for treating back pain, but new guidelines released by the American College of Physicians (ACP) suggest a different approach. These guidelines recommend non-pharmacological therapies such as yoga, tai chi and massage for treating lower back pain, while reserving medications and prescription opioids as a last resort.

These updated guidelines come as a result of analyzing over 150 studies to determine which treatments are successful – and which ones are not – when addressing lower back pain. Evidence from this analysis indicated that acetaminophen and steroid injections, two common treatments for back pain, were not effective in improving pain outcomes.

For patients who want to use medications to control back pain, the guidelines recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or skeletal muscle relaxants. However, ACP President Dr. Nitin S. Damle stresses the importance of trying non-pharmacological treatments first. For patients with chronic low back pain, the ACP recommends some of the following non-drug therapies:

  • Exercise
  • Multidisciplinary rehabilitation
  • Acupuncture
  • Mindfulness-based stress reduction
  • Tai chi
  • Yoga
  • Motor control exercise
  • Progressive relaxation
  • Spinal manipulation

Patients should discuss alternative therapy options with their doctors to determine which treatment will best meet their needs. However, Damle explains that most back pain resolves itself over time regardless of which therapy is used. “For the treatment of chronic low back pain, physicians should select therapies that have the fewest harms and costs, since there were no clear comparative advantages for most treatments compared to one another,” he said (Source: American College of Physicians).

The complete guidelines are published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Spring Clean Your Diet and Medicine Cabinet

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There’s nothing quite like spring cleaning, is there? No matter whether you consider yourself tidy or cluttered, there’s a certain joy that can be attained from dusting airflow returns, wiping down window sills, vacuuming behind couches, and polishing windows. In the midst of organizing your linen closet, take some time to spring clean your pantry and medicine cabinet. Having a clean house can promote good health, but it comes secondary to having optimum digestive health.

New Year’s resolutions may seem like ages ago, but spring cleaning can be a good time to renew those commitments of healthy eating and exercise. The fiber-rich oatmeal and nutrition-packed salads of January somehow give way to Egg McMuffins and frozen pizzas, which often leads to weight gain and heartburn. If you are like millions of other Americans, you probably keep a bottle of acid-reducing proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in your medicine cabinet for those frequent bouts of heartburn and reflux. However, PPIs may be posing a significant danger to your overall health.

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How Does Having Diabetes Affect My Vision?

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Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses sugar. It is one of the most common diseases in the United States, and about 8.3 percent of Americans have diabetes (about 26 million people). Unfortunately, 7 million diabetics are unaware that they have the disease.

Diabetic eye disease is a group of eye conditions that can affect people with diabetes. Not all diabetics will develop diabetic eye disease, but untreated or uncontrolled diabetes can lead to permanent vision loss.

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common eye disease among working adults and a leading cause of blindness. Diabetes can cause the blood vessels in the eye to leak fluid, causing the retina to swell. Accumulated fluid on the retina can cause blurred vision. As the condition progresses, new blood vessels can grow on the surface of the retina.

Diabetic retinopathy can cause a condition called diabetic macular edema (DME). DME is characterized by swelling in an area of the retina called the macula.

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens. Diabetics are 2 to 5 times more likely than those without diabetes to develop cataracts. Cataracts also tend to develop at an earlier age in people with diabetes.

Glaucoma is a family of diseases that damage the optic nerve, the bundle of nerve fibers that connects the eye to the brain. In some diabetic patients, new blood vessels grow on the iris and block the flow of inner eye fluid, which increases eye pressure and places stress on the optic nerve. This condition is called neovascular glaucoma.

Here are some guidelines to help you preserve your vision:

  • Visit your primary care physician regularly for blood sugar monitoring.
  • Control your diet by eating foods that are high in nutrients and low in fat. Limit sugar to small servings.
  • Incorporate exercise into your daily routine. This will help control blood sugars and reduce your risk for heart disease and nerve damage.
  • Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams to screen for diabetic eye disease.