Headache Awareness

By Nurse Diane

When I chat online with a friend of mine, he is always telling me that I give him headaches asking him so many questions.  Well I do like to ask him questions because he is so smart and know something about everything, but I hope really don't give him a headache.

There are many different reasons why you might have a headache such as:

Tired, lack of sleep

Hungry

Sign of other medical problems, such as elevated blood pressure

Heredity such as migraines

Physical injury

Vision problems

Change in sleep patterns

Change in hormone levels

According to the National Headache Foundation, headaches are divided into two basic categories: primary/benign (tension-type, migraine, cluster) and secondary (organically caused). All headaches fall into one of these two categories depending on their causes and symptoms.   It's not uncommon for an individual to suffer from more than one type of headache. According to Dr. Seymour Diamond, Executive Chairman of the National Headache Foundation, people with mixed headache problems -- such as migraine with tension-type headache -- are not unusual.

When seeking treatment for your headache, start with your primary care physician. Discuss his or her experience and approach to headaches, including methods of classification, diagnosis, and treatment. Your doctor may decide to recommend you to a headache specialist, depending upon your symptoms or other physical conditions (diabetes, allergies, etc.) that require a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to your headache.

This is National Headache Awareness Week.  So instead of just taking 2 aspirins and calling me in the morning, if you are having a more serious problem with headaches, call your doctor and set up a visit.  For more information visit this site: http://www.headaches.org/content/my-headache

(Images from Google) 

"Healthy Vision: Make It Last a Lifetime."

By Terry Orr

The May 2013 theme for Healthy Vision Month is "Healthy Vision: Make It Last a Lifetime."

According to the CDC:

• In 2010, approximately 4 million persons in the United States aged ≥40 years had vision impairment (including low vision and blindness);
• By 2050, this number is projected to reach 13 million
• Vision impairment is associated with inability to perform daily activities such as reading, driving a car, and preparing meals.
• Vision impairment also is associated with an increased risk for falls, fall-related injuries, depression, and reduced overall health
• Millions of persons in the United States have undetected vision problems and eye diseases.
• Vision disorders are the seventh most common chronic condition for person’s aged ≥65 years,
• The ninth most common for those aged 50–64 years, and
• The third most common for those aged ≤17 years.

Early detection, timely treatment, and the use of proper eye safety practices can prevent or delay vision impairment.

I have been sensitive regarding my vision in general and care thereof as well for several decades - as a result - in addition to my annual eye exam, over the past 15 or so years, visit my doctor a second time. I highly recommend everyone see their eye doctor at least every year.

References and Links:

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6216a10.htm

(All images from Google) 

March is Save Your Vision Week/Month – 2013 Update

By Terry Orr

Now that I use desktop, laptop, tablet and smartphone throughout the day, every day – headaches are more frequent and severe.  It took me a little while to connect all those dots to understand what was causing my headaches.  Doing my research for this article – I found the name associated with this problem: Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). 

Staring at a computer monitor for hours on end has become a part of the modern workday. And inevitably, all of that staring can put a real strain on your eyes.

The name for eye problems caused by computer use is computer vision syndrome (CVS). CVS is not one specific eye problem. Instead, the term encompasses a whole range of eyestrain and pain experienced by computer users.

Research shows computer eye problems are common. Somewhere between 50% and 90% of people who work at a computer screen have at least some symptoms of eye trouble.

There's no evidence that computer vision syndrome causes any long-term damage to the eyes -- for example, cataracts. However, regular computer use can be the source of significant eyestrain and discomfort.

If you have computer vision syndrome, you may experience some or all of these symptoms:

·      Blurred vision

·      Double vision

·      Dry, red eyes

·      Eye irritation

·      Headaches

·      Neck or back pain

How many of these do you experience?

Making a few simple changes in your work environment can help prevent and improve computer vision symptoms:

·      Cut the glare. Change the lighting around you to reduce glare on the computer screen. If a nearby window is casting glare on your screen, move the monitor and close the shades until the glare disappears. Ask your employer to install a dimmer switch for the overhead lights if they're too bright, or buy a desk lamp with a moveable shade that distributes light evenly over your desk. Putting a glare filter over the screen monitor also can help protect your eyes.

·      Rearrange your desk. Researchers find that the optimal position for your computer monitor is slightly below eye level, about 20 to 28 inches away from the face. At that position, you shouldn't have to stretch your neck or strain your eyes to see what's on the screen. Put a stand next to your computer monitor and place any printed materials you're working from on it. Then, you won't have to look up at the screen and back down at the desk while you type.

·      Give your eyes a break. Look away from the screen every 20 minutes or so and either gaze out the window or scan the room for about 20 seconds to rest your eyes. Blink often to keep the eyes moist. If eyes are getting overly dry, try using lubricating eye drops.

·      Tweak your computer settings. You don't have to live with the factory-installed settings on your computer if you're uncomfortable. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and font size until you find the best settings for your vision.

[Source: WebMD]

Now that we know the source of our problem is and helpful hints to reduce the issue, we have one more thing to do.  Tell our eye and primary care doctors!

References and Links:

http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/computer-vision-syndrome

http://www.aoa.org/x5072.xml

http://www.aoa.org/documents/Vision-Lifestyle-Fact-Sheet.pdf

[All images from  Google]

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

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By Terry Orr

Held each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a national campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This year's theme is "A Strong Workforce is an Inclusive Workforce: What Can YOU Do?"

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During nearly five plus decades of working, I have worked with many people disabilities and to the person – they all excelled in the workplace. 

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The AbilityOne Program is the largest single source of employment for people who are blind or have significant disabilities in the United States, providing employment opportunities to more than 50,000 people. More than 600 participating, community-based nonprofit agencies (NPAs) train and employ these individuals with disabilities nationwide. But there are hundreds of thousands of Americans who are blind or have other significant disabilities that are still waiting for their chance to work. That’s why building awareness of the Program during NDEAM and throughout the year is so crucial to its success.

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References and Links:

http://www.dol.gov/odep/

http://www.consultspringboard.com/2012/ndeam-what-can-you-do/

http://www.nablement.com/2012/08/national-disability-employment-awareness-month-moving-beyond-the-tagline/

http://blog.capabilitiesinc.biz/?p=863

http://www.abilityone.gov/media_room/ndeam.html

National Children's Vision & Learning Month

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By Terry Orr

I was 19, in the Navy, at my first duty station in Jacksonville, Florida when it was discovered the need for glasses.  Learning challenges were thought to be my inability to stay still and concentrate on things for very long (later in life learned about ADD), my vision issue might also have contributed.

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From the College of Optometrists in Vision Development: This August marks the seventh annual observance of the vital role vision plays in academic success. The message is simple: when children continue to struggle with reading despite all best efforts to help, vision disorders are often lurking below everyone's radar.

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While most schools assume they have ruled out vision problems by performing cursory vision screenings, vision screenings only detect approximately 5% of actual vision problems. Screenings have missed serious vision problems, such as Amblyopia (often referred to as lazy eye), as well as eye coordination problems such as convergence insufficiency.

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Current research shows that vision problems afflict millions of American children and thereby impact their ability to learn:

• One in four school-age children has vision problems, according to the American Foundation in Vision Awareness
• 18 million children will not have had eye examinations by a Doctor of Optometry or other certified vision care professional prior to entering school
• 60 percent of students identified as “problem learners” have undetected vision problems, according to the American Optometric Association.

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The goal of this national observance is to help educate parents and educators about the critical link between vision and learning.

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Special request to all the parents and or guardians of our future – Please have their vision check this year.  Thank you.

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References and links:

http://www.covd.org/Home/ChildrensVisionLearningMonth/tabid/67/Default.aspx

http://www.childrensvision.com/development.htm

http://www.childrensvision.com/

"We are limited, not by our abilities, but by our vision."

Save Your Vision Week/Month

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By Akindman

How important is your eye sight?

Close to 75% of North Americans believe that their sight is the most important sense they have according to protect-Your-Eyesight.com. Yet only about 40% of North Americans have an annual eye exam, and a full 85% admit that they do not care for their eyes as much as they should.

For those of us who have type II Diabetes, we should get our eye exam semi-annually event – I do!

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Save Your Vision Month educates the public about the importance of getting comprehensive eye examinations regularly in order to preserve the vision. Not only can taking the time to protect the health of your eyes reduce the risk of vision loss, but going for a routine eye exam can help detect systemic and chronic diseases like diabetes.

Protect Your Eyes

Wear Sunglasses

Wear a Wide-Brimmed Hat

Step Away from the Computer Screen

Quit Smoking

Eat Foods Packed with Antioxidants

Keep Blood Glucose in Check

Exercise Regularly

Lower Your Blood Pressure

Lower Your Cholesterol

Have a Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exam

What to Do When Your Eyesight Fades

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The top 10 foods for good vision are:

Cold water fish;

Spinach, kale, and green leafy veggies;

Eggs;

Garlic, onions, shallots, and capers;

Soy;

Fruits & veggies – that contain A, C, and E and Beta-carotene, such as carrots, carrots, and squash;

Blueberries and grapes;

Wine;

Nuts & berries; and

Virgin olive oil.

Prevent Blindness America’s web site contains a wealth of good information regarding ones sight.  Highly recommend that everyone spends some time there and bookmarks this web site.  Here is a sample of the information you will find there:

Taking care of your sight

Signs of eye problems in adults

If you notice any signs of potential eye problems, see an eye doctor for a complete eye exam.

Even if you have no signs, regular eye exams are recommended—especially for those with some chronic health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Early detection and treatment can be the key to preventing sight loss.

Any changes in the appearance of your eyes or vision should be investigated further. Some examples include:

The following may be indications of potentially serious problems that might require emergency medical attention:

Getting professional eye care

Wearing contact lenses

Pregnancy and your vision

Computers and your eyes

Healthy living, healthy vision

20/20 at 40 - our adult vision health initiative

Growing older with good vision

Medicare benefits and your eyes

Test your eyes

Living with low vision

Vision care financial assistance information

Remember to protect your eyes!
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Links for additional information:

http://www.diabeticlivingonline.com/complications/eyes/save-your-vision/

http://www.preventblindness.org/taking-care-your-sight

http://www.aoa.org/documents/Vision-Lifestyle-Fact-Sheet.pdf

http://www.rebuildyourvision.com/blog/personal-stories/perfect-eyesight-in-2012/

http://wellness.georgetown.edu/resources/toolkit/46982.html

http://www.protect-your-eyesight.com/