HEALTH & WELLNESS SPECIAL SECTION
• Wearing eye cream . We have seen the commercials about preventing wrinkles . But when do you have to start ? NOW ! The skin around your eyes is very thin and just a short amount of sunlight could cause lasting wrinkles .
• Applying something with SPF to face , neck , and hands . Skipping the protection of an SPF could throw off your entire routine . Find a good moisturizer that combines protection with moisture and apply it to your face , neck , and hands . The neck and hands are often overlooked , but are prime spots for the sun to hit and cause wrinkles .
• Quitting bad habits . Now is a better time than ever to kick the bad habits you learned in high school and college . The number of benefits of canceling your package at the tanning salon and quitting smoking would take up this entire article , but for skin ’ s sake , give them up !
TREATMENT YEARS Now is the time to treat the years of damage that the sun and other elements have caused to your skin .
• Put the right nutrients into your body . It ’ s important to make sure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs on the inside for radiant skin on the outside . This includes lots of water !
• Take cover when heading outside . SPF shouldn ’ t be skipped at this age either and should be applied daily . Try adding a hat and cover your skin to prevent overexposure to the harmful rays of the sun , even in the cooler months .
• Find a good retinoid . Derived from vitamin-A , retinoids boost collagen production in the skin to stimulate blood vessels and unclog pores .
SEEING INTO THE FUTURE
Twenty-first century children will be looking beyond genetics as a cause for needing corrective eyewear , according to the American Optometric Association ( AOA ). In the Digital Age , children are exposed to electronic devices their whole lives as an integral part of social and educational practices . Teachers are continuing to increase the amount of digital technology used in the classroom , and it is expected that computer simulations will account for much of the learning style in the future . Both teachers and parents are finding that children are adapting well to the use of technology in the classroom , making learning more interactive and current than most textbook learning .
The AOA ’ s 2015 American Eye-Q ® survey states that 41 percent of parents say their kids spend three or more hours per day using digital devices , and 66 percent of kids have their own smartphone or tablet . As technology becomes more of an essential part of modern life , it is important for parents to find balance in their children ’ s digital usage . Electronic devices , including televisions , give off blue and violet light that may affect vision by causing eyestrain and discomfort . If your children have to do their homework using the computer or tablet , keep the television off during dinnertime and instead enjoy conversation together . Optometrists also researched the importance of natural sunlight exposure to the eyes and say that the lack of exposure to natural light could affect the growth and development of vision .
DIGITAL EYESTRAIN
• Burning
• Itchy or tired
• Increased headaches
• Fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Head and neck pain
The best way to properly monitor eye and vision health is to make sure your child gets a comprehensive eye exam every year .
KEEP YOUR TEETH & GUMS HEALTHY
A big smile can say a lot about your overall health , so if you ’ ve been skipping out on the dentist , you may want to schedule your visit . A yearly dental visit protects against poor oral health that can lead to greater problems down the road . Good oral hygiene , including brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing , can protect against the damaging effects of gum disease . Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that is due to plaque and tartar buildup on teeth , leaving gums red , swollen and irritated . When left untreated , gingivitis can advance to periodontitis . A more serious and painful disease , periodontitis causes gums to pull away from teeth , allowing bacteria to build in the pockets between . Due to the infection and inflammation , your body ’ s natural reaction is to fight the
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