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Keeping the golden years fresh

The art of preserving quality of life as we age CATHY THORNHILL always considered herself an active person. She competed in marathons and triathlons in her late 30s and ate what she believed to be a relatively healthy diet. But as she grew older, Thornhill started experiencing the typical aches and pains associated with aging.…
Fall 2016 healthcare coverage update

What you need to know about healthcare plan changes affecting your coverage MEDICAL CARE is expensive. You, or whoever ever pays the bill, may feel like a worm on a fishing hook. Right now, there’s a lot of squirming going on. Major insurers like UnitedHealthcare and Aetna Inc. have scaled back insurance offerings for 2017.…
Mental health on the brain: Recent mental health reform brings more awareness

Plus: Local resources for depression, bipolar disorders, suicide prevention, and more INCARCERATION, VIOLENCE, HOMELESSNESS, suicide; these are the results of untreated mental illness. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, more than 43 million — or 1 in 5 adults — in the U.S. experience mental illness in a given year. And approximately 10…

What on Earth Is Ischemic Optic Neuropathy?

by EDWARD ATTAWAY, O.D. Ischemic optic neuropathy may seem like a complex term, but it describes a condition that poses a serious risk to vision by decreasing blood flow to the optic nerve. The optic nerve serves as a cable, transmitting visual information from the eyes to the brain. When the circulation of blood, which…
Lower Extremity Swelling May Be Linked to Venous Insufficiency

The abnormal buildup of fluid in the body is called edema. Edema is commonly seen in the feet and ankles, because of the effect of gravity, swelling is particularly noticeable in these locations. Common causes of edema are prolonged standing, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, being overweight, and increase in age. Swelling in one of your legs…
Caution: Certain Eye Drops May Cause You Problems!

by WILLIAM CORKINS, OD When the FDA approves eye drops, the drops are required to have a preservative added. Most people think a preservative makes the eye drops last longer, which it does not. If I am instilling an eye drop in my eye and I accidentally touch the tip of the bottle to my…