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When animals attack

Q&A on how to prevent dog bites Now that the kids are out of school, we want them to get outside and have some fun. As cautious parents though, we see dangers everywhere including around stray dogs, at the doggy park, and yes, even the pets of our friends and neighbors. The hard truth is…
3 dangers of tooth loss and poor fitting dentures

Danger #1: Dentures increase your risk of heart disease and oral cancer While tooth loss may seem like a small problem compared with other health issues, it is often the first sign of bigger problems for many people and can put them at higher risk for heart disease and oral cancer. When dentures don’t properly…
Kicking the soda habit, kid style

Help your children consume better beverages When a soda can is an appendage to a child’s hand and the water faucet is squeaky from disuse, parents should probably start enforcing a break in the soft-drink habit. Today, they’ve got lots of support. Sugar-sweetened beverages are among the foods to consume less of in the 2010…

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…