The Key to Overall Good Health

How can you make sure your overall health stays as good as it can be? The answer can be found at your local eye doctor.

Your Indiana optometrist does more than simply check your vision; they can detect numerous systemic diseases, too.

A recent study commissioned by VSP confirms the ability of an eye exam to detect chronic diseases that affect more than just your eyes. Dr. Tavel can find conditions such as hypertension, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, cancer and multiple sclerosis by looking in your eyes.

The biggest advantage of an eye exam is that it’s non invasive. You may put off a visit to your physician, but many people tend to visit the eye doctor regularly. Eye exams are generally pleasant and typically don’t require much more than an hour.

Eye exams not only protect your health, but they save you money! According to the study, eye care providers often detect signs of chronic diseases up to 65% sooner than other healthcare providers. The 212,000 VSP users who participated in the study saw fewer health plan costs, fewer lost-time costs and had a lower rate of emergency room visits.

The eye is the only part of the body where a doctor can see nerves and blood vessels without having to cut you open. An eye exam is an easy way to help detect systemic diseases. Schedule yours today!

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Pretty, Pretty Pink Eye

If you have ever had pink eye (also known as conjunctivitis), you know how awful the sticky, gooey infection is. And if you are a woman, you know how expensive it is to replace your makeup. If you want to avoid having to deal with pink eye AND having to replace your makeup, here are some easy precautions you can take:

  • NEVER share eye makeup. Along the same line: avoid store samples. These samples are breeding grounds for conjunctivitis.
  • Make sure your face and eyelids are clean before applying makeup.
  • When applying, apply outside the lash line, away from the eye, to avoid blocking the oil glands of the upper or lower eye lid.
  • Remove all your mascara before sleeping. Brush a sterile swab along the lash line. Keeping the lash line clean will allow your eyes to breathe, and not hold in infections.
  • If you notice signs of an infection, itchiness, or redness stop using eye makeup immediately and do NOT touch your eyes.
  • If the signs worsen, see your Indiana eye doctor and throw your makeup away.

Throwing away your make up may seem extreme, but you don’t want the infection returning after it clears up. It could have started up to a week prior to showing signs, so your make up brushes and applicators are most likely contaminated.

Follow these tips and your eyes will look and feel great!

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Feast Your Eyes on This!

Although it’s typically considered a commercial holiday, I enjoy Valentine’s Day because of the extra warmness felt from family, friends and coworkers (plus, I like chocolate and candy hearts).

If you’re making dinner plans with your special someone(s) tonight, I suggest you keep in mind their health when selecting your menu.

Did you know that approximately 10 million Americans suffer from Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)? It’s a devastating eye disease and a leading cause of vision loss in people 65 years or older in the U.S. But studies show that eating foods rich in antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids, beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc, may reduce the risk of AMD.

Try this Tropical Island Parfait from Jyl Steinback, author of “Busy Mom’s Slow Cooker Cookbook,” for some great nutrition for your eyes.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 Tbsp. nonfat granola cereal
  • 1 ½ cups nonfat yogurt (pineapple, vanilla, or pina colada)
  • ½ cup cantaloupe chunks, chopped
  • ½ cup strawberries, chopped
  • ½ cup kiwifruit, peeled and chopped

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS:

Alternate layers of granola, yogurt, and fruit in parfait glasses or goblets, beginning and ending with granola cereal. Serves: 2

These fruits are packed with vitamin C and beta-carotene, both are recommended to reduce the risk of AMD. For a complete listing of eye-healthy dessert recipes for you and your sweetie, download this cookbook from Eye Care America.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Does Good Vision Equal Good Eye Health?

Can you see signs clearly and read without glasses? If so, you probably have good vision. But you don’t necessarily have good eye health. Please allow me to explain.

For many people, good vision means good eye health, but that may not always be the case. In addition to many sight-robbing diseases, a comprehensive eye exam by your Indiana optometrist can detect some forms of cancer as well as over 40 systemic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.

By 2020, The American Academy of Ophthalmology projects that 43 million Americans will be at risk for significant vision loss or blindness from age-related eye diseases, such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration — an increase of more than 50 percent over the current number of Americans with these diseases. Despite the statistics, many Americans are more concerned about weight gain or back pain than they are vision loss.

An eye exam is essential to preserving your vision and keeping your eyes healthy. Don’t delay – schedule today!

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Our Super City: Hoosier Hospitality

My Fendi sunglasses from Dr. Tavel were the perfect accessory for enjoying the Super Bowl festivities in downtown Indianapolis.

“On the kindness scale of 1-100, Indy gets a 101 this week,” said Jenna Wolfe, Sunday TODAY Show co-anchor.

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “Hoosier Hospitality.” With Super Bowl festivities in full swing (and the big game just 2 days away!), Hoosiers are really stepping up their game.

My husband and I are big football fans, so we decided to take full advantage of the opportunity the Super Bowl brings to our city. We joined over 8,000 other volunteers to assist in the events surrounding the big game. It’s a privilege to introduce guests to our great city!

I hope you have the chance to experience the excitement and energy generated by the national’s largest annual sporting event. Check out the NFL Experience and the Super Bowl Village in downtown Indianapolis. And if you’re daring: the zipline!

You may have heard this from thousands of Hoosiers already, but it’s only proper that I leave you with the infamous phrase: “Have a super day!”

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