The Good Life | ||||||||||||||||||||
Mountain Views News, Sierra Madre Edition [Pasadena] Saturday, June 24, 2017 | ||||||||||||||||||||
THE GOOD LIFE WHAT TO DO WITH CREMATED ASHES? 8 Mountain Views-News Saturday, June 24, 2017 SENIOR HAPPENINGS HOW TO FIGHT DRY EYES AND PROTECT YOUR VISION Dear Savvy Senior What all can be done to combat dry eyes? Since I turned 50, my eyes have become increasingly dry and irritated. Constantly Blinking Dear Blinking, Dry eyes is a common problem that affects more than one-third of middle-aged and older Americans. But you don’t have to just put up with it. There are lifestyle adjustments and multiple treatment options available today to keep your eyes moist and healthy. Here’s what you should know. Dry Eye Issues Dry, red, irritated eyes are one of the most common reasons for visits to the eye doctor, but discomfort isn’t the only problem of dry eyes. Light sensitivity and blurred or fluctuating vision are common problems too, and worse yet, dry eyes are more likely to get scratched or infected, which could damage your vision permanently. The reason people get dry eyes are because they either don’t produce enough tears to keep their eyes properly lubricated, or because they produce poor quality tears. In some cases dry eyes can be triggered by medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid diseases, allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Sjogren’s syndrome. It can also be brought on by age (tear production tends to diminish as we get older), eye conditions, eyelid problems, certain medications, environmental factors and even LASIK and cataract surgery. Dry eyes are also more common in women, especially after menopause. Lifestyle Adjustments The first step experts recommend in dealing with dry eyes is to check your lifestyle and surroundings for factors that might be contributing to the problem and make adjustments: Avoid blowing air: Keep your eyes away from air vents, hair dryers, oscillating and ceiling fans and consider buying a home humidifier. Blink more: When you’re reading, watching television, or using a smartphone, tablet or computer, take frequent breaks because these activities cause you blink less often. Avoid irritants: Avoid smoke-filled places and if you swim, wear goggles to cut down exposure to chemicals. Use protection outside: When you go outdoors, use sunglasses that wrap around the sides of your face to protect yourself from sun, glare, wind, and dust. Check your meds: Dozens of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs like antihistamines, decongestants, diuretics, beta-blockers, antidepressants, tranquilizers, and Parkinson’s medications can all cause dry eyes. If you’re taking any of these, ask your doctor about alternatives. Get more omega-3s: Studies show that eating more fish and other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (or take a supplement) helps some people. Treatment Options If adjusting your environment and habits doesn’t do the trick, there are a variety of OTC artificial tears that can help. If you experience a lot of burning, try another product or opt for a preservative-free formula. If your dry-eye is persistent, use gel- containing drops like Refresh, Systane and GenTeal. The gel will keep your eyes lubricated for longer periods. If you need a product that’s even longer lasting, consider OTC lubricating ointments like Refresh PM. If the lifestyle and OTC treatments don’t help, see an ophthalmologist. He or she can offer additional advice and may prescribe a medication. There are several FDA approved medications for dry eye including Xiidra and Restasis, and one in development called Lacripep. If your dry eye is severe and does not improve, you doctor might recommend a simple office procedure that plugs the small openings (tear ducts) that drain tears away from the eyes. Blocking these openings with punctual plugs keeps tears in place longer. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …June Birthdays* Joanne Thrane, Nellie Haynes, Dorothy McKay, Theresa Daley, Donna Doss, Mary Carney, Carol Handley, Marilyn McKernan, Pat Fujiwara, John Shier, Beth Smith- Kellock, Ann Disbrow, Joan Ellison, Anne Montgomery, Trini Ornelas, Martha Spriggs, Pat Starkey, Kathleen Coyne, Suzanne Decker, Jacque Persing, Jeanne Peterson and Grace Sanders * To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR of birth not required ................................................................... ACTIVITIES: Unless listed differently, all activities are at the Hart Park House (Senior Center) 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre Hawaiian & Polynesian Dance Class: Every Tuesday morning from 10a.m. to 11a.m. Join instructor Barbara Dempsey as she leads you in the art of Hula. Bingo: Every Tuesday beginning at 1:00p.m. Cards are only $0.25 each! Everyone is welcome to join. May be canceled if less than five people. Free Blood Pressure Testing: 2nd Tuesday of the month from 11a.m. to 12p.m. No appt. is necessary. Brain Games: Thursdays, 10:30a.m. to 11:30a.m., improve your memory and strengthen your brain. Activities facilitated by Senior Volunteers. Free Legal Consultation: Wednesdays from 10:30a.m. to Noon. Attorney Lem Makupson is available for legal consultation. He specializes in Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Estates, and Injury. Appointments are required by calling 626-355-7394. Senior Club: Meets every Saturday at the Hart Park House Senior Center. Brown Bag Lunch at 11:30a.m. Tax Assistance: Every Wednesday beginning on February 1st through April 12th from 1:00p.m. to 2:00p.m. - Don Brunner is available for income tax consultation. Appointments are required by calling 626-355-7394. Chair Yoga: Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:00 to 11:45a.m. with Paul Hagen. 3rd Monday of each month, a variety of balance exercises are practiced. All ability levels are encouraged and welcomed! *A suggested donation of $5 at one of the classes is requested, but is not required. Case Management: Case Management services are provided by the YWCA and provide assistance in a variety of areas. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling the Hart Park House Office at 626-355-7394. Birthday Celebrations: Every 2nd Thursday of the month at the Hart Park House, share some free birthday cake provided by the Sierra Madre Civic Club. Game Day: Every Thursday starting at 12:00p.m. Come join this group of Seniors in a poker game. Other games are offered to all. Please note time change. Free Strength Training Class: Every Friday from 12:45p.m. to 1:30p.m. with Lisa Brandley. This energetic class utilizes light weights for low impact resistance training. All class materials are provided. Stress, Resilience, Positivity: Finding Balance - by The Kensington Sierra Madre Four Tuesdays, March 7 - 28th from 2:00 - 4:00p.m. Register by calling 213-821-6919 or 213-821-6908. SEASONAL FUN AT THE SENIOR CENTER Thursday, May 25th from 10:30a.m. – 11:30a.m. at the Hart Park House! Just in time for spring! Join us in making a silk flowers planter. All supplies will be provided. Let’s get creative... Please call the Hart Park House, 626-355-7394, to make your reservations. Invite your friends and family for some arts and crafts fun and take home your planters for the season “BUSY FUN” One of the best times in my life was my childhood, and with every passing year I appreciate more and more a childhood spent in the 1980’s rather than in the 2010’s. Afternoons following dismissal from school were blissfully unscheduled for me, and summers were as free as the open prairie. My mom did enroll me in the occasional craft class and swimming lessons, but none of it had the disciplined rigor of, say, competitive gymnastics or classical violin. Not to say that gymnastics or violin are bad, but to put your kid in it at age four with the anticipation that they will compete in the Olympics or perform at the Music Center is a bit much. There seems to be a growing trend of parents overbooking their kids in activities during any free time in their schedules. “Busy work” is something teachers sometimes give students to fill up class time. “Busy fun” is something parents do to fill up children’s free time with activities that are meant to be enriching, but which I believe are often stressful or just a drag. One time that this really stood out for me was when I volunteered for Vacation Bible School (VBS) at Church. To say that the day was hectic would be an understatement. Whoever organized the events packed about 10 different activities into a three-hour time frame. It started with frantic herding of children into one area to focus on an activity for about half an hour, then they were relocated somewhere else, all accompanied with a lot of directives from the adults. Heck, I was getting stressed out and I was in my 20’s at the time! I wonder how the poor kids felt. Just as the VBS day was drawing to a frenzied close, I heard with dread one of the mothers announce that her kids only had a few minutes to change into their soccer uniforms. What? You mean they didn’t have enough structure, enough of following directions, and enough pre-planned activities already? They needed more? As I leisurely strolled away from Church I pitied the first graders who were already pulling on their shin guards. I have no research to back this up, but I really feel that over packing kids’ days does them a disservice developmentally. How can they learn to be creative if they are constantly being told what to do and how to do it? There is a certain invaluable lesson in learning how to entertain oneself and keep oneself occupied without direct instruction. I think one of the best lessons parents can give their kids sometimes is just the simple response, “Find something to do.” Why are parents feeling this pressure to fill every empty space in their kid’s schedule? I think some obvious reasons include the logistics of their own work schedules and childcare. Some obstacles can’t be avoided. But for others I think they have a dread fear that unscheduled time will cause their child to fall behind or not reach their fullest potential. Instead of viewing their child as fruit that will blossom and grow of itself, they see them as machines that must be built and maintained in order to function. And besides, “All the other parents are doing it.” Like everything in society, there’s a certain “Keeping up with the Joneses” mentality coloring people’s perception. Of course it’s easy for me to say all this, seeing as I don’t have kids of my own. The last thing I want is to come off as judgmental if you have your kids in afterschool or summer programs. There area a lot of great activities that truly are interesting and enriching. And not all kids are the same, I’m sure that there are some who need that extra structure and level of engagement. I just thank my parents that they didn’t think I was one of them. We’d like to hear from you! What’s on YOUR Mind? Contact us at: editor@mtnviewsnews.com or www.facebook.com/mountainviewsnews AND Twitter: @mtnviewsnews Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com | ||||||||||||||||||||