HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Health Conditions

Avoiding Digital Eye Strain

WORK LIFE

Many people spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen at their job. And when we’re not at our desks, we may be looking at a smartphone or tablet or watching TV. All of these digital screens add up to a lot of strain on the eyes. Viewing a digital screen is hard on the eyes due to glare and reflections. Most screens also have less defined letters than printed paper, making them harder to read.

Digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome, may cause dry eyes or blurred vision, but it can affect other areas of the body as well. Some people also experience headaches and neck and shoulder pain. If these symptoms bother you when you’re using a digital screen, you may have digital eye strain.

When you are viewing a screen for long periods, protect your eyes from strain by following these tips:

* Keep your screen about four to five inches below eye level.

* Avoid glare by moving the screen away from windows and bright lights. Consider a screen glare filter if needed.

* Rest your eyes throughout the day with the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

* Think about blinking. Many people blink less frequently while viewing a screen. Be intentional about blinking so your eyes stay moist.

* Get regular eye exams from a qualified doctor or optometrist. Be sure to tell your doctor if you notice any symptoms of digital eye strain or vision changes.

Source: American Optometric Association

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Foot Health Tips For Summer

WELL-BEING

When warm weather arrives, many people break out the flip-flops, sandals or forego shoes altogether. But the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons says this can be harmful to your feet if you’re not careful.

Many flip-flops and summer shoes contain little to no support or protection. This increases your chances for foot injuries. They can also aggravate conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, and other painful foot problems.

You can still enjoy summer and keep your hard-working feet healthy by following these tips:

* Don’t go barefoot in public bathrooms. If you have a cut on your foot, it can get infected. You could also get a foot fungus or plantar wart. Use flip-flops in these cases to protect your feet.

* If you have diabetes or neuropathy, never go barefoot – even indoors.

* Don’t rely on flip-flops for daily wear. Use them in place of going barefoot around the pool, or in public bathrooms. Instead, choose sandals or lightweight shoes that have good arch support and are designed for comfort.

* Use sunscreen on the tops and bottoms of your feet any time they are exposed.

* Wear closed-toed shoes to mow the lawn or do yard work.

* If sandals are rubbing or causing blisters, don’t wear them. Don’t pop blisters. This leaves the foot open to an infection.

* Wear proper walking shoes and socks to the airport when traveling for summer vacation. Never try out new shoes on vacation. Pack shoes that you know are comfortable and won’t rub or cause blisters or pain.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Mouth To Hand

SELF-CARE CORNER

Tingling, numbness and pain in your fingers and wrists? Is it just tired hands or something more severe? While, these can all be signs of tired, overused hands, these symptoms can also indicate something serious, such as a repetitive stress injury, tendonitis, aggravation of arthritis or sprains, and even carpal tunnel syndrome.

With over 152.7 billion text messages sent per month in the U.S. alone, according to CTIA-The Wireless Association, it is becoming clear that our society is shifting its primary method of communication from our mouths and voices to our hands and fingers. With this shift, there has also been an increase in the number of injuries related to these repetitive motions.

“It is important that patients don’t dismiss symptoms of sore fingers, occasional numbness and tingling,” says George Kardashian, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and hand specialist at The Center for Bone and Joint Disease. “These symptoms are all the body’s way of saying it needs a break or a more serious injury will occur.”

Since it is almost impossible to stop using mobile devices or computers completely, it is important to know how to prevent these symptoms from turning from sore, tired fingers into something more severe.

* Take frequent breaks from typing and texting.

* Stretch your hands and fingers.

* Use ice packs to reduce swelling.

* See your doctor if you have continuing symptoms.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Simple Steps To Prevent Diabetes

MEDICAL NEWS

The good news is that many cases of type 2 diabetes, which account for between 90 and 95% of all adult cases of the disease, can be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle, according to the CDC. So whether you’re flirting with pre-diabetes or just want to lower your risk, the American Diabetes Association suggests eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.

Follow these tips on how to fit healthy eating and exercise into your busy day.

*Sneak some exercise into your day.Being physically fit can lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol by helping insulin work better. All of these factors help reduce your risk for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Plus, being in shape helps you feel better both physically and mentally.

*Add exercise to your daily routine.If you don’t currently exercise on a regular basis, start with small amounts of physical activity. For instance, take a brisk 15-minute walk in the morning. Have a walking meeting with co-workers instead of meeting in a conference room.

*Make exercise fun.Any kind of physical activity is exercise. This includes doing yard work, dancing, or walking the dog. Choose a few activities you enjoy, and take steps to fit them into your schedule. Find a workout buddy to do a few laps around the neighborhood after dinner. Make bike riding or hiking regular family activities.

*Choose foods with a low glycemic index.The glycemic index is a measure of the effects of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. These foods include white pasta, cookies, and crackers. They are typically made with processed white flour. When we eat these foods, it causes a spike in blood sugar. Eating these foods also tends to result in weight gain since they are often high in calories. Plus, they are often high in sodium and not very nutritious. Most Americans eat foods with a high glycemic index.

*Cut back on your sugar intake.If you eat a lot of sugar in your diet, try to reduce sugary foods and beverages. For example, instead of soda and juice, try seltzer or water. When the craving for a cookie or piece of cake hits, try a piece of fruit instead. Some studies have shown that the natural sugar in fruit can help decrease sugar cravings.

*Incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet.Eating more fruits and vegetables keeps your blood pressure stable and gives you much-needed nutrients and fiber. Plus, most fruits and vegetables are low in fat and calories.

*Choose healthy snacks.Before having a high-sugar or high-fat snack, reach for a handful of nuts, some low-fat popcorn, or whole-wheat crackers. Keep healthy snacks on hand whether you are at home, at work or on the go.

*Remember these tips when eating out.Think of your plate as a pie chart. You should fill up half of your plate with vegetables, a fourth with protein, and a fourth with a starch or carbohydrate.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Ways To Improve Brain Health

MEDICAL NEWS

Dancing

Dancing offers social interaction and a distraction from the day’s stress. It’s also a great way to get aerobic exercise. Dancing challenges the mind, which supports a healthy brain.

Running

Studies have shown aerobic exercise like running reduces anxiety and depression. Being active may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Sleeping

Lack of sleep hurts reasoning and problem-solving skills. Some studies suggest that sleep helps clear out toxins from the brain, helping it to stay healthy and sharp.

Relaxation

Deep breathing, prayer and meditation can help relax the mind and lower stress levels. Long-term stress can damage how the brain works, so coping with stress in healthy ways gives your brain a boost.

Sources: National Institutes of Health, Alzheimer’s Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
In Case Of Accidental Poisoning, Act Fast

First Aid

To prevent accidental poisoning:

* Always read warning labels on pesticides, household cleaners, and other products that could be poisonous. Follow instructions for use and storage.

* Crush unused medications and mix them with water. Mix this with used coffee grounds or kitty litter. Put this in the garbage in a sealed plastic bag.

* Have the phone number of your local poison control center and National Poison Control Center (1.800.222.1222) posted near the telephone. It’s also a good idea to post the numbers of the nearest hospital emergency room, ambulance service, and your physician.

If your child accidentally swallows or inhales poison, or spills poison on the skin or eyes, don’t panic. Instead:

* Call the Poison Control Center at 1.800.222.1222 (or hospital or physician). Explain the problem and identify the cause.

* Remain calm and quickly follow the instructions you’re given. Often, accidental poisonings can be handled at home.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Bonding For A Beautiful Smile

Dental & Mouth Concerns

Bonding can correct certain dental problems effectively and inexpensively. By bonding plastic or porcelain to the tooth, a dentist can:

* Cover discoloration.

* Close small gaps between teeth.

* Repair fractured and chipped teeth.

* Protect exposed roots caused by receding gums.

* Seal out decay-causing bacteria on back teeth.

If you’ve had your teeth bonded, take these steps to prevent chips, stains, or other problems.

* Don’t chew ice or bite down on hard foods or candy.

* Avoid smoking, drinking coffee or tea, or eating blueberries or other foods that easily stain.

* Have the bonded teeth checked every three to five years. They may need to be touched up or done over.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Daily Defense Against Dandruff

Skin Conditions

Dandruff is harmless. But it can be annoying to have white flecks accumulate on the clothes on your back and shoulders.

Dandruff (or seborrheic dermatitis, in medical terms) affects the scalp and eyebrows – areas of the skin where oil glands are most active – leaving them oily and flaky. Unchecked, dandruff can collect around your ears and cascade down your neck and back.

While dandruff seems to run in families, no one knows exactly what causes it. Possible contributing factors include:

* Stress.

* Infrequent shampooing.

* Oily skin in general.

* Extremes in weather (hot and humid or cold and dry conditions).

Whatever the cause of your dandruff, thorough, daily shampooing is the most successful home treatment. To make shampooing more effective:

* Wash your hair thoroughly to loosen scaly skin, but be gentle, taking care not to scratch or irritate the scalp and increase the risk of infection. Change shampoos if the one you’re using isn’t helping or stops working after you’ve used it awhile.

* Use an antidandruff shampoo. Over-the-counter shampoos with selenium sulfide are often effective for mild cases. More severe dandruff may require a prescription medication containing coal tar or a scalp lotion with cortisone, which is rubbed into the scalp.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Eye Health At Work

Eye Conditions

Follow your workplace’s safety rules to protect your eyes. Wear safety glasses, goggles, face shields, etc. Keep your safety eyewear clean and in good condition.

More than 700,000 persons in the U.S. have eye injuries at work a year. Most of these could have been prevented.

Find out if and what type of eyewear is required for your job. Ask loved ones if they wear required safety eyewear at work.

Persons who walk through work areas that have eye hazard areas need to wear protective eyewear.

When you visit a worksite that poses a risk of eye injuries, ask for protective eyewear if it is not provided.

Glasses and contact lenses used for other activities may not be effective when working with computer screens.

Let your eye doctor know if you work at a computer so they can prescribe the proper eyewear for you to use.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Foods That Fight Cavities

Dental & Mouth Concerns

Now you know how sticky sweets promote tooth decay. What you may not realize is that some foods prevent tooth decay. Research studies show that certain foods, like cheese and peanut butter, counteract the acids in the mouth that wear down the tooth enamel. (Be careful to buy plain, all-natural peanut butter, without added sugar of any kind.) Other tooth-saving foods include:

* Nuts and seeds.

* Meat, fish, poultry, and eggs.

* Olives and dill pickles.

* Milk, plain yogurt, and cheese.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026