Your eyes are a window to your health: Why you need regular exams
(BPT) — Like many Americans, you may be putting off regular health appointments like eye exams because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, your optometrist may have been closed for some time, depending on where you live. It may seem less urgent to have an eye exam if you’re not experiencing vision problems, but more than 270 serious conditions can be detected - which may affect the way you see and your overall health. Most are asymptomatic, so an annual eye exam by a doctor of optometry is recommended to keep you healthy. For those working - or
attending school - from home now, increased screen time can cause eye strain, which can lead to symptoms such as headaches and blurry vision. Whether you’re experiencing digital eye strain or dry eyes, or if you have health conditions such as hypertension or diabetes, comprehensive eye exams are vital. Anyone with risk factors for glaucoma such as being over age 60, having a family history of glaucoma or physical injuries to the eye should have regular appointments for eye pressure. And being checked for cataracts from age 60 can help prevent loss of sight.
For kids, spending each day looking at screens and less time outdoors could also increase their risk of myopia (nearsightedness). Scheduling an eye exam is a good idea before the start of every school year.
Doctors of optometry are reopening Practices are open nationwide to provide the full range of comprehensive eye health and vision care. If you’re unsure about in-person appointments, your optometrist may offer telehealth consultations, but there is no substitute for an in-person comprehensive eye exam. If you experience an
emergency eye-related issue, like a painful scratch, contact your optometrist first rather than going to an emergency room. A 2017 study from the University of Michigan found that only about 6.7% of eye-related emergency room visits were for true eye emergencies, and the rest could likely have been treated by an eye care professional outside the ER. If there is an immediate threat to life or limb, patients should still go to the emergency department. Otherwise, call your optometrist first.
the risk of COVID-19 transmission,” said Dr. William T. Reynolds, president of the American Optometric Association (AOA). “Procedures patients can anticipate include screening for symptoms of COVID-19 and taking each patient’s temperature upon arrival, limiting the number of people in waiting rooms and requiring everyone to wear face masks and/or gloves before entering.” Here are tips from the AOA to prepare for your visit. • When scheduling your appointment, ask about health and safety protocols. Preparing for an • If you do not need office visit someone with you, Plan ahead for any attend your appointmedical appointment. ment alone to help Offices may operate at the office manage reduced volume, giving physical distancing priority to patients reand safety. quiring urgent or emer• Wearing a face mask gency care. Practices or cloth face covering have also adopted new and gloves is strongly sanitization protocols to recommended, and ensure patient safety that may be required by may affect the timing of your state or your an appointment. optometrist. “Doctors of optome• Follow staff instructry, like all medical protions on how to fessionals, are adhering maintain safe social to guidance from the distancing. CDC as well as federal, state and local health • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth directives to reduce
while in the office. • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after visiting public places or blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. • Bring hand sanitizer in case you are unable to wash your hands. • Fill out paperwork in advance or online if possible to reduce time in the waiting room.
For insurance concerns Check your current policy to determine what vision services are covered. Some health insurance plans cover eye exams, even if corrective lenses are not covered. Ask your employer about your benefits if they are unclear. If you’ve just been laid off, you have until the end of the month to access your healthcare benefits. If you have no coverage, look into lowcost vision insurance at Healthcare.gov. Ask your doctor of optometry about out-of-pocket prices for services. To find a doctor of optometry near you, check out AOA.org/doctor-locator-search.
Freshness you can depend on!
Pride and Passion for Farm Fresh Produce R ied’s Food Barn produce staff has pride in its products and a passion for fresh fruits and vegetables. We literally search the world for the finest quality fresh Produce at the best possible prices. Our ever-expanding organic produce selection and the area’s best selection of fresh herbs meet the changing needs of even our most discerning clientele. Whether it’s grown in California, South America, or nearby farms, our customers are assured that their selections will be fresh, and superior quality every time.
Bananas, grapes, apples, pears and melons are always at the peak of flavor for the region they were grown. We insist from our suppliers that our lettuces, greens and vegetables be “just picked” fresh every time. We maintain that crispy fresh appearance with our state-of-the-art misting system. It rains in our garden every 20 minutes! Our team says, “Freshness you can depend on!”
111 E. Green St. • Olean, NY • www. riedsfoodbarn.com • (716) 373-2010
How to keep youth active outdoors - and safe - this summer (BPT) — While this has been a challenging year with many youth sports leagues and activities in play at limited capacity or canceled entirely, the good news is there are still plenty of ways kids can stay active and healthy. Healthcare professionals agree that physical activity is critical for children’s physical, mental and social development. In fact, the World Health Organization recommends children and teens ages five to 17 engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to rigorous movement every day. Participation in sports helps young people learn how to set and meet goals, while also promoting a positive self-image, encouraging a healthy
lifestyle and building character. Sports also teach valuable social and emotional skills, like communication, teamwork, perseverance and self-efficacy, and provide the joy of belonging to a community. When access to team sports are limited and young people can’t fully participate in the camaraderie of physical activities due to COVID-19, what can they do to stay healthy, active - and safe? Through its Team Up for Kids mission, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Buffalo Wild Wings Foundation have created sports programming that enables young people to comply with safe social distancing and health guidelines. To ensure more kids have the chance to play
DENTAL Insurance Physicians Mutual Insurance Company
A less expensive way to help get the dental care you deserve!
CALL NOW!
1-866-679-8194
Get help paying dental bills and keep more money in your pocket This is real dental insurance — NOT just a discount plan You can get coverage before your next checkup
Don’t wait! Call now and we’ll rush you a FREE Information Kit with all the details.
FREE Information Kit
1-866-679-8194
Visit us online at www.dental50plus.com/41 Product not available in all states. Acceptance is guaranteed for one insurance policy/certificate of this type. This specific offer is not available in CO: call 1-800-969-4781 for a similar offer. For complete details about this solicitation of insurance, please contact us. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN) 6129-0120
• Throw the ball several feet up into the air, watching it carefully as it moves through the air. • Catch the ball as it falls back toward the ground. As you catch it, tuck it into your body as though preparing to run with it. Toss Challenge: En• Increase the height of hance hand-eye cooryour throw gradualdination by scoring as ly. As you improve, many points as you can make it harder by using sports balls or throwing the ball up other round objects at and away from you. home. This makes you run Throwing Drill: Imfor the ball, just like • Find five balls and prove strength and in a real game. five containers (like agility by throwing Catching Drill: Perfect boxes or buckets). Now during National consistently and with speed, agility and coorYouth Sports Week set • Line up containers. purpose. dination all in one fun activity goals and be Assign each container • Set up a target in an drill. your own champion, so a specific number of open space, like a • Stand with your feet when it’s time, you’ll be points. Farther away backyard or park. shoulder-width apart, ready to highlight your or smaller containers Your target will deknees slightly bent. new and improved skills can be more points, termine how accurate Hold your sports ball among your sports combecause they’re hardyour throw is. You in your hands in front munity. Visit BGCA.org er to throw the ball can use colored tape of your chest. for more information. into. to make an X on the • Stand away from ground or wall. containers. • Throw your sports • Toss the ball unball 15-30 feet away derhand into one from your target. If the ball reaches your container. See if you sports, the Buffalo Wild Wings Foundation is donating 44,000 sports balls to Boys & Girls Club kids across the country to support this mission and inspire movement. Here are three exercises to move and have a ball amid today’s new normal:
can reach the farthest container. If too easy, move further away. • Repeat until you’ve thrown 10 times. Keep track of your points! • How many points did you score? Try again to see if you can score more points with only five throws. • If you’re right-handed, try throwing with your left. If left-handed, try throwing with your right.
AUTO INSURANCE $370* AVERAGE SAVINGS WHEN YOU SWITCH
IF YOUR CURRENT INSURANCE IS:
target, your throw is accurate, and you should continue practicing the same way. If it did not reach the target, make small changes to your throwing technique until you improve. • Increase distance by 15 feet once you can accurately hit the target five times in a row. • Make it harder by trying to throw the ball while running forward, backward or shuffling sideways.
DESIGNED FOR AARP MEMBERS
YOU COULD SAVE:
GEICO
$380
ALLSTATE
$477
STATE FARM
$383
Experienced Drivers 50+: You could save hundreds* on Auto Insurance when you switch to the AARP® Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford. • Rates that reward you for your safe driving
CALL THE HARTFORD TO REQUEST A FREE QUOTE AND SEE HOW MUCH YOU COULD SAVE:
844-676-5534 Not a member? If you’re 50 or over, request a FREE quote and more information today!
• Exclusive package of benefits • 24/7 Claim Hotline and exceptional claims service
* Savings amounts are averages based on information from The Hartford’s AARP Auto Insurance Program customers who became new policyholders between 1/1/16 and 12/31/16 and provided data regarding their savings and prior carrier. Your savings may vary. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. Paid endorsement. The Hartford pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states. The AARP Automobile Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. Auto program is currently unavailable in Massachusetts, Canada and U.S. Territories or possessions. Specific features, credits and discounts may vary and may not be available in all states in accordance with state filings and applicable law. Applicants are individually underwritten and some may not qualify. 1/18 CW
join our healthy & active community There’s no place like Field of Dreams for the summer! • Feel the summer breeze surrounded by gorgeous hills and blue skies • Relish in life’s simple pleasures at our fishing ponds and sunflower-lined walking paths • Celebrate friends & family with picnics under the pavilion
NATURAL MEDICINE •••••••• VITAMINS •••••••• SUPPLEMENTS •••••••• CBD PRODUCTS
• Live life to the fullest with outdoor concerts and lawn games
field of dreams is within your reach. Learn what best-in-class assisted living is all about. Call and speak with a care manager about options today. 3260 N. 7th St, Allegany, NY 14706 716.543.4200 | Tanglewood-Group.com