HEALTH & WELLNESS

Tanni Haas, Ph.D. | ContributorAbout one-quarter of kids need eye glasses or have other vision problems that require a visit to the ophthalmologist or optometrist. But how do you know if your kids are among them? “Small children can’t tell you if they’re not seeing well,” says pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Luke Randall, “and older kids may not recognize their blurry eyesight isn’t normal.” Here are the most common signs that it’s time to make an appointment with a pediatric eye doctor:They sit or stand very close to the television screen“One of the biggest hints that a child may need an eye exam,” Dr. Randall says, “is taking note of where they sit when watching TV. Dashing up to stand in front of the television is usually a sign that their eyes need to be checked out.” If your kids sit or...

By Family Features | ContributorIn the U.S., 1 in 3 adults is at risk for anewly recognized syndrome that comes from a combination of heart disease, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes and excess body weight. This cluster of conditions, called cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, is an example of how problems in one part of your body can affect other parts.To avoid CKM syndrome, health experts suggest paying close attention to four of theAmerican Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8– blood pressure, lipids, body weight and blood sugar level – which are core health factors that impact your metabolic health.Good metabolic health means your body uses energy well and keeps these factors in a normal range. However, when numbers are off in one area, it can affect others, raising your ri...

By Family Features | ContributorMore than 4.2 million Americans live with glaucoma, a leading cause of vision loss in the nation. Although there is no cure for glaucoma, early detection and treatment can stop this condition in its tracks.“Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States, but it’s estimated that half of people with glaucoma don’t know they have it,” said Michael F. Chiang, M.D. “Glaucoma has no early symptoms, and the only way to check if you have it is to get acomprehensive dilatedeye exam.There’s nocureforglaucoma, butstarting treatment as early as possible can help stop vision loss.”Regular eye exams are among the best lines of defense because symptoms may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. Knowing more about how to sp...

By Tanni Haas, Ph.D. | Liveitrong ContributorJanuary is a great time to focus on Mind-Body Wellness and to consider what you can do to improve your overall well-being and ability to cope with various stressors. One option is to let yourself be inspired by some of the many wellness podcasts available. The thing about podcasts is that you can listen to them whenever you have a spare moment, even when you’re doing other things. Here are some excellent ones.“Another Mother Runner”(Available at: Apple, Audible, Spotify)If you’ve ever thought about taking up running but need a little push to get started, listen toAnother Mother Runner. Created and hosted by Sarah Shea and Dimity McDowell, veteran marathon runners and moms of three and two kids respectively, this podcast deal with all aspects of ...

Take steps to limit risk for cardiovascular diseaseBy Family Features | ContributorThe last decade has seen a surge in cardiovascular risk factors such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, each of which raises the risks of developing heart disease and stroke. These trends are leading researchers to conclude that the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) will continue to rise.More than 60% of U.S. adults will have some type of CVD by 2050, according to forecasted projections from the American Heart Association, which is celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service as the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all. Additionally, total costs related to CVD are expected to nearly triple in that time to more than $1.8 trillion.The ...

By Tanni Haas, Ph.D. | ContributorWhile low levels of stress are normal, stress can be damaging to your kids’ physical, mental, and emotional health if it comes in high doses and persists over time. If that’s the case, what can you do to prevent your kids from becoming overwhelmed by high levels of stress? Experts agree on the following points:Take Good Care of Yourself – and Model Stress-Free BehaviorsIt might sound counter-intuitive, but the first and most important thing is to take good care of yourself and try not to get stressed. ”Stress is really contagious,” says child psychotherapistLynn Lyons, the author ofAnxious Kids, Anxious Parents. “When parents are stressed out, kids are stressed out.” Try to stay calm and model stress-free behaviors to your kids. “Just like flight attendant...

By Heart.org | Family Features ContributorThe same risk factors that contribute to making heart disease theleading cause of death worldwide also impact the rising global prevalence of brain disease, including stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.The global death rate from Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is increasing even more than the rate of heart disease death, according to the American Heart Association’sHeart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2022 Update.Globally, more than 54 million people had Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in 2020, a 37% increase since 2010 and 144% increase over the past 30 years (1990-2020). Additionally, more than 1.89 million deaths were attributed to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias worldwide in 2020, compared to nearly 9 million deaths...

By Tanni Haas, Ph.D.Kids need to be well-rested to make it through the long school day ahead of them. Unfortunately, many kids have sleep issues. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, approximately 15 – 25% of kids struggle to fall or stay asleep on a regular basis. The good news is that there are many steps parents can take to help their kids get a good night’s sleep. Here’s what the experts suggest:Keep a consistent sleep scheduleHelp your kids keep a consistent sleep schedule. Child psychologist Dr. Alison Baker says that “consistency is really, really crucial in terms of building healthy sleep habits.” In other words, encourage your kids to go to sleep and wake up around the same time every day – and that includes weekends. “If a kid’s sleep schedule shifts dramatically on t...

By Family Features| ContributorSnoring throughout the night. Gasping for air suddenly while sleeping. Feeling tired after a night of rest. These aren’t just signs of a poor night’s sleep – they could be symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder characterized by a repetitive collapse of the airway during sleep.Most people with sleep apnea don’t even know they have it – in fact, 80% of people with sleep apnea in the United States are undiagnosed, according to research published in the “American Journal of Epidemiology.”Experts from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommend most adults get at least seven hours of sleep each night without waking frequently. If you have untreated sleep apnea, healthy, uninterrupted sleep can be hard to achieve. Wh...

By Family Features | ContributorThe immune system – made up of organs, tissues, cells and proteins – is your body’s personal defense system against bacteria and viruses, helping ward off illness and infection. Because of the vital role it plays in keeping you healthy, it’s important to take steps to keep your immune system strong.Consider these healthy habits that can go a long way toward supporting your immune system and maintaining your health.Practice Proper HygieneGood hygiene – and avoiding close contact with people who are sick – is a key component of maintaining a healthy immune system. Practices such as washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing; and disinfecting oft-t...