Healthy Living Across the Lifespan – Part 2
Last week, we brought you the first part of the series in tips for healthy living across the lifespan. This week, we will wrap up the 2-part series and Healthy Aging Month with the final 3 additional tips.
Get your Shuteye. Sleep is important no matter your age. Sleep allows our bodies to rest, heal and rebuild. Having a consistent bedtime, in a dark, cool room will aid in getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Consider making the bedroom a device-free zone. The blue light from our devices, including the tv, can interfere with the production of melatonin in your body. Melatonin is the chemical in our bodies that helps us get to sleep.
Lack of sleep may cause dark circles or “bags” under your eyes. It may also cause some people to experience eye twitching during the day or dry, itchy, red eyes. And finally, lack of sleep causes the immune system to not function at its fullest, making you more susceptible to colds and illnesses.
Manage/Decrease Stress. Doesn’t it seem like everyone is trying to decrease their stress? Stress has been shown to affect memory, lead to fatigue and a decreased immune system, as well as elevated blood pressure levels. Stress can impact your vision as well! It may cause twitchy eyelids, headaches, or play a role in dry eyes.
Some tips for managing stress include exercise, yoga, meditation, practicing a hobby that brings you joy, or talking with a loved one, friend or counselor. When you are under high periods of stress, take care of yourself be getting enough sleep and eating nutritious foods. Perspective is also key in managing stress – accept and/or adapt to what is out of your control.
Be Proactive in Your Health/Practice Prevention. These 2 tips can go hand-in-hand. Regular health exams and eye exams can help catch problems sooner than later. Get regular screenings, flu and shingles vaccinations, practice good hand hygiene and exercise!
Understand your health and eye conditions and how they are managed. Ask questions! Be your own best advocate!
We hope you have enjoyed this series of healthy living tips. If you have noticed changes in your vision, or it has been more than a year since your last eye exam, call 919-282-1100 or visit www.kellyeyecenter.com to schedule your appointment.
Life is beautiful, see it clearly!