taking care of your eyesight and hearing

Taking care of your health may seem like a never-ending project, with endless "tasks" that headlines tell you to do, or not to do.

Don't eat this! Don't eat that!

Adopting some healthy habits doesn't have to feel like a burden. Incorporating small changes can make a bigger difference than you think. 

Usually we talk about maintaining a healthy weight, but today we'll talk about 2 things you may take for granted: your eyesight and your hearing. 

eyesight

As we age, our eyesight naturally worsens. 

Perhaps you've enjoyed 20/20 vision your entire life, but now you find yourself reaching for reading glasses. 

Or maybe you're like me - someone who has always worn glasses or contacts, but now enjoys the wonders of Lasik. 

Cataracts and other conditions may have a genetic component, but just like many health factors, your environment can play a large role, too. 

Did you know that eye doctors are often the ones who detect undiagnosed hypertension or diabetes? How you ask? 

When eye doctors, or ophthalmologists, take a picture of the back of your eye, they can see if there is damage from high blood pressure or high levels of sugar in your blood. Both of these things can damage your eyes, leading to retinopathy and blindness.

It's not surprising that one of the biggest factors in eye health is your diet. One of the best ways to help your eye health is to eat a colorful diet of whole foods. Key nutrients include vitamin A, zinc, and antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids. Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and collard greens, as well as broccoli, kiwi and grapes are a great way to increase eye-health nutrients in your diet. 

In addition to a healthy diet, seeing your eye doctor once a year for a regular check-up is important. On a day-to-day basis, you can take care of your eyes by wearing sunglasses that block UV-rays and adhering to safety precautions if you work with hazardous materials. 

hearing

Did you know that hearing loss is associated with depression and social isolation? 
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Taking preventative measures to protect yourself from hearing loss is important. If you work in the music business and find yourself at live music gigs, consider protective ear wear. And those ear plugs aren't just for lawn mowing - if you do wood working, clay pigeon shooting,  or watch motorsports live, you should bring a pair along. Learn more about protecting your hearing. 

Just like regularly seeing your eye doctor, you should also have a regular hearing check, especially if you suspect some hearing loss.