Keep Your Eye
Appointment!

Your optometrist can literally save your life. Subtle signs that show up in an eye examination  can tell your doctor if you are in danger of having a stroke.

While your pupils are dilated, the doctor checks for changes in the retina that indicate           retinopathy" -- ballooning or bursting of the tiny blood vessels of the retina. The doctor can also detect diabetes, high blood pressure, and, in some cases,      cancer.

Researchers in Australia found that people with blood vessel damage in their eyes were 70% more likely to have a stroke in the next seven years than those with no damage. 

Other studies are underway to determine if medications that lower blood pressure can lower the risk of retinopathy.

So, even if your vision is fine, see your optometrist regularly and ask about your risk of       retinopathy -- and stroke.

Poison Help:
1-800-222-1222

"Hello, Poison Center? I just realized that I accidentally took my medicine twice this morning. Am I going to be okay?"  Few people realize that older adults get poisoned, and many do not realize that medicine can be a poison too. Most seniors take many medications daily. Taking multiple medications a day can be confusing  and frustrating. It is difficult to remember different schedules, side effects and restrictions. Listing your medication dosing schedule on a calendar and checking off each one as it is taken can be very helpful.

"Hello, Poison Center? My granddaughter just swallowed a pill she found in my purse. What should I do?" It is common for children to accidentally take their grandparent's medication. To help keep your grandchildren safe:

  • Remember to keep medication and household chemicals locked or out of children's reach (including those in purses and suitcases).
  • Be careful about using weekly pill organizers. Look for those with child-resistant covers.
  • Avoid taking medications in front of children. They like to       imitate adults.
Dialing 1-800-222-1222 connects you with an expert in poison treatment at the Northern New England Poison Center. The Poison Center provides around-the-clock free, confidential phone assistance (TTY and translation available). Call the Poison Center when:
  • A poisoning occurred or if you're concerned about a possible poisoning.
  • You took the wrong medicine or too much medicine.
  • You have a medication-related question.
  • You have a poison prevention question.
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"Oh, My Aching Back!"

Human bodies are designed for more walking and varied movement than the average American lifestyle encompasses. Sitting causes weight stress to accumulate in the lower back and inactivity   creates loss of flexibility. The result is that back pain -- aching, stiffness, tweaks, sharp stabs and immobility -- account for about 70% of all time lost from work.  And those figures don't include the retired population.

Many low back problems can be prevented or managed by exercise, particularly stretching. Just stretch, don't bounce. Hold each stretch for 10 to 15 seconds. Expect to feel a good muscle extension, not pain. Here are some simple things to try to stretch the muscles in your back:

  • Sit up against a wall with your legs straight out and reach hands toward toes.
  • Lie with back on floor. Draw one knee up and gently pull towards chest with hands on back of      upper leg. Repeat with other knee.
  • Sit on the edge of a chair, feet flat on the floor, legs wide apart for wide support base. Roll upper body in between  legs. Let arms hang down, fingertips touching floor if possible.
For a more extensive workout, join a fitness or yoga class. Consult your doctor if you have severe pain.

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