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cholesterol. Eating a lot of saturated fat and cholesterol raises the risk of getting AMD. Avoid processed (packaged) fo
February 2018

HealthyLife Promoting Health. Enhancing Life.

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save your sight Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the number one cause of blindness in older adults. AMD damages central vision, which means things like reading, driving and seeing faces are limited or impossible. There is no cure for AMD, but there are procedures and steps you can take to help save vision. Lower your risk of getting AMD with these tips:

Don’t smoke. Studies show that smoking increases the risk of AMD. Smokers are twice as likely to get AMD as nonsmokers. If you do smoke, take steps to quit.

Know your family history. People with a close relative who has AMD have a 50 percent chance of getting AMD. Detecting AMD early means you could save your vision.

Eat a healthy diet. People who eat omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, are less likely to get AMD. Also, focus on eating leafy greens such as spinach, kale and leafy lettuce. Eat plenty of whole fruits (not fruit juice).

Limit unhealthy fats and cholesterol. Eating a lot of saturated fat and cholesterol raises the risk of getting AMD. Avoid processed (packaged) foods with unhealthy saturated and trans fats.

Be active. Exercise may keep your eyes healthy. Exercising at least three times per week can reduce your risk of getting AMD.

See your eye doctor regularly. An eye doctor can catch AMD early with an eye exam. Find out how often you should have your eyes checked.

Protect your eyes from the sun. Always wear sunglasses that have 100 percent UV protection when you are outside. For additional coverage, wear a wide-brimmed hat.

Get regular checkups from your doctor. Keeping cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure under control also helps maintain healthy eyes.

Your vision is too important to leave to chance. A healthy lifestyle and good medical care can help you avoid AMD or catch it early, before it damages your sight. Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Macular Degeneration Foundation

Medical News

NUMBERS TO KNOW:

your blood pressure

High blood pressure is a common problem. About half of American adults have it. In fact, many people have dangerously high blood pressure and don’t even know it. This is because high blood pressure often has no symptoms and puts you at risk of having a heart attack, stroke or kidney failure.

To keep blood pressure in check, follow these guidelines:

What is high blood pressure? When your heart beats, it pumps blood through the blood vessels. High blood pressure means the force of your blood against the blood vessels is too high. Over time, this strains the heart and damages blood vessels.

Lose excess weight if needed.

Don’t smoke.

Eat a healthy diet with vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean protein.

Get exercise regularly. A minimum of 30 minutes, 5 days a week is best.

Avoid too much salt in your diet.

Avoid or limit alcohol.

Manage stress and use relaxation methods if needed.

Manage other health conditions like diabetes.

What the numbers mean

Blood pressure is measured in two numbers: • Systolic blood pressure is the upper number. This measures how much pressure the blood is putting against blood vessels when the heart beats. • Diastolic blood pressure is the lower number. This is how much pressure the blood is putting against blood vessels between heartbeats. Both numbers are important signs of heart health. Normal blood pressure is less than 120 (upper number) and less than 80 (lower number). If either one is higher, you may be diagnosed with high blood pressure.

Can high blood pressure be avoided?

In many cases, a healthy lifestyle and medical care can control or prevent high blood pressure. This can lower the risk of a heart attack, stroke or other problems.

You don’t have to do this alone. Your doctor can help you with a plan to lower blood pressure. He or she may help you find ways to lose weight, and may give you diet and exercise guidelines to follow. Sources: American Heart Association, American Academy of Family Physicians Copyright 2018, American Institute for Preventive Medicine. All rights reserved. 30445 Northwestern Hwy., Ste­. 350 Farmington Hills, MI 48334 248.539.1800 • [email protected] • www.HealthyLife.com