Wellness Wednesday emails are designed to provide you with simple tools, information, and resources to encourage positive and healthy lifestyle choices. As a proud recipient of The Healthy Arizona Worksite Award, The Be Kind People Project is committed to the health and wellness of their employees, friends, and family.
Watch your step this spring!
Our eyes play an important role in our overall health. In order to see all the beautiful sights that our world has to offer, we need to take steps to ensure our eyes are as healthy as possible! Here are some tips to help protect our vision for years to come!
Eye can help you!
It’s important to regularly visit your eye doctor for a comprehensive dilated eye exam, about every 1-2 years depending on your risk for eye-related diseases. Even if your eyes feel healthy, it’s still important to still get a comprehensive exam as you may have a problem and not be aware!
Click here if you need tips on finding the right eye doctor for you.
Eat with your eyes!
Did you know that what you eat can improve your eye health? Certain vitamins and nutrients can help prevent certain eye diseases from developing or progressing – and we’re talking more than just eating carrots! Here are four vitamins essential for eye health and their sources:
- Vitamin A and Beta Carotene: Orange-colored fruits and vegetables, broccoli, zucchini, eggs, salmon, organ meats
- Vitamin E: Almonds, peanuts, grapeseed oil, avocado, trout, swiss chard, butternut squash
- Vitamin C: Raw fruits and vegetables are the best sources of vitamin C as heat can destroy this vitamin.
- B-vitamins: These include thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, folic acid, B-12. Click here for the best food sources for each B-vitamin!
An eye for style (and safety)
Sunglasses are the underdogs of the fashion department. With just two frames and a comfortable lens, these little guys can help prevent harmful damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. No matter what you’re doing – even if you’re just getting the mail – it’s important to always wear eye protection when you go outside. Here are some facts from the Vision Council about why it’s important to gear up before heading out!
- Asphalt reflects 9% of UV rays while you drive
- Water reflects 100% of UV rays when you’re out at the beach or lake
- Concrete reflects 25% of UV rays when you’re out taking a walk
- Grass reflects 3% of UV rays when you’re doing yard work
It’s important to take care of yourself year-round so that you can live your best life. So, make sure you’re looking for sunglasses that don’t just look good but are also good for you! Look for sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection next time you go accessory shopping.
Should we be worried about blue light?
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, there is no scientific evidence that blue light causes damage to your eye. That pain that your eyes feel after staring at screens for hours is most likely digital eye strain. Blue light causes you to reduce the number of times you blink, causing dry eyes and eye strain. In fact, your electronic devices aren’t the largest source of blue light – the sun is!
While blue light doesn’t cause severe damage to your eye, it can cause damage to your sleep cycle. Blue light affects your circadian rhythm during the day by keeping you stimulated, so it’s best to reduce screen time two to three hours before you go to bed. You can also utilize your device’s nighttime setting as the day progresses.
Take a Time Out!
Give your eyes a break every 20 minutes by setting a timer on your phone. When the timer goes off, stand up and stretch, then focus on something that’s 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This is called the 20-20-20 Rule. For more tips to reduce eye strain, click here!
Published May 6th, 2020
By Krysta Flores, School Wellness Programs & Events Coordinator
Questions? Comments? Want to contribute to the Wellness Wednesday Bulletin?
Send your ideas to Krysta Flores at krysta@bkpp.org.
