You At Your Best

Why wearing shades is more than just cool 1 Get a baseline hearing exam. Speak with an audiologist, who can test your hearing and establish a baseline level against which future tests will be measured. This way it is easier to see if hearing loss is increasing over time. 2 Turn down the volume. Audio devices can contribute to hearing loss. Earbuds are particularly dangerous because they fit directly next to the eardrum. The World Health Organization says that 1.1 billion teens and young adults worldwide are at risk for noise-induced hearing loss from unsafe use of audio devices. Set the maximum volume on audio devices below 60 percent and wear headphones for no more than an hour a day. Keeping music low on other devices is also advisable. 3 Wear protective gear. Protective gear includes ear plugs and protective earphones. This gear should be worn whenever you expect to encounter loud noises, such as when you mow the lawn, go hunting or shooting, attend rock concerts, or visit construction sites. 4 Limit use of cotton swabs. Ear wax is beneficial to the ears and can stop dust and other particles from entering the ear. Furthermore, using a cotton swab can potentially cause damage to sensitive organs in the ear if they are inserted too far or too roughly. 5 Avoid loud noises. Steer clear of fireworks, noisy city centers, loud performances, and other situations if you do not have hearing protection. Remember, hearing loss often doesn't produce immediate symptoms or pain. However, over time, hearing loss can become noticeable. A proactive approach can help people avoid significant hearing loss as they age. bY KAren rICe YOu At YOur beSt We are lucky in Northwest Arkansas to have an average of 217 sunny days a year, higher than the national average of 205 days. A day of sunshine can improve mood and increase levels of vitamin D in the body. Exposure to sunlight during the day also can help regulate the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, known as the circadian rhythm. However, overexposure to the sun can be dangerous as well. Many people know that exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn and long- standing skin damage, but they may not realize that the eyes also are susceptible to damage caused by the sun. Extended exposure to the sun's UV rays has been linked to significant eye problems. UV rays come in three types: A, B and C. The atmosphere's ozone layer blocks virtually all UVC rays, which are the most potent, but UVA and UVB can be dangerous when exposure to the sun is significant. Exposure to excessive amounts of UV radiation over a short period of time can cause photokeratitis, which is essentially a sunburn of the eye that can cause pain and redness. Prolonged exposure to UV rays without adequate protection may cause lasting damage, says the American Optometric Association. UV rays come from both the sun itself and tanning beds. Here's a look at some of the common UV- induced eye conditions. • Cataracts: A clouding of the eye's natural lens, or the part of the eye that focuses the light a person sees. • Macular degeneration: UV rays may lead to macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of vision loss for older people. The macula is the center portion of the retina, essential for vision. • Pterygium: This is a growth that begins on the white of the eye and may involve the cornea. The growth can eventually impede vision, says the organization Prevent Blindness America. Sunglasses and other protective lenses are essential to keeping the eyes healthy. Dr. Chad Betts, of the McDonald Eye Clinic in Fayetteville advises looking for sunglasses that block 99-100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays. "Oversized frames offer a greater degree of protection around the eye as well," he says, but the color of the lens isn't as important, since "some dark lenses don't protect against all UV rays." Those who enjoy time outdoors might consider polarized lenses. "Polarized lenses are very popular with our patients, especially those who enjoy fishing. The polarization decreases glare and can make being outside more comfortable," Dr. Betts notes. In addition, people can wear wide- brimmed hats to protect their eyes from the sun and harmful UV rays. This will do double duty of shielding the eyes as well as the delicate skin of the face. SpeCIAL tO YOu At YOur beSt Driving is a multisensory experience that requires careful coordination and mastery of a wide array of skills. Understanding the rules of the road and having sufficient practice are only part of the equation. Being able to see the road and react to obstacles, signage and more is crucial. Motor vehicle operators need to have clear vision to read gauges and operate the controls of the car. The health resource All About Vision says aging and visual changes at any age can affect a person's ability to see moving objects while one is in motion - as is the case while driving a car or truck. In addition, changes in peripheral vision can increase blind spots while driving and affect reaction time. Aging motorists The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 6,165 people ages 65 and older were killed in automobile accidents in 2015, representing 18 percent of all traffic crashes in the United States, and declining vision may have been a factor in many of those accidents. Older drivers can make certain changes to improve their safety on the roadways. • Reduce driving at night. By age 60 eyes need three times as much light to see as they did at age 20. Over time pupils get smaller and do not dilate as much in dark conditions at night, making it harder to see. Limit driving at night as much as possible. • Accommodate for glare. Invest in anti-glare coatings for glasses to minimize glare from the sun and oncoming headlights. • Be especially cautious at intersections. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says 40 percent of the fatal collisions that occur for people age 70 and older take place at intersections. Taking more time to assess oncoming traffic and make sure intersections are clear can save lives. • Get frequent vision checks. Annual eye exams are recommended by the American Optometric Association. This can help older drivers be aware of shortcomings in their vision. Vision greatly affects driving ability SunDAY, AuguSt 30, 2020 | September - COme tO YOur SenSeS nWADg.COm/YOuAtYOurbeSt | YOu At YOur beSt | 7

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