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Glaucoma Takes Sight Without Warning According to the Pennsylvania Optometric Association (POA), early detection and treatment is critical to maintain healthy vision and protect the eyes from the effects of potentially blinding diseases, such as glaucoma. Studies show that over the next ten years the number of Americans diagnosed with glaucoma will increase by more than one million, yet Americans are still not doing as much as they should to help protect their vision. Although glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S., awareness and understanding surrounding the disease is relatively low. According to data from the American Optometric Association's (AOA) latest American Eye-Q® consumer survey, less than a quarter (22 percent) of all Americans know that glaucoma primarily causes deterioration to peripheral vision. The survey also indicated 56 percent of Americans incorrectly believe glaucoma is preventable. While the disease is not preventable, it is treatable, and regular, comprehensive eye exams play a critical role in successful outcomes for patients. POA recommends those who suffer from glaucoma have a dilated eye examination annually. More frequent exams may be needed if you notice additional changes in your vision. Individuals who do not visit their eye doctor on a regular basis are putting their vision and quality of life at risk. Glaucoma is often referred to as "the sneak thief of sight" because it can strike without pain or other symptoms. Vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored, so early detection and treatment are paramount. Americans also are not aware of the factors that put them most at risk for developing glaucoma. Only 17 percent of those surveyed indicated knowing that race or ethnicity may increase their risk. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, African Americans ages 45 to 65 are 14 to 17 times more likely to go blind from glaucoma than Caucasians. Other risk factors include people who have a family history of glaucoma, are over age 60, or have had severe eye trauma. Some studies suggest high amounts of nearsightedness, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes may also be risk factors for the development of glaucoma. To find a doctor of optometry in your area, or for additional information on glaucoma and other issues concerning eye health, please visit www.poaeyes.org.
Top Tips For Heart Health Month (StatePoint) It's time to tend to matters of the heart, as February brings with it Valentine's Day and Heart Health Month. It's the perfect time for heart-healthy lifestyle choices that can help us enjoy longer lives with our loved ones. Every 25 seconds somebody in America suffers from a coronary event, such as heart attacks or strokes. And heart disease has long been the leading cause of death in the nation. It was this harsh reality that spurred the government to proclaim February "American Heart Month" in 1963. Today, the good news, according to the Centers for Disease Control, is the chance of developing coronary heart disease can be reduced by preventing and controlling factors that put people at greater risk. Get Moving: Start slow if you aren't in great shape. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Take a walk daily and gradually increase your pace. Be sure to consult your doctor before starting exercise regimens. Limit Fats: Fatty foods can be high in cholesterol and trans fats that can clog arteries and lead to heart disease. There are many smart food choices that can help. Choose lean meats and poultry without skin. Eat less than 300 mg of cholesterol daily and reduce hydrogenated oils and trans fats. Opting for fruit instead of snack foods or candy is a great way to eat fewer fatty foods. Embrace Antioxidants: Foods and drinks rich in antioxidants can combat cellular damage that can lead to heart disease. Apples, oranges, grapes and tea are some foods containing these nutrients. Red wine, in particular, has high concentrations of a super antioxidant called resveratrol that's found in the skin of grapes. Resveratrol is a natural substance that has garnered headlines worldwide due to its heart health and life-span enhancing effects. But due to the intoxication effects and calories, drinking too much red wine can be harmful. That's why many are using supplements or drinks fortified with resveratrol. One beverage garnering attention is Modjo forLIFE, a drink loaded with vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants and five times the amount of resveratrol found in a liter of red wine. It was crafted based on research from Harvard Medical School and the Mayo Clinic, according to the beverage's creator, Victor H. Diaz, who founded Cellutions, an innovator in health supplements. More Fiber, Less Salt: Vegetables, fruits and grains are great sources of fiber that may help lower risk of heart disease. Salt can be harmful, so eat less than 2,300 mg of sodium daily. If you have hypertension, are middle-aged or African American, consume less than 1,500 mg of sodium daily, according to the CDC. For more tips on heart health, visit the CDC at www.cdc.gov. "A few smart choices now can make a big difference. With this in mind, eating foods rich in antioxidants and drinking beverages with resveratrol can help trigger your natural defenses," says Diaz.
Sports Injuries In Kids & Teens (StatePoint) With children's sports-related injuries continuing to rise nationwide to more than 3.5 million annually, keeping kids healthy is a top priority for parents, schools and sports leagues. Despite the plethora of protective gear kids now wear for practices or games, their developing bodies are still vulnerable to injury. The good news is that there are many different things parents and coaches can do to help kids stay safer on the field or court. Soft Tissues "The majority of sports-related injuries involve the body's soft tissues rather than the bones," says Dr. Teri McCambridge, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Council on Sports Medicine & Fitness. "That's why it's important that children avoid overuse or strain." In fact, an epidemic of recurrent elbow pain from overuse led Little League Baseball, Inc., to limit pitchers under the age of 13 to six innings per week; 13- to 16-year-olds are allowed to pitch a maximum of nine innings. Since then, the incidence of recurrent elbow pain has decreased dramatically. You can also prevent injuries by encouraging young athletes to train for their sport, rather than rely on the sport to whip them into shape. Proper physical conditioning can go a long way toward keeping players off the disabled list and on top of their game. Ask your teen's coach to help design a suitable exercise regimen. Hard Headed Head injuries don't just happen to football players. Sports like soccer, baseball and even basketball can lead to head injuries if proper precautions aren't taken. According to a 2010 study published in the journal "Pediatrics," young athletes are more susceptible to the effects of concussions because their brains are still developing. Ways to reduce risk include using protective gear, adhering to the rules of the sport, identifying athletes at risk, and educating parents, athletes and coaches about concussion dangers. The AAP recommends that all children who suffer a concussion be evaluated by a physician and rest physically and mentally - that means no television, video games or homework. Most symptoms resolve in 7 to 10 days, but some may take up to a month to disappear. Return to Play Medical clearance is necessary before returning to play after any injury, but especially after head injuries. Athletes who suffer multiple concussions or post-concussive symptoms for more than three months should consider retiring from competitive sports. Parents and coaches should also make sure to identify the cause of any injury before allowing a child to return to play. Was the child using the right safety equipment? Was the field in bad shape? Was the exercise regime too strenuous or poorly managed? Neglecting these factors is a sure path to repeat injuries. For more information on preventing sports injuries, visit the AAP website, www.healthychildren.org. By preventing common sports injuries, you can ensure your child enjoys an active life for many years to come.
The Power Within Living without limits. Living your life to the fullest. Living with happiness. Living your dreams. Living free from fear and worry. You have the power to live your life any way you want. You will never be as young as you are today. So squeeze the most out of every day. Whatever has happened to you in the past is over. Don’t allow your past to pollute your future. All that matters is what you do today. To live life your way, you have access to the most powerful tool ever known. This marvelous tool is your mind. It can be your ally or your enemy - the choice is yours. To harness your mind’s virtually unlimited power regularly feed your mind with the right thoughts. Positive thoughts or negative, your mind digests whatever it’s fed. Only you control your mental diet. Your mind can be directed to bring you the life that you want without having to settle or suffer. Only thoughts and attitude differentiate success from failure. There are many definitions of success, but only one definition of failure: giving up. Winners never quit and quitters never win. Everyone has problems and every problem has a solution. Problems provide an opportunity to learn and grow. With every adversity there is an equivalent or greater opportunity. Successful people utilize their problems as stepping stones to reach their goals. Others use their problems as excuses to justify where they are. Don’t fear life’s problems. Learn and grow from them. If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll continue to get what you’ve always got. For different results you must do things differently. Success is only possible by reaching out into the unknown. Don’t fear failure. Failure is learned; we are not born with it. Success is simply getting up one more time than you fall down. You haven’t failed until you stop getting up. Throughout life, we are told what we can’t do. We hear “no” more than “yes.” To achieve success, we must unlearn the concept of failure. Those who succeed have purged their vocabularies of all negative concepts such as “failure,” “won’t work” and “can’t do.” Consider the following examples: In his first year in the automobile business, Henry Ford went bankrupt. Two years later, his second company also failed. His third corporation has done rather well, however. Dr. Seuss’s first children’s book was rejected by 23 publishers; the 24th publisher sold six million copies of it. Howard Hughes Sr. was forced to abandon his first oil well because he couldn’t drill through the hard rock. He then founded Hughes Tool Co. and invented a rock drill that became the foundation for the family fortune. R.H. Macy went broke with his first three dry-goods stores. These are just a few examples of what the mind can accomplish. The people in these examples didn’t possess anything that you don’t have. Whether you realize it or not, you have unlimited potential. Your only limitations are the ones you impose upon yourself. The application of these principles will touch and improve every aspect of your life. You can live without limits! Bryan is a self-development expert, syndicated columnist, author of "Dare to Live Without Limits," and professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com. Ó 2005 Bryan Golden
Look For Missed Credits, Deductions UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Earned Income Tax Credit is an important tool for lower-income wage earners to make ends meet. But a family-finance expert in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences said many eligible families don't take advantage of the credit. Created in 1975, the Earned Income Tax Credit is designed to help offset Social Security taxes and provide an incentive for work. It is the federal government's largest benefits program for low-income working families, but studies indicate up to 20 percent of eligible filers don't take advantage of the credit. Robin Kuleck, Penn State Extension family financial-management educator in Elk County, said the complexity of the tax return filing process may keep some people from realizing that they qualify for the credit. "If you're a young family, perhaps this is your first year to file income taxes, and you just aren't aware that the credit exists," Kuleck said. "Some people think that the credit is only for families with children when, in fact, childless lower-wage workers between the ages of 25 and 65 may be eligible. "So, if you're a young person who's been working for a few years, and finally turn 25, you now may be eligible when you weren't in years past." Others not taking advantage of the benefits include some higher-income families who previously weren't eligible but might qualify now because of the recent downturn in the economy. "Some families have seen a decrease in income because of a job loss, a lay-off, an illness or a divorce," she said. "Many grandparents find themselves having to raise grandchildren and perhaps don't realize that they, too, could be eligible to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit." Kuleck noted that some people who earn less than a certain amount of money aren't required to file a return. But if they don't file, they don't get the Earned Income Credit or any other credits they might qualify for. "It can be confusing because each of us has such a unique set of circumstances and it's not a case of one size fitting all," she said. "Increasingly, with the use of computer-generated tax returns, more and more people will receive the credit." The new maximum E.I.T. credit is $5,666 for a family with three or more children, and the new income limit is $43,352 for families with three or more children ($48,362 if married filing jointly), with investment income limits and relationship and residency requirements. Kuleck said tax tips and other consumer financial information are available from Penn State Cooperative Extension's "Your Money Your Taxes" website at http://extension.psu.edu/income-tax. "Extension is funded, in part, through the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, which includes financial literacy as a priority program," she said. "That program's leaders have partnered with the IRS to promote both the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program through Cooperative Extension nationwide. "Taxpayer education results in measurable impacts that make a difference for low- and moderate-income families by helping them both save hundreds of dollars on tax-preparation costs and receive thousands in tax refunds, and those dollars can help strengthen local economies."
Use Extra Caution Around Snowplows HARRISBURG - For your safety, the safety of other motorists and the safety of state and municipal snowplow crews, drivers must use common sense and take extra precautions when driving near operating snowplows, according to acting PennDOT Secretary Scott Christie, P.E. So far this winter, 28 PennDOT plow trucks have been struck by motorists. “Plow operators are driving a nearly 60,000-pound vehicle while controlling one, two or sometimes three plows; monitoring salt spreading; keeping an eye out for mailboxes, parked cars and other roadside obstacles and driving in near-zero visibility due to snow spray created by the plow,” Christie said. “Please slow down, back off and give extra room to snowplow operators - their jobs are challenging enough without having to deal with impatient or unsafe motorists.” To help keep motorists and plow operators safe, PennDOT urges drivers to follow these tips: Stay Back: Stay at least six car-lengths behind an operating plow and remember that the main plow is wider than the truck - usually between 11 to 14 feet wide depending on the model of truck. Wing plows, which are located on one or both sides of the truck, are generally 10 feet wide. Remain Alert: Snowplows generally travel much more slowly than other traffic and may, at times, be completely obscured due to blowing snow or heavy snowfall rates. This is especially true in open areas where high winds can create zero visibility without warning. Move Over: Move as far away from the centerline of road as safely as possible when approaching a snowplow head-on and remember that snow spray can obscure the actual snowplow width. Never Pass: Never try to pass or get between several trucks plowing side by side in a “plow train.” The weight of the snow thrown from the plow can quickly cause smaller vehicles to lose control, creating a hazard not only for the vehicle’s operator but also the snowplow driver and other vehicles. Don’t Drive Beside: Never travel next to a snowplow since plows can quickly move sideways when hitting drifts or cutting through heavy snowpack. Headlights On: Keep your lights on when driving near snowplows to help the operator better see your vehicle. Under state law, headlights must be turned on every time a vehicle’s wipers are on due to inclement weather. Motorists are reminded that they can check road conditions on more than 2,900 miles of state roads by calling 511 or visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, average traffic speeds on urban interstates and access to more than 500 traffic cameras. The 511 site also provides easy-to-use, color-coded winter road conditions for all interstates and other routes covered in the 511 reporting network. Regional Twitter alerts are also available on the 511PA website. PennDOT reminds motorists to pack an emergency kit for their vehicles. A basic kit should include non-perishable food, water, blanket, small shovel and warm clothes. When preparing an emergency kit, motorists should take into account special needs of passengers such as baby food, pet supplies or medications and pack accordingly. For more winter driving tips and information on how PennDOT treats winter storms, visit www.dot.state.pa.us/winter.
Local Groups To Champion Byway A unique partnership is beginning to flourish in the counties of Susquehanna and Wyoming to promote the places and stories associated with historic Route 92, formally designated as the Viaduct Valley Way Scenic Byway. This scenic byway was recognized for its scenic landscapes and historic resources which feature the Starrucca Viaduct and Nicholson Bridge, also known as the Tunkhannock Viaduct. The Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR) is serving as the administrative organization to assist two local groups - Nicholson Heritage Association and Susquehanna Community Development Association - in further developing and promoting this unique resource in our region. Phil Swank, EMHR’s executive director, states that the efforts of these groups can attract residents, businesses and municipalities along the corridor, or associated with it, to have a successful “buy-in” of donors and stakeholders. Scenic byway stakeholders can partner with regional and state agencies, like EMHR, to foster economic growth and community development through heritage tourism. In the upcoming weeks, volunteers with Nicholson Heritage Association and Susquehanna Community Development Association will be contacting residents, businesses and municipal and community leaders with connections to Route 92 to introduce the concept of a corridor management plan and its benefits. These volunteers will be reaching out to the communities to identify the “sparkplugs” needed to advance the scenic byway and preserve, interpret, enhance and promote the region. Details about charitable giving for the Viaduct Valley Way Scenic Byway will be presented in letters prepared by the two leadership groups or can be obtained from the member organizations at www.nicholsonheritage.org, www.susquehannadepot.org or from EMHR at www.endlessmountainsheritage.org.
Healthy Choices Lead To Healthy Eyesight CHICAGO - With many Americans pledging to lead healthier lifestyles this year, many people may not know that in addition to affecting their waistlines, healthy habits can help save their sight. The risk for blinding eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), can be lessened by taking basic steps to ensure overall health. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness for those ages 65 and older. It usually begins as a loss of central vision which results in difficulty to read or see fine details. Over time, the vision loss progresses significantly. Although there is promising research into the disease, unfortunately, there is still no cure. However, steps can be taken to reduce the risk. Quitting smoking is essential to maintain healthy vision. Research shows that smokers are up to four times more likely than non-smokers to be diagnosed with AMD. And, non-smokers living with smokers almost double their risk of developing AMD through second-hand smoke. The World Health Organization names smoking as the only modifiable risk factor for AMD. Eating a diet filled with green leafy vegetables rich in Lutein can also help lessen the risk of AMD. Lutein is a naturally occurring molecule found vegetables such as spinach, kale and collard greens. It can also be found in corn, egg yolks and other vegetables and fruits. Eating foods high in zinc, vitamins C and E, and beta carotene has also been shown to help slow the progression of AMD in some patients, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI). Frequently eating nuts or fish, such as salmon, tuna or mackerel, may also help reduce the risk. According to the AMD Alliance International (AMDAI), certain foods should also be avoided, including foods and processed baked goods with high-fat content. A high-fat, high-cholesterol diet can lead to fatty plaque deposits in the macular vessels, which can hamper blood flow. Research has indicated that those consuming red meat at least 10 times a week or more were at a 47 percent higher risk for AMD. The risk of vision loss from eye diseases, including AMD, can be lowered if adults: control blood pressure and cholesterol; stay active and exercise regularly; get a complete eye exam from an eye care professional. “We all know the steps we should take to take better care of ourselves,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. “What we want to stress is how leading a healthy life can help lead to healthy vision.” Prevent Blindness America invites the public to visit “The AMD Learning Center” at preventblindness.org/amd, developed as a free online resource that provides a variety of educational tools including AMD risk factors, treatment options and the Adult Vision Risk Assessment quiz. Information is also available through the Prevent Blindness America toll-free number, (800) 331-2020.
Pennsylvania Lottery Enhances System Harrisburg - New upgrades to the Pennsylvania Lottery’s self-service terminals will aid efforts to recover abducted children through the state’s Amber Alert system, state officials announced. Pennsylvania State Police acting Commissioner Jon D. Kurtz and Lottery Interim Executive Director Drew Svitko marked National Amber Alert Awareness Day by announcing that the Lottery now has the capability to show Amber Alert details and photos of abducted children and suspects on the 17-inch flat-panel displays used by more than 8,700 retail locations across Pennsylvania. "The Lottery’s system for distributing Amber Alert messages has come a long way since we first partnered with the State Police in 2004," said Svitko. "Previously, the Lottery sent basic details of abductions to its retail network and asked retailers to print the text-only messages out on Lottery ticket stock for distribution to customers. Now, within minutes of the State Police activating an Amber Alert, a missing child's picture and other identifying information can be displayed at convenience stores, gas stations, restaurants, bowling alleys and grocery stores in all 67 counties. We hope this upgrade will assist the public in recognizing an abducted child as soon as possible." Kurtz said that during the past nine years, the state’s Amber Alert system has played a direct role in the safe recovery of 32 abducted children. "These children were in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury," he said. "Members of the public often provide the crucial information that leads to a child’s safe return. The more people who are made aware of a missing child, the more likely it becomes that the child will be returned home safely." Kurtz reminded Pennsylvanians that they can receive electronic notifications on abducted child cases via the state’s alert system, known as AlertPA. "AlertPA provides emergency alerts, notifications and updates about Pennsylvania Amber Alerts and other emergency situations to cell phones, pagers, smart phones, PDAs and e-mail accounts," Kurtz said. He encouraged individuals to register for an AlertPA account directly through at alert.pa.gov or through www.amber.state.pa.us. Individuals with preexisting accounts now can modify their subscription to include Pennsylvania Amber Alerts. The Pennsylvania Amber Alert System, which was established in 2002, provides information about child abductions through radio and television broadcast messages, Lottery retail terminals, digital billboards, highway advisory signs, text messages and e-mails. In addition to the Pennsylvania Lottery, other agencies and organizations that partner with state police in operating the Amber Alert System are the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters, PennDOT, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, Broadband Cable Association of Pennsylvania, Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, Pennsylvania Newspaper Association, Outdoor Advertising Association of Pennsylvania and AlertPA. "The partners play key roles in building public awareness of the system, providing training to law enforcement officers who use the system, and implementing revisions in the system that result from legislative changes," Kurtz said. For more information, visit www.amber.state.pa.us or call 717-783-5556.
Fair Directors Attend State Fair Convention Directors from the Harford Fair, office staff, and the Harford Fair Queen and her parents joined 1,616 other fair personnel from across the state for the 99th Pennsylvania State Fair Association Convention in Hershey January 19-22. The 2010 Harford Fair Queen, Andrea Beeman, a senior at Mountain View High School attended the convention with her parents, Cindy and Bryce Beeman. She competed for the State Fair Queen title with 56 other queen contestants from fairs across the state. She proudly represented Harford Fair throughout the weekend. The Unionville County Fair Queen was crowned PA State Fair Queen during the coronation banquet on Saturday evening.
Pictured (l-r) above: Ken Adams, Harford Fair Ambassador and former fair director; director Dr. Mike Kowalewski; board president Jeff Page; 2010 Harford Fair Queen Andrea Beeman; director Cindy G. Reynolds; fair secretary Nancy Tyler; and director David Tyler. The convention affords fair personnel from the 115 fairs the opportunity to attend round table discussions as well as educational seminars presented by national speakers. Communications Competition in the areas of premium books, billboards, placemats, brochures, creative fair ideas, and overall fair displays were judged. Prizes were awarded to winners during the Communications Breakfast. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture initiated a recognition opportunity for each fair during the past fair season. Peers could nominate someone from their fair as the Fair Ambassador. Harford Fair’s Ambassador, Ken Adams, was recognized by Department of Agriculture Secretary, Russell Redding, during the fair in August. He is one of forty from across the state and was recognized again during the convention and listed in the fair convention program. Other Harford Fair personnel in attendance at the convention included directors Dale Grant and Ron Stiles; assistant fair secretary Julia Gardener; Barbara L. Kelly who handles sponsorships for the fair; Brian Tyler who works in the fair arena; Renee Tyler who manages the First Aid Station; and Michelle Kowalewski, Dairy and Ag Enterprise Educator, Susquehanna County Cooperative Extension. In addition to informational sharing, there was a vast trade show with over 155 vendors which offered ideas for food, ribbons, entertainment, amusements, and anything else associated with a fair. The theme for the 2011 fairs is “From the Farm Gate to the Dinner Plate.” Harford Fair will be using this state-wide theme for its premium book, advertising, and commercial and vendor space competition. Plans for next year’s convention, which will be the 100th anniversary of the event, are already underway. Harford Fair will utilize the information obtained at the convention to make improvements for this year’s Harford Fair, August 22-27.
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