NEW CIGARETTE ON THE BLOCK

The first anniversary of the land mark "Surgeon General's Report on smoking and Health," brought the first government report linking smoking to lung cancer and heart disease and the kickoff to decades of tobacco-control efforts. We have seen progress in the half century and we see adults make progress by 42 percent to 18 percent and high school teens dropped in 1997 to 14 percent in 2012. Even so, smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death.

Efforts to market a smokeless cigarette began in the 1960's but the idea languished until 2005. China began exporting them first to Europe and then to the U.S. An estimated $1.5 billion in 2013 and then more than 100 companies began to sell e-cigarettes and you can buy them at Walmart. and then larger companies got into the game by featuring celebrities.

With these new type of cigarette we do not know what other worrisome chemicals are being scattered around in our bodies making it difficult for doctors to diagnose health challenges, that can lead to an early death. Having a part in music, sports and family life in general, as well as church and travelling the world, gardening or giving a boost to others can bring their own set of pleasures.  

HOW TO TREAT EYE DISEASE

The four most common conditions - cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related degeneration are leading causes of vision impairment. It not only reduces your quality of life but is linked to more falls, car accidents and even a shorter life span. Eye exams should begin regular every year or two beginning at age 65. You can be tested by an ophthalmologist (M.D.), a doctor trained to diagnose and treat eye disorders. Cataracts are cloudy areas in an eye's lens as we age and lead to hazy, blurry vision and sensitivity to glare. A professor of clinical ophthalmology at Columbia's College of Physicians and Surgeons at Harlem Hospital says "If an older person can read and watch TV, they don't generally have to have their cataract removed. Its an individual decision." There is insufficient evidence from studies to know whether tinted-lens implants might also be linked to problems. Millions of adults suffer from diabetic retinopathy which includes damage to the blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eye causing vision loss. Blood can sometimes leak into the retina blurring vision. Surgery can stabilize vision and reduce the risk of blindness by 90 percent, according to the National Eye Institute. Doctors can inject intravenously and identify blood vessels in the retina to detect any problem areas. Blood leaking into the retina often happens during sleep. That is why people with diabetes should get a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. A dye injected intravenously is used to identify blood vessels in the retina and detect problem areas. Laser surgery can stop blood leakage and stabilize vision and reduce the risk of blindness by 90 percent. Severe bleeding may require surgery. A tiny incision in the eye can drain the bloody fluid and replace it with a salt solution and patients can usually return home the same day.

If an eye disease leaves you or someone you care for with weakened vision, ask your doctor about accommodations and devices that may enhance the remaining vision and information on community groups that offer special services.  

Bob Davis

EAT THESE FOODS AND BE HAPPY AND HEALTHY

ALMONDS - Are great in salads. Add three almonds per day to oatmeal, as well as to salads, Place any of these foods in a blender and enjoy a long healthy life.

AVOCADO - Half an avocado is great for adding to these smoothies as well as salads.

BLACK BEANS - A half cup of black beans can be included to any soups and salads.

BROCCOLI - can be added to salads as well as served as a side dish.

KALE, SPINACH, WALNUTS, - are all good for tucking into some "on the run" snacking. Keep some dark chocolate handy to please your sweet tooth, or do like my brother-in-law does. He adds all or any of of these together and places them all in their blender with necessary liquid, and his cancer scare can no longer be found in his system. He and his wife, my sister, get needed exercise before or after enjoying this nourishing and healthy meal.