Tips on how to prevent Glaucoma

Ok, was sniffing around and stumbled on some "Glaucoma Thingz" lolz...ok, this isn't a laffing matter sha, just read on, you can save a life...please remember say some people nor know dis things so u gas explain o...abeg MAKE UNA DROP COMMENT TOO NA, HABA. SOME OF UNA GO JUST READ WITHOUT EVEN ENCOURAGING SOMBORRY SEF!

GLAUCOMA
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, and belongs to a group of eye diseases that damage your optic nerve, leading to vision loss. In its early stages, glaucoma may produce no symptoms at all, and it’s estimated that half of the more than 4 million Americans with glaucoma do not even realize they have it...omo, we nor get statistics for naija sha, if not i for quote sontin...

Ok, let's get back...


Because the vision loss caused by glaucoma comes on so gradually, it is sometimes called the “silent thief of sight.” Often, it’s not until the disease is at an advanced stage that the related vision loss becomes apparent, and by then your sight may suffer permanent damage. This is why it’s so important to take steps now to help protect your vision, even if your eyesight is normal...omo, neva tire o, more still dey show...
 
What Causes Glaucoma?
The underlying causes of glaucoma are not completely understood, but typically the damage it does to your optic nerve is related to increased pressure in your eye. The pressure typically comes from a buildup of pressure from the aqueous humor, the watery fluid that is naturally present in your eyeball (una nor dis one na)
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In a healthy eye, the fluid is regularly drained, however in those with glaucoma the drainage system doesn’t work properly, so the fluid gradually builds up in your eye, causing increased pressure. Over time, the increased pressure causes nerve fibers that are essential to vision to die. Though less common, glaucoma can also occur when eye pressure is normal. It appears some people’s optic nerves may be sensitive to normal levels of eye pressure, or the glaucoma may be related to problems with blood flow to your eye, which may be caused by atherosclerosis -- the accumulation of plaques in your arteries (omo, hope say una dey get am)-- or another circulation problem.

In the most common type of glaucoma, open-angle (chronic) glaucoma, side (peripheral) vision is usually affected first. In the later stages, glaucoma can lead to “tunnel vision,” where you can only see straight ahead, and can eventually lead to blindness. The symptoms are gradual and come on very slowly, so you may not realize your vision is being impacted until much later stages. About 10 percent of those with glaucoma have what’s called angle-closure (acute) glaucoma, and in these cases a sudden rise in eye pressure can cause...i hope say una don learn one thing here now. Oya, see preventive steps below...

TIPS ON HOW TO PREVENT GLAUCOMA

1. Remember to have a complete eye examination once every 2 years

It is important to get a complete eye exam including an assessment of the optic nerve. In many cases, by the time you notice vision loss glaucoma has been slowly and silently causing irreversible damage...diz thingz fit cost sha, just use proper wisdom take negotiate well...

2. Know your eye pressure and monitor any changes

Damage to the optic nerve is often caused by pressure in the eye that is too high. It is important to know and understand your individual intraocular pressure (IOP) as target pressure may be different for each individual patient (5)...we not dey know dis one for naija. Imagine na, some pipu neva get NEPA lite for long time. Na only God dey save pesin for here na, with all the whole candle, pesin go dey put pressure for hin eye wella!

3. Take your medication as your doctor instructs

Glaucoma is a lifelong condition. In order to achieve the best treatment outcome, it is crucial to take your medication as directed by your eye doctor, dont self medicate o or else OYO lo wa!

4. Know your risk factors for Glaucoma

• Over the age of 45 years Family History of Glaucoma (hereditary)...God fit change ur genes sha!
• High Intraocular pressure (IOP) Marked Nearsightedness
• African, Asian or Hispanic heritage

5. Visit an eye doctor to ensure your eye condition is identified early and appropriately managed

If you think you are at risk of glaucoma, early diagnosis could help make sure you have the best chance of maintaining your vision. If you have already been diagnosed with glaucoma, appropriate treatment is important to help prevent the eye condition from progressing further...as you dey do dis one, dey use prayer dey fire am in...God power na ogbologbo power o!

6) Take a lot of Vitamin A rich foods: Foods like palm oil and carrot contains a whole lot of Vit A...good things say these thingz nor cost, atleast dem neva begin dey brand palmoil (ibo boys, take note...una fit make money from branded palm oil. Check out this one - Nkiruka Pure Palm Oil enriched with Vit A) *winks*. Oya, carry go jor!

Thanks for reading, you all know without google, i 4 nor fit dey get all these things bah? LOL...Dr Roy

Excerpts from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/03/31/Six-Natural-Strategies-to-Stop-Glaucoma-from-Robbing-You-Blind.aspx and http://www.ncbi.ie/information-for/eye-health-and-eye-care/eye-conditions/glaucoma/glaucoma-awareness-week/tips-to-help-manage-glaucoma-and-prevent

Till next time...hugs!

10 foods to boost your brainpower

Before you read, please understand you may not find all of these around. Just look for the one that best suits your environment sha! Enjoy...

Eating well is good for your mental as well as your physical health. The brain requires nutrients just like your heart, lungs or muscles do. But which foods are particularly important to keep our grey matter happy?

1. Opt for wholegrains

Like everything else in your body, the brain cannot work without energy. The ability to concentrate and focus comes from the adequate, steady supply of energy - in the form of glucose in our blood to the brain. Achieve this by choosing wholegrains with a low-GI, which release glucose slowly into the bloodstream, keeping you mentally alert throughout the day. Opt for 'brown' cereals, wheatbran, granary bread and brown pasta...abeg, just find better wheat bread...nor stress yourself too much!

2. Eat oily fish

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) cannot be made by the body and must be obtained through diet. The most effective omega-3 fats occur naturally in oily fish as EPA and DHA. Good sources include linseed (flaxseed) oil, soya bean oil, pumpkin seeds, walnut oil and soya beans. They are good for healthy brain function, the heart, joints and general wellbeing. Oily fish contains EPA and DHA in a ready-made form, which enables the body to use it easily. The main sources of oily fish include salmon, trout, mackerel, herring, sardines, pilchards and kippers. Low DHA levels have been linked to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and memory loss...dis one plenty for everywhere na!

3. Binge on blueberries

Evidence accumulated at Tufts University in the United States suggests that the consumption of blueberries may be effective in improving or delaying short term memory loss. Widely available, so there's no excuse...we nor get dis one for naija o! Maybe you can check Shoprite or any of the hypermarkets sha!

4. Eat more tomatoes

There is good evidence to suggest that lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, could help protect against the kind of free radical damage to cells which occurs in the development of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's...try buy better big tomato for Mile 12 market or any local market around, e nor hard to find!

5. Add vitality with vitamins

Certain B vitamins - B6, B12 and folic acid - are known to reduce levels of homocysteine in the blood. Elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with increased risk of stroke, cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. A study of a group of elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment found that after two years of intervention with high doses of B6, B12 and folic acid there was significantly less brain shrinkage compared to a subset given placebo treatment...GNLD, Forever living etc dem dey find pipu wey go buy sha! Incase u nid, holla at me!

6. Get a blackcurrant boost

Vitamin C has long been thought to have the power to increase mental agility. One of the best sources of this vital vitamin are blackcurrants...Ribena *smiles*

7. Pick up pumpkin seeds

Just a handful of pumpkin seeds a day is all you need to get your recommended daily amount of zinc, vital for enhancing memory and thinking skills...tah, dis one nor dey around here!

8. Bet on broccoli

A great source of vitamin K, which is known to enhance cognitive function and improve brainpower...omo, on to the next one!

9. Sprinkle on sage

Sage has long had a reputation for improving memory and although most studies focus on sage as an essential oil, it could be worth adding fresh sage to your diet too...una know dis one?

10. Go nuts

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology suggests that a good intake of vitamin E might help to prevent cognitive decline, particularly in the elderly. Nuts are a great source of vitamin E along with leafy green vegetables, asparagus, olives, seeds, eggs, brown rice and wholegrains...Ekpa things...cashew sef make sense!

Brainpower supplements

Although research linking diet and dementia is still in its infancy, there are a few important relationships between nutrients and brain health that are worth exploring. Having a nourishing, well rounded diet gives our brain the best chance of avoiding disease. If your diet is unbalanced for whatever reason, you may want to consider a multivitamin and mineral complex and an omega-3 fatty acid supplement to help make up a few of the essentials. If you are considering taking a supplement it is best to discuss this with a doctor or qualified healthcare professional...

Excerpts from http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/10-foods-boost-your-brainpower