Do you want to learn why you and everyone else you know should be consuming a high grade Omega 3 fish oil supplement daily? Here you are going to learn the difference between the “stuff” you purchase off the shelf in supermarkets, and health food stores and the high quality product you should be purchasing from a reputable source. Lets start with the health benefits of taking Omega-3 fish oil. 1. Cardiovascular health: Decreased risk of Heart Attack by 20-40% %26 Cardiac Arrhythmias and sudden death (especially immediately following heart attacks)Decreased risk of repeat Heart Attacks. Stabilizes %26 modestly reduces blood pressure. 2. Neurological Health: Helps prevent Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinsonism and general cognitive functioning. Improves IQ in children. Helps prevent and treat Autism, ADD/ADHD Used to treat Traumatic Brain Injury and Traumatic Spinal Cord injured patients. May reduce the amount of brain damage after a Stroke 3. Ocular Health: Helps prevent age related Macular Degeneration %26 Poor Night Vision Helps maintain healthy visual acuity in all ages Provides better eyesight in children when taken by pregnant mother Helps prevent %26 mitigate migraine headaches 4. Joint Health: Useful in Rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, other auto-immune %26 inflammatory conditions %26 diseases. 5. Integumentary Health: Skin… Helps control eczema, acne, Psoriasis; helps prevent sun damage %26 is beneficial for those with dry skin %26 dandruff. 6. Menstrual Cramps: Reduces Menstrual Cramps by as much as 70%. 7. Pregnancy: Helps Mother Carry to term by reducing the inflammatory response and muscle contractions caused by excessive Omega-6 Promotes Healthy Fetal Brain %26 Retinal Development Decreases the incidence of Post-partum Depression. Decreases incidence of ADD/ADHD, Autism. Increases Intellectual Capacity of newborn Promotes healthy visual acuity in the newborn 8. Anti-carcinogenic: Colon, Breast, Prostate. Improves outcomes in patients treated with chemotherapy and reduces unpleasant side effects from chemotherapy. . 9. Triglycerides %26 Cholesterol. Decreases Triglycerides. Increases good HDL cholesterol %26 decreases bad LDL cholesterol 10. Anorexia Nervosa… Helpful as and adjunct in the treatment of A.N. 11. Obesity… Useful in the prevention %26 treatment of Obesity through its effect on mitigating Insulin resistance, promoting Thermogenesis. 12. Depression and Mood Promotes emotional well being, helps counteract mood swings and Depressive %26 Anxiety states, beneficial in patients suffering from Schizophrenia, Very effective in patients with Bipolar Disease (Manic Depressive states). 13. Allergies: Beneficial for those suffering from various allergies 14. Sleep problems: Beneficial for sleep problems 15. Vascular Health: Helps prevent the build up of plaque that causes heart attacks, strokes %26 peripheral vascular disease. May actually reduce plaque build up in your arteries by promoting HDL over LDL. 16. Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Due to the potent anti-inflammatory properties of Omega 3 it is helpful in Ulcerative Colitis %26 Crohn’s Disease as an adjunct to prescription medications. 17. Diabetes Mellitus/Type 2: Inhibits the condition known as insulin resistance which means that the body’s endogenous insulin cannot function normally and therefore the blood sugar levels can become abnormally elevated. 18. Diabetes Mellitus/Type 1: Omega-3 may help prevent and/or stabilize Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. 19. Asthma: Omega-3 may diminish or eliminate the symptoms of Asthma. 20. Immune System … Omega-3 has been shown to bolster the Immune System by partially blocking the action of Omega-6. 21. Weight Loss: Omega 3: 1) Stimulates thermogenesis(fat burning) by increasing the body’s metabolic rate. 2) Blocks fat storage. 3) Helps prevent the formation of an excess number of fat cells. 4) Encourages a quick burn of calories before they can be deposited as fat. 5) Helps your body absorb healthy nutrients to give you more nutritional benefit without the need to eat excessively. 22. Skeletal System (Bones): Omega-3 + Calcium = Healthy Bones. The Omega-3 long chain essential fatty acids are critical to bone health %26 are necessary for the absorption %26 deposition into bones of certain minerals such as Calcium helping prevent osteoporosis. Frequently Asked Questions Q. Who needs to take Omega-3 Supplements? A. Everyone Q. At what age should I start taking Omega-3? A. Before you’re born (in utero) up until you’re 99 Q. Who says? A. The World Health Organization, the American Medical Association, the American Heart Association, the American Rheumatologic Association %26 others Q. Why do I need Omega -3? A. The body cannot manufacture omega-3. The average American diet is overly rich in Omega-6 which in excessive quantities, is actually toxic to your body. Q. Why can’t I just eat more fish? A. Most fish contain impurities that are bad for you. It would be nearly impossible to eat enough fish to equal the amount of EPA %26 DHA found in a pure, high potency Omega 3 product. Q. What impurities are there in fish? A. Toxins such as Mercury, Lead, PCB’s, dioxin, just to name a few. Q. Don’t all Omega-3 products contain lots of impurities? A. Most low end, inexpensive Omega-3 products and some not so inexpensive OTC products do. Q. Which Omega-3 products don’t? A. There are a few on the market of high quality. See end of article. Q. Isn’t flaxseed oil an alternative for Omega-3 derived from fish sources? A. No, definitely not. Flaxseed oil contains ALA which is converted poorly, slowly and inefficiently into Omega-3 and therefore is a poor substitute for marine derived Omega-3. Most importantly, the Human Brain, which is 60% fat, depends on the form of Omega-3 which is only derived from Fish Sources and not from plant sources which contain ALA. Q. How much Winomeg-3 should I take daily? A. Look for a product that offers 1000-1100 mg of EPA %26 300-400 mg of DHA %26 a small amount of Omega 6 50-60 mg. The ration of EPA to DHA should be 3-4 to 1. Take at least 2-3 per day, but there is no maximum dose (see below). Q. I take prescription medications. Are there any medications that react with Omega-3? A. Overall you may take Omega-3 supplements with any other prescription %26 non-prescription medications. The only possible precaution is if you are taking an anticoagulant such as Coumadin® you should talk with your health care provider. Q. How is it possible that Omega-3 can be so beneficial for all of these different conditions? A. Omega 3 is an essential component of all of the cells in your body and the reason why it has all of these beneficial effects is that all of the walls of the cells in your body, are made up of polyunsaturated long chain fatty acids (Omega-3). Q. What are EPA %26 DHA in regard to Omega-3. A. DHA %26 EPA are both members of the Omega-3 long chain, polyunsaturated fatty acid family of compounds. EPA is responsible for maintaining healthy eye, retina, cardiovascular health and is responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of Omega-3. EPA also helps regulate hormonal function and balance, immune system function, nervous system health, helps lower triglycerides and cholesterol and prostaglandins. EPA may be the more potent and important of the two main components of Omega-3, although DHA is one of the main building blocks of the Brain and the Retina, which is why it is so extremely important to the developing fetus. . Q. What are the side effects of Omega-3? A. There are no known side effects of this natural product. The Inuit (Eskimos) of all ages, ingest on average up to 19 grams of Omega-3 a day and have no adverse side effects from this dosage. This is equal to over 12 Omega 3 capsules per day. Q. What criteria should I look for in an Omega-3 product? A. The following is a list of the characteristics you should look for: 1. Pharmaceutical Grade 2. Produced in a Licensed Pharmaceutical Facility 3. Produced under the highest standards of purity that go far beyond those set by various European %26 American governing bodies. 4. Licensed by the FDA to be able to produce Pharmaceutical Grade Prescription strength Omega-3 5. Produced from exceptional raw materials consisting only of arctic cold water non-predatory fish (anchovies, herring %26 sardines) naturally high in the Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA %26 DHA, harvested from cold arctic waters and very low in environmental pollutants. 6. Exceptional Purity. 85-88% pure. All known pollutants are reduced below detectable levels 7. Highly concentrated. minimizes the number of gel caps you have to take on a daily basis 8. High EPA to DHA Ratio. It has been scientifically determined that the EPA to DHA ratio should be at least 3-4 to 1 9. Low amounts of Omega 6. Omega 6 is a needed and necessary ingredient in normal diets. However, the amount should be very small compared to Omega 3. 10. Molecular Distillation. The best omega 3 products are all processed under molecular distillation, an expensive %26 time consuming process. 11. Exceptional Freshness. No fishy smell when you open the bottle, or fishy aftertaste (no “fish burps”) because the product is Oxygen Free (because it is encapsulated under Nitrogen). Oxidized fish oil should not be ingested due to rancidity, spoilage and loss of potency. 12. Cholesterol Free, Triglyceride Free %26 Saturated Fat Free. Other commonly found omega 3 products contain all three of these harmful elements and are definitely not recommended for human consumption. Q. Where can I find an Omega-3 product that meets these strict criteria? A. There are a few reputable (and many not so reputable) companies. We would advise you to check out this excellent Omega 3 at RoblinWellnessToday.com and type in the Preferred Customer Code…Wellness2440. To Your Good Health!

Macular Degeneration Symptoms

Low vision devices include eyeglasses, but there are many more low vision products available today that can assist patients in living with macular degeneration symptoms. While laser surgery can be used to treat the %26ldquo;wet%26rdquo; variety of age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, there is no known cure for the %26ldquo;dry%26rdquo; form of this leading cause of blindness. However, low vision devices can help such a victim in making the most of what eyesight remains.Age related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central part of the retina, and therefore one%26rsquo;s ability to determine fine details such as print, faces, and images. Essentially, one develops a %26ldquo;hole%26rdquo; in one%26rsquo;s vision; if the subject is looking at an object that appears smaller than this %26ldquo;hole,%26rdquo; the object cannot be seen clearly. Therefore, the purpose of low vision devices is to increase the apparent size of these objects.Because we use our eyes in different ways in different situations, there is no one solution for addressing macular degeneration symptoms. One patient may require several different low vision products. Bifocal reading glasses are one of the best known and most common low vision devices, but may not be appropriate for all macular degeneration symptoms.Bioptic glasses for low vision, also known as bioptic telescopes, are low vision devices that actually consist of miniature telescopes mounted atop a pair of regular glasses. Such low vision devices can be adjusted for a wide range of activities that require both distance and near vision. While bioptic glasses for low vision work in the same way (you tilt your head forward slightly), they differ from bifocal reading glasses in that the telescopic lens is not integrated into the primary lens itself.Other low vision products for age related macular degeneration include such products as the portable digital magnifier, which resembles %26ldquo;virtual reality%26rdquo; goggles and is used in conjunction with a special pair of glasses. One of the most interesting low vision products on the market today consists of a miniature TV camera that actually rests on the surface of whatever the patient is reading, magnifies it, and sends that image electronically, projecting an image on the inner surfaces of eyeglass lenses! Such a system allows the patient%26rsquo;s head to remain in an upright position; no longer is it necessary to tilt one%26rsquo;s head.Of course, such high-tech vision aids are quite expensive at the present. However, if the history of other technologies such as the PC and the DVD is any indicator, the cost of such low vision devices should come down substantially over the next few years.

Treatment by Low Vision Specialists In Florida

In Florida, many retirees come to live out their golden years; the age of the average Floridian is older than almost anywhere else in the U.S. Florida offers a lovely climate and many amenities, but unfortunately, macular degeneration can keep seniors from enjoying their Florida retirement to its fullest. There%26rsquo;s no cure for low vision due to macular degeneration, but low vision specialists in Florida can offer treatments.What Is Macular Degeneration?Age-related macular degeneration is common among people who have reached the age of fifty and beyond, and is a weakening of the macula, part of the eye%26rsquo;s retina. As it progresses, those who suffer from it start to lose their central vision; peripheral vision may remain, but objects directly in front become blurry and out-of-focus. Your Florida low vision eye doctor cannot cure this condition once it has begun, but low vision treatments are available that can stop it from progressing further.Can It Be Prevented?Low vision Specialists in Florida and elsewhere are likely to tell you that macular degeneration prevention is not possible. However, there are risk factors that when minimized can substantially lower the chances of developing macular degeneration. Besides regular eye examinations, the best things to do are to avoid tobacco and to include fresh fruit and nuts in your diet.What Type of Treatments Are There?There are actually two different types of age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. One is called %26ldquo;wet,%26rdquo; while the other is known as %26ldquo;dry.%26rdquo; The latter variety is far more common. This happens gradually over time, and is the result of the slow deterioration of the macula. The %26ldquo;wet%26rdquo; form is relatively rare, occurring in about 10% of cases. However, it is more serious; caused by an abnormal build-up of blodd-vessels in the eye, it can strike suddenly and result in blindness very quickly.In either case, low vision specialists in Florida often advise their patients to eat a diet that is rich in dark, leafy green vegetables (i.e., spinach, kale, collard greens) and salt-water fish such as cod or salmon, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These may be effective in macular degeneration prevention when it comes to controlling the symptoms. Certain antioxidant vitamins and minerals such as zinc may also be helpful, although these should not be taken without a doctor%26rsquo;s guidance. Other than that, there are some prosthetic devices that low vision specialists in Florida can recommend and for which they can fit you that will help you in making the most of your remaining eyesight.

Do you want to learn why you and everyone else you know should be consuming a high grade Omega 3 fish oil supplement daily? Here you are going to learn the difference between the “stuff” you purchase off the shelf in supermarkets, and health food stores and the high quality product you should be purchasing from a reputable source. Lets start with the health benefits of taking Omega-3 fish oil. 1. Cardiovascular health: Decreased risk of Heart Attack by 20-40% %26 Cardiac Arrhythmias and sudden death (especially immediately following heart attacks)Decreased risk of repeat Heart Attacks. Stabilizes %26 modestly reduces blood pressure. 2. Neurological Health: Helps prevent Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinsonism and general cognitive functioning. Improves IQ in children. Helps prevent and treat Autism, ADD/ADHD Used to treat Traumatic Brain Injury and Traumatic Spinal Cord injured patients. May reduce the amount of brain damage after a Stroke 3. Ocular Health: Helps prevent age related Macular Degeneration %26 Poor Night Vision Helps maintain healthy visual acuity in all ages Provides better eyesight in children when taken by pregnant mother Helps prevent %26 mitigate migraine headaches 4. Joint Health: Useful in Rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, other auto-immune %26 inflammatory conditions %26 diseases. 5. Integumentary Health: Skin… Helps control eczema, acne, Psoriasis; helps prevent sun damage %26 is beneficial for those with dry skin %26 dandruff. 6. Menstrual Cramps: Reduces Menstrual Cramps by as much as 70%. 7. Pregnancy: Helps Mother Carry to term by reducing the inflammatory response and muscle contractions caused by excessive Omega-6 Promotes Healthy Fetal Brain %26 Retinal Development Decreases the incidence of Post-partum Depression. Decreases incidence of ADD/ADHD, Autism. Increases Intellectual Capacity of newborn Promotes healthy visual acuity in the newborn 8. Anti-carcinogenic: Colon, Breast, Prostate. Improves outcomes in patients treated with chemotherapy and reduces unpleasant side effects from chemotherapy. . 9. Triglycerides %26 Cholesterol. Decreases Triglycerides. Increases good HDL cholesterol %26 decreases bad LDL cholesterol 10. Anorexia Nervosa… Helpful as and adjunct in the treatment of A.N. 11. Obesity… Useful in the prevention %26 treatment of Obesity through its effect on mitigating Insulin resistance, promoting Thermogenesis. 12. Depression and Mood Promotes emotional well being, helps counteract mood swings and Depressive %26 Anxiety states, beneficial in patients suffering from Schizophrenia, Very effective in patients with Bipolar Disease (Manic Depressive states). 13. Allergies: Beneficial for those suffering from various allergies 14. Sleep problems: Beneficial for sleep problems 15. Vascular Health: Helps prevent the build up of plaque that causes heart attacks, strokes %26 peripheral vascular disease. May actually reduce plaque build up in your arteries by promoting HDL over LDL. 16. Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Due to the potent anti-inflammatory properties of Omega 3 it is helpful in Ulcerative Colitis %26 Crohn’s Disease as an adjunct to prescription medications. 17. Diabetes Mellitus/Type 2: Inhibits the condition known as insulin resistance which means that the body’s endogenous insulin cannot function normally and therefore the blood sugar levels can become abnormally elevated. 18. Diabetes Mellitus/Type 1: Omega-3 may help prevent and/or stabilize Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. 19. Asthma: Omega-3 may diminish or eliminate the symptoms of Asthma. 20. Immune System … Omega-3 has been shown to bolster the Immune System by partially blocking the action of Omega-6. 21. Weight Loss: Omega 3: 1) Stimulates thermogenesis(fat burning) by increasing the body’s metabolic rate. 2) Blocks fat storage. 3) Helps prevent the formation of an excess number of fat cells. 4) Encourages a quick burn of calories before they can be deposited as fat. 5) Helps your body absorb healthy nutrients to give you more nutritional benefit without the need to eat excessively. 22. Skeletal System (Bones): Omega-3 + Calcium = Healthy Bones. The Omega-3 long chain essential fatty acids are critical to bone health %26 are necessary for the absorption %26 deposition into bones of certain minerals such as Calcium helping prevent osteoporosis. Frequently Asked Questions Q. Who needs to take Omega-3 Supplements? A. Everyone Q. At what age should I start taking Omega-3? A. Before you’re born (in utero) up until you’re 99 Q. Who says? A. The World Health Organization, the American Medical Association, the American Heart Association, the American Rheumatologic Association %26 others Q. Why do I need Omega -3? A. The body cannot manufacture omega-3. The average American diet is overly rich in Omega-6 which in excessive quantities, is actually toxic to your body. Q. Why can’t I just eat more fish? A. Most fish contain impurities that are bad for you. It would be nearly impossible to eat enough fish to equal the amount of EPA %26 DHA found in a pure, high potency Omega 3 product. Q. What impurities are there in fish? A. Toxins such as Mercury, Lead, PCB’s, dioxin, just to name a few. Q. Don’t all Omega-3 products contain lots of impurities? A. Most low end, inexpensive Omega-3 products and some not so inexpensive OTC products do. Q. Which Omega-3 products don’t? A. There are a few on the market of high quality. See end of article. Q. Isn’t flaxseed oil an alternative for Omega-3 derived from fish sources? A. No, definitely not. Flaxseed oil contains ALA which is converted poorly, slowly and inefficiently into Omega-3 and therefore is a poor substitute for marine derived Omega-3. Most importantly, the Human Brain, which is 60% fat, depends on the form of Omega-3 which is only derived from Fish Sources and not from plant sources which contain ALA. Q. How much Winomeg-3 should I take daily? A. Look for a product that offers 1000-1100 mg of EPA %26 300-400 mg of DHA %26 a small amount of Omega 6 50-60 mg. The ration of EPA to DHA should be 3-4 to 1. Take at least 2-3 per day, but there is no maximum dose (see below). Q. I take prescription medications. Are there any medications that react with Omega-3? A. Overall you may take Omega-3 supplements with any other prescription %26 non-prescription medications. The only possible precaution is if you are taking an anticoagulant such as Coumadin® you should talk with your health care provider. Q. How is it possible that Omega-3 can be so beneficial for all of these different conditions? A. Omega 3 is an essential component of all of the cells in your body and the reason why it has all of these beneficial effects is that all of the walls of the cells in your body, are made up of polyunsaturated long chain fatty acids (Omega-3). Q. What are EPA %26 DHA in regard to Omega-3. A. DHA %26 EPA are both members of the Omega-3 long chain, polyunsaturated fatty acid family of compounds. EPA is responsible for maintaining healthy eye, retina, cardiovascular health and is responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of Omega-3. EPA also helps regulate hormonal function and balance, immune system function, nervous system health, helps lower triglycerides and cholesterol and prostaglandins. EPA may be the more potent and important of the two main components of Omega-3, although DHA is one of the main building blocks of the Brain and the Retina, which is why it is so extremely important to the developing fetus. . Q. What are the side effects of Omega-3? A. There are no known side effects of this natural product. The Inuit (Eskimos) of all ages, ingest on average up to 19 grams of Omega-3 a day and have no adverse side effects from this dosage. This is equal to over 12 Omega 3 capsules per day. Q. What criteria should I look for in an Omega-3 product? A. The following is a list of the characteristics you should look for: 1. Pharmaceutical Grade 2. Produced in a Licensed Pharmaceutical Facility 3. Produced under the highest standards of purity that go far beyond those set by various European %26 American governing bodies. 4. Licensed by the FDA to be able to produce Pharmaceutical Grade Prescription strength Omega-3 5. Produced from exceptional raw materials consisting only of arctic cold water non-predatory fish (anchovies, herring %26 sardines) naturally high in the Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA %26 DHA, harvested from cold arctic waters and very low in environmental pollutants. 6. Exceptional Purity. 85-88% pure. All known pollutants are reduced below detectable levels 7. Highly concentrated. minimizes the number of gel caps you have to take on a daily basis 8. High EPA to DHA Ratio. It has been scientifically determined that the EPA to DHA ratio should be at least 3-4 to 1 9. Low amounts of Omega 6. Omega 6 is a needed and necessary ingredient in normal diets. However, the amount should be very small compared to Omega 3. 10. Molecular Distillation. The best omega 3 products are all processed under molecular distillation, an expensive %26 time consuming process. 11. Exceptional Freshness. No fishy smell when you open the bottle, or fishy aftertaste (no “fish burps”) because the product is Oxygen Free (because it is encapsulated under Nitrogen). Oxidized fish oil should not be ingested due to rancidity, spoilage and loss of potency. 12. Cholesterol Free, Triglyceride Free %26 Saturated Fat Free. Other commonly found omega 3 products contain all three of these harmful elements and are definitely not recommended for human consumption. Q. Where can I find an Omega-3 product that meets these strict criteria? A. There are a few reputable (and many not so reputable) companies. We would advise you to check out this excellent Omega 3 at RoblinWellnessToday.com and type in the Preferred Customer Code…Wellness2440. To Your Good Health!

Are you looking for information on Low vision aids

Eye glasses for macular degeneration are one of the most common and effective solutions for people with macular degeneration and associated vision problems. Central vision, which is vital for ordinary everyday activities such as reading, working at the computer and driving, is what is primarily affected by macular degeneration. Although there is no cure for macular degeneration, those suffering from the vision problems caused by this condition can maximize the vision that they still have with low vision devices such as special magnifiers and other high-tech low vision aids; telescopic glasses and eye glasses for macular degeneration is only one of the many options available.To clarify how these low-vision aids work, it%26rsquo;s helpful to understand what age-related macular degeneration is and how it causes vision problems. The macula is located in the central part of the retina. Over time, macular cells start to die off or deteriorate, or else there is excessive blood vessel growth which causes bleeding underneath the macula. The result is damage to this part of the eye, which is what allows us to see fine details close up. Although peripheral vision is usually unaffected, activities that require attention to detail %26ndash; such as crafts, driving and reading %26ndash; become nearly impossible without the use of low vision devices. Telescopic glasses are one solution for those suffering vision problems because of age-related macular degeneration. These special magnifiers consist of minature binoculars that are mounted either in front or above eye glasses for macular degeration. As far as low vision aids go, telescopic glasses are fairly low-tech, but are often the most effective solution for those with vision problems due to macular degeneration. These particular eye glasses for macular degeneration are also known as %26ldquo;bioptic glasses.%26rdquo;Of course, there are several other low vision devices in addition to eye glasses for macular degeneration. Some of these are low vision aids that were the stuff of science fiction only forty years ago; others make new uses of old technology such as the television camera. Considering that television is blamed for the decline in literacy in America, it is ironic that one of the most effective magnifiers for those with macular-degeneration vision problems who want to be able to read again consists of a closed-circuit TV camera and a monitor screen. The camera projects the image of the printed page up on the screen, enabling the patient to see it more clearly.If the patient%26rsquo;s condition is beyond what eye glasses for macular degeneration can do, there is now software that actually allows the user to speak to his/her computer by using a microphone; the computer actually transforms this speech into actual text. There are also Braille printers available for PCs and Macintosh computers. However, if the condition is caught early enough, eye glasses for macular degeneration may be the best solution for most patients.

The Florida Low Vision Eye Doctor

Low vision specialists in Florida are ophthalmologists who are trained and specialize in the treatment of eye diseases that result in low vision such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Treatment varies depending on the type and nature of the disease; cataracts are usually corrected with surgery, but when it comes to macular degeneration, devices that aid low vision may be the best option; a Florida low vision eye doctor can determine which of these may be of the most help to you.AMDAge-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is a progressive condition of the eye in which the macula, which is the connection of nerve cells in the center of your eye%26rsquo;s retina that is important for central vision, begins to deteriorate. Usually, this is of the %26ldquo;dry%26rdquo; variety; the macula simply begins to dry up and shrivel. The other kind, less common but more serious, is called %26ldquo;wet%26rdquo; macular degeneration; treatment is usually ineffective as this is caused by an abnormal growth of blood vessels.Prevention and TreatmentThe best macular degeneration treatment is prevention. Risk factors include:- tobacco use- diet lacking in fruits and vegetables- lack of exercise- obesityAvoiding these, and having regular eye examinations from your Florida low vision eye doctor could help in avoiding the worst symptoms of macular degernation.DevicesIf you are already affected by AMD, avoiding the risk factors and add salt-water fish and leafy green vegetables to your diet may help keep the symptoms from progressing further. However, there are many macular degeneration devices that can also help you to maximize the eyesight you have remaining.Bioptic glasses are one such device. Somewhat like regular bifocals on steroids, these actually have miniature telescopes mounted on them or within then that the wearer can look through in order to concentrate on activities that require acute close central vision.For those suffering from AMD that work with computers, the Florida low vision eye doctor may recommend a special monitor that magnifies on-screen font sizes, making them easier to read, or special software and hardware that allows the use to speak into a microphone and have the computer turn the speech into actual text. The important thing is not to despair if you have developed AMD; a Florida low vision eye doctor is trained in these issues and will have options for you.

Do You Really Need Omega 3?

As a retired physician, my main concern has always been to help people become and stay healthy. That is why I would like to share some very useful information with you regarding how you can maintain your health. Do you want to learn why you and everyone else you know should be consuming a high grade Omega 3 fish oil supplement daily? Here you are going to learn the difference between the “stuff” you purchase off the shelf in supermarkets, and health food stores and the high quality product you should be purchasing from a reputable source. Lets start with the health benefits of taking Omega-3 fish oil.1. Cardiovascular health: Decreased risk of Heart Attack by 20-40% %26 Cardiac Arrhythmias and sudden death (especially immediately following heart attacks)Decreased risk of repeat Heart Attacks. Stabilizes %26 modestly reduces blood pressure.2. Neurological Health: Helps prevent Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinsonism and general cognitive functioning. Improves IQ in children. Helps prevent and treat Autism, ADD/ADHDUsed to treat Traumatic Brain Injury and Traumatic Spinal Cord injured patients.May reduce the amount of brain damage after a Stroke 3. Ocular Health:Helps prevent age related Macular Degeneration %26 Poor Night VisionHelps maintain healthy visual acuity in all agesProvides better eyesight in children when taken by pregnant motherHelps prevent %26 mitigate migraine headaches4. Joint Health: Useful in Rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, other auto-immune %26 inflammatory conditions %26 diseases. 5. Integumentary Health: Skin… Helps control eczema, acne, Psoriasis; helps prevent sun damage %26 is beneficial for those with dry skin %26 dandruff.6. Menstrual Cramps: Reduces Menstrual Cramps by as much as 70%.7. Pregnancy: Helps Mother Carry to term by reducing the inflammatory response and muscle contractions caused by excessive Omega-6 Promotes Healthy Fetal Brain %26 Retinal DevelopmentDecreases the incidence of Post-partum Depression. Decreases incidence of ADD/ADHD, Autism.Increases Intellectual Capacity of newbornPromotes healthy visual acuity in the newborn 8. Anti-carcinogenic: Colon, Breast, Prostate. Improves outcomes in patients treated with chemotherapy and reduces unpleasant side effects from chemotherapy. . 9. Triglycerides %26 Cholesterol. Decreases Triglycerides. Increases good HDL cholesterol %26 decreases bad LDL cholesterol 10. Anorexia Nervosa… Helpful as and adjunct in the treatment of A.N. 11. Obesity… Useful in the prevention %26 treatment of Obesity through its effect on mitigating Insulin resistance, promoting Thermogenesis.12. Depression and Mood Promotes emotional well being, helps counteract mood swings and Depressive %26 Anxiety states, beneficial in patients suffering from Schizophrenia, Very effective in patients with Bipolar Disease (Manic Depressive states).13. Allergies: Beneficial for those suffering from various allergies14. Sleep problems: Beneficial for sleep problems 15. Vascular Health: Helps prevent the build up of plaque that causes heart attacks, strokes %26 peripheral vascular disease. May actually reduce plaque build up in your arteries by promoting HDL over LDL. 16. Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Due to the potent anti-inflammatory properties of Omega 3 it is helpful in Ulcerative Colitis %26 Crohn’s Disease as an adjunct to prescription medications.17. Diabetes Mellitus/Type 2: Inhibits the condition known as insulin resistance which means that the body’s endogenous insulin cannot function normally and therefore the blood sugar levels can become abnormally elevated. 18. Diabetes Mellitus/Type 1: Omega-3 may help prevent and/or stabilize Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. 19. Asthma: Omega-3 may diminish or eliminate the symptoms of Asthma. 20. Immune System … Omega-3 has been shown to bolster the Immune System by partially blocking the action of Omega-6. 21. Weight Loss: Omega 3: 1) Stimulates thermogenesis(fat burning) by increasing the body’s metabolic rate. 2) Blocks fat storage. 3) Helps prevent the formation of an excess number of fat cells. 4) Encourages a quick burn of calories before they can be deposited as fat. 5) Helps your body absorb healthy nutrients to give you more nutritional benefit without the need to eat excessively. 22. Skeletal System (Bones): Omega-3 + Calcium = Healthy Bones. The Omega-3 long chain essential fatty acids are critical to bone health %26 are necessary for the absorption %26 deposition into bones of certain minerals such as Calcium helping prevent osteoporosis.Frequently Asked QuestionsQ. Who needs to take Omega-3 Supplements?A. EveryoneQ. At what age should I start taking Omega-3?A. Before you’re born (in utero) up until you’re 99Q. Who says?A. The World Health Organization, the American Medical Association, the American Heart Association, the American Rheumatologic Association %26 othersQ. Why do I need Omega -3?A. The body cannot manufacture omega-3. The average American diet is overly rich in Omega-6 which in excessive quantities, is actually toxic to your body. Q. Why can’t I just eat more fish?A. Most fish contain impurities that are bad for you. It would be nearly impossible to eat enough fish to equal the amount of EPA %26 DHA found in a pure, high potency Omega 3 product.Q. What impurities are there in fish?A. Toxins such as Mercury, Lead, PCB’s, dioxin, just to name a few.Q. Don’t all Omega-3 products contain lots of impurities?A. Most low end, inexpensive Omega-3 products and some not so inexpensive OTC products do.Q. Which Omega-3 products don’t?A. There are a few on the market of high quality. See end of article.Q. Isn’t flaxseed oil an alternative for Omega-3 derived from fish sources?A. No, definitely not. Flaxseed oil contains ALA which is converted poorly, slowly and inefficiently into Omega-3 and therefore is a poor substitute for marine derived Omega-3. Most importantly, the Human Brain, which is 60% fat, depends on the form of Omega-3 which is only derived from Fish Sources and not from plant sources which contain ALA.Q. How much Winomeg-3 should I take daily?A. Look for a product that offers 1000-1100 mg of EPA %26 300-400 mg of DHA %26 a small amount of Omega 6 50-60 mg. The ration of EPA to DHA should be 3-4 to 1. Take at least 2-3 per day, but there is no maximum dose (see below).Q. I take prescription medications. Are there any medications that react with Omega-3?A. Overall you may take Omega-3 supplements with any other prescription %26 non-prescription medications. The only possible precaution is if you are taking an anticoagulant such as Coumadin® you should talk with your health care provider. Q. How is it possible that Omega-3 can be so beneficial for all of these different conditions?A. Omega 3 is an essential component of all of the cells in your body and the reason why it has all of these beneficial effects is that all of the walls of the cells in your body, are made up of polyunsaturated long chain fatty acids (Omega-3). Q. What are EPA %26 DHA in regard to Omega-3. A. DHA %26 EPA are both members of the Omega-3 long chain, polyunsaturated fatty acid family of compounds. EPA is responsible for maintaining healthy eye, retina, cardiovascular health and is responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of Omega-3. EPA also helps regulate hormonal function and balance, immune system function, nervous system health, helps lower triglycerides and cholesterol and prostaglandins. EPA may be the more potent and important of the two main components of Omega-3, althoughDHA is one of the main building blocks of the Brain and the Retina, which is why it is so extremely important to the developing fetus. .Q. What are the side effects of Omega-3?A. There are no known side effects of this natural product. The Inuit (Eskimos) of all ages, ingest on average up to 19 grams of Omega-3 a day and have no adverse side effects from this dosage. This is equal to over 12 Omega 3 capsules per day. Q. What criteria should I look for in an Omega-3 product?A. The following is a list of the characteristics you should look for: 1. Pharmaceutical Grade 2. Produced in a Licensed Pharmaceutical Facility 3. Produced under the highest standards of purity that go far beyond those set by various European %26 American governing bodies. 4. Licensed by the FDA to be able to produce Pharmaceutical Grade Prescription strength Omega-3 5. Produced from exceptional raw materials consisting only of arctic cold water non-predatory fish (anchovies, herring %26 sardines) naturally high in the Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA %26 DHA, harvested from cold arctic waters and very low in environmental pollutants. 6. Exceptional Purity. 85-88% pure. All known pollutants are reduced below detectable levels 7. Highly concentrated. minimizes the number of gel caps you have to take on a daily basis 8. High EPA to DHA Ratio. It has been scientifically determined that the EPA to DHA ratio should be at least 3-4 to 1 9. Low amounts of Omega 6. Omega 6 is a needed and necessary ingredient in normal diets. However, the amount should be very small compared to Omega 3. 10. Molecular Distillation. The best omega 3 products are all processed under molecular distillation, an expensive %26 time consuming process. 11. Exceptional Freshness. No fishy smell when you open the bottle, or fishy aftertaste (no “fish burps”) because the product is Oxygen Free (because it is encapsulated under Nitrogen). Oxidized fish oil should not be ingested due to rancidity, spoilage and loss of potency. 12. Cholesterol Free, Triglyceride Free %26 Saturated Fat Free. Other commonly found omega 3 products contain all three of these harmful elements and are definitely not recommended for human consumption. Q. Where can I find an Omega-3 product that meets these strict criteria?A. There are a few reputable (and many not so reputable) companies. We would advise you to check below for a link to an excellent source of Omega 3 that meets all of the above criteria.To Your Good Health!

Considering bioptic glasses for low vision

People with macular degeneration know that one of the consequences of this eye condition is a loss of central vision. Central vision is used for important daily tasks such as reading, working at the computer and driving. Although there are a few promising treatments for wet advanced macular degeneration, all people with advanced vision loss want to maximize the vision that they still possess. Specialized low vision products, such as bioptic glasses for low vision, can enable those living with low vision to perform daily tasks indendently.In order to understand how bioptic glasses for low vision work, a brief explanation of age-related macular degeneration and its associated low vision is needed. The macula is found in the central part of the retina in the eye. When it becomes weakened through a thinning of the macular cells, damaged by the cells wasting away, or when the macula becomes unclear due to excessive blood vessel growth causing bursting and leaking beneath the macula, age-related macular degeneration is often the result. The center of the macula becomes damaged, and vision in the center of the eye lessens and eventually can become entirely lost. Central vision helps us perform the detail-oriented tasks of daily life. Activities such as reading, sewing, knitting and driving become much more difficult and eventually impossible with this vision loss. Peripheral vision remains unaltered by age-related macular degeneration, however. The end of this condition is the ability to see the outline of something, but not details in the center of the object. Bioptic glasses for low vision due to age-related macular degeneration and other conditions work at bit like bifocals. A bifocal has two different prescriptions within the eyeglass lens. You can adjust to near or far vision depending on if you are looking through the top or the bottom of the eye glass lens. Bioptic glasses for low vision work in a similar manner, but instead of using a magnified eye glass prescription in the eye glass lens, tiny telescopes are used instead. These low vision products improve low vision by allowing the wearer to have access to intense magnification whenever he or she needs it. The wearer will also be able to use a regular prescription for the area of the eye glass lens that is not devoted to the telescope, namely the peripheral vision, so that all areas of the visual field will be improved.Bioptic glasses for low vision can be a powerful solution to counteract symptoms of age-related macular degeneration. A physician specializing in treating low vision conditions is best able to evaluate how effective these devices can be for an individual. In some cases, bioptic glasses are the ideal low vision products to provide better central vision, making it easier to maintain indendence and participate fully in enjoyable daily activities.

Do you have vision problems

Low vision eye doctors are those physicians who specialize in the fields of ophthalmology and optometry. Both of these professionals are qualified to treat vision problems, however ophthalmologists and optometrists deal with different aspects of eye health. They are in actuality two distinct types of low vision eye doctors, and if you suffer from AMD, or age-related macular degeneration, you may be treated by each in different ways.The ophthalmologist is actually an M.D.; like heart surgeons, oncologists and other medical doctors, the ophthalmologist has completed several years of medical school and has met intern and residency requirements. S/he is qualified to perform surgery on the eye. If a patient%26rsquo;s age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is of the %26ldquo;wet%26rdquo; variety %26ndash; which can be treated surgically if diagnosed early on %26ndash; the ophthalmologist is the one that will actually perform the procedure, which today involves the use of lasers.For those whose vision problems are related to the %26ldquo;dry%26rdquo; type of AMD, there is no known cure or long term treatment. However, there are low vision devices and other low vision products that can assist the patient in maximizing his/her remaining eyesight. The person who measures and fits the patient for such mechanical aids is actually an optometrist.Low-vision doctors in the field of optometry hold an O.D., or Doctor of Optometry degree rather than an M.D.; their main concern is the measurement of a patient%26rsquo;s eyesight rather than the actual diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions (the second element of the word %26ldquo;optometry%26rdquo; is from the Greek metri%26aacute;, meaning %26ldquo;measurement%26rdquo;). It is the optometrist%26rsquo;s task to determine which low-vision devices are appropriate as well as recommend low vision therapies.While an optometrist is not qualified to treat AMD directly, s/he can recommend and fit the patient for a variety of low vision products, including telescopic and microscopic lenses. In addition, s/he may suggest certain vitamins and minerals, the use of which may inhibit the progression of AMD.If you suspect that you are suffering from AMD, you%26rsquo;ll eventually be examined by both types of low-vision doctors. The first will be the optometrist, who will actually determine the nature of your low vision problem and refer you to an ophthalmologist. The ophthalmologist will then make a more exact diagnosis and determine what treatments, if any, are appropriate. Afterwards, you will return to the optometrist in order to discuss and be fitted for whatever low vision products are available and most helpful for your condition.When it comes to the effective treatment of EMD, the services of both types of low vision doctors is necessary.

Do you have vision problems

Macular degeneration is one of the vision problems that affects predominantly older adults’ ability to read and see detail. Injury to the macula can also cause similar vision impairments to macular degeneration, and some medical conditions such as diabetic retinopathy can be a factor in developing macular degeneration. What is macular degeneration, and what are the different forms that are prevalent today?The macula is a part of the retina. If the macula deteriorates or becomes injured or punctured, macular degeneration results. The macula is the central part of the retina that controls detail vision. Detail vision is used for reading, driving, and many other daily tasks. Low vision in the macula results in an increased inability to read, sew or recognize fine details. For example, you might be able to see the outline of a person’s body, but not the details of that person’s face or clothing, because the macula allows you to see those details. Since macular degeneration often affects elderly adults, it is also known as age-related macular degeneration, or ARMD. Occasionally it is a medical issue that affects young adults or children, and in this instance it is usually called macular dystrophy.There are different types of ARMD which can result in differing levels of low vision. The first symptom an ophthalmologist might notice are drusen in the macula. These are yellow deposits, which can vary in size from small to large, and that may be associated with high cholesterol. The appearance of drusen signify the beginning stages of ARMD, yet at this stage a person’s vision is still quite good. However, the appearance of drusen is one of the factors that leave a person more at risk for developing a more advanced ARMD.There is a wet form and a dry form of advanced ARMD. The wet form, known as exudative ARMD, is caused by excessive blood vessel growth beneath the retinal pigment epithelium. When the blood vessels grow too much, bleeding and leakage passes through the epithelium and through Bruch’s membrane, resulting in damage to the rods and cones in the central part of the eye. This causes low vision.The dry form of advanced ARMD is caused when the retinal pigment epithelium atrophies, resulting in damage to the rods and cones. This, too, causes vision problems in the central portion of the eye.While there is no treatment solution for dry advanced ARMD, it can in some instances be slowed by taking certain vitamin supplements like antioxidants and lutein, which are commonly found in green leafy vegetables. There are some new drugs which can help increase and improve the vision of some individuals with the wet form of ARMD. There are also low vision devices, such as glasses specifically modified for patients with ARMD, which can also provide a valuable aid to vision improvement.