Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice.
-- Anton Chekhov
While picking up a prescription the other day, I noticed a circular on the pharmacy counter publicizing an event I thought might be of interest.
A free six-week class for senior citizens with diabetes will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Aug. 22 through Sept. 26 at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock, 4823 Woodlawn Ave., Room C236.
Topics covered include lowering blood sugar, an explanation of the A1c number, neuropathy, complications of diabetes and dietary information.
For information or to register, call (501) 978-0510 or email bvillines@phumc.com.
DIABETES AND EYES
Several years ago I had an in-depth diabetic eye exam. It was an interesting process that was more grueling than the usual "time to get new glasses" version. Since diabetes can be hard on the body, the eyes included, regular eye exams are strongly recommended.
According to the National Eye Institute (nei.nih.gov), an estimated 750,000 Americans have diabetic macular edema, a type of vision loss that is caused in part by too-high blood sugar levels. Macular edema is the buildup of fluid in the retina, the back part of the eye that allows people to see straight ahead.
Along with the obvious external problems of vision loss, it can also take a toll on emotional health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov) says that people who can't see well may choose or be required to stop driving, reading or traveling, and may also be more likely to develop depression later on.
But the good news is that if you have diabetic macular edema, working with an occupational therapist can help. A low-vision specialist is another option. They are trained and certified to aid people in finding devices and tools that will make life a little easier. And as technology continues to advance, there should be more options for people whose life has been affected by vision loss.
I found an article on the website of Everyday Health (everydayhealth.com) titled "6 gadgets that make life with diabetic macular edema easier."
Here are the six things mentioned in the article:
• Closed circuit TVs. These are cameras that project a magnified image onto a computer or television screen. Some are mounted on a stand and some are hand-held so they can be taken to the store or bank.
• Low vision sun filtered glasses. It's nice to have good lighting, but too much lighting can impede vision. Filtered lenses reduce the glare from bright light and improve our ability to discern objects from their surroundings.
• Magnifying glasses. Magnifying lenses can help us see up close, at a distance and anywhere in between. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and some are outfitted with lights. Hand-held magnifiers are portable and easy to use. Stand magnifiers can be propped up for no-hands use.
• Smartphones and smart home devices. Voice-activated personal assistants on our phones can bring up information on command, lessening the need to read from a screen. Smart home devices can perform tasks on our behalf, such as playing music, checking the weather, placing orders online or making a grocery list. And they can sync with other devices, including thermostats and electric outlets.
• E-readers. The font size and color contrast can be adjusted to what feels comfortable. Some have voice-over options that can read a book out loud, which means no audio-book subscriptions to buy.
• Head-mounted technology. Wearable products that use head-mounted magnification technology can help people see distances, faces, the television and more. With costs ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, these would be something to ask your care team about.
Email me at:
rboggs@arkansasonline.com
ActiveStyle on 08/13/2018