Wednesday, October 09, 2013

Tips for Avoiding Computer Eye Strain


The majority of people today in offices spend a great deal of their time in front of the computer screen. Once people get home from work, they tend to fire up the home computer and use it for personal reasons. All this computer use leaves a lot of people experiencing what the American Optometric Association refers to as “computer vision syndrome.” The good news is that there are preventative measures that can be taken to help keep the problems to a minimum.

“We can’t avoid spending a lot of time in front of computer screens, these days. It’s become a part of our everyday lives,” explains Dr. Edward Kondrot, founder of the Healing The Eye & Wellness Center. “But the same type of stress can also come from watching television, reading, or doing anything that places a long-term strain on our eyes. It is important to do things to help avoid the problem and to keep us from feeling the symptoms.”

Computer vision syndrome has a range of symptoms that include headaches, blurred and double vision, inability to focus, eyestrain, neck and shoulder pain, and watery or dry eyes. It can be caused from spending a prolonged period of time putting strain on the eye. Here are some tips for helping to prevent computer vision syndrome:

  • Vitamins and minerals. Considering that the eyes have one of the highest energy requirements in the body, it is important that they get proper amounts of vitamins and minerals. Dr. Kondrot recommends that people use Vision Saver Formula, manufactured by Nutritional Research, which offers key antioxidants and ingredients that will help improve the health of the eye and reduce eyestrain.
  • Homeopathy.  Speak with a practitioner to find a level of therapy that will work for your individual circumstances. One of the most common homeopathic remedies to treat eye strain is Ruta Graveolens. This remedy can greatly reduce the symptoms of eye strain during prolonged computer use.
  • Blinking. To help keep the eyes from becoming dry, try to blink often. This will help to keep the eye surface moist and prevent it from drying out. Try opening and closing your eyes in a slower motion, giving your eye more time to become moistened.
  • Palming. Close your eyes and gently rest the heels of your hands on your cheekbones, covering your eyes with your palms. Imagine and visualize blackness. At the same time, feel your breathing.  Breathe deeply, slowly, and evenly, through your nose. The slower you breathe, the better.
  • Increase the light. Not having a light on when you are using the computer (or television) can put more of a strain on your eyes. Be sure to put a light on, to help reduce the strain.
  • Check the position. The position of your computer can add to your eye strain. It is important that it is positioned a good distance away, around 20-28 inches from the eye, and that there are no glares on it. Re-position your computer to provide maximum eye comfort.
  • Take breaks. Even while on the job, it is important to give your eyes a break when using the computer. Ideally, aim for a 15-minute computer break every two hours, and look away from the computer screen for 20 seconds at least every 20 minutes.

“These are all small steps, on their own, but doing them will add up to helping prevent your eyes from straining,” adds Dr. Kondrot. “The more we can do to prevent problems with our eyes, the better. We need to take proper care of them, just as we do other parts of our body.”

Dr. Kondrot is the author of three best-selling books, including “10 Essentials to Save Your Sight” (Advantage Media Group, July 2012), and president of the Arizona Homeopathic and Integrative Medical Association. He has founded the Healing The Eye & Wellness Center, located just north of Tampa, Fla., which offers alternative and homeopathic routes to vision therapies known as the “Kondrot Program.” The program focuses on such conditions as macular degeneration, glaucoma, dry eye, cataracts, and others. His advanced programs have helped people from around the world restore their vision. The center sits on 50 acres of land and features a 14,000-square-foot state-of-the art complex, an organic ranch, jogging trails, swimming pool, hot tub, and more. For more information, visit the site at www.healingtheeye.com.

About Health The Eye & Wellness Center

The Healing The Eye & Wellness Center is located 30 miles north of Tampa, in Dade City, Fla. Founded by Dr. Edward Kondrot, the Center offers world-class alternative therapies for vision conditions, including color and vision therapy, the treatment of glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, dry eye, and more. The center also offers a variety of seminars, webinars, and training sessions for others in the medical community. Dr. Kondrot is the world’s only board-certified ophthalmologist and board-certified homeopathic physician. He is also author of three best-selling books in the field. For more information, visit the site at www.healingtheeye.com.



Tuesday, October 08, 2013

Where do the Animals Go When it Rains?


By Angelene Heileson

Where do animals go when it rains? Author Janet Crown and co-authors Henry, Jack and Sloan Peterson (her children) answer this question in a delightful children's book.  With fun, vibrant art work by Daron Rosenberg, children's imaginations are opened up to discover where to animals really go when it rains.  Where Do Animals go When it Rains? is the first book in a series of four children's books.

Janet Crown is the youngest of seven children and herself now has five children.  From her experiences growing up, trying to get her parents attention, she vowed to always allow her children special one on one time with her.  She did this at night time with each of her kids.  Before bed Janet and her children would make up imaginative and creative stories that usually involved animals.  These stories and rhymes that she and her children came up with has now resulted in the book Where do the Animals go when it Rains?

Janet Crown says, "The book was created with my kids as a bedtime story based on their curiosities about animals what happens to them during certain weather conditions.  I wanted the illustrations to be comforting, fun, engaging while inviting questions and thought."


I read this to my younger children and I really enjoyed how simple the idea of the story was but how it also got them thinking and wondering where do animals go when it rains?  We really loved the simple but bright and elegant pictures.   After I read it, my 2-year-old enjoyed just looking at the pictures again by herself.  The font through out the book is in different sizes and colors which helps add visual variety to the book.  The rhyming in the story is cute and easy enough for all kids to follow.

I am a believer in reading to my children and really enjoy stories that captivate them but also get them thinking. Janet is donating profits from the sale of this book to a charity. I really love how all proceeds go to benefit other children and their families.  I encourage anyone who wants to spend time with a child reading to pick up a copy of this book.  Not only will it strengthen you and your child but will also help another child in need.  

About Janet Crown

Janet has been a life-long philanthropist who has always believed that anyone can give back at any age.  Janet is involved in several leading non-profit organizations.  She has all profits of Where Do Animals Go When it Rains? to The Painted Turtle where she is a founding member.  The Painted Turtle is a a camp where children with chronic or life threatening medical conditions can attend free of charge for them and their families.

Janet also is a member of the board of Directors for The Every Child Foundation; a member of the ISE advisory Board of the Rand Corporation; a member of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Committee for UNICEF; a Board Member of the Lollipop Theater Network.  Janet is currently the President of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce in Brentwood, California.  Janet Crown is also the founder and owner of Brentwood, California's Burn 60, the west sides premiere boutique fitness studio.