(ARA) – Do you use computers daily at work or at home? If so, you may be suffering from computer vision syndrome and not even know it.

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), this syndrome leaves people vulnerable to problems like dry eye, eyestrain, neck and/or backache, light sensitivity and fatigue. These symptoms can result from individual visual problems, poor work station configuration and improper work habits. According to the AOA, working at a computer requires a great deal of eye movement and eye focusing. The constant re-focusing effort stresses the eye muscle, leading to computer-related vision problems. It can have a great impact on individuals’ comfort and productivity, whether they are at work, school or home.

Computer users can follow these guidelines to prevent or reduce eye and vision problems associated with computer vision syndrome:
* Have your vision checked regularly. Before the age of 60, adults should have comprehensive eye exams every two years, or as recommended by an eye doctor (yearly at age 61).
* Limit the amount of time you continuously use the computer. Practicing the 20/20 rule (look away from the computer every 20 minutes for 20 seconds) will minimize the development of eye-focusing problems and eye irritation caused by infrequent blinking.
* Check the height and arrangement of the computer. Optometrists suggest more comfortable computer viewing can be achieved when the eyes are looking downward. Optimally, the computer screen should be 15 to 20 degrees below eye level (about 4 or 5 inches) as measured from the center of the screen and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes.
* Check for glare on the computer screen. Windows or other light sources should not be directly visible when sitting in front of the monitor. When this occurs, turn the desk or computer to prevent glare on the screen. Viewing a computer screen is different than reading a printed page, reminds the AOA. Often the letters on the computer screen are not as precise or sharply defined, the level of contrast of the letters to the background is reduced, and the presence of glare and reflections on the screen may make viewing difficult.

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(ARA) – For sheer learning potential, the brain of a child surpasses any man-made super computer.

Researchers and child development experts agree there are a number of ways parents can help children make the most of their natural brainpower. Mental and physical exercises, as well as brain-enhancing nutrition, can aid parents in nurturing their children’s natural abilities. Parents should keep some important things in mind when choosing activities and foods to help build children’s brainpower.

Mental Exercises
Reading is a powerful, brain-boosting tool for children of all ages. In fact, the nonprofit literacy organization, Reading is Fundamental, cites reading aloud as “the best way to prepare children for learning to read and to keep them reading as they learn and grow.” To promote reading as mental exercise, parents can:
* Read to children early and often. According to research by the U.S. Department of Education, children who are read to frequently will be almost twice as likely to show advanced skills associated with emerging literacy than children who are not.
* Continue to read aloud with your children through grade school. As children begin to learn to read, share the reading aloud tasks with them by having them repeat a page after you’ve read it or alternate reading a page with them.

Physical Exercises
Playing equals learning for children. The connection between physical, emotional and mental health is well documented. With childhood obesity rates on the rise, it is more important than ever for parents to encourage children in all types of play, especially those that emphasize physical activity.

Nutrition
Nutrition is directly linked to physical health and mental performance. Studies have shown that children with poor nutritional habits do not perform as well in school as their better-nourished peers. To promote good nutrition, parents should:
* Lead by example. The best way to teach children good nutritional habits is to follow them yourself in your home.
* Make sure children get the recommended daily allowance of brain-building “good fats” – like Omega 3 and DHA. Both are essential for proper brain development, especially in toddlers and pre-schoolers.

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""The way to get things done is not to mind who gets the credit for doing them."

- Benjamin Jowett

Dear Flabby,
I'm pregnant, can i exercise and how much or often?

Julia M - New York

Dear Julia,
Exercising when you're pregnant can help you achieve better posture, less back pain, less stress, better digestion, more energy, fewer complications and an easier delivery and less "postpartum belly." It can also prevent or control gestational diabetes. Be sure to consult with your OB/GYN about what exercises are appropriate and at what intensity, as the rules do change somewhat for pregnant women. If you were already active before becoming pregnant, you should be able to continue, within reason. If you are new to exercise, be sure to start slowly and do not overdo.

( send your question to Dear Flabby: info@prosnack.com )

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