Four Important Elements of a Good Rounded Fitness Training Routine Part I
A good rounded fitness training routine includes four elements which are:
• Aerobic fitness
• Muscular fitness
• Flexibility
• Stability and balance
In part I of this series I will discuss aerobic fitness.
You might be very much into the commitment of fitness and just looking to optimize your results. Or you might have just begun your journey (which is where I am now) to improved health and you want to establish a rounded fitness training routine. Regardless of which category you fit into it is important to base your exercise goals upon these four primary elements of a well rounded fitness training routine.
Aerobic fitness includes any kind of activity you do, from taking a simple walk down a lovely, scenic path to mowing grass and tending flowers in your flower garden. All aerobic activities require oxygen. Regular aerobic fitness exercise increases your body’s ability to use oxygen. How well your body uses oxygen is called your “aerobic capacity.” Your goal for good health and long life is to keep your aerobic capacity high. An aerobic capacity in high gear delivers large amounts of oxygen throughout your body efficiently through your heart, lungs and blood vessels.
In addition to keeping your major life sustaining organs working properly aerobic exercise helps you in daily activities. Suppose you suddenly need to run to your car in an unexpected rain shower just as you stepped out from one of your favorite department stores or worse yet, right out of the beauty salon. A high aerobic capacity will allow you to rise to this unexpected challenge without leaving you all out of breath. Your joints and bones will also rise to the occasion and help to transport you safely and quickly to your car.
The key to achieving aerobic capacity is to find fitness training activities that you enjoy and can do regularly. I just recently took out a membership in our local YMCA. Thus far, I am still on the treadmill at a moderate speed and duration. I noticed, however, this past Sunday, there was a jazzercise class going on. I thought how wonderful, I might try that later on as I gain more and more aerobic capacity to do so. They were really taking some high steps and they were not all the younger generation either. Many were as me, from the baby boomer generation.
In the gym I also saw one of my old male classmates from 6th grade. I was sorry to see he had let his hair turn grey! However, I suppose in a way, men do look more distinguished with grey hair.
I am keeping my grey hairs covered at the moment! This is not actually a source of pride, I feel, but just a style I feel best in at the moment. We need to continue throughout our lives to do the little things that raise our self esteem.
This is another area I continually have to work on since growing up among a traditional sect of Pentecostal people. For the most part, I have endured more scorning, condemnation and judgments from this tribe of people than any other I have ever been associated with.
I do not believe it is the Good Lord’s plan to position tribes or sects of people in this world to continually look out onto others with scorn, condemnation and judgments. I am forever finding ways to set myself apart from those types of sins and unrighteousness. I now call myself just one of God’s elect. I claim no other religious affiliation.
However, it seems this certain tribe or sect of people feel like they can put on a dress, never put the scissors to their hair, never bother with the slightest type of make-up to enhance their appearance, and then proceed to scorn, judge and or condemn, use their tongue in all kinds of unkind words of malice toward others, and then leave that person to suffer with the consequences of all that, while they go on about their merry way, with their long dresses and long hair swaying in the wind.
I find myself saying, God forgive them, for they seem to know not what they do to others with that type of behavior. I get back up off the ground or out of the corner where these people have pushed me and proceed to try and live a quiet, healthy life. Every opportunity I find, I do something good to those that do evil to me. Another scripture that comes to my mind at this moment is where it is says: “it is better for a man to live on the housetop than to live inside the house with a brawling woman.” Thus, is an example of a traditional Pentecostal woman……. At least in the tribe and sect of people I have been associated with.
At any rate, back to another important part of life is gaining a high aerobic capacity. You need not ever limit yourself to a single activity, such as running or walking. Add variety to increase your motivation to stay active. Try some simple dance classes such as the jazzercise.
Continued in: “Four Important Elements of a Good Rounded Fitness Training Routine Part II.”
Source: Mayo Clinic (2005)
Disclaimer: *The information in this article is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about specific medical concerns and especially before beginning any type of exercise routine. The statements in this article has not been evaluated by the Food and Health Administration and not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem.
Author: Connie Limon. Please visit our collection of Nutrition and Health articles at nutritionandhealthhub.com Articles are available for FREE reprint to your newsletter, website or blog. Please sign up for our weekly nutrition and health tips.
This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. This article was written 2-2007.
Author: Connie Limon. Please visit our collection of Nutrition and Health articles at nutritionandhealthhub.com nutritionandhealthhub.com Articles are available for FREE reprint to your newsletter, website or blog. Please sign up for our weekly nutrition and health tips.
Why You Need Vitamin B5
Almost every type of food you eat contains some level of vitamin B5 or panthothenic acid. The conversion of fats into carbohydrates is assisted by vitamin B5. Since most foods already have some level of B5, every person should have no trouble getting a sufficient daily amount of B5. However, you shouldn’t take the benefits of B5 for granted just because it is easy to take in through your diet.
Both animal foods and vegetables contain B5 although the amount will vary depending on the food item. Organ mast, salmon, beans, eggs, whole grains and milk have the highest concentrations of B5 of all food items. However, processed whole grains loose some of their B5 content so they may not provide adequate levels of B5.
The benefits of vitamin B5 is increased when you take it along with thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine and biotin. Every basic part of the bodies function such as the food to energy conversion process, also known as the Kreb’s cycle, is assisted by vitamin B5.
You don’t have to worry about looking for vitamin B5 in your foods or finding foods that are particularly rich in B5 since you can find it in most of the foods you eat. You also have no need to worry about over consuming B5 since there are no signs that there are bad effects from an over consumption of B5 daily requirements.
Tony Jacowski is the writer of vitaminsdiary.com/vitamin-b5.htm Why You Need Vitamin B5. He also writes on vitaminsdiary.com/blog/ vitamins diary and nutritionatoz.com/ nutrition.
Dentist New York – Your Resort To The Perfect Smile
Any condition if not taken care of in time can lead to many complicated conditions. Dental problems are one of such conditions that can make your condition really severe if not taken care of properly and in time. We all know that dentists are professionals who are ready to help out any individuals who may be suffering from dental conditions. Everyone is blessed with natural healthy teeth; in fact most people need to undergo certain dental procedures to correct the dental defects that they may be facing. For a resident of New York, dentist in New York is the ideal professional who can help you tackle this condition. Dentists are professionals who have all the expertise to help in having strong and healthy teeth.
You must understand that dental defects are of two types and this is why there are two types of dentists as well. First, you have restorative dentists who treat any dental condition that can cause pain to a person. That is not all; restorative dentists also restore any condition that may have caused harm to an individual. So if you are suffering from missing teeth or tooth you do not have to worry about this. A restorative dentistry procedure called dental implant can be used by your dentist to correct the condition. So, it no longer matters if you have missing teeth due to any reason like old age, accident or any other. Most of the conditions can be corrected by a dentist since there have been many innovations in the field of dentistry.
Braces are another dental device that can be used for correcting certain dental conditions. If your teeth are not aligned properly, your dentist would advise you to put braces to set the alignment proper. Now, there are two types of braces one is the metal brace and the other is transparent or invisible braces. Metal braces look very awkward and is not comfortable to war on the teeth. So, these days it is very common for people to use invisible braces. Of course, it goes without saying that you must consult your dentist properly before you use any type of braces to align your teeth properly.
Certain other dental problems like whitening of teeth are handled by a cosmetic dentistry. In cosmetic dentistry, the task of a dentist is to help you in perfecting your smile so that your beautiful looks are not marred by any defect which you may have in your teeth. There are several withering methods that can be used for withering the stain on teeth of a patient. In this case also, it is important that you consult with a cosmetic dentist properly before you undergo the procedure of teeth whitening or any other cosmetic dentistry procedure. Any minor problem which you may encounter in your smile can be perfected without any hassles if you get hold of a good dentist.
The field of dentistry has evolved a lot since the olden days. Earlier, all people used to associate with a dentist were pain. These days it is no longer so and almost all dental defects can be corrected without too much of a problem.
Erzana Jones has special interest in dentistry and health related topics.She has been working for Manhattan dental SPA since the last 3 years.For more information about Manhattan Dental SPA,invisible braces, manhattandentalspa.com/services.html dentist New York or any kind of dental emergency visit manhattandentalspa.com manhattandentalspa.com
Faith In Medicine
“Does Medicine Deserve Your Faith?”
This is a question asked by Robert Morley in the Philadelphia Trumpet. * He says that with the health care options we have today, the health care community believes people are living longer, healthier lives. But maybe you are wondering if this is true, because people are being medicated for almost every condition you can think of. As conditions are identified, the drug companies develop a drug, and salesmen leave samples in doctor’s offices for patients to try.
“Americans pay an estimated 2 ½ times more per person than in the country with the next-most-expensive health care.”** Also, our life expectancy in the United States is lower than in countries in Western Europe.
Modern Medicine is Still Evolving
Doctors have their patients’ best interests and good health at heart. However many are over worked and so busy that it is difficult to devote much time to patients. So maybe it would be better for people to ask themselves what they can do at home before taking a trip to the doctor’s office. Hopefully the average person can tell the difference between a condition which can be cured with time such as the common cold and which truly needs medical intervention. Common sense should prevail always. Only making a visit to the doctor when absolutely necessary will spare that person unnecessary expense and the chance of being treated traditionally or experimentally with undesirable results.
It is important for individuals to understand that medicine is not always an exact science. In cases where treatment has been established and proven we can feel confident in our treatment. But in cases where the doctor expresses doubt, but is willing to prescribe a drug, it is nothing short of trial and error. The faith that people have in modern medicine is observed by their willingness to take drugs that have serious side effects. Morley goes on to quote Dr. David Eddy (Business Week, May 29, 2006), “What is required is an ‘evidence-based medicine’ revolution.”
Bottom Line’s online Daily Health News of October 2006 asks “Can you really expect all those who make money from our illnesses to always have our best interests at heart? After all, when we get better, they stop making money!”*** More and more medical practitioners are giving credence to alternative medicine and vitamin and mineral supplements. They realize that conventional medicine does not have all the answers.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Modern medicine does not have all the answers and individuals need to be proactive regarding their own health. Start to take charge of your health by learning what you can. Work with your doctor and live a healthy lifestyle. Take nutritional supplements and anti-aging products to fill in the gaps left by processed foods and a hectic schedule. Exercise to improve your physical condition, but seek a doctor’s approval if you have been sedentary a long while.
Learn the difference between conditions requiring a doctor’s intervention and a temporary feeling of malaise. Educate yourself on basic first aid and get updated CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) training so you will recognize an emergency and be able to help until qualified medical responders are on the scene.
When you take these steps you will begin to be empowered to make good decisions about your health. You will begin to look and feel better as your bodily functions improve. Make it a priority and you will be rewarded with a sense of well-being and better health.
* Morley, Robert,” Does Medicine Deserve Your Faith?”, Philadelphia Trumpet, October, 2006, P.22.
** Ibid.
*** Bottom Line, Daily Health News, “Myths, Lies, and Medicine”, October 2006, p.1-17.
After learning the hard way that modern medicine does not have all the answers, the owner of
Stopping Anxiety Disorders
Franklin D. Roosevelt did once say that, “There is nothing to fear, but fear itself”, and while application of this famous line is universal, it holds especially true for stopping anxiety disorders. There are many ways towards stopping anxiety disorders. Depending on the type of the disorder, medications like anti-depressants can be prescribed and combined with cognitive therapy for stopping anxiety disorders.
However, medication is not always standard operating procedure and sometimes, just cognitive and behavioral therapy can be used for stopping anxiety disorders. There are also rather unorthodox and non traditional means of stopping anxiety disorders and that is through alternative medicine and healing techniques. Yet another means for stopping anxiety disorders is through self help methods.
Although, digging deeper into the last method, one will find that self help is essential to any other method of stopping anxiety disorders. After all, no one can truly be cured unless there is personal initiative as well as the commitment to help one’s self. For instance if you use medication and some therapy as a means of stopping anxiety disorders, this method may not last without the individual helping himself.
A lot of cases of treatment of anxiety disorders have gone in and out of remission, proving that most cases can be a chronic illness. Stopping anxiety disorders then entail more than just mere symptomatic relief. Because anxiety disorders can be debilitating and recurring, an important first step in helping conquer the battle is by fostering an environment and situation where there is no shame in admitting and having treatment for anxiety disorders.
Many people still are afraid to come out with the idea that they may be suffering from anxiety disorder. This means they remain undiagnosed and untreated. In the meantime, they continue to live a life with greatly compromised quality. They are unable to partake or normal activities and roles because of abnormal prevalence of fear that directly influences their behavior.
The debilitating fear is labeled as irrational because often, individuals are aware that they are being illogical in their fear and yet they cannot take control of it. There are also instances where some anxiety disorders afflict individuals in such a way that they do not have anything in particular to fear but they feel and are controlled by fear anyway.
Stopping anxiety disorders can seem complex because of this and the truth is, it actually is. The patient will have to go under cognitive and behavior therapy where he or she will have to examine and reflect on their cognitive patterns. Constant reviewing and understanding ones thoughts and where they stem from will be able to help one control one’s emotions and the behavior merited by such emotions. It is important to understand that the process of cognitive therapy may take a while.
After all, a lifetime of conditioning is basically what a patient will have to deal with so that he or she can move on, better equipped to handle situations and emotions without having to be subjected to an anxiety disorder.
Another important point to remember is that it has been found that anxiety disorders can be chronic and may recur even after a long time of remission. This does not in any way mean that you have failed to heal yourself through therapy in the past. This only means that people who have suffered from anxiety disorders need to stay vigilant and continue the process of therapy to ensure no more recurrences.
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Enlarged Prostate – The Consequences and Possible Repercussions
For a lay man a prostate gland can be simply described as a walnut. This part is found in males only and is responsive for the production and release of white cells found in semen which are the basic source of reproduction. This part of the male body is prone to malfunction in males as they grow older.
The prostate gland secretes a fluid that is discharged with sperm. The gland itself surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out through the tip of the penis. As the prostate grows larger, it may press on the urethra. This narrowing of the urethra can cause some men with prostate enlargement to have trouble with urination. Prostate enlargement may be the most common health problem in men older than 60 years
Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate:
Signs and symptoms vary from person to person with only about half of men with prostate enlargement experiencing any difficulties. Signs and symptoms can include, difficulty with starting to urinate, difficulty maintaining a constant flow of urine, dribbling at the end of urination, feeling you need to urinate frequently, increasing need to urinate during the night, urgency to urinate, not being able to empty your bladder completely, urinary tract infections, blood in your urine.
Many studies have been conducted in order to uncover the root cause and risk factors of enlarged prostate but so far, researchers are unable to determine any. The only observable explanation is man’s ageing process and the changes brought about by it.
Testosterone and estrogen hormones balance cell growth. Recent studies conducted on animals showed hormonal imbalance such as decreased level of testosterone can leave an increased level of estrogen in the prostate gland, which can trigger cell growth. As the level of testosterone continue to decrease, cell growth is likely to be observed. Decrease of testosterone level usually happens as man ages, which might be a proof of enlarged prostate.
Precautions Regarding Enlarged Prostate:
It order to have the awareness of enlarged prostate of one’s body, it is advised that men should have an annual check-up and undergo several tests and examinations done by doctors. Proper preparation is better than waiting for further complications brought about by enlarged prostate.
Prostate enlargement has various treatment approaches from drug therapy to herbal supplements, to surgery and to many other alternative ways of curing the condition.
There are two types of medication that help to control the symptoms of an enlarged prostate; they are alpha blockers and finasteride Proscar, Propecia. Alpha blockers are effective in about 75% of men. They work by relaxing the muscles at the neck of the bladder making urination easier. The FDA has approved three types: doxazosin Cardura; tamsulosin Flomax and terazosin Hytrin.
You can also find more info on
What is Appendicitis?
In the U.S. 1 in 15 people suffer from the appendicitis. This disease can appear at any age; it is rare at children under age 2 and common between ages 10 and 30. The appendicitis may be defined as an inflammation of the appendix, which is a 3 1/2-inch-long tube of tissue that enlarges from the large intestine.It is known that people can live without appendix.
A prompt surgery for removing the appendix can be considered as a medical emergency. An inflamed appendix will burst or perforate if it is left untreated. Some infections materials from the abdominal cavity can lead to peritonitis.The peritonitis can be fatal unless it is treated quickly with strong antibiotics. The pus-filled abscess forms outside the inflamed appendix.
The infection can be stopped from spreading by the “walls off” the appendix from the rest of the abdomen. All appendicitis treated as emergencies requiring surgery. When the appendix is blocked by a stool, foreign body or cancer appendicitis occurs.
The usual symptoms of appendicitis are: dull pain near the navel or the upper abdomen and it becomes sharp as it moves to the lower right abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting soon after abdominal pain begins, abdominal swelling, fever of 99 grades F to 102 grades F and inability to pass gas. Other symptoms which may appear are: dull or sharp pain anywhere in the upper or lower abdomen, back or rectum, painful urination, vomiting that precedes the abdominal pain, severe cramps and constipation or diarrhea with gas.
To avoid the appearance of an inflamed appendix any pain remedies like: antacids, laxatives or heating pads should be exclude. Appendicitis symptoms can be tricky because are frequently vague or extremely similar with Crohn’s disease, gastritis, intestinal infection and ovary problems. To give a precise diagnosis the following tests are used: abdominal exam to detect inflammation, urine test to rule out a urinary tract infection, rectal exam, blood test to see if the body is fighting infection and CT scans or ultrasound.
The standard treatment for appendicitis is the surgery to remove the appendix named appendectomy. If the appendix has formed an abscess two procedures can exist: one to drain the abscess of pus and fluid and the other one to remove the appendix. Before an appendectomy to fight possible peritonitis the patient receives antibiotics. When the appendix is removed through a 4-inch incision or laparoscopy general anesthesia is required. The abdomen is irrigated and drained of pus in case of peritonitis.
The patient can get up and move around after 12 hours of surgery and also can return to normal activities in 2 or 3 weeks. When the surgery is done with laparoscope the incision is smaller and recovery is faster. Sometimes after an appendectomy patients may present: uncontrolled vomiting, increased pain in the abdomen, feeling of faintness, blood in the vomit or urine, increased pain and redness in the incision, fever and pus in the wound.
Appendicitis is less common in people who eat foods high in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately the appendicitis cannot prevent.
For more information about
Texas Agricultural Workers May Be At A Higher Risk For Brain Cancer
Brain cancer risks increase with heavy exposure to pesticides, recent reports say. That’s troubling news for states with large agricultural industries, like Texas, which not only employs millions of legal and illegal workers every year, but also has over 25% of its population going without health insurance.
French researcher, Dr. Isabelle Baldi, and colleagues from the University of Bordeaux compared 221 adult brain cancer patients with 442 similarly-profiled members of the general population without cancer. The study found that “agricultural workers with the highest level of exposure to pesticides (are) twice as likely to be diagnosed with brain cancer as those with no occupational pesticide exposure.”
Baldi’s study focused on France’s famous Bordeaux region, which has one of the highest brain cancer rates in the world. Though she could not release specifics on which pesticides were used, the region, with its substantial vineyards, uses large quantities of fungicides.
According to an article released in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, gliomas, a type of tumor associated with brain cancer, are three times as likely to occur in exposed workers as those with no pesticide work exposure.
The study was also the first to produce statistically relevant data suggesting that those who treated their houseplants with pesticides were at a higher risk for brain cancer as well. Again, the cancer risk was approximately double, as compared with those who never used pesticides. Baldi warned that further research was needed to confirm this link, as no controls were in place for pesticide levels and reporting biases.
Previous research from other scholars found that pesticide exposure among farmers was linked with adverse effects on the brain, including Parkinson’s disease.
All this only fuels the debate over organic, versus conventionally-grown foods, which is as hot a topic in Texas as anywhere else in the country. Recent reports that the average conventional crop is 13% lower in nutrient content than the same crop produced a few decades ago, also seems to add to the stack of evidence in favor of organic systems.
No one in Texas is immune to the risks these products pose. The state already experiences 13 fatal injuries for every 100,000 agricultural workers, which is twice the rate of all workers in Texas. Chronic diseases and cancer, however, may take years to develop. Considering that agricultural pesticide use has skyrocketed over the last several decades, the prevalence of brain cancer — and that of other brain disorders linked with these pesticides — may skyrocket in years to come. Such a surge has the potential to cripple an already perilously strained state healthcare system, especially when one-quarter of all residents are uninsured. And, if Baldi’s preliminary findings on the cancer risk associated with household pesticide use proves correct, then everyone, including residents of cities like Dallas, Houston, and Austin, is in danger.
Just the ripple effect in the healthcare system alone may be cause for alarm. If an already strained system administers the necessary, expensive, and time-consuming treatments for uninsured patients with brain cancer, along with treating the rest of the state — with its usual high rates of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and other cancers — then those in need of care throughout the state will feel the effects of limited resources. There are only so many doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to go around; there’s only so much public funding. Longer waiting periods alone for those with such serious diseases could prove deadly. And, unfortunately, this year has been a pivotal one for proving the ineffectiveness of our public system; the Commonwealth Fund confirmed only last month that lack of health insurance is linked with poorer quality of care in the United States.
So what do we do? Limit unnecessary pesticide use, first of all, whether you’re a farmer, agricultural worker, or a green-thumbed city dweller. Look for alternatives, which are easily found in natural gardening and health food stores. Write pesticide companies and your Congressional representatives; state your concerns and let them know that serous investigations at this point are necessary. Information is the greatest chance we have of protecting ourselves and our children. Though Baldi’s study was performed in France, many of the same, or similar, pesticides are used in several countries, including our own. If we figure out and cut off the dangers now, we may literally be able to save thousands, or even millions, of lives.
Being concerned about environmental toxins is just one part of taking care of your health. How you take care of yourself will certainly affect you as you age, and eventually your wallet, as well. If you’re a young individual who tries to keep informed and maintain a healthy condition and lifestyle, you should take a look at the revolutionary, comprehensive and highly-affordable individual health insurance solutions created by Precedent specifically for you. Visit our website, www.precedent.com, for more information. We offer a unique and innovative suite of individual health insurance solutions, including highly-competitive HSA-qualified plans, and an unparalleled “real time” application and acceptance experience.
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MSM Combats Seasonal Allergies And Hay Fever In A Big Way
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) affects more than 25 million Americans each year and current studies indicate the problem of seasonal allergies is on the rise.
Numerous clinical observations and case studies have led researchers to propose that methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) may help to significantly reduce the symptoms of SAR.
In a study conducted in 2002, fifty people with chronic SAR, completed a study. They consumed 2600 mg of MSM per day. As part of the study, respiratory symptoms, energy levels and immune and inflammatory reactions were measured. All of the participants noted remarkable improvement and tests performed on the individuals in the study measured and confirmed that the use of the supplement MSM had made a physically distinctive rectification of SAR symptoms.
The results of the study suggest that MSM supplementation of 2600 mg per day for 30 days may help reduce the symptoms of SAR; additionally few side effects are associated with the use of MSM.
(information obtained for this article was found in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Feb.2003, Vol. 9, No. 1: 15-16)
A PERSONAL NOTE: I have used MSM as a supplement regimen for 10 years. I have been a chronic hay fever sufferer all of my life, and I discovered that using MSM stopped the runny itchy eyes and scratchy throat during the hay fever season. I still sneeze but the more irritating side effects of hay fever have been chiefly eliminated.
For more information on MSM and other supplements go to freshproductsandideas.com
Tom Bay has been in the health and nutritional supplement business for over 10 years. Mr. Bay has a rich knowledge of health and nutritional issues and would like to hear from you with any questions regarding nutritional supplements. You can visit us at freshproductsandideas.com freshproductsandideas.com
Your Must-Know Guide To Discount Contact Lenses
Sales of contact lenses are regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the FTC (Federal Trade Commission.) Always buy from a reputable company; you can buy discount contact lenses without a prescription, but then the company is selling you a prescription device as if it were an over-the-counter device, in violation of FTC regulations – selling you lenses without having a valid prescription from you. The choice of which lens is right for you should be based only on an examination by your eye doctor or eye care professional, not over the phone.
There are many kinds of contact lenses available: novelty, colored, crazy, Halloween, special effects, theatrical, costume, scary, glow in the dark, wild eyes, mirrored, black, white, red and many others. Before you buy contact lenses from anyone other than your eye care professional, it pays to become a wise consumer first.
In some models, both lenses correct for near and distance vision and in others, one lens is for near vision, and the other is for distance. Extra thin soft lenses are on the market for very sensitive people. The length of continuous lens wear depends on the type and your doctor’s evaluation of your tolerance for overnight wear.
If you plan to wear lenses for more than 18 hours a day for the purpose of eye color change, then buy colored soft lenses. It is important for your eyes to have a rest, without lenses, for at least one night following each scheduled removal. And bifocal correction is possible with both soft and rigid lenses.
Soft lenses are much easier to adjust and are much more comfortable than rigid lenses, because they conform to the eye and absorb and hold water. Newer soft lens materials include silicone-hydrogels so as to provide more oxygen to your eyes. Also there are also a few rigid gas-permeable lenses that are designed and approved for overnight wear. Rigid gas-permeable contact lenses are more durable, resistant to deposit buildup, and generally give clearer, crisper vision.
When you place your order for contact lenses, request the manufacturer’s written patient information for your contact lenses; it will give you important risk and benefit information as well as instructions for use. Buy your contact lenses from a supplier that you’re familiar with and know is reliable or has name familiarity. When you receive your order, if you think you’ve received incorrect contact lenses, check with your doctor or eye care professional right away; don’t accept substitutions unless your eye care professional approves it.
Make sure you have a current, valid prescription when you order your contact lenses. Compare prices – get quotes from two, three or more online and offline suppliers. Before you buy online, check to see if there are any testimonials on the online supplier’s website.
Carefully check to make sure the company gives you the exact brand and specifications you ordered, the name of the lens, the power, sphere, cylinder, if any, axis, if any, diameter base curve, and peripheral curves, if any. Wherever you buy, shop for quality and value and don’t forget you want to do what is best for the health of your eye. Rebates may be available from the seller or from the manufacturer, for first-time contact lens wearers and for individuals who buy lenses and also get an eye exam.
Don’t wear lenses any longer than they’re prescribed for, nor when sleeping unless you are otherwise directed to. Under the binding down of a rigid contact lens during sleep, the flow of tears and oxygen to the cornea is reduced; lack of oxygen leaves the eye vulnerable to serious infection. One sight-threatening concern is the infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis, which is caused by improper care of the lenses; this difficult-to-treat parasitic infection’s symptoms are similar to those of corneal ulcers.
Microorganisms may be present in distilled water, so always use commercial sterile saline solutions if you plan to use enzyme tablets in water for any disinfection. Daily-wear lenses are removed each day for cleaning and are a safer choice, provided they aren’t worn during sleep. Be careful about extended-wear rigid lenses because they can cause unexpected, undesirable, reshaping of the cornea.
If you lead an active lifestyle, contact lenses can provide you with almost natural vision. No matter which lenses your doctor prescribes, be sure to ask for oral and written instructions and follow them carefully. It is becoming easier and easier to shop online and often the shipping is free.
For more information on color contact lenses and where to buy VisionNurse.com discount contact lenses visit VisionNurse.com VisionNurse.com Helen Hecker R.N.’s popular website which offers tips, advice and resources, including information on LASIK eye surgery, sunglasses, eyeglasses and VisionNurse.com affordable quality contact lenses