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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

I never thought of myself as an addict, but I did end up addicted to anti-anxiety medication after developing Generalized Anxiety Disorder. At some point, the medicine stopped being a way to deal with the nervousness and panic attacks, and became something my body craved. I knew that I needed help fast. Fortunately, a local drug rehab program includes support for people like me. They helped me wean off the medication, use methods like massage therapy to help my nerves heal, and even provided ongoing counseling for our family. I don't know how I would have made it without their help. If you suspect that your medication has crossed the line from being helpful to hurtful, take heart. Let me tell you about my journey out of addiction and back to wholeness.

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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

5 Tips For Preventing Glaucoma

by Valerie Stevens

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that damages the optic nerve in your eye. While it is more common in older adults, anyone can develop glaucoma. If glaucoma progresses far enough, it can cause permanent blindness. The thought of developing this eye disease is scary, so it is very important to take extra good care of your eyes. Here are five helpful tips for preventing glaucoma:

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise will not just keep your body in good shape; it is also beneficial for your eyes. Physical activity can lower the elevated intraocular pressure and prevent damage to your optic nerve. Whether you choose to jog, dance, swim, or bike, aim to exercise at least three days a week. If you make the effort to stay physically fit, you will not be as likely to get diagnosed with glaucoma in the future.

Wear Protective Eyewear

If your eyes get injured while you are playing a sport or doing a home improvement project, you can increase your risk of developing glaucoma. Putting protective eyewear on beforehand will protect your eyes from any damage.

Keep Your Insulin Levels Under Control

If you are a diabetic, you have an increase chance of developing glaucoma. This is because high insulin levels increase eye pressure. You can keep your insulin at a safe level by taking your medicine as prescribed and limit sugars and simple carbohydrates.

Lower Your Stress

If you have a lot of stress in your life, you can elevate your eye pressure. Make an effort to fight stress to keep your eyes in good health. There are several methods and exercises that are known to lower stress, such as yoga, meditation and deep breathing.

Eat Dark Leafy Vegetables

Including dark leafy vegetables in your diet is important for preventing glaucoma. They contain the nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin, which are effective at lowering the risk of glaucoma and other eye diseases. Try to eat spinach, kale, and collard greens as often as you can to receive the benefits.

You do not have to end up with glaucoma. If you follow these helpful tips, you can dramatically lower your chances of developing this eye disease. Also, remember to visit an eye doctor, such as Jo Johnson, M.D., every year for an eye exam. He or she can check for early signs of glaucoma and other eyes disease. If glaucoma is found early, it is a lot easier to treat.

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