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7 worst foods for eye health

7 worst foods for eye health

Nutritional choices can play a significant role in maintaining the health of organs, including the eyes. Further, due to the arrangement of vessels behind the eyes, issues with heart health can affect the eyes. So, choosing foods that are not heart-friendly and have low nutritional value can restrict the vessels from transporting vital nutrients and oxygen to the eyes. Such eating habits can degrade eye function, which may lead to problems with vision.

Foods to avoid
French fries
One often enjoys fried items at a fast food joint. But such food can be extremely unhealthy. Many batches of french fries are made using the same oil and reheated multiple times before being served. While this is cost-effective for the fast food joint, the fries undergo molecular changes, which increases the harmful fat content. These fats are known to affect the health of organs, including the heart and eyes. Further, fried foods contain free radicals that cause oxidative stress to the body and subsequently affect eye health.

Margarine
Margarine is often deemed the healthier version of butter as it is made using vegetable oils. However, margarine is rich in trans fats, which are known to increase bad cholesterol levels in the body. Elevated cholesterol levels lead to blockage in the blood vessels, resulting in a poor supply of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the eyes. Regular intake of such fatty foods may also increase the risk of eye diseases. So, one could switch to oils derived from avocados, coconuts, and olives.

Processed meats
Foods like sausages, hot dogs, and bacon are common additions to meals in households across the country. Despite how convenient they are to make, processed meats contain a high amount of fats. Eating such foods regularly may result in the buildup of plaque in macular vessels, obstructing the flow of blood to the eyes and increasing the risk of diseases like macular degeneration. Processed meats also contain high amounts of sodium that may lead to high blood pressure (hypertension). Moreover, these foods may also affect other vital regions in the body, such as the heart. So, it is imperative for one to avoid or at least limit processed food to maintain eye health.

Frozen foods
One can find a variety of frozen food like pizzas and pasta on store shelves today. These meals come in handy when one has to make meals quickly and cannot spend more than a few minutes on the preparation. However, regular intake of frozen foods might be a cause for concern. Such products contain preservatives, salts, and sugars that could worsen eye health. Further, eating a lot of processed food could increase the risk of diabetes, which contributes to vision problems.

Store-bought condiments
One may add condiments, dressing, and sauces to food prepared at home to make it tastier and more visually appealing. However, store-bought dressings and sauces contain artificial sweeteners and salts to enhance flavor and preservatives that help extend their shelf life. Such products are also rich in unhealthy fats that could lead to macular degeneration when eaten excessively. To curb this risk, one could make their own salad dressing and sauces using fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients.

Coffee
Coffee contains caffeine, which gives an energy boost to work longer hours. However, some sources link the ingredient with multiple health complications, including the ones that may develop in the eyes. Regularly choosing caffeinated beverages might increase the pressure on the eyes. Those dealing with glaucoma or ocular hypertension (OHT) may worsen their symptoms with regular caffeine intake. Further, a sudden and excessive rise in pressure may lead to temporary or permanent loss of vision. So, one should avoid or limit the intake of coffee and other caffeinated beverages and opt for herbal teas and decaf drinks.

Sweetened beverages
Sweetened beverages, like soda and sports and energy drinks, contain at least 7 to 10 tablespoons of sugar per can. While the beverages could provide an energy boost, the excessive amount of sugar in them can put one at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Both conditions can contribute to vision-related issues. Further, too much sugar may also increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration. So, one should avoid sugary beverages and foods as much as possible.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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20 useful tips to improve patient care

The quality of patient care and experience is crucial in healthcare services. It impacts the overall outcomes of treatments and plays a significant role in shaping patients’ perceptions of healthcare providers and healthcare systems. With new challenges and complexities arising in delivering care, health experts must prioritize patient care to improve treatment outcomes. It calls for strategies like boosting communication, promoting patient education, offering supportive services, fostering a positive workplace culture, and more. Establish strong patient-provider relationships Developing strong patient-provider relationships can improve patient satisfaction and trust in healthcare providers. Healthcare providers should create a welcoming and supportive environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their health, troubles, doubts, and goals. Communicate effectively Effective communication is crucial for providing quality care and improving patient experience. Healthcare providers must be trained to communicate professionally, avoid using too much healthcare jargon, and listen actively to patients to ensure they understand their needs. Prioritize patient education Patient education is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and patient experience. Therefore, it is necessary to prioritize educating patients about their health conditions, treatment options, and preventive measures to manage their condition. Encourage shared decision-making Shared decision-making involves healthcare providers and patients collaborating to make decisions on diagnosis, treatment, and care. It helps improve patient care, outcomes, and experience by ensuring patients' involvement throughout the process. Implement evidence-based practices Evidence-based practices involve using the best available evidence to guide patient care. Healthcare providers should implement evidence-based practices to ensure patients receive the most effective treatments and interventions. Foster cultural competence Cultural competence involves understanding and respecting different cultural beliefs and practices. Healthcare centers should foster cultural competence to provide patient-centered care that meets each patient's unique needs and preferences. Embrace technology Healthcare organizations should embrace technology using electronic health records, telehealth services, and patient portals to enhance care delivery and patient engagement. Streamline access to care Patients should have easy access to healthcare services when they need them. Healthcare providers should streamline access to care by providing same-day or next-day appointments, telehealth services, and online scheduling. Facilitate patient safety Patient safety is paramount in healthcare. Healthcare organizations and staff should promote patient safety by following best practices for infection control, treatment, and patient monitoring. Address health literacy Health literacy involves a patient's ability to understand and use health information. Healthcare providers should address health literacy by providing clear and concise information that is easy for patients to understand. Encourage family involvement Family involvement can significantly improve a patient’s treatment outcomes and experience. Therefore, the patient's family and friends should be encouraged to be involved in care decisions and treatment planning. Address social determinants of health Social determinants of health, such as access to healthy food, safe housing, and transportation, can impact treatment results. Healthcare providers should address social determinants of health to ensure patients receive care that addresses their unique needs. Provide access to mental health services Healthcare providers should give access to mental health services, including counseling and support groups, to help patients manage mental health conditions and improve their overall quality of life. Use patient satisfaction surveys Patient satisfaction surveys can provide valuable feedback on areas for improvement in patient care and experience. Healthcare providers should use patient satisfaction surveys to gather feedback and make necessary changes to improve care delivery. Continuously evaluate and improve Healthcare providers should regularly evaluate their strategies and treatments and make necessary changes to optimize care delivery. Emphasize preventive care Preventive care is critical for reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes. Healthcare providers should emphasize preventive care by providing screenings, vaccinations, and counseling to help patients avoid health issues before their onset. Offer supportive services Supportive services such as social work and financial and nutrition counseling can significantly improve patient care and experience. Healthcare providers should offer supportive services to help patients overcome barriers to care. Collaborate with community resources Collaborating with community resources such as local health departments, community health centers, and nonprofit organizations can help healthcare providers offer more comprehensive care to patients. In addition, they should work closely with community resources to address social determinants of health and provide patients with resources to support their well-being. Foster a positive workplace culture Healthcare providers should foster a positive workplace culture by prioritizing employee well-being, providing professional growth and development opportunities, and promoting teamwork and collaboration. Continuously train and educate staff Training and educating staff can ensure that healthcare providers stay updated with the latest research and best practices in patient care. Healthcare providers should provide training and education opportunities for staff to enhance their skills and knowledge and provide patients with the best possible care.

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