6 THE QUEENS COURIER • HEALTH • OCTOBER 2, 2014 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com health Creating the perfect sleep environment Everyone, including moms and doctors, can agree that a good night of sleep is necessary for good health, high energy, and an individual’s overall well-being. Not getting enough good sleep - or rapid eye movement sleep - can affect the mind and body’s ability to react appropriately to outside factors, the National Sleep Foundation reports. Creating the perfect sleep environment is the fi rst step toward ensuring a good night of sleep. March, the fi rst month of spring, is also National Sleep Awareness Month, and it aims to remind everyone why a good night of zzz’s is so important. One in four adults in the United States experience occasional sleepiness, diffi culty falling asleep, or waking up feeling un-refreshed at least a few times per week, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Fortunately, you can implement these tips this spring, and create a comfortable sleeping environment in your home for both you and your family. • Eliminate distractions - Electronics. Noises. Lights. Many items, such as laptops, TVs and cellphones, commonly found in bedrooms can cause distractions and prevent a person from entering REM sleep. Remove these items from the room. Also, consider running a fan or white noise machine to create a soft sound barrier, which will help muffl e unexpected sounds like a person fl ushing the toilet or an engine rumbling loudly on the street outside. • Establish comfort - Creating a sleep-conducive environment is an important factor in making the most out of every minute you sleep. Cuddle up each night with soft linens and create a calming atmosphere in the bedroom. It will help lull you right into bed. • Be routine - The human body reacts favorably to familiar and repeated movements. So consider following a routine every night, whether it’s taking a warm bath, reading a chapter in a book or journaling. The National Sleep Foundation advises against watching TV or using electronics as part of this routine because electronics can hinder quality sleep. • Stay active - Sleep is needed to give the body energy to get through its daily activities. Conversely, daily activities are needed to tire the body out for a good night of sleep. Consider adding physical activities into your daily schedule so you can settle into bed between the covers each night, tired and ready for a good night of sleep. Nobody enjoys walking around in a mental fog or having no energy during the day, so be sure to create the perfect sleep environment in your home for you and your family this spring. It will help you get the most out of every minute of your zzz’s. Courtesy BPT Allergies? Or Could it be Dry Eye, a Medical Condition? By Robin Frank Dry, scratchy, irritated eyes? These symptoms, which affect millions of Americans, can put a damper on summer fun. Getting to the root cause of eye discomfort is the first step in receiving the proper treatment to get relief, according to Andrew Gewirtz, M.D., an ophthalmologist at North Shore Queens Eye Medicine in Little Neck. The cause isn’t always what people think. Many who believe they have allergies may actually have a medical condition called dry eye, which can range from mild to severe, according to Dr. Gewirtz. “There are various causes of dry eyes, and some medications can make the condition worse,” he says. “Antihistamines, used to treat allergies, exacerbate dry eye, which makes the correct diagnosis all the more important.” Dry eye is one of the most common reasons for a visit to the ophthalmologist, affecting an estimated 20 million Americans. It can have a major impact on quality of life. S y m p - toms can vary depending on the patient, often masquerading as allergy symptoms. P e o p l e with dry eye may experience a stinging or burning sensation; excessive tearing or mucous discharge; eyes that are easily irritated; a scratchy, gritty feeling or the sensation that there is something in one’s eye; sensitivity to light; difficulty wearing contact lenses; and blurred vision. To make the diagnosis, doctors begin by obtaining a thorough medical history, which includes any medications a patient may be taking. In addition to the medical history and a patient’s symptoms, Dr. Gewirtz uses the TearLab system, a quick, painless test to help diagnose dry eye disease and monitor progress once treatment begins. North Shore Queens Eye Medicine is an acc r e d i t e d T e a r L a b Dry Eye Center. The condition occurs when the eyes do not produce the right quantity or quality of tears. The disease is more common as we get older and affects more women than men, especially after a woman reaches menopause. People who have certain medical conditions are also more susceptible to developing dry eyes. “It’s important for people to receive the correct diagnosis sooner rather than later,” said Dr. Gewirtz. “The tear film nourishes and protects the surface of the eye. When this is compromised, it can lead to damage to the eye. There is an increased risk of infection and even visual impairment if severe dry eye goes untreated over an extended period of time.” In mild cases, addressing environmental factors often provides relief. Hot, dry and windy climates; excessive sun exposure; central heating; air conditioning; cigarette smoke; and air pollution have been linked to an exacerbation of dry eye. Increasing humidity in one’s environment and staying away from cigarette smoke can help. Stopping certain medications such as antihistamines or diuretics may also alleviate symptoms. Artificial tears, gels and ointments are also used to treat dry eye. Prescription medications are available for more severe cases. When over-the-counter or prescription eye drops fail to provide relief, a treatment called lacrimal plugs often relieves symptoms. The plugs are tiny devices inserted into the tear ducts to increase the tear film and surface moisture. Anyone who would like more information on dry eye or wishes to make an appointment with Dr. Gewirtz is invited to call 718-225-5656.
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