Inside Press

by Ronni Diamondstein

Jackie O was on to something with her oversized sunglasses, and it was much more than glamour and impeccable style. Sunglasses are not only a hot fashion accessory but they are an investment in your health. There are many benefits from wearing sunglasses for people of all ages, all year round.

“Sunglasses are essential for the health of the eyes because they protect the eyes from the harmful UV(ultraviolet) rays from the sun, which are known to cause skin cancer, and many conditions of the eye such as cataracts, macular degeneration and abnormal growths,” says Christine M. Kim, Director of Optometric Services at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx. Macular degeneration is the degeneration of the macula, an area of the retina (the seeing part of the eye) that allows for clear central vision. “It is more common in aged populations and wearing sunglasses can help to prevent it,” she says.

Dr. Chris Gentile, an optometrist and owner of Eye Gallery of Chappaqua says that sunglasses also ease the sun glare from entering your eyes. “Sunglasses should definitely be worn year round because UV rays are in the atmosphere 365 days a year, even on cloudy days!” While most people think of wearing them to the pool or beach, they are just as important to wear in winter months because the sun is lower on the horizon and sun rays get reflected off the snow and ice causing glare.
Dr. Kim recommends purchasing a good quality pair of sunglasses from a reputable company because an inexpensive pair can do more damage than good. “An inexpensive pair may say it has UVA/UVB protection, but it may not. Your pupils dilate behind the dark lenses and may allow more harmful UV rays to enter the eye,” she says. “Also an inexpensive pair may have distortions in the lenses that can make blur your vision and create eye strain or fatigue.”

While style generally doesn’t make a difference in protection, it’s important to be sure that the glasses you choose protect you from UVA and UVB rays. Larger frames give more coverage around the eye area offering more protection, as do wraparounds. However, for those who need prescription lenses larger frames and wraparounds create distortions, so Dr. Kim recommends having your optometrist or optician help you select the right frame for you. “Polarized lenses are the best way to go for on the beach or water,” says Dr. Gentile. “They are a higher quality lens which reduces glare more efficiently especially from flat surfaces such as pools, the ocean, or the road.”

Wear your sunglasses in the best of health and know that while you are making a fashion statement you are also taking good care of yourself. Dr. Gentile stresses the need to wear sunglasses as much as possible and adds, “Kids need to wear them too. Good eye care and protection can never start too early!”

Ronni Diamondstein writes the Maggie Mae Pup Reporter column for Inside Chappaqua.

By Adam Pliskow, MSPT and Maria Carmela de Luna DPT, ATC

Do you find walking or moving difficult for you first thing in the morning? Do your knees hurt after sitting down too long? You’re not alone. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic condition that can affect any joint in the body but especially the knees, hips, spine, and hands. Osteoarthritis is the breakdown or “wear and tear” of the cartilage in our joints. Cartilage is a protective layer that covers bones to allow them to move smoothly over another and absorbs the shock of movement.
OA is considered a condition related to aging but there are contributing factors that can increase your chances of developing osteoarthritis. These factors include, but are limited to, being over weight, having weak or tight muscles, overuse at work or with sports, and previous injury to the joint.

Commonly related symptoms of OA include:
•Pain and stiffness in the morning or after long periods of sitting/standing
•Crunching feeling or sound as bones rub against one another
•Swelling
•Limited motion in the joint

Benefits of Low Impact Activities
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult with your doctor to determine whether you have osteoarthritis and how it should be treated. Most people will seek conservative treatment with a physical therapist to learn about the condition and initiate an exercise program. This exercise prescription should be designed to promote joint health and functional movement.

Swimming, bike riding, stretching and straight leg raises and other low impact exercises that can improve your quality of life. For more info on osteoarthritis and other forms of arthritis, visit the Arthritis Foundation website at www.arthritis.org or call us for a consultation at 914-488-5540.

Adam Pliskow, PT, MSPT, co-owner/founder of New Castle Physical Therapy and Personal Training, and his associate, Maria Carmela de Luna, DPT, ATC are both highly skilled providers of unparalleled physical therapy and sports rehabilitation services.

By Jodi Levine, BA, MS

We are all aware of the importance of physical activity in our lives. Inactivity has been proven to be an important factor leading to obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and many other diseases. But still, kids are less active than they have ever been, and the obesity rates in children are soaring. Recent studies suggest one in five children is overweight.

It is much easier to help your child develop a healthy habit early than to try to break an unhealthy habit later on. Studies have shown that children who take part in quality preschool movement education programs early on, develop a foundation that leads to physical activity going forward.
A child who participates in a developmentally sound preschool gymnastics/ movement education program will be rewarded with many benefits. The motor skills introduced , worked on and improved in such classes will later be applied to any physical activity or sport.

These classes provide the opportunity for a child to engage in every type of movement without pressure or score keeping. Each child works toward their personal best while having tons of fun improving their balance, strength, flexibility, focus and coordination…..the foundation for all sports and physical activities.

When kids are having fun, and improving their motor skills, they are more likely to continue to engage in and seek out other physical activities. When a child feels confident, strong, flexible, balanced, and coordinated, there will be no struggle for them to continue moving. An early positive, non competitive experience that allows children to develop skills at their own pace will make them much more likely to continue to be active.

Of course, in addition to classes, there is no better role model for kids than active parents. Be sure that some of your time together is healthy active time… ride a bike, climb a hill, take a swim, jump rope, play hopscotch, have a game of tag, play freeze dance, create an obstacle course, or just walk the dog. An early start to fitness is a gift for a lifetime!

Jodi Rosenwasser Levine BA, MS, is the founder and owner of Jodi’s Gym and a leader and innovator off children’s fitness programs since 1982.