Think Smart When Eating Out

Let’s face it, eating out is part of our lives. We eat out because it’s easy, it’s quick, and it’s fun. This can be very challenging to people with special dietary needs such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Most restaurants today offer a “heart healthy” menu. These menus include foods that are lower in cholesterol, fat and salt, and that are higher in fiber.

If you do eat out, find ways to follow your meal plan. Choose lean cuts of meat that are grilled or broiled instead of fried. Ask your server to put your dressing on the side then dip your fork in the dressing first. You will find you will use only half of the dressing, cutting your calorie intake. Loading your salad up with bacon bits, cheese or croutons is not a wise choice. Do the same for your baked potato. Limit yourself to one roll, not two or three just because they keep refilling your bread basket.

If you take pills or insulin for diabetes, think about when and what you will eat. This will help manage your blood sugar. Enjoy eating out, but keep your food choices healthy. Visit the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org to learn more about making healthy food choices for people with diabetes.

Don't Rub Your Eyes!

You may have heard that the eyes are the windows of the soul but they can also be the entry point for disease-causing organisms into your body. Scientists say that rubbing your eyes can transfer germs from your hands into your eyes and from there they can spread through your body. They can also travel from eyes to your hands and then spread to others.

There are several reasons that people may feel the need to rub their eyes. One of the most common is allergic conjunctivitis. The itching, redness and watering associated with this are uncomfortable but your eye doctor can prescribe medication to give you relief. The discomfort associated with dryness can also lead to eye rubbing. Over the counter artificial tears can relieve symptoms but, in more severe cases, prescription medication or a simple in office procedure may be necessary. If you wear contact lenses and they bother you after some time, you need to see your eye doctor to make sure that your lenses are fitting properly and they are not causing problems.

If you are bothered with itching, burning or other problems that make you want to rub your eyes, call us to schedule an appointment. Relief can be that simple and help you to protect your eyes and your overall health.

Insurance Coverage for Your New Glasses

Did you know that insurance may pay for your new glasses? There are two different types of insurance coverage for your vision needs: Medical and Routine. Medical insurance is filed when you see the ophthalmologist for a medical condition such as diabetes or cataracts. Routine insurance is filed when you get a prescription for vision correction and/or purchase eyewear.

The medical carrier usually is not the provider for your routine coverage. If you have Anthem, Humana, or Blue Cross & Blue Shield for example, you may have routine coverage through carriers such as VSP, EyeMed or Superior Vision. The Eye Care Institute participates with all these plans and others.

If you are unsure whether you have routine coverage for vision, you can talk to your employer’s human resources or benefits department. You can also ask one of our opticians in our optical department and we will be happy to find out what benefits you may have for your eyewear.

You may not have specific benefits but may qualify for eyewear discounts. For those who do not have any coverage, we have many discount options available. The bottom line is we want to take care of your eyewear needs and provide you with the best possible vision and service.

Bring in this article and receive 20% off your next eyewear purchase.