Good Health, Weight Control and Exercise

By Michael J. Dodd, MD

Maryland Eye Associates

. http://marylandeyeassociates.com

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Good Health, Weight Control and Exercise

This may seem to be an unlikely topic of an eye doctor to author, but maintaining good health habits is good for the eyes as will as the entire body.

We all are born with a set of genes that we carry through our lives. We cannot changes these genes (yet) or their impact on our health. But we can control everything else about our health. However, it is easy to fall into bad habits as we mature.

For example, as teens we are exposed to people who have little concern for their own health and may have a negative impact on others.

The classic example is cigarette smoking. Peer pressure to smoke can be intense and many young people succumb to the temptation.

The urge to be cool can overcome any element of common sense to avoid damaging one's health. It is obvious today how dreadfully unhealthy smoking is; yet adults chose to continue smoking and young adults continue to try this addicting habit.

How does smoking affect your eyes? Studies have demonstrated that smoking increases the risk of macular degeneration by a factor of six. Macular degeneration is a blinding condition and those who do not smoke are less likely to go blind from this condition.

Another health problem today is obesity. When born none of us were overweight. We all have to eat, but clearly we do not have to eat to the point of gluttony.

A large percent of Americans are overweight, which is a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. In addition, carrying around excessive weight increases the likelihood of joint damage to the hips and knees.

Because of obesity and poor eating habits, diabetes is growing to near epidemic proportions. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness. It can cause retinal and vitreous hemorrhages, which are difficult to treat.

Remember, obesity is not a normal condition. To avoid obesity and all its health problems, drastic dietary changes may be required to return to a normal healthy weight. In addition, a moderate exercise program is very helpful.

Having a regular exercise program is a simple, healthy way to lose weight and maintain good health. It requires perseverance and determination, but the pay off is worth it.

Exercise will allow most people to maintain good health through their adult life and into the senior years. And it can be essentially free.

A pair of walking shoes and a sweat suit is all it takes to start walking and work up to jogging. Joining a health club or gym is even better because it is easier to work out with other people around doing the same thing.

Maintaining good health is not that complicated. Quit smoking, lose weight and start an exercise program and stick to it. People who maintain good health also maintain good eye health. Do it.