Alzheimer's disease and eye exams

Happy Friday everyone! It is currently cold and freezing rain, so a far cry from the 60 degree temps we enjoyed on Thursday. Such is life in the mid-west.

I have been aware of this for the last couple of years but an article hit USA Today on January 6th so I thought it would be good to discuss it briefly. First, just a little basic anatomy.  The retina is a direct extension of your brain. It is not an exaggeration to say we are looking at your brain when we look into your eye at the back of the eye where the retina is. It is obviously much easier and less expensive to look into the eye than look at your brain via an MRI or PET scan which can cost thousands of dollars.

Research is being done with a retinal scanning device called an OCT that would be able to pick up early changes in the retina consistent with the plaques that form in the brain with Alzheimer's disease. Imagine being able to run a simple, inexpensive (a couple hundred dollars) scan and determine if there is disease.

My personal opinion on this is that we will see this technology available in the years to come. We have a state of the art OCT at the office already and I would imagine it would be a software upgrade to the unit to run these scans. Time will tell of course, but I continue to be amazed at what we are able to see by looking into our patients eyes.


Dr. Jason

Diet and Age Related Macular Degeneration

Happy New Year! It is the start of a new year and people are making their resolutions and reflecting on the past year. One of the common resolutions I hear is to be healthier by exercising more and eating better. The British Journal of Ophthalmology published a study on dietary choices and the development of eye disease. The study was published in December 2019.  The eye disease studied was age related macular degeneration, AMD for short. In my world we have known that diet is a risk factor for years, and talk to patients daily about it. The study showed that the standard american diet, SAD for short, was linked to increase risk in development of AMD.

I think we all understand that better lifestyle choices can help prevent cardiovascular disease and protect your heart. This study shows that we should also be eating well to protect our vision as we age and prevent blindness.

Dr. Jason

LeLa

Everyone... meet Lela

Lela began working with us in August 2019.  She is part of our front desk team.  She will be there to greet you with a smile while you   check in or out.  

Lela has provided us with a little bit of info to help us get to know her on her 

:Employee Spotlight Blog:

Enjoy the info, followed by some random 'This or That' questions

About me:

Although we moved around a lot before I was in first grade, I have called Knoxville my home for over 44 years.  I attended North Star Elementary in 1st grade, East in 3rd and the rest of my education was at Knoxville Regular Baptist School.  

I enjoy baking (which is apparent), reading and watching movies.  My favorite time is Countdown to Christmas on the Hallmark channel. 

My husband and I have been married for 23 years (although, we both jokingly say that it feels like it has been 75-100).  Both of our immediate families live in the area or close by which is very helpful for holidays and get together's.  I love our annual Girls' Day that I spend with my sisters, sister-in-law, mother and nieces.  There just seems to never be enough time in that day for us to do or talk about everything that we want. 

I began working here at the end of August and am in the area of Patient Care, so I will either see you when you check in or as you check out.  Bear with me as I try to put names with faces.  I look forward to assisting you when you come in or if you happen to call the office.  

                                                    *THIS OR THAT*

                                    sweet or salty : I have a terrible sweet tooth!

                              horror or comedy: Comedy

                              beach or mountains: Mountains (not much for                                                                                              warmth)

                              ninja or pirate: Pirate

                              spring or fall: Fall

                              tacos or burger: Burger

                              cat or dog: Dogs (puppies, especially)

                              truth or dare: Truth

                              vintage or modern: Vintage

Eye Drops

Dr. Jason giving a few tips and tricks of how to properly insert eye drops.

7/18 ECO

Deanna giving us a little bit of info on our new frame line .ECO. 

🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳

5.25.18

Dr. Jason discussing cornea ulcers.  Have a happy, safe, long weekend all!

2.16.2018

Dr. Jason with his video blog--> contact lens online clubs.  Please contact our office if you have any questions!

::Anita

Employee Spotlight*

Up Next....

.Anita.

Hello all, the time has come for our next spotlight.  You know the drill.. I'm going to fill you guys up with some 'get to know info' on one of our office employees😉

Anita is a patient technician here at EHS.  Patients will see her before seeing the Doctor's. She runs several tests on patients to prep them for their exam or visit.

She has been an employee at the office for 17 years.  She has done a little bit of everything.. from optical, answering the phone,ordering the pharmaceutical products to contact lens insertion.  

Now she does just focuses on technician work and helps fill in when and wherever is needed.  

She considers herself the office's Physical Plant. She waters flowers/plants, knocks down cobwebs, kills bugs and maintains all of the instruments in the office --

"If something needs fixed, I'm the one"

Here are a few of the questions that I asked Anita..

-What do you like to do in your spare time?

I would love to go to Kansas City every week to see my granddaughter but that isn't possible. I enjoy skyping with her. She is such a joy! Being with family is a high priority! 

I love being outside, planting flowers, gardening,  mowing, keeping my yard up nice. I have several flower beds I take care of. They are a lot of work but I totally enjoy them.

I like to go too garage sales. Nothing is better than finding that great bargain that you can't live without!

We also like to go fishing, and to the sprint car races.

- Are you afraid of anything, if so, what is it?

I am afraid of a mouse! I can kill a snake a spider but a little mouse I can not  handle. I get anxiety just thinking about it. 

-Do you recall an embarassing moments at work?

Yes, but we won't go there!

-Name your favorite band...

I don't have any certain  one, I like the older country songs! George , Reba, Clint, Garth, , Tim McGraw. The band I still remember  would be my first concert-The Beach boys we went to there concert at the Iowa State Fair and we were standing right by the stage. Unforgettable concert! 

-List 3 things to describe yourself...

Not sure about this, people have told me that I am Crafty, Polite, Independent

Welp, there you have it.  I hope everyone enjoyed learning a little bit more about Anita!  Until the next time.. take care and I hope everyone has a nice, safe long weekend.

Martha Martha Martha

Employee Spotlight ↕↕

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Martha

Next up.. Martha Martha Martha😏

Martha is one of the first faces you will see when you enter the office.  She has been with EHS for 7 years and her title is Patient Care Coordinator.  Her tasks include:  scheduling, answering the phone, putting together daily charts and a multitude of other things to help keep the office running smoothly.  

She has been married to her husband, Rick, for 37 years.  She has 3 children, 4 grand children and 2 great-grandchildren.  She also has 4 golden retrievers who are all a special part of her family.  

Martha has kindly answered the questions that I have asked.. 

So here goes nothin' ..

• What are some of your hobbies?..

           -   I love chunky rings and doing my nails a few times a week, nothing too fancy, just trying to keep it fun and spending time with our spoiled dogs.

• What is your favorite part about working at EHS?..

             -  I enjoy greeting the patients, challenging myself to try to call everyone by name... I don't always get that right!  I really love the way we

        all interact, and are friends... It's nice to have awesome bosses and co-workers.

• Do you have a favorite band?..

             -   I like contemporary Christian music and I also like Country Music... Garth Brooks, Reba, Vince Gill, Diamond Rio, Brooks & Dunn... I guess those are the "oldies".  

• What is the best vacation that you have been on?.. 

            -  Best vacations... it's hard to list just one.  While we haven't been on many the stand outs were the two cruises in 2008 and 2010... What fun.

         Going to Colorado with my parents, siblings and their spouses for a week was a hoot, and I can't forget to mention a few trips
         to Florida with a great group of internet friends, and staying at one's beach house in St. Pete Beach!  

• Last but not least... what is one thing that you cannot resist?..

             - I LOVE DARK CHOCOLATE!

 I hope everyone enjoyed getting to know a little bit more about Martha. I hope you all have a safe, enjoyable weekend.  Until the next time.. 

Intern

Hey Hey Hey!! Hope everyone had a fantastic 4th of July and you're all staying cool in this warm, July weather.  If you have been into the office recently, you noticed there is a new face around.  Joe, has joined our staff to be a summer intern.  We thought we would provide you guys a little bit of a 'spotlight' on Joe and actually, he blogged it himself.. nice work!

Hello everyone,

My name is Joe Jahner.  I am an optometry student and currently working at EHS as a summer intern for 2017.   I have graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Biology from Iowa State University and have successfully completed my first year of optometry school.  I am enrolled in the College of Optometry at the University of Missouri, in St. Louis.  I am set to graduate in 2020.  I have not decided if I want to specialize in any particular field yet; however, if I do, it will be in ocular pathology.  I am planning on returning to Iowa after graduation to either work in a private practice or a corporate practice.  I was asked a few questions to provide you guys with a little 'get to know Joe' ..  so here it is--- 

What is your favorite summertime activity and do you have a favorite season?

My favorite summertime activity would have to be exercising outside; however, if I had to choose which season is my favorite, I would say the Fall.  The weather is a bit more forgiving when compared to Summer or Winter in Iowa.  

What did you want to be growing up?

I actually did not even consider Optometry as a profession until my sophomore year at ISU. While attending high school at KHS, I wanted to pursue engineering, either mechanical or chemical, as a profession.

If you could only eat 3 different food items for a whole year, what would they 

be?

I believe in that situation, I could live off of pizza, hamburgers and Doritos.

Employee Spotlight ↕↕

::Deanna::

Hey ya'll!  Happy Friday!  It's perfect weather out there today!  And we're back at it here in the office -->  the time has come again for the next Employee Spotlight!

Deanna is the lucky one selected this week.  Deanna has been an EHS team member for 13 years, coming up this fall.  As always, a few questions were asked/answered.  I hope everyone enjoys getting to know a little more information about our employees!  So here we go...

•  What is your favorite part about being an EHS employee?  I love working with people.  Seeing new faces every day and helping them pick out the perfect pair of frames is so fun and challenging.  My coworkers and bosses are the best, so coming to work every day is easy!  

• Best vacation you've taken? After college I took a trip to London, England with friends and it was a blast!  I love history, castles, and great pubs!  

• People would be surprised if they knew... I grew up on a farm. My parents have a popcorn business called Grubb's Premium Popping Corn.  It's grown right on our Century farm and sold in many local stores and supermarkets.  It's delicious!  

• What is one thing you cannot resist? Singing to EVERY SONG on the radio, even if I don't know the song. I just have to sing every chance I get! ♪♪

• Favorite type of cuisine? Sushi!
  
  

  

Very interesting!  I hope everyone had a chance to enjoy a light, afternoon read!  Have a safe weekend and enjoy this perfect weather!  Until next time...

Protective Eye Wear 

Protecting your eyes from the sun is vital to maintaining the health of your eyes.  The sun gives off energy in the form of ultraviolet (UV) rays.  UV radiation is harmful to our eyes and it may increase the risk of developing cataracts and growths on the eye, including cancer.  Here are some tips that can help keep your eyes healthy.  

• Use sunglasses that block both UV-A and UV-B rays.  These are labeled either “100% UV protection” or “UV400”.  

• Choose large, wrap-around styles of sunglasses for full protection.

• Wear wide-brimmed hats.  This will not only protect your eyes, but it will also protect your scalp and face.

• Protect your children - kids need sunglasses with superior UV protection as well.  

• Wear sunglasses even on overcast days. Clouds do not block UV light.  

Remember, just as you need to use sunscreen to protect your skin, your eyes need proper protection as well.

Lydia*

⭐Employee Spotlight⭐

:Lydia:

Hey, hey all!  The time has come for our newest, latest post... and the lucky winner is, 

LYDIA! 🙋

Lydia is part of the front desk team here at EHS.  She has been with us for almost ✴6 years✶ coming up in August 2017.  She is very helpful throughout the office.  She also helps out as a technician/scribe; when needed and is starting a new journey, of learning the insurance world.  Best of luck to her, for that is a field of constant change!

After selecting Lydia to be the 'chosen one'.. she knew what came next.. QUESTIONS?? 😆

I decided to take it easy on her, so here are her responses...

• What is your favorite season and why?

L:  My favorite season is a toss up between spring and fall.  I love when everything comes back to life outside and getting to be outdoors and garden.  I also love fall as its a little less of a busy time and enjoy watching football and hunting, etc.

• Tell me, what is your biggest pet peeve...

L:  When people are unorganized/procrastinate

• 3 words to describe yourself:

L:  Honest, caring, type A 😀

• Where are you from/ Where is your hometown?

L:  Husband and I are from a small town in Northeast Missouri-we moved to Bussey about 6 years ago.

• What do you like most about working at EHS?

L:  It's hard to name just 1 thing I like about working at EHS. From day 1, I have felt like part of the team and we're like a family here.  Also, I never realized before working here how much your eyes can tell about your overall health-It's amazing helping patients not only with their vision but with their systemic health as well.

• Do you have any hobbies/ What do you like to do in your free time?

L:  Ha...free time...what is that!?!!?!?  We stay busy with our 2 boys-Barrett who is 4 1/2 and Hoyt is 7 months.  My husband and I love the outdoors so any activities-hunting, fishing, gardening, etc-we enjoy doing as a family.  

I hope everyone enjoyed learning a little bit about Lydia.  We are happy to have her as part of our team!  Until next time..  Happy Wednesday!