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Entry bubble Save Your Vision Week

By: Joanne | March 03, 2009 | Category: Health

eye chart and eye glassesI know that good vision is something I take for granted, but it really is a precious gift. This week is Save Your Vision Week, a time to think about what you need to do to protect your vision.

I recently had my annual eye exam along with a glaucoma test. I always have a glaucoma test because my dad had glaucoma, so I’m thought to be at a higher risk. The bad thing about glaucoma is that it makes you blind – the good news is that there are medications that can stall its progression, so the sooner you catch it the better.

For the test, the doctor used drops to dilate my eyes, which made everything look blurry for the rest of the afternoon. The tricky thing was that I needed to get back to work and when I sat down, I realized that I couldn’t see the words on my computer screen. “Hmmmm,” I thought to myself, “now I’m in the shoes of our visitors with low vision.” At USA.gov we’ve got tools that allow our visitors to change the font size and once I made it bigger I was able to see the site. I was also able to use my browser tools to enlarge the text on other websites. I’m glad that these kinds of tricks and tools are available and that we design so that people with low or no vision can access the site. My temporary disability reinforced the importance of doing that.

So remember that conditions like macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and glaucoma can creep up on you and regular eye exams will help to protect your vision. Other advice is to eat a healthy diet, wear sunglasses with UV (ultraviolet) protection, and use protective eyewear when your eyes are at risk for injury.

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Entry bubble Children's Dental Health Month

By: Joanne | February 24, 2009 | Category: Health

young boy brushing his teethAt my daughter’s first dentist visit, the hygienist remarked, “She doesn’t drink much soda, does she?” My first reaction was shock, and I wondered if the average 3 year old drinks so much soda that the dental hygienist can see it on their teeth? For the record: they can.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a friendly reminder to help your kids learn the importance of taking care of their teeth. The American Dental Association sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to promote the importance of good oral health beginning at a young age.

As a parent, it’s my job to make sure my kids are brushing, flossing, have regular checkups and are eating healthy snacks. Regular visits with the dentist can help you prevent problems in the future. Treatments like fluoride, sealants or even braces can help keep your kid’s teeth healthy and strong. Would you believe that my daughter got braces on when she was 7? I was so surprised I almost fell out of my chair when the dentist told me it was time.

My kids are comfortable at the dentist. A lot of credit goes to our dentist and his staff, who are always gentle and concerned about our comfort, but I do what I can to put them at ease too. The equipment and bright lights and strangers with face masks can be frightening. I schedule our appointments together and then I go first so they can see exactly what happens and how comfortable I am. I think it also helps that there’s a basket of little toys for the kids when we finish the appointment. What are your good ideas to help kids love taking care of their teeth?

| Post a Comment | View Comments [4] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: brush   child   children   dental   dentist   floss   joanne   kids   teeth  

 

Entry bubble National Donor Day

By: Joanne | February 10, 2009 | Category: Health

organ donor card

February 14 isn’t just Valentine’s Day, it’s also National Donor Day.

The fact is that there are over 100,000 people waiting for donor organs right now, and sadly, about 19 people die each day waiting for transplants that can't take place because there isn’t a donor organ available for them.  Most of us are potential donors – there is no age restriction and very few people are excluded because of pre-existing conditions.

I registered to be an organ donor while renewing my driver’s license years ago. All I had to do was to check a box while I was filling out a form and it was done. I know it’s a hard decision for some people, but for me it was a no-brainer. If I’m not using my organs any more and someone else can use them, then I’m happy to share.

So on the day of love, give the gift of life. What can you do?

| Post a Comment | View Comments [7] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: blood   donation   donor   joanne   organ   tissue  

 

Entry bubble Free Publications for You!

By: Joanne | January 27, 2009 | Category: General

protect your move

Times are tough, and we’ve got some great, free, consumer publications to help you get along and make smart choices in your life. Check out the free packages below, and don’t forget that we have many, many more free or low cost publications on a variety of consumer topics.

  • Guide to Taking Medicine – Anyone who regularly takes prescription drugs can tell you that it’s hard to keep all the side effects and drug interactions straight. This free package can help you make sure your medications are working their best.
  • Money Tips for All Ages – You might be going through difficult financial times, but now is the perfect time to start practicing financial habits that will serve you well no matter your age or the state of the economy.
  • Fraud Protection for Seniors – As much as I hate to even think it’s true, there are fraudsters out there that prey on the elderly. It’s tough to recognize an investment that sounds reasonable and legitimate but is actually a con. This free package will help you learn to make sound investment decision.
  • Caring for Sports Injuries – Spring is on it’s way and soon we’ll be spending more active time outside.  Learn how to recognize injuries and how to heal faster once they happen.
  • Menopause and Your Bones – Just yesterday I was lamenting to a friend that I don’t do enough weight-bearing exercise to keep my (aging) bones healthy and hopefully avoid osteoporosis down the road.  Learn how to take care of your bones during menopause, as well as how to manage osteoporosis and back pain.
  • Investing Basics – Whether you’re 25 or 55, you should be saving money for your future. Get started saving and set financial goals with this free kit.
  • Moving 101 – Moving? Order this free package to get tips on finding and choosing the right mover.

| Post a Comment | View Comments [1] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: consumer   free   joanne   pamphlet   publications   pueblo  

 

Entry bubble A Night of Music and Celebration

By: Joanne | January 20, 2009 | Category: General

Cantigas singing at Inaugural Ball at the Organization of American StatesLast night my colleague Laura Godfrey, a Bilingual Web Content Manager for GobiernoUSA.gov, attended the Latino Inaugural Ball. Here's her report...

The Organization of American States (OAS) is used to opening the doors of its magnificent building to dignitaries and celebrities. But last night was a first. The OAS hosted The 2009 Latino Inaugural Celebration to honor grass roots organizations that worked tirelessly to encourage Hispanics to exercise their civil right to vote. And vote they did, 10 million of them. For me, last night was also a first, I was there for two very important reasons: to sing with Cantigas, my choir, during the opening reception; and to cover the event for GobiernoUSA/USA.gov. It was also the first Presidential Inaugural Gala I attended in my life. What a rush!

I didn’t have to brave the cold weather, or long lines at the Metro, instead, several members of Cantigas carpooled and got to park at the OAS. That was a definite plus.  Inside, as people arrived I could see the excitement and the celebratory spirit of the group as I scrambled to take some pictures before we went on stage. After the opening reception around the majestic fountain of the lobby we were moved upstairs for speeches and entertainment. The MCs were Univision anchor and host of “Aquí y Ahora” Teresa Rodriguez, and radio El Zol host of “Pedro Biaggi en la mañana” Pedro Blaggi. Don Francisco and Gerardo Rivera were also on hand to talk to attendees and pose for pictures, but did not deliver any speeches.

Henry Cisneros, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Clinton, was loudly cheered and applauded when he took the stage. He was there to thank the work of so many volunteers that delivered the record number of Hispanic votes. The crowd chanted: Sí, podemos and Sí al cambio (Yes, we can; and Yes to change).

As the event went on, I had one recurring thought: Unity. A short but very powerful word. What an amazing feeling to see people from so many different countries and backgrounds (not all were Hispanics) come together for a common purpose.

But the account of the evening would not be complete without some very important facts. The official drink of the Gala was “PiscObama” (derived from the famous Peruvian drink Pisco Sour). A young Obama made an appearance and I took a picture with him (well, he is not really Obama, but take a look). And yes, my feet hurt to the point of numbness.  But was it worth it? You bet!!!

I've posted my video of the event on YouTube.

Barack Obama look alike with Laura and a friend at the Organization of American States Inaugural Ball

| Post a Comment | View Comments [0] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: american   biden   cantigas   inaugural   joanne   laura   oas   obama   organization   president   states  

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