In June 2023, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) [of the National Institutes of Health(NIH)] released a report on changes in the retina (the layer of cells lining the back wallof the inside the eye that perceives light and signals the brain so one can see) and theirrelationship to stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). As noted … Continued
This year, National Eye Institute’s Healthy Vision Month’s goal is to encourage and equip families to protect their vision together! Their aim is to highlight their Spanish content to support Spanish-speaking Hispanic/Latino families and caregivers. Spanish/English Materials The National Eye Institute (NEI) created campaign materials using a Spanish-first approach, meaning the information is written first … Continued
by Amanda Bernath May is here! And while many around the country mark the month with buzz about the end of the school year, it also holds significance as a month we take the time to address a topic that deeply impacts the lives of millions of people around the country (and world) – Mental … Continued
Editor’s note: As we begin a new year, it is important to reflect on our goals. In this post, Audrey Demmitt discusses the concept of self-care, creating a self-care plan, and how critical it is to improving health and well-being. Audrey has developed a series of five articles about self-care, the first of which is … Continued
Editor’s note: With the holidays approaching, Audrey Demmitt, R.N., and VisionAware peer, discusses managing depression during the holidays. In her post, she provides excellent tips for coping and information about treatment. The holiday season is tough on those who are struggling with depression, anxiety and stress. Let’s face it–for many of us the family gatherings, … Continued
September is Fall Prevention Month, the perfect time to talk about preventing falls if you are blind or low vision. Between 2015 to 2050, the number of people 40 years and older who are blind or low vision will double (Varma, 2016). This statistic means the number of older people with vision loss will rise … Continued
Social isolation and loneliness are major concerns for older people in general but have particular significance for older people who are blind or low vision, as detailed in a recent article on VisionAware. What Do We Mean by Social Isolation and Loneliness? Social isolation has two components: physical and social. It occurs when people are … Continued
By Kim Ladd, RN, BS, CPHQ, CDCES Editor’s Note: Spring into action! Help manage your diabetes with healthy eating and exercise! Kim Ladd will be offering a live webinar on diabetes, healthy eating, and exercise on March 23, 2022. Check below for a link to registration. Spring is a wonderful time to start a new … Continued
by Kim Ladd, RN, BS, CPHQ, CDCES Editor’s note: Please join us for our upcoming webinar on Resources for Managing Medications with Low or No Vision, January 19, 2022 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. eastern. Please register. ACVREP credit will be offered. Effectively Managing Medications If you have a chronic disease, like diabetes, effectively managing … Continued
by Melanie Peskoe, VisionAware Peer Advisor My Experience with Healthcare A few times in my life when I’ve visited a healthcare facility or doctor’s office, I’ve been met with a less-than-ideal reception. It might start with the person at the front desk who asks me if I have someone with me to help. Sometimes I have someone with me … Continued