Question: I'm concerned about developing glaucoma due to my family history. Are there any dietary measures or other steps I can take to reduce my risk of developing that disease? Also, I know you can measure blood pressure and blood sugar levels at home. Is there a device to measure eye pressure at home, an indicator of glaucoma?
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Answer: A study reported by an organization called Research to Prevent Blindness, in its 2007 Annual Report, notes, "In a study of women aged 65 and older, Research to Prevent Blindness investigators found that higher intake of carrots, collard greens or kale, and canned or dried peaches (which are rich in vitamins A, B2 and C, respectively) may be associated with a decreased risk of glaucoma. The authors noted that the exact mechanism by which fruits, vegetables and antioxidants may affect glaucoma is not yet understood."
Of course, maintaining good health, by diet, exercise, weight control, stress control, adequate sleep, and all the rest will decrease your risk of glaucoma. That's because glaucoma is more likely in those with certain chronic diseases such as diabetes.
On your second question, Research to Prevent Blindness investigators have developed a prototype of a miniaturized eye pressure measuring device, but it is not yet available for home monitoring.
Question: In a recent column, you called on the real Sen.Barack Obama to stand up. Maybe there isn't a real Mr. Obama to stand up because the real Mr. Obama just isn't a stand-up kind of guy. Would you agree?
Answer: Yes, I've written several dozen columns on how Mr. Obama is many things, but honest, trustworthy, patriotic, and a lot more. I would agree with you he is not a stand-up guy.
Question: I went to a laundry with my sheets, and it wanted $19.50 a sheet. Is that for real? Do I have any alternatives?
Answer: In my opinion, that price is excessive. You can buy new sheets for around $9 to $24 so that would be cheaper than sending them to the laundry. You might consider doing them yourself at home. You may also want to do some more comparative shopping, as there has to be a laundry that will come in below that $19.50 a sheet, the number you mentioned.
Question: When your oil heater gets its annual tune-up, does the serviceman check out the chimney?
Answer: I put that question to Steve Updyke, a 22-year service veteran with F.C. Haab Heating Oils. He said the serviceman in the process of checking the heater should look into the chimney and is likely to spot any trouble. However, that would not include a complete inspection of the chimney. One form used for annual tune-ups includes a check box entitled "check chimney base."
Question: How thick are the needles used for acupuncture?
Answer: Healthy Years, a publication of the UCLA School of Medicine, reports, "The needles used for acupuncture are only as thick as a single human hair. You may feel a tiny prick as the needles are inserted, but it should not be painful. The needles usually stay in place for five to 20 minutes depending on your illness." The publication also cautions, "The FDA requires that sterile, nontoxic needles be used - and used only once. Make sure your acupuncturist follows these rules."
For more information on acupuncture, you might visit the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine's Web site, www.cewm.med.ucla.edu.
Question: I've seen enough wildfires on television to last a lifetime. Are there any precautions I should take as a homeowner?
Answer: That's a good question as experts say that wildfires can and do happen in every part of the country. Here are the precautions recommended by USAA, an insurance company that is a leader in loss prevention:
"Walk around your property and remove anything in the immediate 3-5 feet that might pose a potential fire hazard, such as woodpiles and dried leaves.
"Take special care trees are trimmed so no limb reaches below 6 feet off the ground. And make sure no tree branches touch your home.
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