April 2004 - Tower - Page 2

Page 1

T.O.C.

Index

Page 3

Notes From the Bette C. Jones, RN

Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in the world. The disease breaks down the macula, the light sensitive part of the retina responsible for the sharp, direct vision needed to read or drive. Central vision, especially, is affected.

Most people with Macular Degeneration have the dry form, for which there is no known treatment. The less common wet form may respond to laser procedures, if diagnosed and treated early. Approximately 90 percent of all patients have the dry type. Risk factors include having a family member with MD, smoking, high blood pressure, farsightedness and obesity. Although this affliction strikes primarily people over 50, younger people have often been diagnosed.

Common symptoms are a gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly, distorted vision, a gradual loss of color vision and a dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision. It is imperative that an eye examination be done as soon as possible. Central vision that is lost to Macular Degeneration cannot be restored. However, low vision devices can be prescribed to make the most out of remaining vision.

Tips for Macular Degeneration patients:

1. Monitor your vision daily with an Amsler grid. Obtained from your ophthalmologist.
2. Take a multi-vitamin with zinc. (Check with your physician for a recommendation.)
3. Incorporate dark leafy green vegetables into your diet.
4. Always protect your eyes with sunglasses that have UV protection.
5. Quit smoking (smoking impairs the circulation to the vessels in the eye)

1. Exercise regularly.
2. Use a halogen light. Less glare and disperses light better.
3. Shine the light directly on your reading material. Improves contrast.
4. Use a hand-held magnifier.
5. Try large-print or audio books obtained from the library or selected bookstores.
6. Consult a low vision specialist. These people are especially trained to help visually impaired patients improve their quality of life. Following a consultation, they can recommend appropriate magnifier, reading aids, practical tips and many resources.

Notice!! Due to the celebration of Easter, the Blood Pressure Screening will be done on April 18 at both services. Future screenings will resume on the second Sunday in May.

Bereavement Support Committee

Margaret Allen and Walter Thomas, Co-Chairs

Thank you to Yvonne Edwards, Gladys Faulk, Sally Walker, Lona Howser and Mary Charlotte Corson for joining our committee.

As of this writing (March 19), we have had no receptions in March.

Carolyn Smith, Margaret Warren and Sally Walker are co-chairs of arrangements for April.

The Church Tower is published monthly (except August) by First United Methodist Church, 10246 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, Virginia 23601, (757)595-0383, Church Web Site, Editor:Gerry Beale Turner,gerry.fumc@earthlink.net, Webmaster: Bob McKitrick, rwmkfm@cox.net Pastor: John T. LeGault Jr., jlegault@acninc.net, Deadline for copy: The 15th of each month. The Editor reserves the right to edit for content and space.

Page 2

Page 1

T.O.C.

Index

Page 3

Home | Calendar | Directory | History | Hot News | Location | Missions | Organizations | Preschool | Photographs | Programs | Recent Events | Staff | Towers | Worship

If you have any comments on any of these pages, please email me: Robert W.(Bob) Mckitrick, thanks.

Last update: April 2, 2004