wellness information
Vision Wellness
GatorCare Wellness is committed to enhancing eye health through comprehensive education and support, aimed at promoting positive behavioral and lifestyle changes. By adopting simple eye care practices and scheduling regular eye exams, you and your eye care provider can work together to maintain healthy vision and detect potential issues early.
What is vision health?
Vision health refers to the maintenance of healthy eyes and optimal visual function to prevent eye diseases and maintain clear vision. Just as oral hygiene is crucial for dental health, good vision health involves practices and regular check-ups to ensure the eyes remain healthy and functional. For most people, maintaining good vision health includes regular eye exams, proper eye care practices, and awareness of potential eye conditions.
Why is vision health important?
Good vision health helps to:
- Maintain clear vision for daily activities like reading, driving, and using digital screens.
- Detect and prevent eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.
- Identify early signs of systemic health conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which can affect the eyes.
Left uncontrolled, poor vision health can lead to:
- Vision impairment or loss
- Difficulty performing daily tasks
- Reduced quality of life
Are you at risk?
Several factors can increase the risk of vision problems:
- Aging
- Family history of eye diseases
- Excessive screen time
- Poor nutrition
- Smoking
- Certain medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
Reduce your risk by following these tips:
Schedule Regular Eye Exams
- Visit your eye care provider annually or as recommended to monitor your eye health.
Protect Your Eyes
- Wear protective eyewear, sunglasses, during activities that pose a risk of eye injury.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that promote eye health, such as leafy greens, fish, and citrus fruits.
Manage Chronic Conditions
- Control conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which can affect vision health.
Limit Screen Time
- Take breaks and practice the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds) to reduce digital eye strain.
Quit Smoking
- Smoking can increase the risk of eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration.
Practice Good Hygiene
- Wash your hands regularly to prevent eye infections, especially before touching your eyes or applying contact lenses.
Stay Active
- Regular physical activity can help maintain overall health, which includes eye health.
By following these tips, you can help maintain healthy vision and reduce the risk of vision problems as you age.
Vision Resources
Engage with these resources for promoting vision health through nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle change. Resources include vision resources, streamed fitness classes, nutrition challenges, meditation resources, and more.
Vision resources
U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site to learn more about protecting your vision and eye health, preventing eye diseases, and to learn more about eye care tips for adults and children.
Vision Resources
National Eye Institute
Visit the National Eye Institute Eye Health Resources page to learn more about protecting your vision, maintaining eye health, and check out their healthy vision webinars on YouTube.
Vision resources
American Diabetes Association
Visit the American Diabetes Association’s Eye Health Resources page to learn more about protecting your vision and check out their comprehensive resources for managing eye health with diabetes.
Nutrition Resources
wellness challenge
Meatless Mondays
Join our Meatless Mondays challenge to discover the benefits of plant-based proteins. Receive weekly recipes, tips, and resources to help you incorporate delicious and nutritious plant-based meals into your diet. Make a positive impact on your health and the planet!.
interactive presentation
Mindful Eating
Explore this interactive virtual presentation to learn the why, when, what, and where of your eating cycle to break any unhealthy eating behaviors. Learn to eat with intention and enjoy your food.
Fitness Resources
wellness resource
Live-Streamed Classes
Join your GatorCare Wellness Team for weekly live-streamed wellness classes. Strength, cardio, stretching, and meditation are all available.
wellness resource
Pre-Recorded Classes
UF RecSports offers hundreds of recorded interval training, core, yogalates classes, and more. Ranging from 30-60 minutes, these classes will help you achieve your fitness goals wherever you are, whenever is best for you.
Wellness Resources
Wellness Challenge
Healthy Lifestyle Program
Join this six-week virtual series exploring different elements of creating a healthy lifestyle. Session topics include goal setting, physical activity, nutrition, energy balance, stress management, and resilience. Participate at your own pace.
wellness resource
Meditation Resources
Explore our meditation and relaxation resources, including live-streamed classes, pre-recorded sessions, and a self-guided meditation challenge. Sign up for a weekly mindfulness email and receive presentations by field experts.
