A new study shows that taking dietary supplements can benefit people with diabetes.

That's good news, because diabetes is the fifth-leading cause of death in the U.S. It also raises the risk of other diseases, including heart disease, blindness and kidney failure.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body either does not produce or use insulin properly. There are 20.8 million children and adults with diabetes in the population and another 6.2 million are unaware that they have the disease.

Overall, the study found that successfully controlling diabetes is complex, but supplement use, together with other healthy behaviors, can be beneficial. Here are some specific study findings:

• Use of dietary supplements by the general population is significantly associated with reporting oneself to be in better health than a year ago.

• People with diabetes report significantly worse health than people who are not diabetic.

• About 34 percent of people with diabetes take dietary supplements.

• Diabetic supplement users report being in better health than diabetics who do not use supplements.

• Diabetic supplement users are more likely to engage in protective health behaviors. This is important, since there is no cure for diabetes, only lifelong management to keep blood glucose within normal range and to prevent long-term complications.

• Diabetic supplement users are more likely to use chromium, zinc, calcium, folate and omega-3 fatty acids than non-supplement users. Many may take specific supplements because of a perceived role in reducing the relative risk of type 2 diabetes, lowering blood glucose levels and improving neuropathic symptoms.

• Diabetic supplement users are more likely to eat healthier and less likely to be heavy drinkers of alcohol.

Successfully controlling diabetes is complex, but supplement use, together with other healthy behaviors, can be beneficial.

Because no other disease is more closely related to nutrition, the Dietary Supplement Information Bureau (www.supplementinfo.org) commissioned a study of dietary supplement use among people with diabetes. The study sought to find out if dietary supplements are associated with better health among the general population and to find out how it affects people with diabetes.

The body closely regulates blood glucose (also know as blood sugar) to maintain an adequate supply of glucose for cells. If blood glucose levels drop too low. A person becomes shaky and weak. If blood glucose levels rise too high, a person becomes sluggish and confused and may have difficulty breathing. Two hormones produced by the pancreas tightly control blood glucose levels. When blood glucose levels rise after a meal, the pancreas releases the hormone insulin into blood. Insulin acts like a key, "unlocking" the cells of receptors on the surface of cells, increasing their attraction for glucose and increasing glucose uptake by cells. Insulin also stimulates liver and muscle cells to store glucose as glycogen. As glucose enters cells to deliver energy or be stored as glycogen, blood glucose levels return to normal.

When an individual has not eaten in while and blood glucose levels begin to fall, the pancreas releases another hormone call glucagons. Glucagon stimulates the body to break down stored glycogen, releasing glucose from protein. Another hormone, epinephrine (also called adrenaline), exerts effects similar to glucagons to ensure that all body cells have adequate energy for emergencies. Released by the adrenal glands in response to sudden stress or danger, epinephrine is call the "fight-or-flight" hormone.

Different foods very in their effect on blood glucose regulation. Foods rich in simple carbohydrates or starch but low in fat or fiber tend to be digested and absorbed rapid absorption cause a corresponding large and rapid rise in blood glucose levels. The body reacts to this rise by pumping out extra insulin, which rapid lowers blood glucose levels. Other food, especially foods rich in dietary fiber, resistant starch, or fat, cause a lesser blood glucose response with smaller swings in blood glucose levels.

The glycemic index measures the effect of a blood glucose levels. Foods with a h9igh glycemic index cause a faster and higher rise in blood glucose than foods with a low glycemic index. Although some experts disagree on the usefulness of the glycemic index for humans, diets that emphasize foods with a low glycemic index many offer important health benefits.

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One of the stories regarding the origin of coffee tells us that a monk told the sheepherder who discovered the coffee cherries that coffee is the devil's fruit. The monk even went so far as to forbid the sheepherder from touching the shrubs again. Considering the many health benefits that the researchers of today have identified in coffee, please give us more of this forbidden fruit.

The millions of people around the world who buy and consume coffee do so for many different reasons. Some need the caffeine jolt, others do so simply because of the taste especially in gourmet type coffees, and still for some, it is both a habit and a ritual. Yet in its centuries of history and tradition, it is only in recent years that people are beginning to realize coffee's health benefits.

Moderate consumption is the key, and this means about two to three cups of coffee a day. The recognized benefits are that coffee helps:

increase alertness and fight fatigue;

reduce the risk of colon cancer;

reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease; and

reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

However a recent article found in the WebMD website tells us that a Harvard study concludes that having six cups or more of your favorite java reduced the risk of diabetes by 54% in men and 30% in women. But the researchers themselves advise that the findings should be taken with a grain of salt. The effect of caffeine differs from one person to another due mainly to how it is absorbed by one's system.

Another researcher from Vanderbilt University tells the same website that their studies have shown that the reduction in the risk of Parkinson's disease is directly related to higher caffeine content. The researcher further adds that Parkinson's drugs are now being developed that contain a derivative of caffeine based on the evidence taken from their studies.

And then there are is the fact that coffee contains antioxidants. Antioxidants are found naturally in fruits and vegetables and help fight free radicals in the body. Normal body functions produce these free radicals which in turn cause cellular damage that results in the risk of cancer. It has been proven that in terms of drinks, coffee contains the highest amount of antioxidants, four times more than tea. One of the antioxidants found in coffee is chlorogenic acid which contributes to insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, thus fighting diabetes.

It is quite clear at this point that the health benefits from your favorite cup of java are many. But taking advantage of them is not necessarily automatic. One should ask themselves whether their body can tolerate six cups of coffee a day as suggested by the study cited above.

In excessive doses, caffeine can increase nervousness, hand trembling, and heart palpitation. Pregnant women and heart patients are also advised to stay away from coffee. For most healthy individuals, studies have shown no adverse affects. The bottom line is that it is always good to do things in moderation.

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Coffee is consumed and enjoyed by millions worldwide regardless of culture or tradition. We try in our own simple way to see why the coffee bean can be so small yet so powerfully stimulating. Also discover flavorful and healthy gourmet coffees that you can enjoy right in the comfort of your own home.

Why does depression cause diabetes?

The diabetes disease can be brought on by depression. Cortisol, a stress hormone can increase if you get depressed. This hormone can reduce insulin sensitivity. Once insulin sensitivity is compromised the diabetes disease can begin to flourish in your body. This condition of depression is more prevalent in older people. Depression is often undiagnosed. Loss of a loved one may be characterized as grief, a temporary issue instead of depression.

In the four states of Pennsylvania, California, North Carolina and Maryland 4,681 men and women were tracked with an average age of 73. This test was done in 1989. The Archives of Internal Medicine disclosed the following: In these three scenarios (single bouts of depression, chronic depression and depression that worsened over time) an increased risk of diabetes existed in all three cases when depression prevailed.

What to look for

Some signs for possible depression problems can show up physically or emotionally. Check for some of these symptoms so you can put yourself on a healthier track for yourself. The sooner you recognize any of these issues the quicker you can right your ship.

You just don't care. Enjoying things is not on your priority list.

Your sleep schedule has run amok. You have a hard time falling asleep or you often arise during the night. You wake up early and cannot get back to sleep.

Your have a change in your appetite eating more or less than you used to. Quick weight gains or losses occur.

You feel tired most of the time.

Your self esteem has gone down hill. You feel like you cannot do anything right and you worry about being a burden to people.

Mornings usually are the saddest time of the day for you.

You find it very difficult to concentrate as "other thoughts" keep getting in your way.

Nervousness, you always feel so anxious you can't sit still.

You have suicidal thoughts or you think about different ways to harm yourself.

Should you have any of these symptoms you can be hurting yourself mentally but you may compound the issue by bringing on type 2 diabetes as well. Let's break the combination of diabetes and depression by seeing a doctor or joining a support group so you can voice your issues and improve your condition.

Recognizing these issues is the first step to gaining a healthier lifestyle. If you have any concerns about diabetes or potential diabetes issues then claim your free ecourse. It will help you deal with diabetes in a safe and natural way.

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Diabetes is a killer disease. It can lead to kidney failure, heart disease, neuropathy, blindness, and much more. If you have diabetes, you must take control of it immediately.

Type 1 diabetes is the hardest type to control. It is also called juvenile diabetes, as it is common to get type 1 diabetes when you are a child. For type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin, which is needed to take sugar (glucose) from the blood to the cells. This results in very high blood sugar counts and this is the major cause of many of the serious complications that may develop.

A person with Type 1 diabetes needs to take insulin shots to lower the blood sugar. Diabetics need to have insulin called a background insulin, which works throughout the day. Then they need to take extra insulin after eating a meal.

However, diabetics must test their blood sugar levels four or five times a day and make whatever adjustments need to be made. The normal testing times are before breakfast, lunch, dinner and bed. The amount of insulin to take with each meal will be determined by these readings..

What can someone do that has type 2 diabetes?

Sugar highs and lows wear down the body. The key is to try to control these up and down readings the best you can by maintaining safe sugar levels. One way to do this is by eating foods with a low glycemic index.

What is this glycemic index and why is it important?

Follow the glycemic index when eating. This index rates foods according to the way these foods react to your blood sugar. If the carbohydrates the food contains break down quickly, they tend to make your blood sugar levels jump quickly. These foods have a high GI (glycemic index) ranking. Foods with a low glycemic index break down in your body a slower pace and cause less of an extreme jump in your blood sugar.levels

For example, a potato has a high GI ranking. The carbohydrates break down very quickly and cause your blood sugar to rise rapidly.

Beans have a low GI index, so the blood sugar effects are spread out over a longer period of time. You do not get the rapid sugar rise.

Diabetics, in particular, need to learn to balance these foods to avoid those highs and lows. If you are having potatoes, for example, try eating a sweet potato instead or combine some low GI ranked foods with the potatoes to balance this sugar rise.

It's well worth it for diabetics to learn as much as they can about this glycemic index. The best diet for a diabetic to follow will be eating more of the foods with a low to medium glycemic index instead of high glycemic index foods.

Other things you can do as a diabetic can do is to snack on air popped popcorn rather than pretzels. Salt should be limited in the diet as the diabetic is at a greater risk for high blood pressure.

Eat broiled or grilled chicken rather than fried chicken. This also helps control blood pressure and cholesterol.

If you want to drink wine, drink it with a meal. There is less of an impact on blood sugar. However, do not over indulge. It can and will interfere with your medications.

Diabetes is a very dangerous disease and any diabetic definitely should be visiting a doctor on a regular basis. He or she will help manage your diabetes and will most likely advise a visit with a nutritionist.

Diabetes can be controlled with a change in diet and lifestyle, Diabetics can help manage your illness and live a long life.

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Evidence from particular studies such as the Nurses Strength Study Vitality Professional and Follow-Up Study has linked dietary carbohydrate intake (measured as glycemic load) containing risk of type 2 diabetes. From a historical perspective, the epidemic of type 2 diabetes today has developed steadily through the decades in the last century. We see more and more evidence of the increase in diabetes over the last few years.

Baby boomers are moving into their later years. Do a search on Google. When you do you will discover millions of pages.

Diabetes screening is suggested for many types of people at various stages of life. If there is diabetes in your family then testing is a must. Hyper osmotic diabetic coma is another acute baffling problem interrelated with improper management of diabetes mellitus.

Other forms of diabetes show up as neuropathy. That tingling feeling in your hands or feet that is caused by lack of blood circulating to those limbs.

As high as 80% of the cases of type 2 diabetes could be attributed to the combined effect of inactivity and improper diet. This leads to being overweight. Think about this. Whenever you see someone that looks fit most often they are in decent shape. When you see someone overweight or drastically overweight they seem to have something negative going on in their body. With people over 40 years of age the problem is often type 2 diabetes.

Getting in shape with a sound dietary program is what is needed to combat your diabetes. Our bodies need to be in motion and we need to eat foods that will support us in our fight against type 2 diabetes.

The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse estimates that diabetes costs a whopping $132 billion in the United States alone every year.

Patient understanding and participation is vital as blood glucose levels change continuously, while successfully keeping blood sugar within normal limits has been compellingly shown to control or prevent maturation of some of the complications of diabetes.

All types of diabetes mellitus share similar symptoms and complications at advanced stages.

Therefore patient education, understanding and participation are vital.

There are ways to treating type 2 diabetes. Grab your free e course. It will help you find the answers about diet, and exercise.

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I am so zeroed in when it comes to carbohydrates. I read all labels of any food I have an interest in purchasing. Checking the carb gram count is part of my mission wherever I am when I purchase foods that bear labels on the package. To create an easier time for myself I now just by-pass the pasta and bakery aisles when I shop. We all know that those food groups usually encompass a whopping number of grams of carbohydrates. They are in another league.

What is it about these carbs anyway?

Carbohydrates, which the body breaks down to glucose (sugar) in the digestive system is the energy provider you and I need to run our lives. Without the fuel from carbohydrates our bodies will look for other foods to create energy. This may not be an effective way for you or I nutritionally.

So carbohydrates are needed. The difficulty I had was consuming too many carbohydrates. I loved the breads and pastas. The cookies and cakes were pretty good also.

The problem was that the unnecessary glucose my body created went into my blood sugar. Making me a diabetic. What I like to equate this to is if I were a car and had a 15 gallon gas tank. I would order 17 gallons of gas because I liked the gas, Two gallons would spill onto the ground and make the environment unhealthy. It is the same with me. Because I ate too many carbohydrates the sugar spilled into my blood raising my blood sugar amount. You could say I have a portions control problem.

What is a carbohydrate you ask?

Carbohydrates are a critical part of our diets. They consist of sugars, starches and fiber. Carbohydrates are broken down to glucose in the body which is an imperative fuel for the body.

Some foods will help you with your diabetes diet plan. Some will not. That is why I count carbohydrates. Some foods do not make up a good diabetes diet plan. Like soda, ice cream, most breads, and pastries. Limit yourself to these foods. Eating them once per week or once per month or maybe once every quarter, depending on the severity of your diabetes will help you control your diabetes. You cannot be too careful when it comes to the carbohydrates you ingest into your body. Other foods like non starch vegetables, chicken and fish will help with your diabetes diet plan.

Think of this. The level of sugar that gets into your blood depends on the amount of carbohydrates eaten. Depending on what type of food you eat will determine how quickly or slowly the carbohydrates are turned into sugar and how hastily or slowly that sugar enters into your blood if you are diabetic.

So as they say a carb is a carb. The determining influencer is the range of carbohydrates that are eaten. With all that being said the one exception is fiber. This type of carbohydrate does not get digested into the body like other foods. So it does not heighten blood sugar levels. It cleans the body. Fiber is the roughage needed to sweep out the waste created by the foods we digest.

Carbohydrate counting is one part of a responsible diabetes diet plan. I like to have fun when I carbohydrate count by finding at least on food in the store that has a huge amount of carbohydrates that I may have eaten in the past that I avoid now.

Grab your free e course. It will help you create a comprehensive diabetes natural solutions care program.

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Bronchiectasis is a chronic necrotizing infection of the bronchi and bronchioles leading to or associated with abnormal dilation of these airways. It is manifested clinically by cough, fever, and expectoration of copious amounts of foul-smelling, purulent sputum. To be considered bronchiectasis, the dilation should be permanent; reversible bronchial dilation often accompanies viral and bacterial pneumonia. Bronchiectasis has many origins and usually develops in association with the following conditions.

Bronchial obstruction, owing to tumor, foreign bodies, and occasionally mucous impaction, in which the bronchiectasis is localized to the obstructed lung segment, or owing to diffuse obsstructive airway disease, most commonly atopic asthma and chronic bronchitis.

Congenital or heriditary conditions, including congenital bronchiecasis (caused by a defect in the development of bronchi), cystic fibrosis, intalobar sequestration of the lung, immunodeficiency states, and immotile cilia and Kartagener syndromes.

Necrotizing pneumonia, most often caused by the tubercle bacillus or staphylococci or mixed infections.

Etiology and Pathogenesis

Obstruction and infection are the major influences associated with bronchiectasis, and it is likely that both are necessary for the development of full-fledged lesions. After bronchial obstruction, air is resorbed from the airways distal to the obstruction, with resultant atelectasis. Often accompanying atelectasis are early bronchial wall inflammation and the presence of intraluminal secretions that result in dilation of the walls of those airways that are present. These changes are reversible (1) if the obstruction persists, especially during periods of growth because the airways will not be able to develop normally and (2) if there is added infection. Infection plays a role in the pathogenesis of bronchiectasis in two ways: (1) It produces bronchial wall inflammation, with weakening and further dilation and (2) the extensive bronchial and bronchiolar damage causes endobronchial obliteration, with atelectasis, distal to the obliteration and subsequent bronchiectasis around atelectatic areas.

These mechanisms – infection and obstruction are most readily apparent in the severe form of bronchectasis associated with cystic fibrosis. In this disorder, there is squamous metaplasia of the normal respiratory epithelium with impairment of normal mucocilary action infection, necrosis of the bronchial and bronchiolar walls, and subsequent bronchiectasis. In younger children, the changes take the form of bronchiolitis (occlusion of the bronchioles by granulation tissue). But older children tend to develop full-blown bronchiectasis.

In Kartagener syndrome, charaterized by bronchiectasis, sinusitis and sutus inversus, there is a defect in ciliary motility associated with structural abnormalities of cila most commonly absent or irregular dynein arms the structures on the microtubular doublets of cilia that are responsible for the generation of ciliary movement. The lack of ciliary activity interferes with bacterial clearance, predisposes the sinuses and bronchi to infection and affects cell motility during embryogenesis, resulting in the situs inversus. Males with this condition tend to be infertile owing to ineffective mobility of the sperm tail. The syndrome is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and is variable as about half the patients with defective filia have no situs inversus for uncertain reasons. In some groups of patients , the cilia are not immobile but have abnormal movement (ciliary dyskinesia). More may be involved in the genesis of this syndrome than ciliary abnormalities, since some abnormal cilia may be found in otherwise normal individuals or in patients with viral illnesses and bronchial inflammation.

Clinical Course

Bronchiectasis causes severe persistent cough; expectoration of foul smelling sometimes bloody squtum; and dyspnea and orthopnea in severe cases. A systemic febrile reaction may occur when powerful pathogens are present. These symptoms are often episodic and are precipitated by upper respiraatory tract infections or the introduction of new pathogenic agents. In the full-blown case, the cough is paroxysmal in nature. Such paroxysms are particularly frequent when the patient raises in the morning and the changes in position lead to drainage into the bronchi of the collected pools of pus. Obstructive ventilatory insufficiency can lead to marked dyspnea and cyanosis. Cor pulmonale metastatic brain abscesses, and amyloidosis are less frequent complications of bronchiectasis.

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Glucose is also a vital factor for the proper functioning of your body, just like oxygen is essential for the survival of your cells. Glucose provides the energy required by your body's cells in order for the body to perform its myriad tasks correctly. When not enough glucose is available to your body, it can lead to adverse and irreversible effects.

The inability to use the insulin present in the body to produce glucose, leads to Type 2 diabetes. Just like oxygen is needed to breathe, so is glucose needed by the body to function well. Glucose is required for the cells of the body to produce energy.

There are two types of diabetes and their respective treatment differs accordingly. To ensure that you get the treatment that you need, you first have to know the difference between the two types. It is very important to be aware of what type of diabetes you have, because the wrong diagnosis can lead to even more problems later. Learn what the signs and symptoms are and go to a physician as soon as possible. The longer you delay your visit, the more difficult your disease becomes to control.

In Type 1 diabetes the pancreas stops producing insulin completely. It can occur at any age and is often seen in children and young adults. The disease is therefore also known as juvenile diabetes. The only way to get treated for Type 1 diabetes is to supply insulin to the body on a daily basis by giving yourself insulin shots. Leading a healthy lifestyle is very, very important if you have any type of diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is seen usually in adults at a later stage in life. This condition occurs when the body is unable to use the insulin produced by the pancreas, to generate the energy required for the correct functioning of the body. The good news is that type 2 diabetes can be controlled if you follow a strict and regular diet, exercise daily and get proper medication.

The onset of Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body resists the insulin present and the body cells stop responding to the hormone altogether. When this happens, the pancreas starts producing more and more insulin. What follows is that the storage organ for glucose - the liver - also starts releasing glucose. Eventually the pancreas is unable to produce more insulin and the muscles and tissues of the body start resisting it. As a result, the blood sugar level increases dangerously because the body does not convert the glucose present in the bloodstream into energy required for the body's proper functioning.

Are You at Risk?

Once you pass the age of 40, you have to be very cautious as this type of diabetes is seen mainly in people of this age group, especially if you are also overweight. If you have a Body Mass Index of over 25 and do not lead an active lifestyle, you have a greater risk of contracting diabetes. A person whose body shape is like an apple; with a lot of fat in the stomach area, has to get their weight under control by dieting and exercise, because obese people are especially at risk.

It has become a great concern now for children also, as the obesity level in kids is also increasing at an alarming rate. Children risk getting Type 2 diabetes if a proper diet and exercise program is not maintained.

Although there are clear symptoms, people with Type 2 diabetes do not necessarily show any of them. The symptoms are very common and therefore, a wrong diagnosis can easily occur:

• Passing of urine frequently

• Excessive thirst

• Feeling fatigued

• weight loss

• Increase in appetite

• General malaise

• Blurred vision

Watch out for any of these symptoms and see your physician immediately if any of them occur. If you have Type 2 diabetes, the sooner you start treatment, the sooner you can get it under control.

Getting to grips with Type Two diabetes doesn't have to be tough. Find out more about Type Two diabetes at http://DealWithD

Someone that owns a pet with diabetes can get that pet diabetic supplies from online sellers. All pet owners care deeply for their pets and health is a major priority. Managing a pets illness is not a reason to go broke, above all diabetes, since sellers online have the essential supplies for drastically lower prices.

Pet diabetic supplies usually offered include blood glucose meters, urine testing strips, veterinary syringes, U-40 (a type of insulin), syringe disposals and syringe dispensers. Special veterinary syringes are available that make injection of insulin less painful for your pet with diabetes. These needles are razor-sharp and thin, helping to make for easy insertion. Also, syringe dispensers and disposals are very much recommended pet diabetic supplies for safe storage and the disposal of used syringes. These items are tamper-proof and help to keep children and other animals from being hurt.

Not to be left out is the important task of keeping track of your pet's diabetes. Pet owners should note blood glucose levels and also when the animal received its last injection. A very handy object to have in this case is a logbook. Logbooks are essential and should be on the list of pet diabetic supplies that are to be ordered, the book should also always be kept in a safe place at all times.

Finally, when you order pet diabetic supplies pet owners should remember that it is vital to order them in advance. The orders can take a few days or more and you would not want to run low or out of supplies before your order of new pet diabetic supplies arrives.

Taking care of your pet is very important and Pet Diabetic Supplies are vital to a pet that needs them. The money you can save by shopping online is hard to dispute, you may visit for more general information.

Two Diagnoses: Eye Condition Reveals Multiple Sclerosis

Ask VSP network eye doctor David P. YESnick O.D., to estimate the value of a yearly eye exam, and this Las Vegas eye doctor won't mince his words.

"Take it from me, an annual eye exam can be absolutely priceless at times." "I'm talking about situations in which the eye doctor discovers the symptoms of a significant medical condition — and then quickly refers the patient for medical care.

"In that kind of situation, rapid intervention can protect quality of life or even help save a life. How can you measure the value of that?"

To illustrate his point — dramatically — Dr. YESnick describes a recent case in which a young mother of two children came in for a supposedly "routine" eye examination . . . and left with a doctor's referral that quickly pinpointed her early-stage multiple sclerosis (MS).

Until the visit to her family eye doctor, this 34-year-old mom had no inkling that she might be suffering from this chronic, potentially disabling illness — a disorder of the central nervous system that currently affects more than 300,000 Americans.

Caused by a variety of factors and so far incurable, MS can lead to increasing loss of muscular function, growing weakness and even total disability for patients who fail to have it diagnosed early and then treated effectively.

"When I examined the patient, she mentioned that she'd been experiencing some blurred vision and painful movement in one eye. She also reported a reduced ability to distinguish colors. As soon as I heard about those symptoms and also noticed that she had a discolored optic nerve, I went on alert. Why? Because those indicators often signal the condition known as 'optic neuritis,' which is frequently associated with MS in younger female adults."

Although optic neuritis (chronic inflammation of the optic nerve) can also be triggered by viruses, bacteria or even autoimmune disorders such as lupus, the culprit often turns out to be MS, says Dr. YESnick. "Research shows that more than 55 percent of all MS patients will develop optic neuritis," he notes, "which is why I start looking for possible symptoms of MS whenever I learn a patient has inflammation of the optic nerve.

"In this young woman's case, I was able to refer her to a neurologist who made the MS diagnosis and got her started on an effective treatment program right away. This patient was very smart — because she schedules yearly eye exams for herself and her family."

Is Dr. YESnick sold on the idea of regular, health-protecting eye examinations for all of his patients? "You bet! "Just think about it for a second. An eye exam takes only a few minutes, and then you can rest easy, knowing your vision is being protected.

"But what if that exam helps you uncover a medical condition that could vitally affect the quality of your life? How could you ever put a price tag on that?"

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