8 Simple Ways to Reduce Digital Eye Strain and Vision Problems by Aaron Barriga (guest author) Let’s be honest, we spend a LOT of time staring at digital screens. Unfortunately, exposure to electronic screens can have a major impact on eye health. A number of problems with vision occur due to excessive use of digital devices, giving rise to terms such as “digital eye strain” or “computer vision syndrome”. Follow these 8 tips to keep your eyes healthy:

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Article featured in Avatar - Volume 3, Issue 8 (February 2010). Understanding Type One Diabetes By Jessi (Spazola) The Big Q: What Is Diabetes? Diabetes (medically known as diabetes mellitus) is the name given to disorders in which the body has trouble regulating its blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels. There are two major types of diabetes: Type One Diabetes, also known as Juvenile or Insulin Dependent Diabetes (treated by manually injecting insulin), and Type Two, which involves...

Article featured in Avatar - Volume 3, Issue 6 (December 2009). The Benefits of Yoga By Katrina and Maria (Gidig) Salutations, everyone! As we've all learned by this point in our lives, stress, especially that comes with the holidays, can be overbearing; one can nearly be attacked by the strength of stress at times. Around this time of year, our homes can be hectic with Great-Aunt Eleanor coming to stay for a week. We feel rushed to find the money for presents, food and other...

Article featured in Avatar - Volume 3, Issue 10 (April 2010). Stand Up for Autism By Marie (Rie) What do you imagine when you hear the word autism? How do you personally picture a person with autism? Do you see the child repeating words over and over again? The teenager who has still never uttered a word? Do you picture the adult curled around rocking back and forth in a fetal position? Can you imagine visiting a country when you neither speak nor understand a word of their language?...

Use a lip balm or a body lotion. Lip balms, skin lotions and facial moisturizers help to provide moisture and then lock it in. Consider using lotions after showering, or before you go to bed. If you are using a particularly thick or greasy hand lotion, consider wearing a pair of gloves after applying the lotion. This helps keep the lotion contained and it allows you to have functionality of your hands. Keep in mind that different brands of lotion work for different people so it may take some...
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Article featured in Avatar - Volume 3, Issue 2 (August 2009). Immunizations By Gidig (Maria) We’ve all heard of immunizations, vaccinations, or just plain old “shots” from the doctor. It’s almost every kid’s worst nightmare—going to the doctor to get a needle poked into your arm. That doesn’t sound all that fun, even for adults. However, vaccines are seen as the one of the most successful medical advancements in history. Why is this, and how do they work? Furthermore, should you have a...

Hiring a Personal Trainer: The Role of a PT and How to Determine Which is Right For You By Sarah (Rivière) The role of a personal trainer The role of a personal trainer is to be a fitness educator. The client should receive training on correct exercise technique, nutritional guidance, and to be more self-aware of their own body. Each of these things help the client to reach their fitness goal(s). A personal trainer is not a dietician, and must stay within their scope of practice....

Debunking myths about HIV By Traci (Coffee.) Most people have heard of HIV, or the human immunodeficiency virus. Unfortunately, along with the facts about HIV, many people also hear rumors and misconceptions, causing stigma and shame to HIV-positive individuals and their loved ones. It is estimated that over 34 million people worldwide have the virus; without the proper information, it's difficult to prevent or treat HIV, and these numbers only continue to rise. From the root of HIV, to its...

Understanding and coping with migraines By Dez (Ennui.) and Emmie (Arabesque- golfing girl.) What are migraines and who gets them? Migraines are a type of severe headache which can affect anyone at any age. Sometimes you can feel them coming on (known as an aura), and other times you will wake up to them and it takes a while for them to go away. Migraines can cause symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting, pain, and more. According to the American Migraine...

Article featured in Avatar - Volume 4, Issue 1 (July 2010). Eye Injury Prevention Month & UV Safety Month by Stephanie (Konstantine) Our vision is vital. From seeing your loved ones and your environment, to watching your favourite films, eyesight is something that we use everyday and something that we may take for granted. July is Eye Injury Prevention Month and UV Safety Month, which aim to spread awareness of how to protect your eyesight. A massive ninety percent of eye injuries...

Article featured in Avatar - Volume 3, Issue 4 (October 2009). Dyslexia by Maria (Gidig) Learning disorders, a term many of us have heard use every day. Dyslexia, a learning disorder. But what really is a learning disorder? How does this particular one affect people? So many questions revolve around this one word—dyslexia. Dyslexia is a learning disorder predominately affecting letters. This includes reading, writing, and spelling. Therefore, it’s mostly caught when a child starts...

Article featured in Avatar - Volume 3, Issue 12 (June 2010). National HIV Testing Day by Marie (Rie) June 27th 2010 is National HIV Testing Day, or NHTD. NHTD aims to increase awareness of HIV and AIDS and to encourage early testing. It is estimated that one in five people in the US are unaware of whether or not they have HIV. Lack of care and the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS can make it difficult for those in need to get appropriate health care and may discourage others from...

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What is autism spectrum disorder? By Cassie (Idyllic.) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a mental condition that usually presents itself within the first two or three years of one’s life. ASD reduces brain development and functioning. For someone with this condition, communication and other social interaction can be extremely challenging. ASD is normally diagnosed at two or three years old; however, new research is allowing children to be diagnosed at as young as six months old. Although...