Monthly Archives: September 2009

5 tips to reduce eyestrain

Eyestrain, the occupational hazard!

Ever feel dull, aching, sensation around and behind the eyes that can lead into a headache. It may be difficult to focus on a book or the computer screen. A dark computer screen surrounded by a bright background such as a window or a lit wall can really put severe strain on the eyes.

Here are 5 ways to get your eyes energized:

  1. Bat your eyelids. Blinking spreads a layer of lubrication across the surfaces of the eyes. This gives them quick relief. It also helps remove dust or grift from the eyes before it causes irritation.
  2. Do what some professional massage therapists do: Rub your hands together to warm them up, then place the heels of your palms over your eyes for a few seconds. The warmth will help them feel rested and relaxed.
  3. “Re-wetting drops” will help remove debris while providing soothing relief.
  4. Keep them cool, crazy cool. Slices of cool cucumber over the eyes can be very soothing. Or you can simply cover your eyes with a cool compress. Wet a towel in cool water, wring it out, and place it over your eyes for about five minutes. Doesn’t that make you say ahhhh?
  5. Give your eyes a break, they sure deserve it: Overuse from staring at the computer screen or driving long distances puts extra strain on your eyes. Every hour take some time and and focus on something other than the computer screen. Then close your eyes and relax for a moment.

Natural remedies for Canker Sores

Ever have a canker sore? Here are a few natural ways to reduce pain and help heal your canker sore without synthetic medication or surgery:

  • Tannin
    Tannin is found in Black tea
  • Mouth wash
    Mix together 2 ounces of hydrogen peroxide, 2 teaspoonfuls of salt and 1 teaspoonful of baking soda and swirl it around your mouth for about 1 minute. Spit it out. Don’t swallow.
  • Aloe Vera
    Aloe Vera juice a few times a day will help make the sore less painful
  • Onion
    Apply a raw onion to the canker sore
  • Papaya
    Suck on some papaya
  • Plum Juice
    2 table spoons of plum juice and soak a cotton ball in the fluid. Compress it over your sore for a few minutes
  • Soda
    A cupful of warm soda and a pinch of salt
  • Grapefruit Seed
    Extract of grapefruit seed is a disinfectant and after a few applications, it should be gone!

Cold Sore diet suggestions

Here is advice for a Cold Sore Diet:

Avoid: Acidic and salty foods. Chocolates, peanuts, grains, peas, seeds, oatmeal and whole-wheat are high in arginine, These are restricted. Avoid tea and coffee.

Do Eat: A vitamin enriched diet. Your diet must include vitamin A, C, E, Zinc, and iron.  Garlic is highly recommended in your diet. Eat fresh food with high antioxidants  and high complex carbohydrates. Avoid processed food. Eat lots of fruits and green leafy vegetables.

- Dr. Amie B. Gregory, DC
San Carlos CA Chiropractor