Say nr Sa a y Senior Seni by Jim Miller Are You at Risk of Developing Glaucoma? Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about the eye disease glaucoma? My older brother was recently diagnosed with it and lost some of his vision, but never had a clue anything was wrong. Could I be at risk too? Stressed Sibling Dear Stressed, Yes! Having an immediate family member with glaucoma significantly increases your risks of developing it, but there are other risk factors you need to be aware of too. Here’s what you should know. What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss and blindness if it’s not treated. This typically happens because the fl uids in the eye don’t drain properly, causing increased pressure in the eyeball. But the scary thing about glaucoma is that with no early warning signs or pain, most people that have it don’t realize it until their vision begins to deteriorate. While there are two main types of glaucoma, the most common form that typically aff ects older adults is called open-angle glaucoma. This disease develops very slowly when the eye’s drainage canals become clogged over time, leading to blind spots in the peripheral or side vision. By the time you notice it, the permanent damage is already done. Are You at Risk? It’s estimated that more than 3 million Americans have glaucoma today, but that number is expected to surge to more than 6.3 million by 2050. If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you’re at increased risk of developing it. • Are you African American, Hispanic/Latino American or Asian American? • Are you over age 60? • Do you have an immediate family member with glaucoma? • Do you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, migraines or have extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness? • Have you had a past eye injury? • Have you used corticosteroids (for example, eye drops, pills, inhalers, and creams) for long periods of time? What to Do Early detection is the key to guarding against glaucoma. So, if you’re age 40 or older and have any of the previously mentioned risk factors, especially if you’re African American, you need to get a comprehensive eye examination every 18 to 24 months. Or, if you notice some loss of peripheral vision, get to the eye doctor right away. If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, annual eye examinations are covered for those at high risk for glaucoma. Or if you don’t have vision coverage, contact EyeCare America, a national public service program that provides free glaucoma eye exams through a pool of more than 4,600 volunteer ophthalmologists. Visit AAO.org/eyecare-america or call 877-887-6327 to learn more. While there’s currently no cure for glaucoma, most cases can be treated with prescription eye drops, which reduce eye pressure and can prevent further vision loss. It cannot, however, restore vision already lost from glaucoma. If eye drops don’t work, your doctor may recommend oral medication, laser treatments, incisional surgery or a combination of these methods. For more information on glaucoma, visit the National Eye Institute at NEI.nih. gov, and the Glaucoma Research Foundation at Glaucoma.org. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. O f Everett. Entered into eternal rest unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 10 in the Cambridge Health Alliance-Everett Hospital. He was 32 years old. Born in Cambridge, Henry lived in Everett for many years. He worked as a parking attendant for a valet service. Beloved son of Raquel Martinez and Eugenia Espinal Guerra; loving brother of Jose Espinal, Elias Daniel Martinez, alber Samuel Martinez and Veronica Espinal. He is also survived by many devoted nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend Henry’s visitation in the Cafasso & Sons Funeral Home, Everett, Wednesday, January 17. Burial Lakeside Cemetery, North Street, Wakefi eld. Mariano Rodriguez O f Everett. Entered into eternal rest on ThursO f Everett. It is with great sadness the family of Mariano Rodriguez share his passing. Mariano was welday, January 11, at home surrounded by her loving and devoted family. She was 95 years old. Mary was born in Siano, Salerno, Italy and lived in Everett for most of her life. She worked and retired form Schraff ts’ Candy Company as a candy packer. Beloved wife of the late Frank Masi; dear and devoted mother of Gloria Sprague and her husband, Paul of Everett and Linda Botta of Everett; devoted sister ~ Help Wanted ~ Now Hiring Deli Clerks & Deli Manager Flexible Hours - We will work with the right candidates! Positive Attitude and Enthusiastic Customer Service a must. Apply online or ask for Joe or Mary at the Store. McKINNON’S EVERETT - 620 Broadway, Everett Scan Cell Phone Here For More Information! nior ior THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, JAnuARy 19, 2024 HOCKEY | FROM PAGE 16 The team gets into its final portion of Greater Boston League play in Games 11, 12 and 14. It was set to take on Somerville on the road Jan. 17 and has Medford (Jan. 20, on the road, 4 p.m.) and Lynn (Jan. Page 19 27, home, 6 p.m.). It added a makeup game against Taunton Jan. 26. The coach emphasizes the need for the team to be ready and to play with the same intensity and physicality as they have shown in their best games. OBITUARIES Martinez Espinal comed home by his daughter Maria (she had passed in prior). He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Margarita Rodriguez, his loving 10 siblings, 3 Sons, and all his grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family. He was a resident of Everett since 1966 when coming from Puerto Rico. He worked for the city he loved and lived in for more than 30 years. His departure has been a great loss but his spirit will live forever for the amazing person he was. Our family invite all who were touched by the love and support of Mariano to join us to give remembrance to an amazing man. Visting hours and a prayer service were held on January 17 from the Salvatore Rocco & Sons Funeral Homes, Everett followed by Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. Mary (Russo) Masi of the late Anna Masi; loving Noni of Frank Botta and his wife, Jean, Matthew Botta and his wife, Susan, and Carmen Botta; loving great-Noni of Drew Botta, Olivia Botta, Madison Botta, Mason Botta, Juliana Botta and Daniela Botta.; Dear aunt of Mary Visconti and great-aunt of Anna Berman. Mary is also survived by the beloved family dog, Charlie. Relatives and friends were invited to attend Mary’s visiting hours in the Cafasso & Sons Funeral Home, Everett on January 15. Her funeral was from the funeral home on Tuesday, followed by a funeral Mass in the Immaculate Conception Church, Everett. Mary was entombed at the Holy Cross Chapel Mausoleum, Malden, with her beloved husband, Frank. In lieu of fl owers, contributions in Mary’s memory to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, Danvers, Massachusetts 01923 would be sincerely appreciated. “I want to see more physical style of play, which is what made us successful in that Nashoba game,” Richards said. “We have a few games with teams that are ranked higher, so these games are really important for us. These guys need to be ready to come to play.”
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