Stirling Eyecare Jan/Feb 2019
JAN/FEB 2019
Our Two Very Different — and Wonderful — Sons Meet Justin and Nathan
Despite being close in age and growing up together, our two sons have very different personalities. Justin is analytical and task- oriented. Nathan is our fun-loving jokester. Justin runs track and plays the trumpet. Nathan had no interest in continuing to play the saxophone, and he’s all about baseball. But as far as siblings go, they’ve always gotten along great. Justin, age 18, is our engineer. As we mentioned, he’s dedicated to everything he tries, and he’s even an Eagle Scout. Justin is a no-frills kind of guy, but he seems to find some peace in the outdoors. He’s currently looking at engineering schools, but we remember back when he was in elementary school. We remember when he took up the trumpet in fourth grade and began running in fifth grade. Justin is still a whiz at the trumpet, and he has switched from cross country to track and field since then. Nathan, age 16, loves baseball. He even gave up basketball to work out for baseball season, and he’s often lifting weights and exercising to improve his game. He’s a shortstop on the school’s varsity team, and he also plays on traveling teams in the region. Unlike his brother, playing music and being a Boy Scout were not activities that meshed with him, but if you need to know anything about baseball or the sport’s history, he’s your guy. With Justin’s love of nature and Nathan’s competitiveness to finish every hike first, our family loves to spend time together at national parks. Before we had kids, we were interning in Salt Lake City, which gave us ample opportunities to travel the west and explore a variety of national parks. We visited Yellowstone National Park and many other parks south of Salt Lake City. About four years ago, we took a trip to the south rim of the Grand Canyon — an absolutely breathtaking view and adventure. As a family, we’ve since then visited Arches National Park in eastern Utah, made it to Glacier National Park in Montana, and toured Zion National Park in southern Utah. We spend a few days hiking and touring these parks while bonding and enjoying time as a family.
We weren’t sure if we were going to make a trip this upcoming spring but Justin wasn’t having it. He told us, “No, this is my last year,” and since we’re not sure what his schedule will look like once he leaves for college, we decided to go once again. We are thrilled that they want to take one more trip together as a family under the same roof. This year’s destination is still up in the air, but if the last four years — and nearly the last two decades — have been any indication, it’s going to be a fun ride.
–Dr. Claudia Gonzalez and Dr. Michael Higgins
www.StirlingEyeCenter.com • 1
A Total Focus on YOU!
Mom Really Does Know Best 3 Wives’ Tales Proven True
“Make a face like that, and it’ll stay that way forever.” You may have heard something like this from Mom’s book of wisdom. Maybe you never disputed the idea that mother knows best. But as you grew up, it slowly became clear that hair doesn’t grow back faster and thicker if you shave it, cracking your knuckles doesn’t cause arthritis, and gum doesn’t stay in your stomach for months after you swallow it. After a whirlwind of wives’ tales over the years, many common claims have been put under scrutiny. Wives tales have been known as pseudoscience and blind intuition, but even as many were disproved, some surprisingly proved to hold weight. Here are three wives’ tales that have proven to be true. Garlic Cures Colds For decades, moms have professed the healing properties of garlic, suggesting it can cure colds and help the body fight sickness. It turns out they were absolutely right. Garlic has antiviral properties that strengthen the immune system and nutrients that help combat illnesses. The effects of garlic can actually be more effective than over-the-counter flu medications. Some studies show that regular consumption of raw
garlic lessens the likelihood of getting a cold, so if you feel a tickle in your throat, try a clove before you open the medicine cabinet.
Heartburn Means a Hairy Baby It’s hard to list wives’ tales without bringing up one about pregnancy. Many are solely based on intuition, but a few that sound odd have proven to be true. In 2007, a study done by Johns Hopkins attempted to debunk the myth that heartburn during pregnancy would mean a hairy baby at birth. Instead of proving it wrong, they found that 82 percent of women with severe heartburn during pregnancy gave birth to hairy babies. Turns out the hormones that cause heartburn in pregnant women also affect fetal hair growth. Joint Pain Predicts the Weather Did you ever look at your mom with skepticism when she would predict rain because her knees hurt? If so, you might owe your mom an apology, because there is a scientific connection. The drop in barometric pressure that’s common during stormy weather causes pain in arthritic joints.
What Some People Are Saying Our Patients Say It Best
I’m impressed with the equipment and technology that this office provides. I have rheumatoid, had a virus which has my cornea scratched, and a thin spot which has concerned other doctors. My rheumatoid medication requires tests every six months. I used to get tested in another office for one portion of the test, and then had to go to AGH to get the rest of the tests. This office can do all the tests in one visit, which saves me money and time. I had an appointment to get my eyelid stitched shut to try repairing my cornea from another facility. I also had an appointment with Stirling Eye Care for my medication tests a few days before this eyelid surgery was about to take place. At this time, my appointment was with a new young doctor on their team, Dr. Frye. One of her specialties is the sclera contact lens, a large contact lens. You fill it with a pH solution and it covers the entire cornea. After only a week, it seems to be helping. The contact lens has increased my vision from 20/20, and at its worst, 20/30. It’s like a miracle being able to see again. I have been impressed with this office, the kind personnel that work there, and the doctors and their knowledge. Now, Dr. Frye has given me something I missed so much — my vision. Thanks to Dr. Frye, Stirling Eye Care, and their office personnel. –Bill H.
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Understanding Dry Eye Disease and Its Treatments Dry, Itchy Eyes?
Your eyes are powerful little organs that allow you to perceive the world around you, so living with consistently dry eyes can make life miserable. Learn more about dry eye disease, and find out how relief is possible. Why do tears matter? Your tears are one of the best defenses your eyes have against harmful dust, allergens, and other unknown substances. Tears clean and lubricate your eyeballs should any debris get in, but when you don’t produce enough tears, your eye is more vulnerable to harm and strain. What is dry eye disease? Dry eye disease occurs when the eye fails to produce enough tears, or when tears that are produced evaporate too quickly. With the prevalence of cellphones and technology, dry eyes are becoming more common. The
reason is simple: Light is a strain on your eyes, and the more you stare at a screen, the more your eyes need adequate lubrication. Research has found that when we stare at screens for long periods of time, we blink less, causing our eyes to dry out faster. But your dry eyes could also be a symptom of medications, aging, diabetes, hormonal changes, autoimmune diseases, and eye surgery side effects. How do I know if I have it? No one is immune to dry eyes, but for years, optometrists couldn’t accurately diagnose the severity of the condition. Dry eye disease is one of the most common eye diseases, and it is frequently misdiagnosed. But new technology is making it easier to diagnose. Stirling Eyecare’s TearLab Technology involves one small touch in the corner of your eye to collect a small tear sample for testing. Optometrists get fast and accurate answers with this simple, noninvasive test. How do we treat it? Depending on the severity of your condition, your optometrist has a variety of options they can prescribe to you. Treatments include over-the- counter and prescription eye drops, tear savers, special contact lenses, and nutritional supplements.
If you or a loved one is suffering from chronic dry eyes, find out how Stirling Eyecare can help by calling (724) 285-2618.
Peanut Butter and Berry
French Toast
Have a Laugh
Ingredients:
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8 slices brioche, 1/2-inch thick 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
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2 cups cornflakes
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large eggs
2 cups mixed berries
1/8 cup heavy cream 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Powdered sugar, to sprinkle Maple syrup, for serving
Directions: 1. On a large baking sheet lined with wax paper, place 4 slices of brioche and spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on each. Cover with remaining slices, creating sandwiches. 2. In a pie plate, beat eggs with cream and vanilla. In another, coarsely crush the cornflakes. 3. Lightly soak sandwiches in the egg mixture, then dredge in cornflakes, pressing to adhere. Return to baking sheet. 4. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Once melted and up to temperature, add sandwiches, cooking on one side until golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes. 5. Return sandwiches to baking sheet, add remaining butter, and repeat on other side. 6. Top sandwiches with berries, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and serve with maple syrup. www.StirlingEyeCenter.com • 1
A Total Focus on YOU!
166 Point Plaza Butler, PA 16001 (724) 285-2618 www.StirlingEyeCenter.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
Inside This Issue 1 Meet Our Sons!
Mom Really Does Know Best
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Our Patients Say It Best
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
3
Peanut Butter and Berry French Toast
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All About Chocolate
Fun Facts to Wow Your Loved Ones This Valentine’s Day What You Didn’t Know About
Chocolate is a treat savored by people all over the world. What we know as the sweet, creamy decadence that sustains Valentine’s Day actually has greater historical and cultural significance. Fermented chocolate drinks have been dated back to as early as 350 B.C. The Aztecs believed it was the beverage of wisdom, and the Mayans saw it as something to be worshipped. While the history of chocolate is as rich as its flavor, there are some common misconceptions about the treat. Dutch chocolate doesn’t necessarily refer to chocolate made in the Netherlands; the name refers to a specific chocolate-making process that uses the cocoa press. Before Dutch chemist and chocolate-maker C.J. van Houten invented the machine in 1828, chocolate was only used in beverages. Dutch chocolate is chocolate that has been modified with an alkalizing agent in order to produce a milder flavor, making it a fantastic option for use in baked goods, candy, and ice cream.
German chocolate actually has nothing to do with the country of Germany, either. It used to be called “German’s chocolate,” named after its inventor, Sam German, an American who made sweet chocolate for baking. Adding sugar to the chocolate made it a go-to option for bakers around the world, and the base for German chocolate cake was born. For chocolate to be classified as Swiss, it has to be made in Switzerland, as chocolate- making is considered an art form in the country. Known for its “melt in your mouth” quality, Swiss chocolate uses condensed milk to add a velvety texture. Many chocolate makers outside of Switzerland will refer to their interpretations of Swiss chocolate as milk
chocolate instead.
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