INSIGHT ON EYESIGHT WWW.WEHELPCHICAGOSEE.COM / 773-788-6974 / SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2019
THROUGH POSITIVE PERCEPTION How to Build Your Confidence
Nobody’s life is free of challenges, and it seems like new ones appear at every turn. But how we choose to deal with those hurdles is what defines us. Knowing that I have a choice in how I approach hardship and struggle in my life is a guiding principle that carried me through my childhood, through my time as a university student, and into my career. I was always a shy kid growing up, which meant I was a target for bullies at school. I don’t know if there’s less bullying today than there was back then, but awareness is definitely higher. I didn’t feel like I had the option to go to an adult for help because I thought if my parents talked to the school, it would only escalate the bullying problem. Instead, I would hide my torn shirt from my mom when I got home and go to school terrified the next day. setting where this realization set in, I think it happened during a sermon at church. Like a lot of kids, I think I had kind of zoned out while the pastor was speaking, but my mom nudged me to pay attention just in time to hear what I needed to. The pastor said we have the power to create the circumstances we’re in. Now, I can’t remember the larger context of that statement, but to Then one day, I decided I had enough. While I can’t remember the exact
a third-grader, it meant that I had the power to conquer my shyness and end the bullying. I found that how I spent the first five minutes after I woke up each morning would ultimately determine how I approached each day. Doing something as simple as making my bed right after I got up made me positive and productive, and it really cleared my mind. I would hold my head a little higher when I walked to school, and my increased confidence meant I was bullied less. As I grew up, I found that my own perception of my circumstances led to more blessings. Instead of feeling nervous about going to college, I would tell myself I was going to be a great student. And I was. I also told myself I would be a great parent before my kids were born, and I would make a great eye doctor as I started my career. I strive to maintain that positivity every day, and so far, it seems like the universe has given me the things I told myself I would achieve. I read about three books a week, and a recurring theme in some of these books is the idea that instead of letting fear creep to the forefront of our minds, we can combat it with positive thoughts. It’s something I try really hard to instill
in my kids and my staff. They have the power to positively impact their environment and whomever they want to influence. I don’t want to make it sound like nothing will ever go wrong for you if you just think positively, though. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, challenges and hardships arise. Often, however, missed opportunities and negative outcomes can mean something better is just around the corner. We can view our mistakes with despair, or we can see them as learning opportunities. If you’re at a point in your life where it feels like nothing is going right, just remember this: Success can only happen because of our failures and how we perceive them. Great things are waiting just around the corner. Are you willing to push forward with a positive mindset and seize them?
Until next time, eye’ll see you then!
–Steven Chander
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Staying Connected HOW TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY CLOSE IN A BUSY WORLD
MAKE EVERY MOMENT COUNT
As cliche as it sounds, when you don’t have much time together, it’s crucial to be present for every minute of it. If you have a rare half hour at home with one of your kids, make a point to spend it in the same room and try to start a conversation. If you squeeze in a romantic dinner with your spouse, turn off your phones before the food comes. Listening to each other without distractions will strengthen your relationship. Physical contact is vital for closeness. When you get the chance, hug your kids, hold hands with your spouse, and do physical activities as a family, like hiking, biking, or even playing group sports. It’s been scientifically proven that physical closeness leads to emotional closeness, so if you’re low on time, take advantage of that shortcut! HUG IT OUT
If you feel like you’ve hardly seen your kids since the school year started, you’re not alone. Americans are way too busy — from childhood onward, we’re always running hither and thither, packing in as many after-school activities, work-related meetings, and social engagements as possible. It’s a problem so pervasive that it has a name: time scarcity. Families feel time scarcity keenly after school starts in September when children’s schedules explode with engagements. But all hope for close ties isn’t lost; there are ways to stay connected with your spouse and kids even in an increasingly busy world. Here are some ideas from counselors,
teachers, and psychologists who claim to have mastered the art.
REMEMBER YOUR RITUALS
Rituals make up the backbone of individual families and society at large. Most people wouldn’t dream of abandoning their holiday traditions, so why forgo the smaller rituals that bring families together? Whether it’s eating dinner at the same table each evening, watching a movie together every Thursday night, or going on a monthly getaway, make sure these traditions aren’t canceled. If your family doesn’t have many rituals, a great way to connect is to start some.
A WINDOW INTO YOUR OVERALL HEALTH Health Problems With Identifiable Symptoms in the Eyes
Eyes may be the windows to the soul, but they can also shed light on your physical health. Many different health conditions have symptoms that can be observed in the eyes, and identification of these symptoms could mean catching an illness early, preventing it from getting worse. Here are a few of the most common health conditions that show symptoms in the eyes. Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels over an extended period of time. Sometimes high blood sugar levels can cause the small blood vessels in the eyes to leak blood or fluid, leading to blurry vision, a loss of central vision, or an inability to see colors. This condition is called diabetic retinopathy. While this would, in fact, indicate that you have diabetes, diabetic retinopathy is a condition that needs treatment on its own. Seek treatment as soon as possible if your eye doctor identifies this condition during an appointment. DIABETES
HIGH CHOLESTEROL
One of the primary characteristics of heart disease is the buildup of plaque in the arteries. However, in some cases, plaque buildup can be observed in the eyes when fat deposits form white rings around the edge of the corneas. This condition is common among the elderly, but it can indicate high cholesterol in patients under 40. Heart disease is the most common health problem in America, but, if you watch for symptoms indicating you may be susceptible, you can decrease the risk of developing this condition. Symptoms of heart disease observable in the eyes include swelling and narrowing of blood vessels, as well as swelling at the base of the optic nerve. Visits to the eye doctor can illuminate any steps you need to take to improve your vision, but they can also lead to insights into your general health. If you haven’t scheduled an eye doctor appointment recently, give Primary Eye Care a call today! HEART DISEASE
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GREAT HALLOWEEN COSTUMES WITH GLASSES That Aren’t Harry Potter, Clark Kent, or Velma
While they certainly don’t have to limit your costume choices if you don’t want them to, incorporating your glasses into a costume can be a fun direction to take this Halloween. Of course, someone like Harry Potter, Clark Kent, or Velma from “Scooby Doo” might come to mind when you think of iconic glasses wearers, but they’re far from the only options. Here are a few other awesome costume ideas that will take your glasses into account.
DWIGHT SCHRUTE
Jim Halpert was able to recreate his neurotic fellow paper salesman’s ensemble for just $11. That included the price of the glasses, so, if you already have that accessory, dressing up as Dwight Shrute could be both a hilarious and cost-effective costume for any glasses wearer. For bonus points, you could get together with a big group of friends and go to your Halloween party as the entire cast of “The Office.” Whatever the case, make sure you talk a lot about beets to complete the effect. All you need is love, a shaggy beard, and a pair of circular spectacles to become one of the greatest pop music icons of all time. Imagine the looks of recognition on your friends’ faces when they see your costume. Whether you’re with the other three Beatles or Yoko Ono, you can proudly own those quintessential frames — and the karaoke machine, if there’s one nearby. Even if the style of your glasses doesn’t match those of these characters, there are plenty more bespectacled costume choices to choose from. Find the one that works best for your frames! JOHN LENNON
RALPHIE FROM ‘A CHRISTMAS STORY’
If the lament of mothers everywhere that kids would shoot their eyes out wasn’t popular before this iconic Christmas movie, it sure was after Ralphie nearly did the same with his trusty Red Ryder BB gun. Good thing he was wearing his glasses! If you really
want to knock this costume out of the park, you can don the iconic pink bunny pajamas that will be sure to help you stand out in the crowd at any Halloween party.
HAVE A LAUGH
Tomato Salad With HORSERADISH Inspired by Food & Wine Magazine
Savor the end of tomato season with this spicy and healthy salad. Because the horseradish-spiked dressing packs a punch, you only need a little to add a lot of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise • 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 2 tbsp prepared horseradish • Salt and black pepper, to taste • 2 1/2 lbs. heirloom and cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
DIRECTIONS
1. For the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, and horseradish in a mixing bowl; season to taste. 2. In serving bowls, arrange tomatoes and top with scallions. 3. Lightly drizzle tomatoes and scallions with dressing and serve.
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Inside This Issue Learning Confidence and Instilling It in Others PAGE 1
How to Keep Your Family Close in a Busy World PAGE 2
What Do Your Eyes Say About Your Health? PAGE 2
Great Halloween Costumes With Glasses PAGE 3
Tomato Salad With Horseradish PAGE 3
An Excursion in the Pennine Alps PAGE 4
AN ALPINE EXCURSION Tour Monte Rosa
Nestled between Italy and Switzerland, Monte Rosa is the second highest peak in the Alps, making it one of the best views in either country and one of the more physically demanding ascents in the mountain range. In the late summer and early fall, tourists and locals alike tour Monte Rosa to pay their respects to the peak and to be challenged by the cross-country trek over the mountain. The full tour of the mountain is a nine-day journey that starts in Switzerland and crosses quickly over into Italy, winding its way through both countries before eventually returning trekkers to their starting point. The out-and-back path is the most popular route, though there are other ways to approach it. However you go, you’ll encounter massive glaciers, rigorous 1,000-meter ascents and descents, and breathtaking views that are sure to make this journey memorable. For accommodations, opt for charming mountain huts to immerse yourself in the true Alpine experience.
You can book them in advance to guarantee your bunk and a dinner of spaetzle or lasagna, depending on which country you’re in that night. Unless you’re traveling with an experienced mountaineer, a guide is recommended for touring Monte Rosa, even if you only plan to traverse a small section of the mountain.
Weather can vary greatly and change quickly in this region, so you never know when you’ll encounter ice or snow, which can lower your visibility. Toward the top of the peak, you’ll even have an opportunity to cross a sprawling glacier, and having a guide will ensure you have the necessary equipment for a safe trip. On top of the spectacular views, you can expect a beautiful blend of cultures and an experience unlike any other on your tour of Monte Rosa. Plus, you may even get to see a few Swiss cows or mountain goats along the way!
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