healthbriefs
Push-Ups for
Better Vision
T
here’s an-
other
way to see
better than
just cleaning
your glasses when
they’re dirty, sug-
gest optometrists at nature walks
the University of
Houston College equal outdoor
of Optometry. We
can apply their no-cost, at-home ap- smarts
proach, called pencil push-up therapy.
The simple exercise, when prac-
ticed regularly, the doctors say, can
B
ehavior and health experts
at the University of Michi-
improve visual acuity and performance
gan have found that walking
at school and work. How does it work?
outside in parks or in nature
Visually follow a small letter penned or
helps improve attention span
pasted on a pencil eraser as you move
the pencil closer to the nose. The goal
and memory performance by
is to be able to keep the letter in focus
20 percent. The researchers,
until it touches the nose.
who published their findings
The exercise appears to help with
in Psychological Science, be-
a common condition known as conver-
lieve the results may also be
gence insufficiency, which may affect up relevant to people suffering
to 20 percent of the population. The con- from mental fatigue.
dition refers to someone who can’t cross
“Interacting with nature
their eyes. If left unattended, it can affect
can have similar effects as
their reading skills and cause headaches
meditating,” reports Marc Ber-
and eye strain. In-office professional
man, a psychology researcher
vision therapy also can help, but the do-
at the university. He adds,
it-yourself exercise works well.
“People don’t have to enjoy
the walk to get the benefits,”
wrinkles Be Gone
although they do tend to find
Researchers in Ger-
spring and summer walks more
many suggest that
enjoyable.
high-intensity visible
Study participants exhib-
light from light emit-
ited increased levels of alert-
ting diodes (LED) ap-
ness, satisfaction and mental
plied daily for several
tranquility after spending just
weeks resulted in “re-
one hour interacting with na-
juvenated skin, reduced wrinkles
ture. They reported that their
and a more resilient complexion.”
levels of stress had decreased
They see such treatment as a
significantly and they felt more
potential alternative to Botox and
in control of their mind. Similar
cosmetic surgery for easing facial
benefits did not accrue from
wrinkles.
urban walks.
Source: American Chemical Society
18 Broward County
http://FtL.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com
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