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Health Matters: Providence St. Jude Medical Center | 5 The stinging, burning or scratchiness of dry eyes is the most common reason Americans visit an ophthalmologist. This condition is more frequent among those over 50, and causes can range from medications (decongestants, antidepressants and blood pressure drugs are often culprits) to certain autoimmune diseases or environmental triggers, such as very dry air, allergies or staring at a screen for hours—causing your blink rate to drop from 20 to 3 times a minute. The result can be that your eyes don't produce enough tears (called aqueous-deficient dry eye) or there is not enough oil in your tears (called evaporative dry eye) to keep your eyes lubricated. Igor Bussel, MD, an ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist, offers three tips to help eliminate the symptoms of dry eyes: • Use preservative-free artificial tears, which mimic natural tears and come in drops or gels. Opt for preservative-free varieties to avoid further drying and irritating the eyes. • Apply warm compresses to your eyelids for 10–15 minutes to melt any blockages in the glands responsible for oil production, improving tear quality. • Begin taking a high-grade fish oil. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil can reduce inflammation and improve meibomian gland function, contributing to healthier tears. "If symptoms continue, see an ophthalmologist who can determine the underlying cause," says Dr. Bussel, who explains that persistent parched eyes can make eye infection or inflammation more likely. "While usually easily treated, dry eyes can also be an early symptom of an autoimmune or thyroid issue, so it's important to get an accurate diagnosis." Join Dr. Bussel for a free in-person class. ARE YOUR EYES PARCHED? YOU'RE NOT ALONE. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bussel, call 714-525-2375. To find a physician who is right for you, go to providience.org/ findadoctor. Providence St. Jude Personal fitness specialties Weight management • Strength training • Balance and fall prevention • Cardiac and pulmonary conditioning • Therapeutic stretch • Pilates reformer • Yoga therapy • Aquatic therapy • Breath coaching (can improve key markers of health for those with depression or anxiety, high blood pressure or lung conditions such as COPD and long COVID) • Functional movement (therapeutic training and strengthening to help you move better in daily life) We offer personal training as private sessions, duets or groups of up to four — and we'll match you with the best trainer in the gym, yoga suite, pool or Pilates studio to meet your goals. Some of our programs include … Strength & Mobility: designed for those with advanced balance and strength challenges, including those using a walker or cane Pilates for Pelvic Floor: uses mat Pilates to improve pelvic floor strength and function, reducing incontinence, pain and other symptoms Pilates Reformer: safe and highly effective for improving core strength and mobility for any level of fitness, from competitive athletes to those living with significant physical limitations Yoga for Balance & Mobility: created for those who have, or are beginning to have, challenges getting around due to balance issues Exercise for Parkinson's Disease: strengthening and flexibility training in a fun, social environment Balance H20: aquatic circuit class designed to significantly boost flexibility, mobility, balance and strength Cardiac Step & Spin: for those living with heart disease or at risk of a cardiac event who are ready for higher-intensity exercises, including those who just finished a cardiac rehabilitation program Exercise for Osteoarthritis: conditioning to improve joint mobility and function at any stage of osteoarthritis, with special focus on knee and hip Yoga for Restoration & Recovery: benefits anyone with limitations in movement or energy, using breath work and gentle stretching to calm the nervous system and improve healing Exercise 101: combines cardio, Pilates, yoga, and strength training for those new to exercise or those with physical limitations that make exercise difficult Exercise for Osteoporosis: allows those at risk or living with osteoporosis to increase bone density through gentle exercise Go to stjudewellnesscenter.org or call 714-578-8770 and make an appointment with a wellness coach who can help match your health needs with the right class or service. This health assessment and coaching appointment is free.

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