May is Macula Month (1 – 31 May 2019)

May is Macula Month and the perfect time to learn if you’re at risk of macular disease.

If you’re over 50 you are at higher risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Having a parent or sibling with AMD means you have a 50% risk of diagnosis. Smokers are at three to four times higher risk of AMD than non-smokers.

Everyone with diabetes is at risk of vision loss through diabetic eye disease.

With regular eye examinations and by adopting the healthy habits below you can help minimise your risk of vision loss from macular disease, whether you have been diagnosed with the disease or not.

How many of these “healthy habits” can you tick off?
□ I don’t smoke
□ I eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
□ I eat dark green leafy vegetables and fresh fruit daily
□ I eat fish two to three times a week
□ I choose low glycemic index (low GI) carbohydrates instead of high GI
□ I eat a handful of nuts a week
□ I limit the intake of fats and oils
□ I keep a healthy lifestyle by maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly
□ I have a regular comprehensive eye test and macula check

If you ticked all nine healthy habits – well done! If you didn’t tick all the boxes, or you’re overdue for an eye test, now is the time to make changes to reduce your risk or delay progression of macular disease.

You can do this by:

1) Booking in for a comprehensive eye test and macula check by calling [insert name of practice and contact details].

2) Ordering a FREE information kit from Macular Disease Foundation Australia’s National Helpline 1800 111 709 or visiting www.mdfoundation.com.au/resources

Macula Menu e-cookbook
Available from 1 May
This downloadable cookbook is filled with a range of delicious and nutritious recipes that will support the health of your macula. Download your FREE Macula Menu e-cookbook at www.mdfoundation.com.au during Macula Month (1 to 31 May).
– See more at: https://www.mdfoundation.com.au/content/promote-your-website-optom#sthash.ABz5cBKx.dpuf