These Sensible Steps Can Save Your Senses

One of the great things about being a kid today is that you can be smarter than we were when we were growing up. Back in the dark ages, we rode bikes without wearing helmets, we didn’t floss and we never even heard of sunscreen. (Did I mention we weren’t too bright?)

It turns out what you do as a kid can make a big difference when you’re an adult. Two examples have to do with your eyes and your ears. (Actually, maybe it’s four examples . . . two eyes plus two ears. . . . Never mind.) Here’s the point--how you protect your eyes and ears now may help you see and hear better as you go through life.

Let’s start with your eyes. There are two important steps you can take to protect your vision, according to Dr. Sherwin Isenberg, an eye doctor at UCLA. First, always wear shatterproof, protective eye goggles when you play sports. Doctors treat a lot of eye injuries from games like basketball, baseball and racquetball. Wearing protective goggles can help prevent trauma to your eyes.

A second step you can take might surprise you--Dr. Isenberg says kids should get in the habit of wearing sunglasses on sunny days. Sunglasses that filter out ultraviolet rays may help prevent some serious adult eye problems. Doctors now know that long-term exposure to UV rays isn’t good for our eyes. (And let’s not forget how cool you look when you wear shades.)

As for your ears, protecting them is simple: Turn down the volume!

“A loud noise for even a short period of time can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss,” warns Dr. Nina L. Shapiro, a kids’ ear, nose and throat doctor at UCLA.

Dr. Shapiro advises kids to wear foam earplugs at rock concerts or even at loud movies. (Don’t use cotton. It doesn’t work. Foam earplugs are cheap and can be found at most drugstores.) At home, don’t play your music too loud, especially when you’re wearing headsets.

Isn’t it nice to be so smart?

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Emily Dwass can be reached by e-mail at emilydwass@yahoo.com or by mail at Kid Health, Los Angeles Times, Health section, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053.