Month: August 2015

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

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Do you wonder if you could have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Adults with ADHD likely had symptoms as a child. However, the diagnosis might not be made until later in life. It is estimated that around 4-5% of adults have ADHD, but many do not get diagnosed or treated.   Symptoms include trouble following directions, concentrating, organizing tasks, finishing work, and remembering information.

If you are having the symptoms that suggest ADHD that are significantly affecting your academic or work performance, you should consider making an appointment to discuss with your provider. They will ask questions and do an exam to assess for ADHD and other problems that can mimic or occur with ADHD. Likely, they will refer you to a psychologist for further evaluation and diagnosis.

What can you do if you are diagnosed to have ADHD?

  • Good Support: It is very important to have good support including an academic advisor that can help you stay on course.
  • Stay organized: make lists and use them.
  • Rest: get plenty of sleep.
  • Exercise: studies show that regular exercise helps ADHD symptoms.
  • Counseling: consider counseling for support and cognitive therapy to help symptoms.
  • Medications: discuss medications options with your provider. These medications are effective and safe when used properly.

People with ADHD are typically very creative and energetic, but sometimes need help using those qualities effectively. There are effective treatments that can make a huge difference.

 

Matthew Peters, MD

Student Health Services

The Ohio State University

Water and Contact Lenses Don’t Mix

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I wore contact lenses for years and can honestly say I did not know that water and contact lenses were a bad combination. There were definitely times when my contacts were bugging me and I didn’t have any solution and tried rinsing them with water.  This always made my eyes very sore and uncomfortable and I’d always end up just taking them out.  After reading an article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, I now know why this was the case.

Apparently water in any form, be it showering, swimming, hot tub, etc. is a bad combination when it comes to contacts.  Water can cause soft contacts to change shape, swell, and/or stick to the eye.  This can be very uncomfortable and can scratch the cornea.  If there’s a scratch in your cornea, then it’s easier for germs to enter the eye and cause infection.

Should water touch your contact lenses, take them out as soon as possible.  Throw them away or disinfect them overnight before wearing again.  Never store your contacts in water, not even tape water.