Today all of my children are back at school, and none too soon, as the last few weeks have been characterized by insufferable, unending arguing.

My kids certainly have their fair share of arguments in the normal way of siblings, especially since so many of them think they’re experts on everything all the time, but it hasn’t been so pervasive, so constant, so ridiculous, as it has been in the last month or so. Any time any of the boys has said anything at all, without fail another of the boys has landed on them with all the reasons why they’re wrong or dumb. 

Innocent mistakes aren’t safe. For example, Number 2 commented recently, “I keep thinking today is Friday!” and Number 6 immediately said scornfully, “Why do you keep thinking today is Friday??” Then the two of them were off and running with a back-and-forth argument about why sometimes people fall into thinking a certain day is a different day and no, it’s not a stupid thing to think, you’re stupid, no you are, etc.

Observations aren’t safe. For example, Number 5 said to Number 6, “Isn’t it weird that we don’t all have the same brothers?” Number 6 thought about this for a minute and then realized it was true. “Oh yeah!” he said. “Because you are my brother, but you’re not your own brother!” I was so pleased that this conversation — normally the kind of thing that would immediately devolve into an argument — went so nicely … until Number 4, who wasn’t part of the conversation, said aggressively, “Yes we do have the same brothers!” and the three of them were off and running with a back-and-forth argument about why it’s true, no it’s not true, yes it is true, you’re stupid, no you are, etc.

Opinions aren’t safe. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard the boys squabbling over matters of opinion. Whether something is delicious or not. Whether a particular TV show or YouTube channel is interesting or not. Whether someone is cold, or hot, or hungry, or bored — things that are subjective, things that are matters of opinion, things that can be true for one boy and not for the other boy at the exact same time. There have been so many times that I’ve had to remind them that they’re each allowed to have their own opinion; just because you think something tastes gross doesn’t mean your brother has to agree with you; yes you can think someone else’s opinion is ridiculous but they’re still allowed to have it. I’ve taken the opportunity when I can to explain the difference between informed opinions versus uninformed opinions, but when it comes to one boy preferring his hot dog without a bun versus the other boy preferring it with a bun, no one is objectively right.

Creativity isn’t safe. Number 7 gave the inexplicable name “Artra Star” to a spider on our window, which several of his brothers told him was a dumb name and decided it was a hill they would die on. 

It’s even gotten to the point where no one will be saying anything at all that can be disagreed with, so someone will create an argument out of thin air, just to bother each other. Like when Number 6 said to Number 7, out of the blue, for no other reason than to bother him: “You are cheese. You look like cheese, you smell like cheese, you taste like cheese.” Number 7 immediately took the bait, saying, “I am not cheese! Cheese doesn’t even have a smell” (as if that’s the real issue here!). Number 6 replied calmly, “To me it does.” My husband, sensing an escalation, tried to diffuse the situation by teasing Number 7: “Everyone knows you’re a donut!” But Number 7 would not be soothed — instead, he wailed, “I am not food!” and then started crying, “Everyone is making fun of me!”

These are all real examples — as the weeks of arguing dragged on, I started keeping a list of these arguments in a notebook and on my phone, and even with that, I was only able to capture a fraction of what we’ve all had to deal with as the summer has wound down. I’ll be happy for everyone to have time away from each other as we head back to school, and I’ll delight in seeing how happy they are to be back together at home after busy days away. They really are good boys, and they really do enjoy spending time together — as long as none of them make the mistake of thinking today is a different day than it actually is!

Kate and her husband have seven sons ages 18, 17, 15, 13, 11, 9, and 4. Email her at kmtowne23@gmail.com.

I cannot believe we’re thinking about back-to-school already. Already! Summer’s barely begun, hasn’t it? Does it feel to you like, just when you get settled in the summer routine, it’s time to figure out the school routine again?

Not that our summer has been slow! We’ve been busy! Since school ended seven weeks ago, we had almost two weeks away — one, almost a week with our extended family at the ocean; the other, time spent at our favorite lake. We’ve had summer job schedules to coordinate: mine and my older boys’. The little boys had two weeks of swimming lessons during two of my busiest work weeks. Figuring out how to get people to and from their jobs and swimming lessons on time required incredibly detailed written-out instructions for my own use (“Leave the house at 12:40 to bring so-and-so to work a few minutes early in order to pick so-and-so up on time”; “Be dressed for work when going to get so-and-so from work at 4:00 so I can leave directly after dropping him off at home”) and panicky texts to my parents (“Could one of you bring nos. 2 and 3 to work at 8:50 and pick them up again at 1:00 so I can bring no. 1 to work at 9:00 and the little ones to swimming at 12:50?”; “Okay if I leave the little guys with you from 11:00-2:30 while I’m at my lunch meeting?”). Driving to and fro, back and forth across town and up and down the Northway, is its own kind of bananas!

In addition to work and swimming lessons, we’ve also done:

• Summer reading: the older boys all have required reading for school with associated written assignments that they’ve been working on all summer. I’m a big fan of summer reading! For the younger kids, I usually start each summer reading Charlotte’s Web out loud, but this summer my nine-year-old asked for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, so we had fun working through that and then watching the old Gene Wilder movie version (1971) and the newer (creepier!) Johnny Depp/Tim Burton movie version (2005). I’m going to try to get through one more book before school starts, though I haven’t decided yet which one (maybe Charlotte’s Web after all!).

• Older-boy movie nights: My seventeen-year-old really wanted us to watch the Marvel movies *in order* (he was very serious about them being viewed *in order*) and since there’s about a zillion of them, and it’s summer, we’ve watched one most nights after the little guys have gone to bed. So fun! My husband usually makes popcorn and we turn off the lights (the little boys get their own movie nights!).

• Time with friends: We have already done and have planned more time with friends — for both kids and adults!

• Birthday celebrations: Two of the boys, my mom, my brother, my sister-in-law, both my brothers-in-law, my one and only niece, and myself have birthdays in the summer … and also my newest nephew, who is only three weeks old! We’re so excited to have another baby in the family!

• Non-swimming sports: The boys have played basketball, soccer, and ultimate frisbee alone and with friends, but our biggest summer sport as a family, besides swimming, is running. Many of us will be participating in a 5K this month, and there’s some combination of us running alone or with others nearly every day of the week.

• Video games: During the summer, I try to make sure we stick to our just the weekends/one hour at a time/no more than two turns a day video game rule, though I will often bend for rainy days and when we’re away on vacation. One of the boys got a refurbished Wii for his birthday and everyone’s been enjoying the old-school Wii Sports and making Miis. All of our family and friends are represented in our Mii Plaza, and many movie characters as well! 

As much as I love not having the stress of getting everyone up and out the door with all their school papers signed and lunches packed at the crack of dawn, I also love a busy summer. I feel good that we’ve had time to rest, time to have fun, time with family and friends, and time to work. It’s been a good summer.

I don’t hate school starting again, though! Though I don’t love getting up early, I do love the predictability and rhythm of school days. On the most oppressive days of summer heat, I long for the fall, and nothing says fall’s coming like school starting! This school year is a year of milestones for us as well:

• My youngest is off to Kindergarten! For the first time in nineteen years, I won’t have anyone at home during the day from Monday to Friday. 

• My second is entering his senior year of high school! I’ve barely recovered from the emotional stress of planning for and sending my oldest off to college, and now we have to do it all over again. I’d thought it might be easier after the first of our kids; so far that’s not the case.

• My fifth is headed to middle school! I will only have two left in elementary school, and the fact that my sixth is now our family’s oldest boy at his school blows my mind.

This is not to diminish the other boys’ new school years! In addition to the senior, sixth grader, fourth grader, and Kindergartener mentioned above, I also have a sophomore and eighth grader, and my oldest is heading into his second year of college. The new school year is such a marker of the passage of time.

There’s nearly four weeks left until school starts — enough time to bring in some more summer paychecks and for another quick trip to see out-of-town family, some more movie nights, more ice cream runs, more swimming at the lake, and to move my oldest back into the dorm. The next time I write, school will be starting! I hope you all have a good end to your summer.

Kate and her husband have seven sons ages 18, 17, 15, 13, 11, 9, and 4. Email her at kmtowne23@gmail.com.

Early detection of vision problems: Regular eye exams for children are essential because they help detect vision issues early on. Many eye conditions and refractive errors (such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism) develop during childhood. Identifying these problems early allows for prompt treatment, which can significantly improve a child’s visual development and overall eye health.

Academic performance and learning: Good vision is crucial for a child’s academic success. 80% of learning occurs at near range. Undiagnosed vision problems can lead to difficulties in reading, writing, and learning in general. An eye exam can identify and address any visual impairments that may be hindering a child’s ability to perform well in school.

Eye health assessment: Eye exams also check for general eye health issues, including eye diseases like amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), and more severe conditions like cataracts or glaucoma. Detecting and treating these conditions early can prevent long-term complications and vision loss.

Binocular vision assessment: An eye exam evaluates how well a child’s eyes work together as a team (binocular vision). Problems with eye coordination can lead to issues like double vision or poor depth perception, affecting a child’s ability to participate in sports and other activities.

Digital device use: With the increasing use of digital devices (smartphones, tablets, computers), kids are exposed to screens more than ever. Regular eye exams can address issues related to digital eye strain, focusing problems and potential long-term effects on eye health.

Developmental monitoring: Eye exams are part of routine developmental checks for children. They help identify any vision-related developmental delays or abnormalities, ensuring that the child receives appropriate care and intervention if necessary.

Prescription updates: If a child already wears glasses or contact lenses, regular eye exams are vital for updating prescriptions. As a child grows, their vision may change, and regular adjustments to corrective lenses are necessary for optimal visual performance. Typically vision changes accompany growth spurts.

Point of fact: Regular eye exams for kids are critical for detecting and addressing vision problems, promoting healthy eye development, ensuring academic success, and preventing long-term complications related to eye health. The National Institute of Health recommends that children have their first comprehensive eye exam around the age of 6 months, followed by subsequent exams at age 3, and then before starting school. After that, annual eye exams are generally recommended, but the frequency may vary depending on individual needs and any existing vision issues.

Susan Halstead is a Nationally and NYS Licensed Optician and Owner of Family Vision Care Center at 205 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs. Susan can be reached at Susan@familyvisioncarecenter.com

You’ve got back pain — or shoulder or leg pain, or even a headache — and you’re looking for a doctor of chiropractic (DC) to help with your problem. How do you choose? Selecting the right healthcare provider for your needs is important. Consider the following suggestions to help you narrow the field:

What qualifications should my chiropractor have?

The first step is to ensure that your chiropractor graduated from a school accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). The CCE is the national agency that accredits chiropractic colleges in the United States. It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Second, make sure that the chiropractor that you’ve selected is licensed in your state. You can also contact the state board to see if any sanctions have been placed on a doctor for state law violations.

In addition, you can find out if a chiropractor is a member of the American Chiropractic Association.

How do I choose the chiropractor that’s right for me?

The best source for finding a good chiropractor is often a referral from a relative or friend who has had good experiences with a doctor. Referral from another healthcare practitioner is also generally helpful. Just as you wouldn’t continue to see a medical doctor who refused to refer you to a good chiropractor for problems with your musculoskeletal system, you should also refrain from selecting a chiropractic doctor who refuses to send you to an MD when necessary.

A good chiropractor might offer you safer and more effective non- drug and/or nonsurgical approaches to your problems. The chiropractic profession believes in a conservative approach to health care (using non-drug, nonsurgical methods, when appropriate, as first-line therapies) and holism (considering the body as an interdependent whole, rather than focusing only on a single part that is causing pain). Remember that any good chiropractor will address the physical, social, and psychological aspects of your problems with conservative approaches,
as appropriate.

What are the benefits of chiropractic care?

Research shows that proper maintenance of your musculoskeletal system is important to your health. We suspect that pain in the joints caused by a reduction of normal joint motion is a common reason for many nonsurgical musculoskeletal problems. Most chiropractors address these problems with spinal manipulation, exercise, and other types of active treatment.

Your chiropractor will focus on helping you prevent future episodes of pain and disability, rather than suggesting that periodic, ongoing adjustment of your spine alone will solve your health problems. Depending on your case, a chiropractor may teach you how to maintain your musculoskeletal system through exercise, good posture/adequate movement, and good lifting techniques. He or she may also describe good health habits, such as the elements of a healthy diet. A good chiropractor will evaluate your condition and inform you of your progress at each visit.

What diagnostic procedures are appropriate?

Your chiropractor has many well-documented diagnostic procedures to help evaluate your condition that include asking you questions about your health and giving you a physical examination. Chiropractors may use X-rays to help determine the health of your musculoskeletal system and to see if your body has developed any serious conditions that should be managed by another provider.

There are specific well documented reasons for performing X- rays. A reputable DC will X-ray only the patients who require it. Feel free to question your chiropractor about the need for X-rays in your case, about the percentage of patients who require such screening in his or her office, or about any other diagnostic or treatment procedure that is unclear to you. Remember that it is not a good idea to X-ray you periodically to see if changes in your vertebral misalignments have occurred.

Musculoskeletal problems can exist for many reasons and can occur in any part of the system. A good chiropractor will evaluate your overall health, in keeping with their holistic approach, and will formulate a diagnosis for your condition, as required by most state laws.

How long should my chiropractor treat me?

Any good healthcare provider will work hard to get you out of the office and functioning independently as quickly as possible. Joint manipulation is a wonderful noninvasive procedure in the hands of a skilled doctor of chiropractic. It has been repeatedly shown to reduce pain and help patients function better in daily life.

However, it has not been shown to prevent problems. A good chiropractor can help you prevent musculoskeletal system problems by teaching you how to engage in regular exercise, maintain good posture/movement, and practice other healthy living habits.

There are many good chiropractors available to help you manage your neuromusculoskeletal system with sound, well-documented procedures. As with any other healthcare decision, remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Choose a chiropractor you are comfortable with, who addresses your health concerns, and who uses sound principles of modern health care in helping you manage your problems.

Dr Matt Smith has been a Chiropractor in Saratoga Springs for 36 years. He and his daughter Dr Kevy Smith Minogue can be reached at 518 587-2064 or at MySaratogaChiropractor.com.

The decision to get married is undoubtedly one of life’s biggest milestones. However, it’s essential to recognize that weddings are not only emotionally fulfilling but also come with a myriad of financial implications. From the engagement ring to the honeymoon, couples need to be aware of the various costs associated with getting married to ensure a smooth transition into their new life together. I’ll be getting married later this month, so I thought it would be appropriate to share some of the different expenses involved in planning a wedding and provide some practical tips for managing these costs effectively.

1. Engagement Ring:

For many couples, a diamond engagement ring is a symbol of love and commitment. According to industry standards, the average cost of an engagement ring in the United States ranges between $3,500 and $6,000. However, it’s vital to remember that these figures are not fixed and can fluctuate depending on individual preferences, quality, and size of the stone.

2. Ceremony and Reception:

The wedding ceremony and reception are typically the most significant expenses for couples. The costs associated with these elements can vary significantly depending on factors such as the venue, guest count, and desired ambiance. 

On average, couples in the US spend around $30,000 to $40,000 on their wedding. This, of course, depends greatly on the number of guests. This usually includes expenses like venue rental, decorations, catering, entertainment, photography, and videography. However, it’s worth noting that costs can escalate quickly if one opts for a destination wedding or seeks luxurious accommodations.

3. Attire and Accessories:

Suits and gowns, and all the associated accessories, can be essential parts of the wedding budget. Wedding dresses can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the designer, style, and customization. Grooms’ attire, including suits or tuxedos, can vary significantly based on individual preferences and rental versus purchasing options.

4. Wedding Rings:

Wedding bands symbolize the eternal bond between spouses. Pricing for wedding bands can vary widely depending on factors like metal type, design intricacy, and gemstone accents. On average, couples spend around $1,000 to $3,000 on their wedding rings.

5. Photography and Videography:

Capturing memories through professional photography and videography is an important investment for many couples. Costs associated with hiring professional photographers and videographers typically average between $2,500 and $5,000. However, this figure can increase based on the duration of coverage, any additional services, or premium quality packages.

6. Invitations, Decorations, and Favors:

The cost of wedding invitations, decorations, and guest favors may seem trivial compared to larger expenses, but they can add up quickly. On average, couples spend anywhere from $500 to $1,500 on invitations and stationery. Decorations and favors can greatly vary depending on the desired theme and personal preferences. DIY options can be more cost-effective, but they require more time and effort.

Conclusion:

Getting married is an extraordinary journey filled with love and happiness, but it can also come with significant financial obligations. 

From personal experience I can say that TheKnot.com is an amazing resource for planning all aspects of your big day, including budgeting. It even provides the ability to create a personal wedding website with all of your details. Your site can handle virtual RSVPs with meal choices and dietary restrictions, and it generates a comprehensive report for your caterer. 

If you’re expecting your wedding to pay for itself, you may be interested to know that, in New York, the average wedding costs approximately $400 per guest, and the average wedding gift is still roughly $100 per guest. 

By understanding the costs involved and developing a well-thought-out budget, couples can navigate these expenses more effectively. Remember, it’s crucial to prioritize expenses based on personal preferences and financial capabilities to create a memorable wedding while ensuring a solid foundation for your future together.

Stephen Kyne is a Partner at Sterling Manor Financial, LLC in Saratoga Springs. Securities offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Sterling Manor Financial, LLC, or Cadaret Grant & Co., Inc., SEC registered investment advisors. Sterling Manor Financial and Cadaret Grant are separate entities

Is it possible to feel bad for someone who gets paid millions of dollars to play a game? If you read through the comment section of any article discussing Saquon Barkley’s contract situation, you will find many people sympathizing with him. On the surface, it seems ridiculous for people to have these types of feelings, but we are all human beings, and we feel a connection to another’s plight, regardless of status. I’m always looking for practical applications of things, so read on to see how we can learn from his circumstances.

For non-football fans, Saquon Barkley is a running back for the New York Giants. He was a highly sought-after prospect out of college and is currently up for a new contract. The Giants gave him the option to accept a guaranteed one-year $10 million contract or to negotiate a longer-term deal. The “problem” is two-fold. First, football is a violent sport, so one-year contracts are unappealing to superstars looking to lock in value due to the prevalence of injuries. Second, the running back position is relatively underpaid due to how teams perceive the importance of having a star occupying that roster slot. Barkley had the opportunity to sign longer-term deals, but he wanted to bet on himself, so he declined.

Humans tend to compare themselves to others. This is sometimes referred to as “keeping up with the Joneses.” In Barkley’s case, his teammate, quarterback Daniel Jones (wow, that last name fits perfectly with the message), just received a massive contract from the same organization looking to save costs on Barkley. I think he is realistic enough not to expect quarterback money, but envy has undoubtedly crept into his mind during this process. This is not unlike one of us being comfortable in our career yet coveting a neighbor’s car, house, or boat. All that should matter is where we are relative to our goals.

The free market determines the value of a product or service. Barkley appears to have grossly overestimated the amount of money that teams around the league are willing to pay running backs. I won’t go into the X’s and O’s of this, but other running back contracts should have provided a clue to him and his agents. We might think that our house should sell for a certain amount. Or that our company stock should increase in price based on favorable financial reports. In a world of supply and demand, it pays to listen to the market while making financial decisions. Don’t fight it.

Betting on yourself can be lucrative, but it also entails risk. We’ve seen athletes in similar situations parlay an expiring contract with a career year to ensure generational wealth for them and their families. The very nature of risk is that you are willing to accept unfavorable outcomes in anticipation of outsized returns. Betting on yourself is one of the surest ways to accelerate your career growth. But beware. Joining a start-up or accepting a lower-paying job in a company with greater advancement opportunities is not a slam dunk. Take calculated risks. 

I am part of the contingent that feels bad for Barkley. He has been an ideal teammate and face of the franchise. He puts his body on the line and has suffered injuries as a result. There is no opportunity for me to have his ear to impart wisdom, but that doesn’t prevent me from having similar conversations with clients. After all, we are all going through the same stuff.

David Rath, CMT, CFA, is the Chief Investment Officer at Continuum Wealth Advisors in Saratoga Springs. Continuum Wealth Advisors, LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor registered through the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For more information, visit contwealth.com.

I recently read the article “‘Backwards Beach Days’ Could Be A Game Changer For Your Summer Vacation” by Kelsey Borresen on HuffPost, and while I’ll concede that the mom she was writing about (“content creator” Kelsey Pomeroy) may have coined the term “backwards beach days,” I’ll tell you that she absolutely did not invent the idea, as we have used this basic premise for almost my whole motherhood — and it is indeed a game changer!

This idea assumes that the “normal” beach visit is one that starts in the morning and ends before dinner, which Pomeroy argues “is the literal opposite schedule that works for little kids.” This has been my experience as well! She specifically cites naptime as a key reason for switching up her thinking about beach time (her kids do better at the beach after they’ve had their afternoon nap than if the family tries to manage naptime at the beach), and notes that beaches are usually less crowded and less expensive later in the day, and the sun isn’t as much of an issue. Yes, yes, yes.

My family has spent time at a mountain lake since I was a teenager, which has become the main summer beach time for my own kids as well. Very early on in our parenthood we discovered that heading to the beach after naptime helps the hardest part of the day (that post-nap pre-dinner time often referred to as the witching hour) not be so terrible, and I also don’t have to worry so much about the kids getting sunburned. Most people head back home for dinner around this time, so the beach is emptier, and the water is the warmest it’s been all day. Late afternoon beach time has absolutely been the best for my family of little ones for the majority of my time as a mom, and I would definitely recommend this to parents of young families who’d like to make beach time as stress-free as possible. 

(While we’re on the subject of little ones at the beach, I want to share again something I read when I was a young mother that I found life-changing: if taking your babies and toddlers and preschoolers to the beach is the worst thing you can possibly think of doing, then don’t bring them! Please don’t get caught up in some panicky idea that not bringing your little ones to the beach means you’re depriving them of key important childhood experiences like I did. I spent so much time trying to force us all to have a nice time at the beach when my big boys were tiny and it was basically the worst. Reading an older mom’s advice that trying again in a year or two might make all the difference almost made me cry with relief. And she was right! None of my older boys even remember that we didn’t do a whole lot of that when they were very small; having older kids somehow made it all easier, even with adding more babies to the mix for several more years, and they all have great memories of beachy summers.) 

Now that I’ve shared with you a great tip for making beach time with little ones easier, and hopefully gave you permission to give it up altogether until your littles are older and it’s less traumatic for you, if you feel like you need permission, I also want to share my continued amazement at how quickly we have changed from a family for whom every outing was a stress to a family who can actually do things: we have now become a family who can handle an all-day beach trip! 

We had the great blessing of starting this summer with a trip to the ocean with our extended family — my two brothers and their wives and children, one of my sisters, and my parents (twenty-one of us altogether). None of us have babies anymore (my almost-five-year-old was the youngest), nobody takes a daily nap (except me!), almost all of my kids can sunscreen themselves and swim/play safely on the beach and in the water without my husband and I worrying that someone will drown or run away or fall apart in a sanity-ending tantrum. We had two glorious beach experiences on two different days — we were at the beach for far longer than we’ve ever been able to stay at a beach; my big boys walked up and down the long beach and jumped in the waves; my little guys delighted in the water and the sand. We brought peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and chips and iced tea. My dad bought us all ice cream from the snack stand. What an absolute joy it was to go to the beach with our kids and our extended family! 

I’ve been feeling for a while now that I don’t have much new to write about in terms of my motherhood — the constant newness of new babies, even when you’ve already had a bunch of babies, is in my past; there’s only so much to write about the middle-ish years when things often seem pretty reliable and uneventful; and while there’s a lot that can be said about middle school, high school, and the college years, I tread very carefully and try to err on the side of preserving my big boys’ privacy. But these changes to our family dynamic as a whole — less restrictions, new freedoms and abilities — are, I’m finding, a frequent cause of wonder for me and things that I think might give hope to the moms who are in the trenches. If summers are as hard for you as they used to be for me, take heart that one day that will change, and it will feel like the change happened overnight!

Kate and her husband have seven sons ages 18, 16, 15, 13, 11, 9, and 4. Email her at kmtowne23@gmail.com.

Many people realize the damage that smoking can do to their lungs, with those who smoke being thirty times more prone to develop lung cancer or die from this disease than a non-smoker. But what is lesser known is the negative impact that cigarettes can have on the musculoskeletal system, giving you just one more reason to quit the habit. 

Smoking’s Impact on the Musculoskeletal System 

How does smoking hurt our muscles, bones, and other soft tissues? The answer lies, in part, in the way that it affects the circulatory system. 

Generally, tobacco and the components within tobacco smoke damage the small arteries in the body first, this is why it is so detrimental to the heart’s arteries. As it turns out, the spine’s smaller blood vessels are vulnerable to this damage as well, especially those that supply the endplates of the vertebra and tissue surrounding the disc.

This is why smoking and chronic pain in the spine often go hand in hand. A 2016 study of 34,525 American adults found that as exposure to smoking increased, so too did back pain. 

Smoking’s damage to the blood vessels and their surrounding areas is also why a tobacco user is more prone to problems after spinal surgery. In fact, many spine orthopedists won’t operate on someone until they quit smoking as the vast majority of complications and post-surgical infections are in tobacco users.

Smoking can also worsen inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatic diseases that affect the joints. Quitting is even one of the main lifestyle recommendations for people with neck pain, tension headaches, osteoarthritis in the knee and hip, and fibromyalgia.

How Important Is Quitting Smoking for Musculoskeletal Health? 

Many factors contribute to the health of the musculoskeletal system, some of which include getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet. So, how much does quitting smoking contribute to this health? For smokers, the single most important thing they can do for their health, regardless of whether we are talking about lung health, heart health, or musculoskeletal health, is to stop smoking. This includes not just smokers but also people engaged in any kind of tobacco use, such as chewing or vaping.

Quitting smoking is helpful for people with both acute and chronic back pain. Acute back pain is pain that occurs suddenly and is generally short-lived while chronic back pain tends to come about slowly over time but is long lasting. In the case of acute back pain, smoking can make it harder to heal and may even contribute to the pain turning chronic. In short, if someone smokes, it is complicating their ability to get well and stay well. 

If You’re Ready to Kick the Smoking Habit 

Quitting smoking isn’t easy. This is evidenced by research that reports that out of the smokers in the U.S. who will try to kick the habit this year, only 7.5% will succeed. But this same research also stresses that the earlier a smoker quits, the better. Therefore, if you’re ready to take the next step and stop smoking for good, numerous resources can help. 

One option is to call the Quitline at 1-800-QuitNOW. The Quitline is a joint effort led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Cancer Institute and aims to connect smokers with counselors, local smoking cessation programs, and even free medication to help them quit. 

Other resources include: 

• Nicotine Anonymous: This nonprofit organization offers a 12-step program designed to help people quit all forms of tobacco and nicotine by attending local meetings with others who have the same goal. This provides support while quitting, also enabling you to learn from others who have been successful in stopping tobacco and nicotine use. 

• American Cancer Society’s tips and tools: The American Cancer Society offers many valuable tips and tools for ceasing tobacco use. They include access to a “Guide to Quitting” which covers everything from making a plan to quit to dealing with the mental side of tobacco addiction, access to other smoking cessation resources, or even calling them directly at 800-227-2345 to discuss your particular challenges and which resources may help most. 

• American Heart Association’s quit smoking recommendations: Because smoking is harmful to the heart, the American Heart Association offers the five steps to quitting, which involves setting a quit day, choosing how you’ll quit, and making a plan for your “Quit Day” and to see if some type of medication can help. 

It’s also helpful to talk to your chiropractor about your desire to quit smoking. They can help identify your options, also serving as an ally in your fight to become smoke-free. 

Nearsightedness (myopia) is more than an inconvenience; it is an eye disease. Currently in the US, myopia has reached epidemic proportions in our kids and teens. During the pandemic, practices across the country reported a wide spread increase in the number of young patients with myopia progression. Left untreated myopia leads to other eye diseases such as retinal detachments, glaucoma and cataracts.

Myopia typically starts during childhood or adolescence and can continue to progress until the early adulthood years.

Myopia control refers to various techniques and interventions aimed at slowing down the progression of myopia or nearsightedness. 

There are several methods currently used for myopia control, including:

Multifocal contact lenses: These soft, daily wear contact lenses have different zones with varying levels of prescription power. They can help reduce the progression of myopia by altering the peripheral defocus in the eye. These are specific to children and teens and not the same as multifocal contacts used by adults. Currently there is only one brand that has received FDA Approval for treating myopia. We expect there to be multiple options in the coming years as additional contact lens manufacturers get their designs tested and approved.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): This involves using special rigid gas permeable contact lenses that are worn overnight, not unlike wearing a retainer for your teeth while sleeping. These lenses reshape the cornea temporarily, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-K has been approved by the FDA to treat and slow down myopia progression since 2005.

Multifocal eyeglasses: Similar to multifocal contact lenses, multifocal eyeglasses have different prescription powers in different areas of the lens. They can help control myopia progression by manipulating peripheral defocus. These multifocal lenses are also specific to kids and teens and not comparable to multifocal used by aging adults.

Outdoor activities: Spending more time outdoors, especially in natural light, has been associated with a reduced risk of myopia progression in children. The exact mechanisms behind this effect are not fully understood, but it is believed that increased exposure to outdoor light may play a role along with increased focusing at a distance.

These methods have shown success in controlling myopia progression especially when treatment begins at an early age. It is recommended that children receive a comprehensive eye exam by age three, prior to starting kindergarten and annually thereafter. Consulting with an eye care professional, such as an optometrist who specializes in myopia control, is recommended to determine the most suitable approach for managing myopia and its progression.

Susan Halstead is a Nationally and NYS Licensed Optician and Owner of Family Vision Care Center at 205 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs. Susan can be reached at Susan@familyvisioncarecenter.com