APPRECIATION GIFT … Guest speaker for Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary’s Christmas Luncheon Dec. 11th was Dr. Tara Richmond, center, from Northwest Ohio Vision Center. She was the guest of Vice President Linda Dilworth, left, who presented her with an appreciation gift on behalf of the auxiliary. Also shown is Auxiliary President Armeda Sawmiller, right.
Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary members gathered for their annual Christmas Luncheon Monday, Dec. 11th at 12:00 noon at First Presbyterian Church in Montpelier. Guest speaker for the day was Dr. Tara Richmond, optometrist with Northwest Ohio Vision Center in Bryan.
Auxiliary President Armeda Sawmiller opened the meeting leading all in the auxiliary prayer. Following a delicious meal prepared and served by the church ladies, Vice President Linda Dilworth introduced Dr. Richmond.
NWO Vision Center was started in 1939 by Dr. Richardson with Dr. Woodward added in the 1970’s. Tara and Dr. Robert Hill joined the practice in the 1990’s and later Dr. Andrea Yahraus joined them. Tara’s daughter Maddie is currently studying optometry in college and married an optometrist.
Topics covered by Dr. Richmond included macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and vision nutrition.
ARMD (age-related macular degeneration) involves the loss of the eye macula, which has the most photo receptors (cones & rods) needed for seeing details when directly looking at a subject.
There are two types of macular degeneration—wet (leaking blood vessels) & dry (accumulation of waste products on the retina).
Helpful hints for this condition are: wear sunglasses and brimmed hat outdoors to protect eyes from UV rays, don’t smoke, keep blood pressure and blood sugar in check, routinely exercise, walk and eat healthy (leafy dark greens are excellent).
For wet MD conditions, injections in the eye at regular intervals may be beneficial. Dry MD conditions may be treated with artificial tears and hints include blinking regularly, use a humidifier during winter months and having household plants to increase moisture in the environment.
In glaucoma, as the disease progresses over time, side vision starts to fail, the field of vision narrows and blindness results. Glaucoma is detected by an optometrist with a comprehensive dilated eye exam which measures the internal eye pressure and thickness of the cornea.
Open-angle glaucoma cannot be cured but may be controlled with prescription eye drops. In some cases, laser therapy or surgery may be needed.
Anyone over the age of 60, especially those with a family history of glaucoma, are at risk of developing this condition.
Essential nutrients can protect the eyes, keep them healthy and improve vision quality, and reduce the risk of certain eye conditions as one ages. These nutrients include: Lutein & Zeaxanthin—from dark greens found in kale, spinach, collards, peas, broccoli, green beans Vitamin C—from oranges, citrus fruits and juices; Vitamin E—from nuts, fortified cereals and sweet potatoes; Zinc—from red meats, fortified cereals and milk.
For more information and appointments for regular eye exams, contact your local optometrist.
Concluding the program, Dr. Richmond answered questions. She was presented an appreciation gift on behalf of the auxiliary.
President Armeda Sawmiller conducted the general meeting with Thought for the Day – “I stopped believing in Santa Claus when my mother took me to see him in a department store, and he asked me for my autograph” by Shirley Temple.
Roll call was answered by reporting an unusual gift for someone. A Christmas card was signed for Karen Killian, Miller Accounting, to thank her for her service during the year.
Members also signed Christmas cards for patients and staff at Montpelier Hospital. Joyce Schelling is in charge of December patient favors.
Auxiliary members were thanked for bringing paper products and other essentials for donation to the local food pantry. Reports were given by Secretary Connie Dunseth and Treasurer Joyce Schelling.
Armeda thanked all who assisted with the “Lighting the Way to Christmas” memorial program sponsored by the auxiliary on Sunday, Dec. 3rd at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, Montpelier.
Extra program booklets with memorial roster listings are still available, along with memorial angel ornaments for a donation.
The next general meeting of the auxiliary is scheduled Monday, Jan. 8th at 1:00 p.m. in the Montpelier Hospital conference room.
Guest speaker will be JoAnn Piper from the local hospital’s Sleep Center. Roll call will be “your favorite winter activity”. Guests are always welcome to attend.
