Good Sense

Sight, hearing, and smell are often taken for granted. But would you know if your senses were in trouble? Each day, they’re exposed to harsh environments — loud music, cell phones, and too much screen time. It’s time to come to your senses and protect them.

• Vision: On average, an adult will spend 8 hours in front of a computer or TV — which can lead to obesity, blurred vision, back and neck strain, and mental fatigue. Take short and frequent breaks, adjust lights to minimize glare, and use drops for dry eyes. Indulge in vitamin A–rich foods like papaya and carrots to improve your vision, and guard your eyes from the sun’s glare by wearing UV protected sunglasses.
• Hearing: Exchange your headphones for ones that sit on top of your ears, and turn the volume down. Slip in a pair of ear–plugs when attending a concert. Include magnesium and vitamin B–rich foods in your diet; a deficiency in either of these can impair your hearing.
• Smell: Avoid cigarettes and alcohol — they can damage olfactory nerves. Similarly, stay away from strong, offensive odors. Zap blocked noses caused by colds with a shot of natural saline spray.