Primary Eye Care Associates - July/August 2019

Primary Eye Care Associates - July/August 2019

INSIGHT ON EYESIGHT WWW.WEHELPCHICAGOSEE.COM / 773-788-6974 / JULY–AUGUST 2019

WHAT I LEARNED FROM MY SUMMER JOBS GROWING UP From Soda Bottles to Eyewear

Just because school is out doesn’t mean students have to stop learning. Many high school and college students work from the time school is out until the next school year starts. Some students are fortunate enough to get to work or intern in their desired career field, while other students just take whatever job gives them a paycheck. Whatever the case, any work experience has value if you’re willing to seek it out. I got my first job when I was 14, sorting glass bottles for recycling. I sorted thousands of bottles by brand and producer into wooden crates. The sheer number of bottles was daunting, and the work was monotonous, but I was honestly happy to be working. It was an opportunity to prove to my manager I could handle responsibility during the summer and balance it with my schoolwork when fall rolled around. To make the work go faster, I came up with my own organizational system for getting the bottles in their correct crates. Work that had previously taken a week only took me two three-hour shifts, so my manager was impressed. I got more hours, more responsibility, and I was eventually promoted. This job taught me that sometimes a menial job belies opportunities to learn and grow. I became a grocery store clerk after my promotion, if you can believe it, in charge of the soda aisle. When customers asked

me where an item was, I helped them find products by taking them directly to the isle and the shelf it was located on. Giving more in service value than I received in my paycheck is what has always opened the doors of opportunities consistently in my life and continues to.

to my time at Mr. Grocer’s, but it’s a constant learning journey. I’m always learning to be a better leader for my team and patients. My customer service experience at the grocery store paid off, and soon I was a pharmacist’s assistant. I also began volunteering at an eye doctor’s office around that time. I discovered I had a passion for working with patients, and the rest of my career path is history. Whatever the job, I always tell my kids there are opportunities to learn in every position. I was fortunate that my job at the grocery store ended up as part of a direct route to my current career, but, even if a job isn’t a part of a student’s desired career path, there are still countless reasons to be grateful for any opportunity to work. Summer jobs give students a sneak peak into the working world they will soon be a part of, not to mention provide them with a paycheck. I wasn’t always a doctor. I worked, learned, and grew from the work experiences I had growing up, and they all contributed to where I am today.

SUMMER JOBS GIVE STUDENTS A SNEAK PEAK INTO

THE WORKING WORLD THEY

WILL SOON BE A PART OF, NOT TO MENTION PROVIDE THEM WITH A PAYCHECK.

Before too long, I was promoted again to a management position. My first leadership experience came with the added challenge of managing employees who were all older than I was. Thinking of my team as a sports team, with me as their captain, helped me wrap my head around the responsibility and make it more fun. I have 14 people working with me at Primary Eye Care Associates right now, and I see how the roots of my leadership skills are connected

Until next time, Eye’ll see you then!

–Steven Chander

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Practicing Phone Etiquette NATIONAL CELLPHONE COURTESY MONTH

especially if you know the conversation might get heated. When you take a call, it’s good practice to leave some space between you and others. You don’t want to distract anyone with raised voices or gestures while you’re on your call.

STOP CHECKING

Silencing your phone during dinner, a party, or quality time with family is the polite thing to do. During National Cellphone Courtesy Month, it’s a good idea to reexamine cellphone etiquette and discover a few ways you can be more courteous to others.

POLITELY EXCUSE YOURSELF

Don’t continuously glance at your phone during meetings, dinner dates, or any time you’re with others. This action shows your disinterest in what they’re saying and in what’s going on around you. Keeping your phone in your back pocket, in your purse, at your desk, or in your car will help you focus on what’s in front of you.

If you must take a call, answer a text, or send an email, be sure to excuse yourself to the people around you and check your phone in a more private area. Simply saying, “I’m sorry, but I need to take this. I’ll be back in a few minutes,” gives everyone a sense of what’s going on while remaining respectful.

KEEP IT QUIET

Whenever you find yourself in a place of worship, talking with others, or enjoying an event, silencing your cellphone is the most courteous thing you can do. A phone that is frequently ringing can be distracting for you and those around you. If you’re expecting an important call you don’t want to miss, turn on vibrate mode.

PRACTICE SELF-AWARENESS

By following these four tips, you’ll be prepared for the next time you’re on a date, in a business meeting, or watching a movie in a sold-out theater.

If you receive a call while in public, be aware of the volume of your phone and voice. Move yourself to a less crowded area to speak freely,

KEEP THE ‘EYE’ IN INDEPENDENCE Preventing Eye Injuries From Fireworks This Fourth of July

EYE INJURY RESPONSE

In the grand tradition laid down by John Adams at the birth of our nation, firework stands flood cities across the United States with just about everything that pops, whizzes, and explodes. Unfortunately, thousands of Americans, wanting to demonstrate their patriotism in the best way they know how, end up injuring their eyes, or the eyes of their friends by neglecting proper safety while enjoying fireworks. Don’t let your pride in America lead to preventable eye injuries. They may not look as cool as your sunglasses, but you should always wear safety glasses when lighting off fireworks. If you’re in charge of entertaining the kids, the last thing you want to do is give those little balls of energy something that is literally on fire. Make sure the fireworks stay out of their tiny hands — and their eyes. Reading might not be your activity of choice on your days off, but spare some time to read the fireworks safety instructions. Finally, keep your distance (about 20 feet), and keep some water close at hand before igniting. EYE INJURY PREVENTION

Even on our best days, mistakes can happen. A stray trail of sparks or a stray rocket is all it takes to take the “eye” out of independence. The first thing you should do in response to an eye injury is call 911. While they’re on their way, tape the bottom of a Styrofoam cup over the injured eye to protect it from further damage. Since you or your friend now have an eyepatch, maybe sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” like a pirate while you continue to wait — but that’s optional. It’s important that you don’t rub or apply pressure to the eye. If there’s something stuck in there, don’t try to take it out. Get treatment immediately, and leave it to the professionals. Don’t let your American pride land you in the hospital on the Fourth of July. By all means, break out that American flag tank top, grill some burgers, and rock out to Don McLean’s “American Pie.” But when it comes to fireworks, make sure you play it safe.

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BEN FRANKLIN: INVENTOR OF BIFOCALS?

Franklin’s Contribution to Optometry

Historians rightly credit Benjamin Franklin with many inventions and accomplishments, from helping draft the Declaration of Independence to discovering electricity. Many people also credit him with the invention of bifocals, a type of glasses with split lenses, which help the wearer see at both great and small distances. However, Franklin’s signature contribution to the science of optometry is, at best, debatable. Evidence suggests the idea of split lenses was thought up as early as 1683, over 20 years before Franklin was born, by inventor and illustrator Johann Zahn. Zahn was one of the pioneers of the science behind cameras and photography. Inventor C.G. Hertel also suggested the idea of split lenses in 1716. However, neither inventor wrote about these lenses with the idea that people would use them to improve their vision.

benefited from wearing bifocals. However, when he ordered a pair from an optician while in France, the optician indicated in a letter to Franklin that his order was out of the ordinary. The idea that Franklin invented the bifocals comes from a series of letters between the Founding Father and some of his friends. Franklin praises the invention of “double spectacles” (not referred to as “bifocals” until the term was coined by John Isaac Hawkins, the inventor of the trifocals, in 1824), but he does not say he invented them. Additionally, the only existing portrait of Franklin wearing bifocals was painted in 1785 when he was 81 years old.

Just because Franklin might not have invented bifocals does not mean he didn’t make any

important contributions to optometry. Franklin’s popularity made bifocals appealing, and many people wore them after his death in 1790. Just by wearing bifocals, Franklin may have improved the vision of thousands, and that in itself is incredibly significant.

It is likely some of Franklin’s friends in London were wearing split lenses while he lived there from 1757 to 1775, which may have influenced his decision to get a pair himself. Franklin had been farsighted since the 1730s, so he would have

HAVE A LAUGH

Juicy Lucy SLIDERS Inspired by Bon Appétit Magazine

INGREDIENTS

• 2 lbs. ground chuck beef, 20% lean • 8 slices melting cheese (like American, Swiss, Muenster, or cheddar) • 16 small potato rolls, toasted • Salt and pepper, to taste • Your favorite burger accompaniments

DIRECTIONS

1. Divide beef into 16 evenly sized balls. 2. Rip cheese into roughly equal pieces, creating 16 equal portions. 3. Using your index finger, create a small indentation in each ball. 4. Fill indention with cheese and pinch meat around to seal. Then gently form balls into 3/4-inch-thick patties. Season patties. 5. Meanwhile, heat a cast-iron skillet to medium-high. 6. Lightly coat skillet with oil and cook patties in batches. Brown one side undisturbed, about 3 minutes. Carefully flip and cook until desired doneness, about 3 minutes for medium. 7. Serve on toasted potato rolls with your favorite accompaniments.

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ZUCCHINI, AVOCADO, AND SWISS CHARD — OH MY! A GUIDE TO EATING SEASONALLY THIS JULY

When you eat something during its harvesting season, you get the most out of your meal. In-season fruits and vegetables are more nutrient-dense than their out-of-season counterparts, and there’s no matching the flavor profile of fresh, in-season produce. Even better, because in-season foods are so bountiful during their peak, you can save a lot of money by shopping with the season. This July, enjoy some tasty foods during their prime with this handy guide. Avocado toast lovers rejoice! Your season is here. Avocados are in season during July, joining many other fruity favorites. Gorge yourself on scrumptious blackberries, sweet strawberries, and bountiful tomatoes. Don’t forget about the cherries and blueberries, too! Because these fruits are so plentiful FRUITFUL HARVEST

this time of the year, it’s easy to find ingredients for your favorite recipes. Host a Latin-inspired foods night with fresh guacamole and salsa, or make a delectable shortcake with a blackberry and strawberry mixture on top.

Regardless of how you utilize them, zucchini and corn are sweetest, juiciest, and freshest during July.

GO GREEN

Filling your plate with plenty of greens is never easier than in July. Pick up a bundle of spinach, arugula, lettuce, Swiss chard, or any other leafy green, which are all juiciest and freshest during July. Cucumbers and green beans

GRILL GAME SO STRONG

There’s no better time to fire up the grill than July, and not just because of the weather. Zucchini and corn reach

their peak during July, and these grilling favorites pair well with steaks, burgers, hot dogs, or fish. Go low-carb by stuffing your zucchini with vegetables and a protein for a charred skillet bowl. Even better, add some corn to your fresh salsa to add an extra zing to your tacos.

are bountiful this time of the year, as well. This July, add some fresh flavor to your water with cucumbers or create hearty salads with any of the leafy greens mentioned above. After all, there’s no better way to celebrate the middle of summer than by consuming its most delicious foods.

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