The Importance of Vision and Dental Health
The Importance of Vision and Dental Health
September 30, 2016
Staying healthy isn’t just about making sure you eat right, take vitamins, and exercise daily. As a matter of fact, many people seem to forget about two of the most important aspects of their health. That is, vision and dental health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), approximately 14 million Americans, ages 12 years and older, have reported visual impairment of a 20/50 distance visual acuity or worse. Out of those 14 million Americans, more than 11 million of them could have improved their vision to 20/40 or better with refractive correction.
Overall, an alarming 81% of Americans use some form of eyesight correction, whether it be glasses or contact lenses.
Even if you think you have good vision, that doesn’t mean you should avoid scheduling regular comprehensive eye exams. Many eye diseases do not have symptoms that are easily recognized. Eye doctors can detect vision changes caused by diseases like hypertension or diabetes before it gets worse. In short, routine eye exams can help catch other problems early and keep your eyes in good condition.
Not only is it important to take care of your eyes, but your teeth play a huge role in your overall health as well. According to the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination survey, about 91% of adults aged 20–64 had dental cavities and 27% had untreated tooth decay. Given these statistics, it is obvious that regular dentist appointments are a must if you want to prevent this from happening to you. Brushing your teeth, flossing, and using mouth wash are all great ways to keep your teeth as healthy as possible, but during a dental exam, a dentist can carefully evaluate your teeth and analyze your gums for signs of oral or medical concerns that can lead to certain cancers, thyroid problems, or even diabetes if left untreated.
The New York City District Council of Carpenters Welfare Fund provides dental and vision care benefits for eligible participants and their covered dependents. Vision care benefits are provided through Comprehensive Professional Systems (“CPS”), and General Vision Services (“GVS”). Dental coverage is provided through an insured arrangement with Aetna.
Remember, taking care of your eyes and teeth is an important key to enjoying a healthy lifestyle. Why wait another day to improve your overall health? The sooner you go, the more of a chance you’ll have to avoid expensive care later if problems worsen. If you are eligible for coverage under the New York City District Council of Carpenters Welfare Fund, use the contact information below to learn more about your vision and dental benefits.
Vision
Comprehensive Professional Systems (CPS)
(212) 675-5745
General Vision Services (GVS)
(800) 847-4661
Dental
Aetna
(855) 201-8436
