Keep An Eye On Your Eyesight

By Phyllis Brown Holiday City at Berkeley EMS

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging the eye’s optic nerve. Some forms of glaucoma don’t have any symptoms, so you may have the disease even if you don’t have any trouble seeing or feel any pain. Half of people with glaucoma don’t know they have it.

If you get a glaucoma test and start treatment early, you may protect your eyes from serious vision loss. Medicare covers a glaucoma screening once every 12 months if you’re at high risk for developing glaucoma.

If you have one of these conditions, then you’re considered at high risk for developing glaucoma:

You have diabetes

You have a family history of glaucoma

You’re African American and age 50 or older

You’re Hispanic and age 65 or older

There are many different types of glaucoma, but the most common type in the United States is called open-angle glaucoma - that’s what most people mean when they talk about glaucoma. Other types are less common.

At first, glaucoma doesn’t usually have any symptoms. Half of people with glaucoma don’t even know they have it.

Over time, you may slowly lose vision, usually starting with your side (peripheral) vision - especially the part of your vision that’s closest to your nose. It happens so slowly, many people can’t tell that their vision is changing at the beginning.

As the disease gets worse, you may start to notice that you can’t see things off to the side anymore. Without treatment, glaucoma can eventually cause blindness.

Keep an eye on your eyesight. If you think you may be at high risk, talk to your doctor to make sure you’re up-to-date on your glaucoma screening this year.

All the volunteer squads need more volunteers. Come to 100 Port Royal and volunteer for an interesting job where the greatest rewards are not financial. We cover an area that includes almost 11,000 homes. Without volunteers there is no free EMS. Come down and ask about working with us. 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Tuesday -Friday. Want to do something meaningful? Bored and want some action? Join HCBEMS at 100 Port Royal Drive. (732) 240-4999. Get education, a uniform, time on an ambulance, and a chance to be useful and needed.

Stay safe, happy and healthy!

Pine Beach fire Company Seeking Members

PINE BEACH – The Pine Beach Volunteer Fire Company No.1 is always looking for energetic, motivated people to add to their team. They are accepting applications for several membership categories: Firefighter: 18 years and older, must reside within the immediate response area (approx. 2 to 3 miles). Firefighter I certification preferred, but training will be provided. EMT/EMR certification a plus. Must be willing to run toward things sane people are running away from. Members will be enrolled in the LOSAP program.

Junior Firefighter: 16 to 17 years old, inhouse training provided. Parental permis- sion required.

Associate: Non-firefighting category, assists with social and fund-raising functions.

Fire Police: Non-firefighting function. Control of traffic in emergency areas, scene security when needed.

Corporate Affiliate: Provides professional service and assistance (accounting, clerical, legal, fundraising, marketing, etc.)

If any of these appeals to you, come visit any Thursday evening between 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and speak with one of the officers or membership committee and we’ll get the process started. More heroes wear bunker gear than capes.

Library Friends’ Psychic Night Returning

BERKELEY – It’s time to gauge your energy field and envision the future. The Friends of the Berkeley Library will welcome you to the return of their Spring Psychic Night at the Ocean County Library Berkeley Branch, 4 to 8 p.m. March 30. Four popular psychics will be available for 15-minute consultations by appointment:

• Kasandra – One of the originators of the Friends’ Psychic Nights, Kasandra has a legion of followers through more than 60 years of tarot card and palm readings

• Carol – Quiet, kind Carol quickly becomes close to everyone for whom she has read tarot cards over the past two decades.

• Kirsten – One of the newest members of the Psychic Night group, Kirsten consistently wins compliments from those who sit for tarot card readings with her.

• Teresa – Another newcomer who received raves in her 2022 initial appearance, Teresa charms clients with endearing humor as she reads pictorial playing cards.

The program is for entertainment purposes only. Proceeds of each $30 per-session donation will help support the Friends of the Berkeley Library.

Register by visiting the Berkeley Branch, 30 Station Road, Bayville, or by calling 732-269-2144.