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Gary Lipton Media Relations Manager Phone: 1-(800)-222-5551 Fax: 1-(800)-990-4329 Web site: www. napsnet .com e-mail: printmedia@napsnet.com #2455 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 350 Fifth Avenue, 65th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10118-0110 Betty White Urges Seniors To Take Advantage Of Free Eye Exams (NAPSA)—A new national health campaign is working to remind the senior community about the value of eyesight. “I truly understand the importance and value of eyesight. It is a precious gift that should not be taken for granted,” says multiple Emmy-winning actress Betty White, who has teamed up with EyeCare America to remind seniors: “Don’t Lose Sight of Your Independence.” The three-month promotional campaign runs May 31 through September 1 and encourages people to call the EyeCare America Seniors EyeCare Program. This program offers eye exams and up to one year of medical care at no out-of-pocket cost for seniors who are without an ophthalmologist (a medical eye doctor). EyeCare America’s Seniors EyeCare Program is designed for people who: •Are U.S. citizens or legal residents •Are age 65 and older •Have not seen an ophthalmologist in three or more years •Do not belong to an HMO or the VA. To supplement its award-winning referral program, EyeCare America has recently created a new Web site specifically designed to assist online users in learning more about vision-limiting diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. The site, eyecareamerica.org, contains up-to-date clinical information about eye diseases that is reviewed by certified ophthalmologists, with links to current treatments and even an interactive tour of the eye’s anatomy. Visitors can share important health topics with family and friends through a convenient e-mail forward function and order free brochures that give in-depth information on treatment, tests/diagnoses, causes and risks factors for a wide variety of common eye diseases. Other easy-to-use functions include online tools such as a vision simulator, which allows users to see how vision would be affected from common eye diseases, and informative videos created by the American Academy of Ophthalmology that will provide visitors with a complete interactive experience. “I’m happy that I can do my part in helping older Americans get the eye care they need,” adds White. “I only hope that seniors across the country will pick up the phone and take advantage of EyeCare America’s free eye exams. It’s a call that can save their sight.” EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, operates one of the largest programs of its kind in American medicine. All eligible callers receive a referral to one of 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists. The seniors program—co-sponsored by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc.—provides a comprehensive eye exam and care for any disease detected in the initial visit for up to one year, at no outof-pocket cost. For additional information on the “Don’t Lose Sight of Your Independence” campaign, call (800) 222-EYES (3937) or visit the Web site at www.eyecareamerica.org. Energizing The Kids (NAPSA)—Want to help your kids develop their fine motor skills and educate their minds? It’s easy—just put them into the three-dimensional world of modeling, where their imaginations can take flight. Model building is a terrific way to develop creativity and get young people involved in an activity where there’s a reward of accomplishment at the finish. It’s great for the whole family, especially for young parents looking to Model building can be a terrific way to develop a child’s creativity. participate in a fun and exciting activity with their children. Model building engages young minds and hands and offers abundant choices to satisfy virtually every interest, from dinosaurs to aircraft, from trains and boats to spacecraft and race cars. A hobby shop is the place to start a model building adventure. They’ll help you find the models that are age-appropriate and fit your budget. Another excellent place to explore all the benefits model building has to offer is www.myhobbyfun.com, where you’ll also find links to nearby hobby shops. Let the fun begin. Preparing To Weather Seasonal Storms (NAPSA)—Taking time now to prep for power outages during bad weather and rolling blackouts could help keep your family safe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that power outages cause numerous risks, including illness from foodborne bacteria, the risk of fire from candle use and the risk of heat stroke or hypothermia in severe hot or cold weather. And, the power goes out more than some might expect. From September 2006 to September 2007 alone, the U.S. Department of Energy reported that more than 11 million people were affected by weather-related or rolling blackout power outages. Fortunately, preparing for power outages can be simple with a few tips: Keep The Lights On Consider installing a standby power generator that automatically comes on when the power goes out. While portable generators do supply power, an automatic standby generator produces a higher quality of electricity. It operates automatically and runs a weekly self-test to ensure proper response. Also, there are no extension cords to plug in, no gas tanks to fill and, when properly installed, no carbon dioxide threat. In fact, the American Red Cross says that a permanently installed stationary generator is better suited than a portable generator for providing backup power to a home. For instance, the new, low-cost Guardian 20 kilowatt (kW) unit from Generac Power Systems, Inc. is fueled by natural or propane gas and offers the highest output of any generator of its kind. Bright Idea—standby power generators automatically turn on when the power goes out. When equipped with Generac’s Power Manager LTS panel, the generator can handle all circuits, including central air, without shutting off other circuits. Plus, the unit’s power quality allows for safe operation of sensitive electronic equipment. The Guardian air-cooled line comes in four additional models with ratings of 8, 10, 14 and 17 kW. Plan Ahead Have an emergency plan developed before bad weather strikes. Choose a designated area where the family can meet and remember to have an out-of-area contact person to call to pass messages to family and friends. It’s a good idea to have an emergency kit as well. Include first-aid ointment and bandages, pain relievers and extra medication that you or a family member might need. Also, keep a radio handy and enough bottled water to last a week. For more information, visit www.GuardianGenerators.com.
