Catriona Johnston

It was only a matter of time before golf and technology merged, and that time is now. From computer gadgets to software, you’ll find that there are some very interesting technological advances aimed at golfers. Scorekeeping is one place where software has really come into play. Keeping score on a single game of golf isn’t that difficult, but tracking a series of games and establishing a handicap for tournament play has traditionally been serious business. There are several types of scorekeeping software for golf players and some are even recognized by certain tournament officials to establish eligibility to play. The options include online sites that are very simple to use. The golfer enters his or her information online and the program does all the calculations. Some golf organizations include the use of this type of program as a benefit of membership. Evaluating a player’s swing has always been the bane of golf professionals and instructors. Where exactly is the player going wrong? And how can it be corrected? There are a couple of major programs for swing analysis available. Typically, a movie is taken of the golfer while he executes a typical swing. Then the computer software overlays an image of a perfect swing, giving the golfer and the instructor a frame-by-frame analysis. Not only is the golf swing slowed down for a critical look, but it’s easy to pinpoint any problems. Practice is another area improved by technology. Those who want to practice their golf games often have very limited options. They can go to a driving range or golf course to get in real practice, or they can practice putting in limited space. But the golfer who lives in a crowded neighbourhood can now use one of several golf aids to practice swings right in the backyard. In this case, the answer doesn’t have to be high-tech, though there are some really great technical options. Some golfers use a net to catch the ball a few feet past the swing, though this does at least slightly limit the benefits of practice because there’s no way for the golfer to tell whether it would have been an excellent shot. Some of the high-tech golf aids allow you to see how far the ball would have travelled and the exact path it would have taken. There will probably never be a time when computerized golf takes the place of 18 holes on your favourite golf course, after all getting out on a golf course with your favourite pair of golf sunglasses on your head and the sun at your back is amongst the small pleasures on this earth but there’s no doubt that technology has an important role in golf today.

Having the proper safety equipment is very important when you are operating or riding on a motorcycle. While a helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment, it will only protect you if it the right type of helmet and it fits properly. Have you ever seen a young child riding on a motorcycle wearing an adult size helmet? In the event of an accident, the helmet would offer no protection to the child’s skull at all. It is very important that you try on any motorcycle helmet to ensure a proper fit. If you decide to make a purchase over the internet or from a catalog, make sure you are able to return it for a refund if it doesn’t fit well. Keep in mind that each manufacturer sizes their helmets differently. Just because you currently own a size large doesn’t mean that is what you will wear in a different brand. For best results through the mail or internet, measure the circumference of your head and ask them to give you the helmet dimensions. Never purchase a used motorcycle helmet because it may have been involved in an accident and it won’t protect you as it was designed to. For the best results, try on motorcycle helmets with any accessories you will generally have while riding. For example, many women like to have their hair in a ponytail but may have it straight while trying on a helmet. If you wear prescription safety specs while operating your motorcycle, then make sure you take them with you when you are trying on helmets. A motorcycle helmet needs to fit very securely. Make sure it surrounds your entire head. The chin straps are adjustable but put them in place to ensure you can get them tight enough to fit your face shape. You should also try on the same brand of helmet in one size larger and one size smaller just to make sure you do in fact have the best fitting helmet for your head. For added comfort, consider getting a motorcycle helmet that offers air vents. You can easily slide them opened or closed to allow more air to circulate while wearing it. You will find motorcycle helmets made from a variety of materials. For the best in safety and quality, choose one that is made from organic fiberglass and layers of carbon fibres. This combination creates a very powerful shock absorbent shell. You also want to make sure the liner features a three layer system. This will offer you additional shock absorption. If you plan to ride your motorcycle a great deal, consider getting a motorcycle helmet that allows you to easily change the visor. This is a great option for riding during the day and the night. Make sure the visors are fog resistant and offer impact resistance. Investing in a quality helmet that offers the protection you need while riding a motorcycle isn’t going to be cheap, but it may well be one of the most important investments you make in your life. Statistics show that motorcycle riders who wear a helmet have a 35% less chance of suffering from a head injury. You can fit a helmet that fits well and even have it custom painted to match your motorcycle.

An eye exam is pivotal for all people. Those who are healthy should definitely schedule an exam at least once every two years. Those who suffer with eye conditions will need to visit the eye expert more often. There are people who are not sure what to expect during an exam. However, there is no need to worry; the following is a good guide into all things that you can expect during an eye exam. There is nothing complicated and within a short time, you will have played your part in enhancing the health of your eyes. Eye Health History Your eye health history will be the first thing the doctor asks for. A technician can evaluate this history, as well as any other eye problems you may be experiencing. At this point, it is pivotal to give your history accurately and to describe any symptoms you have properly. This will help make the exam more effective. Vision Clarity Test The next common step that an expert will take during an eye exam is a vision acuity test. It basically determines how well you are able to see. It forms the basis of deciding which eye glasses are most suitable, if indeed necessary. Most people will go for exams when they realize they have a problem with vision. Therefore, the doctor will take his time here to really get to the root of the problem. For this exam, letters are used in a chart and when you identify them accurately no matter the distance, you might not have visual problems. It is good to note that each eye is tested separately and that near vision is also tested accordingly. Other Eyes Tests Your opticians or eye doctor will be guided by the indicators from your eyes to know which test is a priority. For example, people who have diabetes will need to undergo diabetes retinoscopy. Another common test is an eye muscle movement test. This will help catch problems with coordination. Lazy eyes and other problems can be addressed at this point. Refraction and colour vision tests are others that might be done to help assess whether you have a problem or not. Generally, an eye exam will take anything from 30 minutes to an hour. Doctor Discusses Results After satisfactory tests have been done, the doctor will discuss the results. If you have a problem, the eye expert will inform you about the treatment options available. Some people will have to take some prevention measures to avoid a potential problem. All in all, the doctor will make his or her recommendations and provide treatment where necessary. For example, if you have a high eye pressure, some eye drops can be given to expand your pupils. If you require glasses then the doctor will work through the various options for you, these might include distance lenses, reading glasses, bifocal safety glasses or varifocals. What you will need will depend on what the doctor has found during the exam and what activities you are doing that might require additional help with glasses. It is important for you to ask questions at this point during your exam. If you feel that something has not been addressed, feel free to ask for clarification. An eye exam can put all your anxieties and fears to rest. Additionally, it is very simple and will not cost you a lot. Therefore, take advantage of this and boost your eye health. Remember, good vision is invaluable and taking simple measures can make a world of difference.

Sizing Mountain bikes Along with giving you a better selection and expert advice, bike shop personnel can you help you get fitted to the right size bike. You can get the bike either too big or too small, which will cause your enjoyment to suffer. Follow the tips below, and you'll have the perfect fit for your mountain bike. Stand over height When you check the fitting yourself, the first thing you want to check is the inseam clearance, or the stand over height. You want to have plenty of room between yourself and the top tube when you come to a stop. There should be around four to six inches of clearance from the top of your inseam to the top of the top tube. Leg and feet position There's a nifty formula for determining the leg position for riding a mountain bike. When riding a mountain bike, the terrain constantly changes, raising you off the seat constantly, sometimes just slightly, other times completely off. Therefore, you'll need to sit your saddle slightly lower than you would on any other type of bike. Be sure you take this slightly lower seat height position into effect when you factor the size of the frame. Riding compartment The next thing you'll want to check is the rider compartment layout (the distance between the saddle and the handlebars). Once the proper leg extension has been determined, be sure the handlebar is one to two inches below the height of the saddle. You should never have the handlebars higher than the seat, unless there is some type of upper body problem. Dual suspension bikes With suspension being at both ends, you'll want your weight more in the middle of the bike so that your weight is distributed evenly between the front and rear suspension units, thus allowing the front and rear suspension to work as a unit. This can be done quite easily by using either a higher or shorter stem to raise the hand height, which will in turn move the upper body up and the weight towards the rear. The increase in rise shouldn't be no more than two inches, then the decrease in reach shouldn't be any more than two inches. Test ride Once you have taken all of these steps into account, go out and test drive the bike. Make sure you wear a helmet, even if you are going to be testing for a brief period of time. Be sure that the tires are set to the right pressure, and the shop has adjusted the bike for you properly. You should have a shop employee observe your body position and ride height while riding, to determine is any further adjustments need to be made. Ride the bike around for a bit to get used to its handling and new equipment. Start off slowly, then give the bike a bit of time to present its personality. After a few minutes, you might notice that something isn't working correctly or just doesn't feel right in general. If this happens, go back to the shop and have the problem corrected before you rule out the bike. The more you ride bikes, the easier it will be to tell the difference in the ride types. Keep in mind, it may take months and even years to appreciate the way a bike handles. Talk to those who ride, and ask them if they ride the bikes they sell. This way, you'll learn more about the mountain bikes you love so much! You should also be looking for cycling glasses such as Oakley Cycling glasses or prescription safety glasses to keep your eyes safe while you are riding. Check out our other articles which will give you more information.

Eye exams are very important to kids' wellbeing. A pediatrician will examine the baby’s eye within a few months of life. If a congenital problem is detected, your kid will be referred to the Children’s Eye centre where the doctor will use equipment to evaluate your kid’s eye. One of the instruments shines a light into your kid’s eye to check for the possibility of farsightedness or nearsightedness. A baby’s visual system develops in the first six months and therefore it is important to determine if your child has any amblyopia (see below), myopia, astigmatism, strabismus or hyperopia that can block proper development. Doctors recommend that you take your child for a comprehensive eye exam between the age of 5 and 12 months. Parent should know that kids don’t have the experience or awareness needed to recognize that they could be suffering from vision problem. The Difference between a Vision Screening and a Comprehensive Eye Examination Vision screening involves one or two vision tests and therefore it can only detect a few vision problems. About 40% of kids with vision problems can easily pass vision screening tests. A comprehensive eye exam includes medical history, assessment of ocular refraction, eye co-ordination and eye health. This is a thorough evaluation that ensures any eye problem has been detected. This examination is done when the children are at the age of 12 months up to the age of 19. What Is a Dilated Eye Exam? This is an eye exam that is performed when kids are 3 years old. Their eyes are tested using pictures (truck, phone, teddy bear, house, etc.). Sometimes the doctors can use tumbling “E” games since very few kids can be tested using letters at this age. At this point, the doctor measures your child’s visual clarity at different distances, examines your child’s eyes health, depth perception, eye muscle problems, farsightedness, astigmatism and nearsightedness. Another eye problem that a doctor will check is amblyopia which is commonly known as lazy eye. This is a condition where the sight of one eye fails to develop normally. It is not possible for parents to notice this condition. When left untreated, it might be difficult to treat it later. Amblyopia eye can cause a permanent visual defect to the child. It is important for parents to take their kids for an eye exam before they start schooling. Vision screening is good but it’s not enough to detect major eye problems. A comprehensive kid’s eye exam will help to check the visual acuity, health of the eyes, eye muscle function and proper eye function. A refractive test should also be done to determine whether your child's eye needs correction. According to a recent study, only 14% of the kids who entered school had an eye exam. This exam will help to detect and treat the vision problem before it’s too late. Parents are encouraged to schedule for their kid’s eye appointment before they take them to school. Once you have your eye exam complete you can purchase prescription safety glasses online through a reputable company or via your optician.

A look at any fashion magazine, TV show or movie proves that eyeglasses are a hot fashion trend. “With so many people wearing glasses, people are starting to use eyewear as an accessory to match their personal style,” said Kristin Bonfield, accessories product manager of LensCrafters. The secret to looking good all the time, said Bonfield, is proper care habits that keep safety glasses looking great. 1. Keep safety glasses sparkling. Nothing spoils your look like smudged, dirty lenses. Make cleaning a daily ritual. A spray bottle of professional eyeglass cleaner and soft micro-fibre cloth in your purse, car or desk drawer makes it easy. 2. Use the case. If you need to take your safety glasses off, put them in their case. Stuffing them in a pocket or purse is an invitation to scratching. 3. Keep your shirt on. According to one study, 52 percent of people clean their glasses with their clothing. Dust and particles in clothes can scratch lenses. Even dry paper products can grind dust and fibres into the lens. Disposable moist cleaning towelettes make it easy to keep your world sparkling. 4. Give high-tech lenses high-tech care. Today’s lenses are thinner, made of lighter materials and often have coatings that prevent glare or add other benefits. Don’t damage them by using household cleaners. Even today’s concentrated or “extra strength” dish soaps can damage coatings over time. Eyewear cleaners are formulated to safely remove fingerprints, cosmetics, dirt and grime. 5. Wear goggles for do-it-yourself projects or specific safety glasses for the job. Removing paint spatters with rough rubbing or chemicals can easily damage a lens. Sawdust and plaster dust can scratch or get ground in during clean up. 6. Take time for a regular eye exam. Nothing ruins your look like squinting! We have some of the most fashionable prescription safety glasses on the market, so you can be assured that you are getting safety and great looks in one package.

An eye exam is necessary for every person at least one a year. However, there are certain factors that might come up to inform you that you need an immediate eye exam. You always need to act fast - ignoring these problems can be detrimental. Some of the top signs may be considered normal by some people. However, when it comes to eye health, taking chances is not an option. If you want to keep your vision as good as it is now, the following signs will indicate that you need an eye exam without fail. Do not hesitate to visit an eye specialist. Redness, Itching and Pain If you are unusually red and itchy in any part of your eyes, it is crucial to seek help. And if you are experiencing pain, you should not wait. These signs can indicate an infection. There are many organisms that can cause an infection in the eye and caught early, it is much easier to control the problem. Another sign is having very dry eyes. Normally, your eyes need to be very moist to perform optimally. When they start to feel dry, it can be very uncomfortable and it is referred to as dry eye syndrome. You need a remedy for this. Chronic Ailments Like Diabetes If you suffer from conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, having an eye exam often is the way to go. Exams will be necessary several times a year because the ailment can wreak havoc within a short time. It is therefore important to ensure that your eyes are being monitored at all times. If you do not know whether you have diabetes or not, this is an indicator to go for a full physical check-up. It can never hurt to check your status so as to prevent bad outcomes. Change in Vision If you are having double vision, seeing light flashes or generally seeing unusual things, this is a sure indicator that you need to go for an eye exam. Many people who start to suffer with eye conditions will notice that it is hard to drive at night like they used to. These problems might cause headaches or even dizziness. In fact, many eye problems manifest with headaches. It is therefore crucial to have an eye specialist rule out an eye problem or confirm it with an exam. If You Cannot Remember Your Last Visit If you cannot recall your last eye exam, this is an indicator that you need to go for one. So many things happen over the years and neglecting eye health can be more costly. Get examined and know the health state of your eyes. It could go a long way in improving your quality of life. Although some people may not have eye conditions, everyday factors like sitting in front of computers makes people susceptible to problems. Therefore, take time to really know how you can improve your eye health. This can only be done by an exam. Once you have completed your eye exam with an optician you can purchase your Prescription Safety Glasses

The right pair of sunglasses can add that touch of style, that hint of mystique and make a statement that you have truly arrived. But is that all a pair of sunglasses does, make you look chic? Your Eye wear does much more than that; they go a long way more than making just a fashion statement; they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Sunglass lenses are made of glass or plastic that undergoes special hi-tech treatments. The colour and degree of darkness of the lens is an important factor when deciding the UV Protection factor. So before you buy your favourite Gucci, Oakley, Ray-Ban or prescription or designer eyewear, check out whether they block at least 99 % of harmful UV rays. A simple way is to check is via the label. Flatter your face and protect your eyes, with the latest styles. Sunglass trends are inspired from retro looks to street fashion. It is for you to decide whether you like aviators and oversized Jackie O frames, or the latest futuristic shield shapes, that have flooded the markets recently. Trendy tints are available, a dime a dozen. So, take your pick – wraps, shields, aviators or clip-ons. The list just goes on and on. With the booming global economy, various brands of sunglasses have recently become available, so it is always advised, that you are aware of counterfeits. Right from the street fashion of New York to the bustling markets of Shanghai, you can find the right choice, if you choose your pair of shades carefully. Go ahead and pick the right pair for you today. Frames form an integral part of any eyewear. Choose a pair of shades that suit the shape of your face. For example, a round face can carry off geometric shapes and ovals. An angular face looks better in rounder frames and the lucky oval faces can carry off, well almost any style. Now we come to that important question, how much does one spend for a pair of dream shades? Well it all depends on you whether you want to go for branded fashion eye wear or not. It is always recommended that you go for a branded pair of sunglasses that are safer to use. Sunglasses make much more than a fashion statement they protect perhaps the most precious gift of all, your eyes. Always check for the UV rating of any brand. Also check for the right kind of lens colour and frame. Your friendly optometrist or a reputable online company will be able to help you out with your choice. Costly shades need not necessarily mean better shades. Search on the net, Splurge a little over £200 and you can get a designer name. Between £500 – £1000 you get into the really rarefied zone of celebs. Even prescription sunglasses are available in designer labels. Go to the nearest Christian Dior, Oakley, Gucci, Gabbana, D & D, Polo or OKNY outlet and loosen those strings in your purse or wallet. You even have the option of online shopping for your favourite sunglasses or prescription safety glasses that can also be made into sunglasses. Better still read those exhaustive product reviews on the net or in your favourite fashion magazine, before making your choice. Over the years the eyewear industry has grown exponentially, literally exploding with a host of brands and designs. Whether it is prescription eyewear, designer eyewear or sunglasses, the styles have become better and the looks are getting ever more sophisticated. From being mere polarized glasses, fashion eyewear n sunglasses have become fashion accessories. Do you know, we have spent from a few pounds to several hundred pounds for that right look? So getting a right and look is not an easy task. Increasing globalization and competition has made the brands better by the day. Sunglasses are not mere fashion statements any more. They are proven protectors of vision. Isn’t it time you looked yourself straight in the mirror and said to yourself, go get the latest in eyewear. You deserve it!