The eyes are complex organs; they require vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to function properly. Deficiencies in any of these elements can lead to an increased risk of developing eye diseases and conditions. These include glaucoma, macular degeneration, and even night blindness, which can compromise vision and degrade eye health. Here, we discuss four vitamins that are important to eye health and the foods that are rich sources of these vitamins. Vitamin A Vitamin A is essential to eye health. It helps in maintaining the cornea, ensuring a person has clear vision. The cornea is the layer that covers the iris and pupil. Individuals with vitamin A deficiency may experience dry eyes, which are caused due to a lack of moisture. Certain studies also indicate that low levels of vitamin A can lead to night blindness. Vitamin A is also a component of an essential protein known as rhodopsin. This protein is what allows us to see in low or poor light conditions. Beta carotene is the primary source of vitamin A. It is found in various colorful fruits and vegetables, such as sweet potato, squash, red peppers, and carrots. Vitamin C It is another important element when it comes to eye health. The main function of vitamin C is that it protects the eyes from the sun’s UV rays. This prevents damage to the cornea and other parts. Vitamin C also prevents oxidative damage, which can lead to cortical or nuclear cataracts. It is advisable to add foods enriched with this essential nutrient to your meals. Foods that are abundant sources of vitamin C include oranges, blackberries, grapefruit, Brussel sprouts, and broccoli. Vitamin B B vitamins, particularly vitamins B6, B9, and B12, can impact eye health. When present in average amounts, these vitamins can lower the levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that has been linked to inflammation and an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration.

We have all heard how drinking a minimum of 8-10 glasses of water a day is a must. Water is one of the most basic components of the body. It is important for the circulatory, digestive, urinary, and respiratory systems. One should drink sufficient water daily to ensure proper functioning of the body. But is there a right time to drink water? Here are five best times to do so: After waking up Our body gets rest when we sleep. During this time, our body has been fasting and using up the stored energy supplies to keep the systems functioning. Having a glass of water right after you wake up is one of the best times to drink water. It refreshes the body and replenishes its hydration supply. While working out According to several studies, it is crucial to have water before, during, and after working out. It is suggested to drink a few sips of water every 10-15 minutes while working out. This helps in avoiding dehydration and most importantly prevents muscle cramps. Before meals Our body responds to both hunger and thirst signals in the same way. Quite often, when we believe we are hungry, we are actually just poorly hydrated. The next time, before reaching for a quick snack, try having a glass of water. Wait a few minutes, and if the hunger is still present, you can have something to eat. It is hence said that drinking water before meals is one of the best times to do so. When tired When a person is dehydrated, they experience fatigue. This affects the flow of oxygen to the brain. It also causes the heart to work harder to ensure that oxygen reaches all organs in the body. By drinking enough water, a person can remain energized. Furthermore, water is known to transport nutrients to the brain, and it helps in getting rid of unwanted toxins.

Water makes up about 50 to 70 percent of our bodies. This is why your body needs water to survive and function properly. Water helps keep your body temperature in check and protects sensitive tissue. It also helps flush out harmful wastes through urination, bowel movements, and perspiration. Drinking water is essential to maintain one’s good health. However, drinking it at appropriate times can maximize its benefits. In the morning The earliest and best time to drink water is when you wake up. That’s because your body does not get sufficient water for about eight hours when you are asleep. Drinking a glass in the morning will help hydrate your body. You can also squeeze a slice of lemon in your glass. This nourishes your body with Vitamin C, potassium, and phytonutrients. Before a meal Drinking a glass of water before meals gives maximum benefits. It can make you feel full and therefore satisfy your appetite. It may also prevent you from eating too much. A glass of water before meals helps improve your gastric health. In the afternoon It is possible that you may feel tired after lunch. You could resort to coffee to boost your energy levels. However, coffee might affect your sleep cycle. Instead, it is recommended to drink water to ward off any feelings of tiredness and stay fresh for the rest of the day. Before bed The body does not receive adequate hydration when you sleep, so it is essential to drink water before bed. Consider placing a full glass or bottle of water by your bedside. You can sip on the glass of water. It can help in improving your mood, lowering blood pressure, and in relieving symptoms of headache. However, make sure to not drink too much water, or you might have to make multiple visits to the restroom.

Our eyes are one of the most vital organs in our body. The eye health is dependent on the health of our blood vessels and heart; therefore, it is imperative to take steps to ensure good cardiovascular health. While we may choose healthy foods that provide nutrition and oxygen to the blood vessels, it is equally important to avoid the following foods that may degrade our eye health when consumed in excess. Red meat Pork, beef, lamb, and mutton are sources of red meat. These meats are generally laden with sodium to increase shelf life. But too much of sodium can increase blood pressure and trigger the buildup of fluid below the retina, known as choroidopathy. Margarine We often use margarine as an alternative to butter because of its vegetable oil composition. But the food is abundant in trans fats, which may worsen cholesterol levels and degrade eye health. Fish and shellfish Fish like salmon and mackerel may contain traces of mercury. So if you eat too much fish and shellfish, the harmful properties of the element might cause damage to the eyes. Coffee Despite the energy-boosting effects of caffeine in coffee, too much of coffee may affect your overall health. As for optical health, caffeine may increase pressure inside the eyes and may lead to vision loss. The condition is more prominent in people with ocular hypertension (OHT) or glaucoma who drink coffee. Sweetened beverages Beverages laden with sugar, including energy drinks, lemonade, and sodas, can affect not only your eyes but also your overall health, including that of the eye. The sugar content increases the risk of heart diseases and type-2 diabetes. People with diabetes are also at the risk of diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Age-related eye conditions have various treatment options. VUITY™ is one such prescription eye drop for the treatment of presbyopia, an age-related condition where adults find it harder to see nearer objects.

Smartphones are versatile devices that allow you to communicate with people even if they are across the globe. They can also be used to watch a movie on the go, read an e-book, take high-quality photos and videos, and even play games of your liking. But as important as they are, there are some things you should avoid doing when using a smartphone. Here are five smartphone habits to stop today: Using the phone while walking You may use your phone to perform multiple tasks. However, it is imperative to do so when you are not on the move. Using the device while walking can distract and endanger you or another individual. Relying only on GPS The GPS on a smartphone is exceptional but not always 100% accurate. There are days when your phone may guide you the wrong way or take you to the wrong destination. So sometimes, you should self-navigate by looking at the traffic signs or by seeking directions from a traffic officer. Scrolling through the smartphone before bed Most of us tend to scroll through social media or watch content like movies or a web series before sleeping. However, smartphones emit a blue light that suppresses melatonin, a chemical that regulates sleep. Moreover, low levels of melatonin will lead to inadequate rest, restlessness, lack of focus, and other symptoms caused by lack of sleep the following day. Making long conversations over the phone Though a phone enables you to speak to another person without meeting them, it may impact your social life. If you speak about things on the phone for hours on end, there might not be much to discuss when you meet in person. Paying for phone plans without research Purchasing a plan without appropriate research may lead you to pay more for something that doesn’t meet your needs.

Lupus is a health condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs. It causes inflammation in different body parts, including the joints, kidneys, blood cells, heart, and lungs. Unfortunately, the autoimmune disease has no cure; available treatment options only help prevent flare-ups and manage symptoms. Therefore, patients must be careful and follow healthy practices to prevent the problem from worsening. Here are five things to avoid when diagnosed with lupus: Exposure to sunlight Those affected by lupus should avoid sun exposure because they are more sensitive to sunlight. It can worsen the symptoms, especially when the sun is at its peak. When venturing out, patients must apply sunscreen, preferably with SPF 70. Sunscreens with higher SPF values might protect the skin from harmful rays. In addition, individuals should cover their skin as much as possible when outside and carry a hat. Physical and mental stress Mental or physical stress can cause lupus to worsen or trigger a flare-up. A severe lupus episode is most commonly linked to chronic stress. Patients can indulge in mild exercises, yoga, or meditation to calm the mind. These activities release happy hormones and put one in a good mood almost instantly. Red meat Red meats like beef, pork, and lamb contain saturated fats that can raise a person’s cholesterol levels. People with lupus already have a high risk of heart disease, and these foods can increase the risk further. Other foods with high saturated fats include deep-fried foods and full-fat dairy. Garlic Garlic has excellent anti-inflammatory properties, which help manage several illnesses. It also contains compounds that increase white blood cells (WBCs). Optimal WBC levels are required to fight diseases, but it can cause a lupus flare-up because lupus is an autoimmune disease, and garlic can make the immune system overactive. Salt High-sodium foods can increase blood pressure and heart disease risk.

Getting a good night’s sleep is important to ensure you remain energetic throughout the day. Your mind and body need a healthy reset to overcome the tasks of the day and start fresh. Getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep daily is an ideal sleep cycle for adults and there are ways to achieve this if you quit some habits and choices. Let’s see what things you must avoid to ensure a healthy sleep cycle. Using your phone before bed Aimless scrolling and watching videos before going to bed while staring at your phone or laptop will only hinder your REM sleep cycle. According to studies, it is suggested that electronic devices are one of the most important things to avoid for better sleep because they emit harmful rays and may also distract you from a good night’s sleep. Heavy dinner While indulging in a heavy dinner might sound like a good idea, it only puts your digestive system under a lot of stress and pressure. Because of your day-to-day schedule and our rapid eye movement (REM) sleep cycle, your organs work according to this routine. Similarly at night, your digestive system needs a reset to be able to function properly for all the meals you put in it the next day. Having a light, gut-healthy meal at night will help you feel less bloated. Drinking coffee   A lot of people prefer starting their day with caffeine, and while it gives a boost of energy to get you through the day, this caffeine can keep you up at night if you consume it any later than 3 PM in the afternoon! According to research, caffeine remains in our body for about six to nine hours, so if you are an early sleeper, then ditch the afternoon coffee and only stick to your morning one.

Aging is a natural, inevitable process. At best, it is possible to make continuous changes that complement and suit your current lifestyle. We are talking about changes in daily nutrition, habits, routine, and even finding dedicated health services and personal care assistance to improve quality of life. These changes are also beneficial in preventing and lowering the risk of certain progressive disorders that affect daily lifestyles. Here is an overview. 5 essential foods to consider Studies show that 60% of the brain matter is made up of fat and nearly half of it consists of omega-3 fatty acids that boost and regulate cognitive function. Omega 3s can be sourced from fatty fish, including salmon, tuna, trout, herring, and sardines. Avocados and assorted nuts are rich sources of this nutrient suitable for vegetarians and vegans. In addition, it is necessary to include antioxidant-rich berries like blueberries that delay brain matter aging and improve memory. Green leafy vegetables like broccoli contain lutein, vitamin K, nitrates, and folates known to boost cognitive function. Nutritionists also recommend including a variety of whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, and buckwheat, among other complex carbohydrates. These healthy changes in nutrition boost cognitive development and slow down brain degeneration. Personal care solutions Changes in daily nutrition can help slow down degeneration and lower the risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s. But it is also necessary to consider certain personal care options to improve quality of life. Optum Care provides dedicated, personalized solutions connecting its members with local doctors and healthcare resources. The service assigns case managers for each member, provides the latest solutions, organizes in-community services, and provides virtual content to educate members. Membership is all-inclusive and connects those in need with people offering help and services in the neighborhood round the clock. Phone service for seniors The elderly, who are technically challenged, can also benefit from dedicated cell phone services designed with user-friendly features.