First off, Happy New Year to our readers! This is the time of the year when we stop and reflect upon what we’ve learned and accomplished in 2011 and look forward to implement things that will make us even better for 2012. Did you know the most popular New Year’s resolutions involve improving personal well-being? These include eating healthier, losing weight, and kicking bad habits (most commonly smoking).
If you find yourself already lacking motivation to follow through with these resolutions, here are some extra reasons to push you forward as we begin 2012. Good nutrition can improve your eye’s health and vision, especially as we age. Studies show that diets high in lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, and omega-3 can slow progression or prevent eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. It’s time to take action: Eat more leafy greens and aim for 2 servings of fish per week!
The effects of obesity are well documented in terms of its impact on overall health, including developing diabetes and hypertension. Obesity is also linked to an increased risk of eye diseases such as age-related cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy. It’s time to take action: Find a physical activity you enjoy and do it often!
All smokers are well-aware of its negative effects on the respiratory system (lung cancer, emphysema, etc…) and the cardiovascular system (heart disease). Smoking also increases your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration and some forms of cataracts. It’s time to take action: You know what you have to do!
Now that you know following through with these common New Year’s resolutions can impact your eye health and vision for years to come, what are you going to do about it?