Learning About Blindness: Why Shedding Pounds Can

Learning About Blindness: Why Shedding Pounds Can Make You LOOK Great

Need more motivation to start that diet and exercise plan you've been putting off?  According to the Centers for Disease Control, 130 million people in the U.S. are overweight.  You may not realize the connection between obesity and vision loss, but the facts are in.  Obesity is a major risk factor in the onset and progression of conditions leading to loss of vision.  These include diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and glaucoma.

What can you do to help keep your eyes healthy?  Exercise; keep your weight and cholesterol under control; eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables.  Fish oils with omega-3 fatty acids lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration.  Soy and other foods that contain phytochemicals and isoflavones help maintain good blood flow through the eye vessels.

So, grab an apple, put on your sneakers and get moving--and take your dog with you--you'll both be glad you did.