Lifestyle

PANDEMIC PAINS

Until the COVID-19 pandemic hit, high school student Gema Sanchez Gamez was always on the move. She was often up at 5:30 a.m. to catch a ride to school, had a full schedule of classes, and then after school would help her Spanish-speaking parents with paperwork or translating emails. Underneath it all, she was struggling with her recovery from an eating disorder. • Then everything came to a standstill.

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Meal prepping

Ever have those days where you just don’t have enough time or energy to cook? We all experience this occasionally, and some more than others. Cooking a balanced and nutritional meal can take time and effort and ordering takeout is so much easier. This is obviously fine every now and then. If it starts to become a habit and you’re missing your nutrition goals, however, that’s when it can get you in trouble.

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EYES IN FOCUS

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a very common eye condition. • A person with myopia can see objects close-up clearly but distant objects appear blurry. • When light enters the eye, the cornea and the lens focus the light onto the retina. • The retina sends the light signals to the brain for us to see. • In the eyes with myopia, the distant image is not focused on the retina so the image is not clear. • The most common cause of myopia is an increase in the length of the eye from the front to the back. • Occasionally, the cornea may be too steeply curved. • Studies show myopia is becoming more prevalent in children, especially during the COVID pandemic. • This may be the result of children spending more screen time and fewer outdoor activities.

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Plunder your attic

As we move through a world of disposable things, it’s easy to forget that previous generations kept nearly everything. • Furniture was made to last. Pieces of crystal or china were investments passed down from parent to child to grandchild. Even mundane items could remain in use for decades: The same Corningware bowl and General Electric mixer might churn out birthday cake batter for a generation and more. • Many of these items still exist, nestled under layers of yellowing newspaper in cardboard boxes or shrouded by dust-laden sheets. America’s attics, basements and garages are filled with hand-me-down home decor and household goods waiting to be unearthed.

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Chill with dill

Cucumber dill salad is super easy to make and goes perfectly with almost anything. This light and refreshing salad pairs a sweet and sour combination of vinegar and sugar with cucumbers, onions and fresh dill.

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Mobile for safety

Aging in place is defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level.” There are many benefits for seniors aging in place, and if you plan ahead and prioritize your health and fitness, there’s a good chance you can stay put and enjoy your golden years at home.

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