Lifestyle
Combat the Epidemic of Loneliness by Eating Together
Last Updated on July 13, 2024 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) According to the U.S. Surgeon General, Americans face a lack of social connection that poses a significant risk to individual health and longevity. “Loneliness and social isolation increase the risk for premature death by 26% and 29%, respectively. More broadly, lacking social connection can increase the risk for premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day,” per the report.
One way to address this epidemic of loneliness is by sharing a meal with friends and family. Learn five of the specific advantages of family meals identified by the Family Meals Movement and take advantage of these benefits during National Family Meals Month this September by sharing one more meal together each week.
Meals Together Foster Togetherness and Connectedness
Staying connected can be hard when schedules conflict and life gets busy, but shared meals with friends, family or however you define your family can be the glue that holds people together. Studies demonstrate a positive relationship between family meal frequency and measures of family functioning, which is defined as family connectedness, communication, expressiveness and problem-solving. The key is for family members to engage in conversation with one another during mealtimes and take advantage of the one-on-one time without distractions or interruptions from smartphones or other devices.
Meals Together Strengthen Mental Health
An often overlooked benefit of family meals is mental health support. Multiple studies show family meals have long been associated with improving mental health, including reducing symptoms of depression, decreasing violent behavior and lessening thoughts of suicide among youth. Among adolescents, frequent family meals can help mitigate the risks of destructive behaviors by boosting prosocial behaviors and life satisfaction. Data from the FMI Foundation’s “Staying Strong with Family Meals” Barometer shows family meals also help restore a sense of peace, with one-third of survey respondents saying family meals make them feel calm. In short, family meals are a recipe for strengthening emotional well-being among children and adolescents.
Meals Together Improve Nutrition
There is one easy way to help ensure your family is eating fruits and vegetables: a family meal. Research shows family meals improve fruit and vegetable consumption. It also pays to start this trend early, with research finding preschool-aged children who eat frequent family meals are more likely to eat more fruits and vegetables. Overall, researchindicates families who eat together frequently have a better overall healthy diet and lower body mass index.
Meals Together Improve Academic Performance
Helping students’ academic performance begins around the family dinner table. Eating more meals together as a family is associated with improved overall adolescent health, including higher grades. Multiple studies show students whose families eat together frequently perform better academically in areas such as reading and vocabulary. Research also supports a correlation between frequent family meals lowering incidents of risky and harmful behaviors, including drug and alcohol abuse, which may also contribute to school performance.
Meals Together Teach Civility
The family dinner table is a perfect place to show younger generations how to communicate respectfully, according to the Family Meals Barometer summary. In fact, 76% of survey participants agreed family meals are a good opportunity to have and teach respectful interactions while 70% said frequent family meals create a safe environment for families to discuss thornier societal issues. Another 68% affirmed their belief that sitting at a meal together tends to keep conversations more civil.
Learn more about the physical, mental and social benefits of family meals at familymealsmovement.org and follow #familymealsmonth and #familymealsmovement on social media.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
FMI Foundation
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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health and wellness
Seeing the Possibilities: Living with Low Vision
Millions of Americans face challenges due to low vision, a condition that is not an inevitable part of aging. February’s Low Vision Awareness Month highlights the importance of eye exams and awareness. Effective management strategies include environmental modifications, assistive devices, and vision rehabilitation services to improve daily living and maintain independence.
Last Updated on March 3, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Millions of Americans are living with low vision, a visual impairment that can turn everyday moments – recognizing a friend’s face across the street, reading a recipe or checking a text message – into unexpected challenges.
Low vision isn’t a natural part of getting older, though the conditions that cause it do become more common with age.
Whether low vision is affecting you or a loved one, Low Vision Awareness Month is a perfect time to have your eyes examined for signs of eye diseases and to take steps to make daily life easier if you are experiencing low vision.
Consider this information from the National Eye Institute to make the most of your vision and improve your quality of life.
Understanding low vision
You may have low vision if you can’t see well enough to read, drive, recognize faces, distinguish colors or see screens clearly.
Many different eye conditions can cause low vision, but the most common causes are age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can cause vision loss in people with diabetes.
The most common types of low vision are:
- Central vision loss (not being able to see things in the center of your vision)
- Peripheral vision loss (not being able to see things out of the corners of your eyes)
- Night blindness (not being able to see in low light)
- Blurry or hazy vision
Diagnosing low vision
Your doctor can check for low vision as part of a simple, painless comprehensive dilated eye exam. He or she will ask you to read letters that are up close and far away and will check whether you can see things in the center and at the edges of your vision.
Then eye drops are used to widen your pupils and check for other eye problems – including conditions that could cause low vision.
Low vision is usually permanent, but glasses, medicine or surgery may help with daily activities or slow progression.
Living with low vision
If you have low vision, you aren’t alone. There are steps you can take to make life easier.
For minor vision loss, simple adjustments like using brighter lights, wearing anti-glare sunglasses and using magnifiers can help. Changing the settings on your phone and computer to increase contrast, make text larger or have the device read out loud may also help.
If your vision loss is getting in the way of everyday activities, ask your eye doctor about vision rehabilitation. These services can give you skills and resources to help manage your daily life and keep your independence. Examples include:
- Employment and job training
- Environmental modifications, like improving lighting and contrast
- Assistive devices and technologies, like magnifiers, filters and screen readers
- Adaptive strategies for daily living and independent living skills training
- Emotional support, like counseling or support groups
- Transportation and household services
Finding the right vision rehabilitation services and support may take time, but working closely with your eye doctor or care team is an important first step. Discuss your needs and goals for living with your visual impairment so they can help identify the best services for you.
For additional resources and information on vision rehabilitation, visit nei.nih.gov/VisionRehab.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Southwest Airlines is about to make the “airplane WiFi” experience feel a lot more like home.
In a new announcement, Southwest Airlines Co. says it will begin rolling out Starlink ultra-fast inflight WiFi this summer. Starlink—engineered by SpaceX—will deliver next-generation connectivity across Southwest’s network of 11 countries, giving customers the ability to stream, scroll, share, and stay productive from takeoff to landing.
First Starlink-equipped aircraft launches this summer
Southwest says the first Starlink-equipped aircraft will enter service this summer, with a rapid integration plan behind it. By the end of 2026, Starlink WiFi is expected to be available on more than 300 aircraft.
The airline frames the rollout as a major step toward upgrading its fleet with high-speed, low-Earth-orbit satellite technology.
“An at-home experience in the air”
Southwest points to rising expectations around inflight connectivity—especially as travelers juggle work, entertainment, and messaging across multiple devices.
“Free WiFi has been a huge hit with our Rapid Rewards Members, and we know our Customers expect seamless connectivity across all their devices when they travel,” said Tony Roach, Executive Vice President, Chief Customer & Brand Officer at Southwest Airlines. “Starlink delivers that at-home experience in the air, giving Customers the ability to stream their favorite shows from any platform, watch live sports, download music, play games, work, and connect with loved ones from takeoff to landing.”
What Starlink brings to inflight internet
Starlink is described as a constellation of more than 9,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit. Southwest says the technology supports:
- High-definition streaming and live gaming
- Real-time messaging
- Productivity tools, including the ability to collaborate and upload large files quickly
SpaceX also emphasized the goal of making inflight connectivity feel comparable to (or better than) home internet.
“We’re thrilled to deliver a connectivity experience to Southwest Airlines and its Customers that really is similar, if not better, than what you can experience in your own home,” said Jason Fritch, Vice President of Starlink Enterprise Sales at SpaceX. “Starlink is the future of connected travel, making every journey faster, smoother, and infinitely more enjoyable.”
Part of a broader cabin upgrade plan
Southwest notes it is currently the largest U.S. airline offering access to free WiFi fleetwide to loyalty members, thanks to T-Mobile (where available on WiFi-enabled aircraft). The Starlink rollout is positioned as one piece of a larger cabin refresh that includes:
- Assigned and premium seating options
- New aircraft seats made by RECARO
- In-seat power at every seat, larger overhead bins, and seatbacks with a personal device holder
- An Extra Legroom experience (Southwest says up to five additional inches compared to Standard and Preferred seats; seat pitch varies by aircraft)
- Boarding process updates, including earlier boarding for Extra Legroom customers and select loyalty and credit card groups
Rapid Rewards tie-in
Southwest encourages travelers to join Rapid Rewards to unlock free WiFi and other benefits. The airline also notes members can purchase points to earn rewards and book destinations.
Learn more
Source: PRNewswire
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Last Updated on March 2, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Early risers in Arizona are in for a celestial show.
On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, a total lunar eclipse will be visible across much of North America — including Phoenixand the Valley. During this event, the Moon will pass completely into Earth’s shadow, turning a deep copper-red color often called a “Blood Moon.”
Here’s what you need to know.
🌍 What Is a Total Lunar Eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align perfectly, with Earth positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon. As the Moon moves into Earth’s darkest shadow (the umbra), it doesn’t disappear — instead, it glows red.
That reddish color comes from sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere — essentially, we’re seeing all the world’s sunrises and sunsets projected onto the Moon at once.
🕒 Phoenix Viewing Times (MST)
Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time in March, so these times are in Mountain Standard Time (MST).
- 1:44 a.m. – Penumbral eclipse begins (subtle dimming begins)
- 2:50 a.m. – Partial eclipse begins (Earth’s shadow becomes clearly visible)
- 4:04 a.m. – Totality begins 🌕
- 4:34 a.m. – Greatest eclipse
- 5:03 a.m. – Totality ends
- 6:18 a.m. – Partial eclipse ends
- 7:20 a.m. – Penumbral eclipse ends
The most dramatic portion — totality — lasts nearly one hour.
🌅 Where to Look in Phoenix
The eclipse happens in the pre-dawn hours, so the Moon will be low in the western sky as it sets.
For the best view:
- Find a location with a clear western horizon
- Avoid city light glare if possible
- Consider desert viewpoints, parks, or elevated areas around the Valley
Because the Moon will be setting as the Sun begins to rise, the backdrop of early morning twilight could make for stunning photography.
🔭 Do You Need Special Equipment?
No.
Unlike a solar eclipse, lunar eclipses are completely safe to view with the naked eye. However:
- Binoculars enhance color detail
- A small telescope reveals subtle shadow gradients
- A tripod and DSLR or smartphone with night mode can capture impressive images
🌎 Why This Eclipse Matters
This will be one of the most accessible celestial events of 2026 for Arizona residents. Total lunar eclipses don’t happen every year in the same location, and the timing — just before sunrise — adds dramatic visual contrast.
If skies are clear, Phoenix could have a spectacular view.
📌 Quick Viewing Reminder for Phoenix
Set your alarm for around 3:45 a.m.
Step outside by 4:00 a.m.
Look west
Watch the Moon turn red
No tickets. No crowds. Just the sky putting on a show.
For more science, space, and Arizona skywatching coverage, visit STM Daily News.
Related Coverage
- NASA: What Is a Lunar Eclipse?
- Time and Date: March 3, 2026 Total Lunar Eclipse Details
- Sky & Telescope: How to Watch the March 2026 Lunar Eclipse
- Space.com: Where and When to See the 2026 Blood Moon
- STM Daily News – Science & Space Coverage
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