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.

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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

SOURCE:

National Eye Institute

(Feature Impact) Heart disease is something many adults push to the back of their minds if they are not experiencing symptoms; a concern for “later” in life. However, that mindset may be changing. New research suggests younger generations are thinking about their cardiovascular health earlier and with greater urgency.

They’re right to be thinking about it, too. Data from the American Heart Association shows heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of Americans. In fact, someone dies from cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds in the United States.

Risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease are on the rise, too. Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure (47%), and obesity (42%), and more than half (57%) have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.

Despite growing concern about heart health, many adults remain unclear about their personal risk. In fact, a majority of respondents (62%) in a survey conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of Doctor’s Best said they don’t know their current risk for heart disease. To provide context on these findings and highlight emerging heart health trends, Dr. Tania Elliott, a dual board-certified physician in internal medicine, offers some insights.

Feeling Fatigue

In the study, only 50% of respondents reported feeling energetic on a daily basis. Among those who reported feeling fatigued, 46% listed stress as their top perceived contributor, followed by insufficient sleep (38%), both of which are closely tied to cardiovascular health.

Troubling Symptoms

Among Gen Z respondents, 25% reported having shortness of breath during activity or while lying down, compared to just 16% of Baby Boomers, which is commonly associated with compromised heart health.

Statins and Youth

Statins, which help address cardiovascular risk factors such as high cholesterol, are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in America, with more than 92 million Americans currently taking them, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Although most survey respondents (76%) aren’t currently taking a statin, 17% of adults ages 25-34 reported using statin therapy, which is an unexpectedly high proportion given their age and the group’s low anticipated risk of cardiovascular disease.

Side Effects of Statins

Among those taking statins, which are considered a first-line treatment for treating high cholesterol and reducing heart disease risk, 54% reported experiencing side effects, particularly muscle pain (23%) and fatigue (31%). However, taking statins can also affect levels of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which supports cellular energy and cardiovascular function.

All About CoQ10

Cells use CoQ10 to produce energy and detoxify. Studies have shown people with heart failure who took CoQ10 had around a 50% reduction in mortality. Despite this, awareness is low. Nearly two-thirds (66%) of respondents had never heard of CoQ10 and that number jumps to 76% of adults ages 25-34. Additionally, only a small percentage of respondents (8%) who were on a statin reported having their CoQ10 level tested.

“We have a real opportunity to help younger adults take a more proactive approach to heart health,” Elliott said. “CoQ10 plays a critical role in cellular energy production and heart muscle function, and it can decline with age and statin use.”

If you’re among the 71% of survey respondents who expressed a willingness to learn more about improving your heart health, talk with your health care provider and visit DoctorsBest.com to learn more.

Strategies to Support Heart Health

While some risk factors for heart disease, like age and family history, are out of your control, you can make lifestyle changes to help lower your risk:

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• Eat Whole Foods: A heart-healthy eating plan includes plenty of lean proteins as well as fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains and foods high in omega-3s, such as salmon, nuts and plant oils.
  
• Know Your CoQ10 Levels: If you’re low, look for a high-quality, bioavailable formula, like Doctor’s Best High Absorption CoQ10 with BioPerine, which supports energy production and muscle function.
• Get Moving: The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week to help control weight and lower the risk for conditions that negatively impact the heart.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (woman with hand over chest)

SOURCE:

Doctor’s Best

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(Feature Impact) News of a death can spread online in seconds – often before families have notified close family members privately. That’s why grief experts urge people to rethink how they share condolences, tributes and loss-related information on social media, particularly during the winter months when grief can feel especially isolating.

“Grief etiquette is about putting the needs of the grieving family first, not our urge to say something publicly,” said Dr. Camelia L. Clarke, National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) spokesperson, funeral director and grief educator with nearly 30 years of experience. “Just because information can be shared instantly doesn’t mean it should be.”

Social media has become a common place for sharing condolences, tributes and memories. However, grief experts caution that, without thoughtful consideration, online posts can unintentionally cause harm. Knowing when to post, what to say and when to remain silent can make a meaningful difference for families experiencing loss.

Consider this advice from the experts at the NFDA.

Grief Etiquette in the Digital Age

Grief etiquette refers to the unspoken guidelines for how individuals acknowledge death, loss and mourning, particularly online.

According to Clarke, one of the most important principles is restraint.

“When a death is shared online too quickly, families can feel exposed and overwhelmed at a moment when they’re still processing the loss themselves,” she said. “Waiting is an act of compassion.”

Best Practices for Posting About Loss Online

As social media continues to play a role in modern mourning, grief professionals encourage users to pause before posting and consider a few key guidelines:

• Let the family lead. Don’t post about a death until the immediate family has made it public.
• Ask permission. Obtain consent before sharing photos, stories or tributes.
• Reach out privately first. A direct message, call or handwritten note can be more meaningful than a public comment.
• Avoid speculation. Don’t ask about or share details regarding the cause of death.
• Offer ongoing support. Grief extends far beyond the first days or weeks after a loss.

What to Say (and Avoid)

When expressing condolences online, experts recommend simplicity, sincerity and sensitivity. Messages that acknowledge loss without attempting to explain or minimize it are often the most supportive.

Helpful phrases include:

• “I’m sorry for your loss.”
• “Thinking of you and your family.”
• “I’m here if you want to talk or need anything.”

By contrast, well-meaning cliches can unintentionally cause harm. Phrases such as “They’re in a better place” or “Everything happens for a reason” may reflect the speaker’s beliefs, but they can feel dismissive to someone grieving.

“Grieving people don’t need answers – they need presence,” Clarke said. “Listening matters more than saying the perfect thing.”

Resources for Families and Friends

As digital spaces continue to shape how people communicate during life’s most difficult moments, experts agree empathy, patience and respect remain timeless.

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“Grief is deeply personal,” Clarke said. “When we slow down and lead with compassion, we honor both the person who has died and those who are left to grieve.”

To learn more about how to support a grieving person and access free, expert-reviewed resources for navigating grief, expressing condolences and supporting loved ones before, during and after a loss, visit RememberingALife.com, an initiative of the NFDA.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

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SOURCE:

National Funeral Directors Association