Summer is a time for outdoor fun, vacations, sports, and sunshine. While many people remember to protect their skin from the sun, eye protection is often overlooked. The eyes are highly sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and long-term exposure can increase the risk of serious eye conditions. At the same time, increased screen use from phones, tablets, computers, and gaming devices continues to contribute to digital eye strain for adults and children alike. Understanding how to protect your eyes during the summer months is an important part of maintaining lifelong vision health.

Why UV Protection Matters for Eye Health
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are invisible rays from the sun that can damage the eyes just as they damage the skin. There are two main types of UV rays that affect eye health: UVA and UVB rays. Prolonged exposure to these rays may contribute to both short-term and long-term eye problems.[1]

Health Risks Linked to UV Exposure
Excessive UV exposure has been associated with several eye conditions, including:
– Cataracts – Clouding of the eye’s natural lens that can blur vision and eventually require surgery.[2]
– Macular degeneration – Damage to the retina that may lead to vision loss over time.[3]
– Photokeratitis – A painful sunburn of the cornea caused by intense UV exposure, often occurring near water, sand, or snow.[4]
– Pterygium (“surfer’s eye”) – A growth on the white part of the eye that may irritate vision and require medical treatment.[5]
– Skin cancer around the eyelids – The delicate skin around the eyes is vulnerable to UV-related skin cancers.[1]

Children and young adults are especially vulnerable because their eyes allow more UV light to reach the retina. Since UV damage accumulates over time, protection should begin early in life.[2]

How to Protect Your Eyes from UV Damage
Fortunately, protecting your eyes from UV rays is simple and effective when practiced consistently.

1. Wear Sunglasses with 100% UV Protection
Not all sunglasses provide adequate protection. Choose sunglasses labeled:
– “100% UVA and UVB protection”
-“UV400 protection”
– Darker lenses do not necessarily mean better UV protection. Proper UV-blocking lenses help reduce exposure and lower the risk of long-term damage.[1]

2. Use Wide-Brimmed Hats
A hat with at least a 3-inch brim can reduce UV exposure to the eyes and eyelids by up to 50%.[6] Hats provide additional protection when combined with sunglasses.

3. Be Extra Careful Around Reflective Surfaces
Water, sand, pavement, and pool decks reflect sunlight and intensify UV exposure. Even cloudy days allow UV rays to reach the eyes.[4]

4. Never Look Directly at the Sun
Looking directly at the sun, even briefly, can permanently damage the retina and cause solar retinopathy.[7]

5. Encourage Children to Wear Eye Protection
Children spend significant time outdoors during summer months. Sunglasses and hats should become part of their routine just like sunscreen.

Understanding Digital Eye Strain
In addition to outdoor UV exposure, many people experience discomfort from prolonged screen time. Digital eye strain, sometimes called computer vision syndrome, occurs after extended use of computers, smartphones, tablets, or other digital devices.[8]

Symptoms may include:
– Dry or irritated eyes
– Blurred vision
– Headaches
– Eye fatigue
– Neck and shoulder pain
– Difficulty focusing

People tend to blink less frequently while using screens, which can lead to dry eyes and discomfort.[9]

Why Digital Eye Strain Increases During Summer
During summer months, children and adults may spend more time on digital devices due to travel, remote work, gaming, streaming, and social media use. Increased exposure to air conditioning and indoor environments may also worsen dry eye symptoms.
Blue light from screens is another concern. While research continues regarding long-term effects, excessive blue light exposure may contribute to eye fatigue and interfere with sleep patterns.[10]

Tips to Reduce Digital Eye Strain

1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.[8] This helps relax the eye muscles and reduce fatigue.
2. Blink More Often
Conscious blinking keeps the eyes moist and comfortable. Artificial tears may also help if dryness persists.
3. Adjust Screen Settings
Reduce glare and adjust brightness so the screen is comfortable for your eyes. Increase text size when needed to avoid squinting.
4. Maintain Proper Screen Distance
Keep screens approximately an arm’s length away and position them slightly below eye level.[9]
5. Limit Recreational Screen Time
Encourage regular outdoor breaks, physical activity, and non-screen hobbies—especially for children and teenagers.
6. Consider Blue Light Reduction in the Evening
Using night mode settings or reducing screen time before bed may help decrease eye fatigue and improve sleep quality.[10]

When to Schedule an Eye Exam
Routine comprehensive eye exams are important for maintaining eye health and detecting problems early. See an eye care professional if you experience:
– Persistent blurry vision
– Eye pain or redness
– Frequent headaches
– Increased light sensitivity
– Sudden vision changes

Many eye conditions develop gradually and may not show symptoms until damage has occurred.

©2026ProgressiveHealth
References
American Academy of Ophthalmology. Protecting Your Eyes from the Sun. Available at: https://www.aao.org
National Eye Institute. Cataracts. National Institutes of Health.
BrightFocus Foundation. Macular Degeneration and UV Exposure.
American Optometric Association. UV Safety and Your Eyes.
Cleveland Clinic. Pterygium (Surfer’s Eye).
Skin Cancer Foundation. Sun-Protective Clothing and Hats.
NASA Eye Safety Information. Solar Viewing Safety.
American Optometric Association. Computer Vision Syndrome.
Mayo Clinic. Eyestrain: Symptoms and Causes.
Harvard Health Publishing. Blue Light Has a Dark Side.

Latest research and updates from ADA Standards of Care in Diabetes

Each year, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) reviews the latest research and updates its Standards of Care in Diabetes — a trusted guide that helps healthcare professionals provide the best possible treatment for people living with diabetes. The 2025 Standards of Care include several exciting updates that reflect new technology, more personalized care, and a growing focus on overall well-being rather than just blood sugar numbers [1].

Early Screening and Emotional Health Take Center Stage One of the biggest shifts this year is a stronger emphasis on screening — both for diabetes itself and for emotional health. The ADA now encourages earlier testing for people with a family history of type 1 diabetes, using antibody based tests that can detect signs of the disease before symptoms appear [2]. Early detection can help individuals take steps that may delay or lessen the onset of diabetes.

Equally important, the new guidelines highlight the mental and emotional side of living with diabetes. People are encouraged to talk openly with their healthcare providers about anxiety, depression, or “diabetes distress” — the frustration or burnout that can come from managing a chronic condition. Recognizing and addressing emotional health is now considered a key part of diabetes care [1].

Technology Continues to Transform Diabetes Management If you’ve seen continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) — those small sensors that track blood sugar throughout the day — expect to see even more of them in 2025. The ADA now recommends that CGM technology be considered for more people, even for some adults with type 2 diabetes who are not using insulin [3].

These devices give real-time information, making it easier to see how food, exercise, and stress affect blood sugar levels. They can also alert users to dangerous highs or lows, offering peace of mind and helping people make better daily decisions. In short, CGMs are moving from being a specialty tool to becoming a standard part of good diabetes management.

Another exciting area is automated insulin delivery systems (AID) — smart pumps that combine continuous monitoring with insulin dosing algorithms. These systems can automatically adjust insulin delivery, helping people spend more time “in range” with fewer finger sticks and less guesswork [4].

New Medications Offer More Than Blood Sugar Control
The 2025 guidelines place growing emphasis on medications that do more than just control glucose levels. Drugs known as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists — and newer versions that also act on the GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, sometimes called gastric inhibitory polypeptide) receptor — have

shown benefits that extend far beyond blood sugar. They can help with weight loss, heart health, and even kidney protection, making them one of the most talked-about options in modern diabetes care [5].

The ADA also stresses the importance of continuing weight-management medications once goals are reached, rather than stopping them right away. Research shows that keeping up with these treatments can help maintain healthy weight and prevent blood sugar from climbing [1].

Consumers should also be cautious about compounded versions of these medications. The ADA warns that non-FDA-approved or “copycat” versions sold by some pharmacies or online sources may not be safe or effective [6]. Always verify medications through a licensed provider and trusted pharmacy.

A Broader View of Health: Nutrition and Liver Care
Beyond medications and monitoring, the ADA continues to highlight the importance of nutrition and overall lifestyle. The new guidelines support flexible, evidence-based eating patterns — such as including more plant proteins, fiber, and whole grains — while cutting back on sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods [7].

Another addition this year is new guidance for fatty liver disease, now called metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This condition is common among people with type 2 diabetes, and the ADA now recognizes certain diabetes medications, like GLP-1s, as possible options to help manage it [2].

Why These Changes Matter
The 2025 ADA updates reflect a simple but powerful shift: diabetes care is becoming more personalized, holistic, and proactive. There’s growing recognition that managing diabetes isn’t just about hitting a target blood sugar number — it’s about improving quality of life, protecting the heart and kidneys, supporting mental health, and preventing complications before they start.

To explore the full Standards of Care in Diabetes—2025 or access free resources, visit the American Diabetes Association website.

©2025ProgressiveHealth
References
1. American Diabetes Association. Standards of Care in Diabetes—2025. ADA Press Release, 2025.
https://diabetes.org/newsroom/press-releases/american-diabetes-association-releases-standards-care-diabetes-2025
2. Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians. 2025 ADA Updates Summary. https://www.wafp.org/assets/files/2025_ADA_Updates_All_Sections_95.pdf
3. diaTribe Foundation. Your Guide to the 2025 ADA Standards of Care.
https://diatribe.org/diabetes-management/your-guide-2025-ada-standards-care
4. Omnipod. 2025 ADA Standards of Care: Key Technology Updates.
https://www.omnipod.com/hcp/blog/tips-guidelines/2025-ada-standards-of-care
5. Exploration Endocrinology & Metabolism. Updates from the 2025 ADA Guidelines on Standards of Care. https://www.explorationpub.com/uploads/Article/A101428/101428.pdf
6. American Diabetes Association. ADA Statement on Compounded Incretin Products.
https://diabetes.org/newsroom/press-releases/american-diabetes-association-announces-statement-compounded-incretin
7. Diabetes Care Journal. Nutrition Therapy and Lifestyle Management, ADA Standards 2025. https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/48/Supplement_1/S146/157557

Time Lost Is Brain Lost.
Each year, nearly 800,000 people in the U.S. experience a stroke. It’s the fifth leading cause of death and a major cause of disability—yet many strokes can be prevented or treated if caught early. The key? Awareness and fast action.¹

What Is a Stroke? A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. This cuts off oxygen, causing brain cells to die.
There are two main types:

– Ischemic Stroke: Caused by a clot blocking blood flow (about 87% of all strokes).²
– Hemorrhagic Stroke: Caused by bleeding in the brain due to a ruptured vessel.
– A TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) is a temporary blockage, often called a “mini-stroke”—but it’s a serious warning sign of a future stroke.³

What to Look For – Think BE FAST:
Time is critical during a stroke. Use the BE FAST method to spot symptoms quickly:⁴

• Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
• Eyes: Sudden blurred or double vision or loss of vision
• Face: One side of the face droops when smiling
• Arms: One arm drifts downward or is weak when raised
• Speech: Slurred speech or trouble speaking clearly
• Time: Call 9-1-1 immediately if you see any of these signs

Even if symptoms go away, don’t ignore them—it could be a TIA.

What to Do in a Stroke Emergency Call 9-1-1 immediately. Don’t try to drive or delay help.⁵

• Note the time. Doctors need this to determine if certain treatments like tPA (a clot-busting drug) can be used.
• Keep the person safe. Help them sit or lie down and stay calm until emergency services arrive.
• Avoid giving food, drinks, or medications, especially if they’re having trouble swallowing or speaking.⁶

Who’s at Risk? Stroke can affect anyone, but risk increases with certain conditions and behaviors:⁷

• High blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol
• Smoking or secondhand smoke exposure
• Family history of stroke
• Obesity or physical inactivity
• Excessive alcohol use or drug abuse
• Age (especially over 55), though strokes can occur at any age

Prevention Is Power
Up to 80% of strokes are preventable with healthy lifestyle choices and medical care.⁸ Here’s how to reduce your risk:
• Control blood pressure – the leading risk factor for stroke
• Eat a balanced diet: plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Stay physically active – aim for 30 minutes most days
• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol
• Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and atrial fibrillation

Life After a Stroke Stroke survivors often experience physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges. However, rehabilitation and support services can lead to meaningful recovery.⁹ Speech therapy, physical therapy, and mental health support are essential parts of the healing process. A stroke can strike without warning, but with awareness, quick action, and prevention, lives can be saved.

References
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Stroke Facts. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm
2. American Stroke Association. (2022). Types of Stroke. https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/types-of-stroke
3. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2022). Transient Ischemic Attack. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/transient-ischemic-attack
4. American Heart Association. (2023). BE FAST: Stroke Warning Signs. https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/heart-attack-and-stroke-symptoms
5. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Stroke: First Aid. https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-stroke/basics/art-20056685
6. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2022). Stroke Emergency Response. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/stroke
7. CDC. (2023). Know the Risk Factors for Stroke. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/risk_factors.htm
8. World Stroke Organization. (2022). Prevent Stroke: Healthy Lifestyle Tips. https://www.world-stroke.org/prevention
9. National Stroke Association. (2023). Life After Stroke. https://www.stroke.org/en/life-after-stroke

Dealing with Spring Allergies and Asthma As spring arrives, so do the blossoms, fresh air, and —unfortunately for many — allergy and asthma symptoms. Millions of people experience seasonal allergies or have asthma triggered by springtime irritants. Whether you’re a longtime allergy sufferer or noticing symptoms for the first time, it’s important to know how to manage this season
wisely.

What Causes Spring Allergies?
The biggest culprit? Pollen. Trees, grasses, and weeds release tiny grains into the air to fertilize other plants. When these particles enter your nose, mouth, or eyes, your immune system may  overreact, triggering classic symptoms like:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
• Watery eyes
• Fatigue

If you have allergic asthma, these allergens can also cause:

• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Coughing

Other common spring allergens include mold (which grows outdoors and indoors, especially in damp areas) and dust mites, which can get stirred up during spring cleaning.

How Asthma and Allergies are Connected
Asthma and allergies often go hand-in-hand. In fact, up to 80% of people with asthma also have allergic rhinitis (hay fever) [1]. Spring allergens can make asthma symptoms worse or trigger asthma attacks. That’s why people with asthma need to be especially cautious during allergy season.

Protecting Yourself This Spring 
You don’t have to spend the season indoors! Here are
smart steps to reduce exposure:

• Check pollen counts daily. Many weather apps or websites report pollen forecasts. On high-pollen days, limit outdoor time, especially in the morning when counts peak.
• Keep windows closed. Use air conditioning with clean filters instead of opening windows.
• Shower after being outside. Pollen can cling to your hair, skin, and clothing.
• Spring-clean carefully. Use a damp cloth instead of dry dusting, and wear a mask when cleaning to reduce inhaling dust and mold spores.
• Use HEPA filters in your home, including your vacuum, to trap allergens.

Managing Symptoms
If you are already experiencing allergy or asthma symptoms, don’t wait it out — manage it:

• Over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays help reduce sneezing, itching, and congestion.
• Allergy eye drops can ease watery or itchy eyes.
• Prescription medications like inhalers, corticosteroids, or allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be recommended by your doctor.
• Asthma Action Plans: If you have asthma, talk to your healthcare provider about updating your asthma action plan for spring. Be sure you have enough medication, and know your triggers.

 

When to See a Healthcare Provider
Don’t ignore frequent or severe symptoms. You should seek professional advice if:

• Symptoms interfere with daily life
• Over-the-counter medications aren’t enough
• You experience shortness of breath or wheezing
• Your asthma seems harder to control

 

Quick Spring Tips

• Wash bedding weekly in hot water
• Wear sunglasses outdoors to block pollen from your eyes
• Stay hydrated — it helps thin mucus
• Don’t hang laundry outside during pollen season
• Avoid outdoor exercise on high-pollen days

The Good News?
With the right prevention and treatment, you can still enjoy all the beauty spring has to offer — without the constant sneezing, wheezing, or watery eyes.

Take control early this season and breathe easier!

©2025ProgressiveHealth

Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during scorching summer months when our bodies lose water faster than normal. While drinking water is the best way to stay quenched, it isn’t the only way to ward off dehydration. Enjoy these fruits & veggies as well – all have high water content & powerful nutrients to keep you hydrated and healthy all summer long

.

CUCUMBERS
At over 95% water, cucumbers are crunchy, cooling, and a great choice for staying hydrated. They also provide a good source of vitamin K – which supports bone health – and small amounts of vitamin C and fiber. Enjoy them sliced in salads, add to sandwiches, or cut them into sticks for a light crunchy snack.
WATERMELON
Watermelon is about 92% water, making it another great choice for hot summer days. Plus, it’s rich in vitamins A and C, supporting a healthy immune system. Watermelon is also a good source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant associated with heart health. Enjoy refreshing slices as an easy snack, or blend watermelon cubes into a hydrating summer smoothie.
STRAWBERRIES
Not only are strawberries sweet and delicious, but their water content is around 91%. They’re packed with vitamin C, which helps maintain healthy skin. Add fresh strawberries to salads, blend them into a smoothie, or enjoy them as a guilt-free snack.

PINEAPPLE
Pineapples contain roughly 87% water and are rich in immunity-boosting vitamin C. They also contain bromelain, an enzyme known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Enjoy pineapple chunks on their own, blend into a tropical fruit salad, or add to low-fat cottage cheese for a great snack with staying power.

CELERY
At over 95% water, celery is another excellent choice for beating dehydration. It also provides vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium, supporting healthy bones, immune function, and electrolyte balance. Enjoy celery with hummus, peanut butter, or add it to salads for extra crunch.ORANGES
At over 86% water, oranges have a variety of health benefits. The fiber in oranges can help keep blood sugar levels in check and reduce high cholesterol to prevent cardiovascular disease. In addition, oranges contain approximately 55 milligrams of calcium, or 6% of your daily requirement.