THE BLUE LIGHT BLUES Eye Strain and Trouble Sleeping Everyone knows it’s a bad idea to stare at the sun, but what about gazing at your phone for hours every day? Both have one troubling thing in common: They emit blue light, which can negatively impact your eyesight and sleep cycle. The primary source of blue light is our sun, but some sources of blue light we interact with closely are digital screens and LED lights. While the amount of time we spend staring at the sun remains low, studies show screen usage has gone up to new record highs, a trend that has progressively worsened since the pandemic. People now average nearly seven hours of screen time per day, and kids on average nearly 4.5 hours of screen time per day. Overexposure to blue light can lead to eye strain — an especially big problem for office workers who spend eight-plus hours a day staring at a screen. The effects on your eyes can include dryness, an itchy feeling, and headaches. None of the backlash from staring at screens makes us comfortable or productive in the workplace. A great way to mitigate the blue light problem is to wear blue light-blocking glasses, which reduce the amount of blue light being exposed to your retinas, thus decreasing eye strain. If you wear prescription glasses, you can add blue light-blocking filters for a small additional fee. Trust us, it is worth it. After a long day in front of a screen, you will be thankful you have them.
Having trouble getting to sleep? Blue light might be the culprit. Studies show that being exposed to blue light, usually through our electronic devices, can hamper sleep. This is in part due to blue light suppressing our release of melatonin, a natural hormone that helps us feel tired and fall asleep easier. Avoiding screen time for at least an hour before bedtime can significantly improve our ability to sleep. Reducing screen time has net benefits, including improved ocular health and a healthier circadian rhythm. If you take anything away from this article, let it be this: Avoid overexposure to blue light, and don’t stare at the sun!
Take a Break
Grilled Steak With Chimichurri Sauce
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
• 2 lbs flank, sirloin, or skirt steak • 2 tbsp olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste For the chimichurri sauce: • 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced • Juice of 1 lemon • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp red pepper flakes • Salt and pepper, to taste
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. 2. Rub the steak with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. 3. Grill the steak for 4–5 minutes per side or until it reaches desired doneness. 4. Meanwhile, make the chimichurri sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the parsley, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. 5. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing. 6. Serve the steak with the chimichurri sauce and enjoy!
ARBOR ARIES
CHOCOLATE DAISY DIAMOND ENVIRONMENT
GARDEN KITE RAINBOW SHOWERS
BASEBALL CHERRIES
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