From a surprising eye health finding to screen-time sleep loss and sunscreen secrets, here’s what you need to know for today’s health headlines.
CLEVELAND — Popular GLP-1 medications — already known for managing diabetes and supporting weight loss — may offer an unexpected benefit for your eyes. A Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute study tracked more than 430,000 patients and found those taking GLP-1 drugs developed dry age-related macular degeneration at rates up to sixty-three percent lower than patients on other diabetes medications.
The study does not prove cause and effect, and more research is needed. It’s also worth noting that some studies link certain GLP-1 medications to rare vision risks. Eye doctors recommend scheduling a baseline eye exam before — or shortly after — starting these medications.
Teens and Their Phones Are Losing Sleep
More than half of U.S. teenagers spend at least an hour on their phones overnight on school nights — cutting into the eight to ten hours of sleep experts say they need. That lost sleep isn’t just about feeling tired. It connects to problems with thinking, emotional regulation, and mental health.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says parents can make a real difference by modeling good habits at home — creating screen-free zones, keeping devices out of bedrooms, and setting household rules about when phones get put away for the night.
Sunscreen 101: What You Might Be Getting Wrong
One in five Americans develops skin cancer by age 70— and the Cleveland Clinic says the best defense starts with daily sunscreen, every single day, year-round. UV rays don’t take winters off.
Dermatologists recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that is water-resistant. Apply it to dry skin fifteen minutes before heading outside, and reapply every two hours. And don’t overlook the spots people commonly miss — the scalp, tops of feet, eyelids, and lips all burn too.
One more thing: sunscreen expires. If that bottle has been sitting around for three years, toss it and start fresh.