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One girl's conversation with foster parents will leave you speechless
Family members
Even though we all have family members that are harder to get along with than others, they are still family and will be around when we need them most - photo by istockphoto.com/aldomurillo
Courtnie Erickson
Deseret News National
Updated: Aug 30, 2014, 5:00 PM
Published: Aug 29, 2014, 8:34 PM

Being a member of a family is a tremendous blessing that, unfortunately, many of us take for granted. We all have bad days with our family. We have children who we may want to run and hide from, a spouse that makes us angry and even extended family that may just drive us nuts.

Even though these bad days come, we need to remember the blessings that come from being a member of a family. As you will see in this video, there are many individuals out there that will give anything to be a part of a family. All they want is someone who unconditionally loves and cares for them.

Here are three reasons why we should always show love to our family, even on those tough days.

You can rely on them
Even though we all have family members that are harder to get along with than others, they are still family and will be around when we need them most. Think about when you had a bad day at work, who did you go home and complain to? Was it your spouse? Your mom? Your sister? What about when your babysitter canceled and you needed someone fast? Was it a family member that you dialed first?

They provide a sense of belonging and identity
When you are part of a family, you are part of something large, something wonderful. You begin to understand why you have your little quirks and why certain holidays and events mean everything to you. With family, you always have something in common with them. There is always something that brings you together, even if it is something small.

They help find satisfaction with life
Many dark times in our life result because life at home is falling apart. When we don’t have that connection and security with our family members, all other areas of our lives are affected. When we work hard to establish a strong relationship with those we live with, those who mean the most to us, we will be able to find happiness and find more satisfaction with our lives. Here are a few ideas on how you can help your family find more happiness through laughter.

Families are instrumental in our lives. They play a huge role in our day-to-day activities and how we conduct ourselves. Never take for granted your family. Never take for granted that unconditional love you receive and that knowledge that someone is always there for you. Remember: you belong to something wonderful.
Its toxic: New study says blue light from tech devices can speed up blindness
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A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers. - photo by Herb Scribner
Herb Scribner
Deseret News
Published: Aug 13, 2018, 1:39 PM
It turns out checking Twitter or Facebook before bed is bad for your health.

A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers.

That process can lead to age-related macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, according to the researchs extract.

Blue light is a common issue for many modern Americans. Blue light is emitted from screens, most notably at night, causing sleep loss, eye strain and a number of other issues.

Dr. Ajith Karunarathne, assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, said our constant exposure to blue light cant be blocked by the lens or cornea.

"It's no secret that blue light harms our vision by damaging the eye's retina. Our experiments explain how this happens, and we hope this leads to therapies that slow macular degeneration, such as a new kind of eye drop, he said.

Macular degeneration is an incurable eye disease that often affects those in their 50s or 60s. It occurs after the death of photoreceptor cells in the retina. Those cells need retinal to sense light and help signal the brain.

The research team found blue light exposure created poisonous chemical molecules that killed photoreceptor cells

"It's toxic. If you shine blue light on retinal, the retinal kills photoreceptor cells as the signaling molecule on the membrane dissolves," said Kasun Ratnayake, a Ph.D. student researcher working in Karunarathne's cellular photo chemistry group. "Photoreceptor cells do not regenerate in the eye. When they're dead, they're dead for good."

However, the researchers found a molecule called alpha-tocopherol, which comes from Vitamin E, can help prevent cell death, according to Futurism.

The researchers plan to review how light from TVs, cellphones and tablet screens affect the eyes as well.

"If you look at the amount of light coming out of your cellphone, it's not great but it seems tolerable," said Dr. John Payton, visiting assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. "Some cellphone companies are adding blue-light filters to the screens, and I think that is a good idea."

Indeed, Apple released a Night Shift mode two years ago to help quell blue lights strain on the eyes, according to The Verge. The screen will dim into a warmer, orange light that will cause less stress on the eyes.