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The foster system failed him, so he took matters in his own hands
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He thought he would age out foster care, then this unlikely person stepped in. - photo by Christa Cutler
Being in foster care can make a child feel unwanted and alone. For one 16-year-old boy, he thought that he would never have a family. Anthony had been in the system since he was 9 years old and had frankly given up all hope of ever getting adopted.

Anthony was in English class one week when an idea popped in his head. He had an incredible bond with his English teacher, Bennie Berry, so he just asked her if she would adopt him. A little surprised, she made a deal with him that if he would finish his assignment, she would look at the adoption website.

When she found out adoption was really an option, she decided to start the adoption process.

After a couple months the process is finally at an end. Anthony was adopted by his English teacher, and they are both grateful and excited.

I really couldnt sleep last night, Anthony told a reporter at the courthouse where the adoption was being finalized.

I have a son. Im more than elated, Bennie said. I have a son for the rest of my life.

Now they have a family. They both have someone to celebrate holidays with for the rest of their lives, and Anthony never has worry about feeling unwanted or alone.

I love this story, but whenever I hear stories about adoption, I always ask myself what I can do to help. Here are three ways you can help the children in your area:

Become aware of the problem

There are so many organizations seeking help for the children in your area. Look around, ask around and help.

Volunteer

According to adoption.com there are several things you can do to help foster children in your area besides becoming a foster parent.

1. Volunteer at a school. There are many after school programs that need volunteers, whether its a sports team or a reading program.

2. Provide respite care. Foster children cant be babysat by just anyone it has to be someone approved by the state. Sign up to be part of the respite care program. Youll be giving foster parents a break and getting to spend time with children in need.

3. Support a foster family. Whether its helping them by mowing their lawn or making them dinner, there are a lot of things you can do to help the family.

Donate

Remember that money isnt the only thing you can donate. Clothes, toys, bikes and food are all things that will help foster children in your area. Look online for places that are accepting donations. There are a lot of places seeking donations especially this time of year.

There are so many children in need. Dont be afraid to reach out and help. Even the small efforts can make a big difference in a childs life!
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
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.