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Rongxiang Xu Memorial Center Site Dedication Ceremony held in the US to Commemorate the First Anniversary of Dr. Rongxiang Xu’s Passing

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On April 15, 2016, family members Dr. Li Li, wife of Rongxiang Xu, and Kevin Xu, son of Rongxaing Xu and current President of National Rongxiang Xu Foundation, colleagues and friends of world-renowned Chinese Regenerative Life Scientist Dr. Rongxiang Xu, gathered at Lake Elsinore, California to commemorate the first anniversary of Rongxiang Xu's passing and attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Rongxiang Xu Memorial Center, a major program of the National Rongxiang Xu Foundation.

LAKE ELSINORE, California, April 22, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — On April 15, 2016, family members Dr. Li Li, wife of Rongxiang Xu, and Kevin Xu, son of Rongxiang Xu and current President of National Rongxiang Xu Foundation, colleagues and friends of world-renowned Chinese Regenerative Life Scientist Dr. Rongxiang Xu, gathered at Lake Elsinore, California to commemorate the first anniversary of Rongxiang Xu’s passing and attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Rongxiang Xu Memorial Center, a major program of the National Rongxiang Xu Foundation.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160422/358989

Dr. Xu was the foremost scientific researcher and proponent of Human Body Regenerative Restoration Science.  Among those paying their respects to the memory of Dr. Xu were California state and local government dignitaries and representatives of the University of Southern California Davis School of Gerontology and California State University at Los Angeles. In addition, U.S. President Barack Obama sent a commemorative painting to acknowledge Dr. Xu’s scientific and humanitarian contributions.

Last year, upon being advised of Dr. Xu’s passing, US President Barack Obama sent a handwritten condolence letter, by express mail, to the burial ceremony.  Moreover, letters of condolence were sent by former President Bill Clinton, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, Chairman of Democratic Party, California Governor Jerry Brown, County of Los Angeles and City of Lake Elsinore officials. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adjourned their meeting to pay tribute and reverence.

One year later, April 14, 2016, the site dedication ceremony of the Rongxiang Xu Memorial Center was held in the city of Lake Elsinore. U.S. Congressional representative Ted W. Lieu, on behalf of the U.S. Congress, awarded the Certificate of Congressional Recognition to the National Rongxiang Xu Foundation. It recognized their continuing contributions and humanitarian efforts in providing care, healing and the application of Human Body Regenerative Restoration Science to people around the world.

For carrying forward Dr. Xu’s legacy recognized by both the US and China, in September of 2015, Kevin Xu attended the Third Governors Forum held during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the US in Seattle, WA; Kevin Xu attended the 10th annual conference of CGI and launched the first Chinese medical technology commitment to train doctors on Moist Exposed Burn Therapy (MEBT); The Rongxiang Xu Center for Regenerative Life Science at USC Davis School of Gerontology and the Los Angeles County Department of Health signed the Memorandum of Understanding on MEBT training in the US; In February of 2016, Kevin Xu met with Xiaolin Li, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and reached an agreement to partner with the China Partnership Network of UN program “Every Woman, Every Child” led by CPAFFC, contributing to improving the health conditions of Chinese and international woman and children.

www.rxxf.org

Department of Industrial Relations Reports 2014 Fatal Occupational Injuries

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OAKLAND, California, April 21, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) reports the number of Californians who died on the job decreased in 2014. A review of the past ten years indicates that workplace fatalities remain below the average rate of fatalities prior to 2008, when the last recession began.

“Every work-related fatality is a tragic reminder that worker deaths are preventable,” said Christine Baker, Director of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). “Safe and healthy working conditions and dedication to preventing workplace injuries and illnesses can save workers’ lives.”  

There were 344 fatal injuries on the job in California in 2014, compared to 396 in 2013 and 375 in 2012. Data comes from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) which is conducted annually in conjunction with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures for 2014 are the latest numbers available.

Key findings from the latest census in California include: 

  • Over one third (35%) of all California workplace deaths identified in 2014 occurred in transportation incidents.
  • One in five (22%) of all California workplace deaths identified in 2014 were attributed to violent acts.
  • One in five (21%) of all California workplace deaths identified in 2014 were attributed to trips, slips and falls.
  • Fatal workplace injuries among Latino workers in 2014 decreased to 130 (38% of all worker deaths) from 194 (49%) in 2013, and 137 (37%) in 2012.

The high rate of workplace fatalities for Latinos continues to be an area the department is tracking closely. DIR over the past six years has increased workplace safety outreach and education to Spanish-speaking workers, with a focus on high-hazard work. 

A table reflecting final data for 2014 for California is posted online. Detailed tables will be posted as soon as available from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The preliminary data was posted last September. Changes to the final data result from the identification of new cases and the revision of existing cases based on source documents received after the release of preliminary results. Beginning in 2016, the data will only be released once annually in the month of December.

The Census is conducted annually by DIR in conjunction with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. CFOI produces comprehensive, accurate and timely counts of fatal work injuries. This Federal-State cooperative program was implemented in all 50 states and the District of Columbia in 1992.

DIR protects and improves the health, safety and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. Its Division of Occupational Safety and Health, commonly known as Cal/OSHA, helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Cal/OSHA does not have authority when injuries occur on public roadways.

Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch provides free and voluntary assistance to employers and employee organizations to improve their health and safety programs. Employers should call (800) 963-9424 for assistance from Cal/OSHA Consultation Services.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). The California Workers’ Information line at 866-924-9757 provides recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics. Complaints can also be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices.

Members of the press may contact Erika Monterroza or Peter Melton at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR’s press releases or other departmental updates.

— Sources: Graph 1 – Graph 1 – Current Population Survey, BLS Labor Force Data (Employment as of July of calendar year), and Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (annual final data for calendar year).  Graph 2 – Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (annual final data for calendar year). For further detail on CFOI methods and calculations see Part III: Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries.

https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaDIR
https://twitter.com/CA_DIR
https://www.youtube.com/user/CaliforniaDIR
http://www.dir.ca.gov/email/listsub.asp?choice=1

The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR’s Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

HITN-TV: Latino Vote Will Influence 2016 Election!

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BROOKLYN, New York, April 22, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In a year where a record breaking 27.3 Million Hispanics will be able to vote, The Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network (HITN) announced today the launch of Tu Momento 2016 (Your Moment 2016), an education and information initiative designed to help the Hispanic community understand how the complex United States electoral system works and to keep the Hispanic community informed.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160422/358983

Tu Momento 2016 will include an extensive campaign to encourage Hispanics to vote as they under-index in participation. It is estimated that less than 50% of eligible Hispanics will actually vote in 2016.  HITN is making the program and its short-versions available to educational institutions and organizations that can benefit from its use in the United States. Each of the capsules are available to be viewed today at this dedicated website: www.tumomento2016.org .

“The 2016 election is going to be an opportunity for Hispanics to demonstrate its strength as a community by influencing the outcome of the 2016 presidential contest,” said Mike Nieves, President and CEO, HITN. “Spanish-language media has a responsibility to deliver content to its audience so more Hispanics can participate in this important election. HITN understands this responsibility and is committed to helping Hispanics better understand on how the electoral process works.”

Tu Momento 2016 will be hosted by acclaimed political commentator Gerson Borrero and will include a number of short and long form content that will commence in April all the way through Election Day in November.  As part of this initiative, HITN will produce a one-hour special which focuses in providing detailed, yet simple to understand, explanations of how the complete electoral process works in the United States. Covering every step of the way from the moment every contender announces their intention to run for President to inauguration day. 

The program will not mention any of the current candidates as it strives to become an evergreen piece that can be used as a reference for many years to come. This is the first program of its kind ever produced in Spanish-language.  It has been shot in Ultra High Definition 4K technology and includes a sophisticated use of graphic elements that will make it very attractive and easy to understand.

In addition to the educational content, HITN will provide information and analysis coverage from the Primaries and will continue to do so for the Parties Conventions, the Debates, the General Election campaign and Election Day. Additional shows will cover the Republican Convention, Democrat Convention, Presidential Debates, and live Election Day coverage.

WHAT:

HITN Presents Your Moment 2016, new programming designed to educate Hispanics on the electoral process

WHEN:     

April 25th: will cover the primaries and caucuses
April 30th: will cover the electoral process, delegates and super delegates
May 15th: will cover the registration process and the Election Day process

WHERE:

HITN-TV( www.hitn.org/donde-ver-hitn )

 

Breaking News – Cuba Travel And Carnival Corporation Media Conference Call Today At 10 AM Eastern Time

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PRESS BRIEFING TODAY AT 11:15 AM EASTERN TIME

Major News Regarding Cuba Travel and Carnival Corporation’s New Fathom Brand and Its Historic Inaugural Voyage from Miami to Cuba

Join Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald for Two Press Events:

  • Media Q&A Call at 10 AM ET
  • Press Briefing at 11:15 AM ET at Carnival Corporation Headquarters

 

WHAT

 

 

 

On behalf of Roger Frizzell, chief communications officer for Carnival Corporation, you are invited to:

  • A media conference call to discuss today’s Cuba travel news — and Carnival Corporation’s Fathom brand and its historic inaugural voyage from Miami to Cuba on May 1 – the first such voyage in over 50 years.
  • A press briefing to discuss today’s news with Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald at the company’s headquarters in Doral.
  • Carnival Corporation’s address is 3655 NW 87th Avenue, Doral, FL 33178

WHO

Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation

WHEN

 

 

 

Friday, April 22, 2016

Media Call at 10 AM ET

Press Briefing at 11:15 ET


Call Format: The call will open with brief comments from CEO Arnold Donald to discuss the news, followed by a media Q&A session.

 

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS

 

 

800 923 9042 (toll-free number in North America)

 

+1 415 226 5356 (toll number for outside North America)

 

 

 

/PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE — April 22, 2016/

Carnival Corporation to Sail to Cuba with All Travelers, Including Cuban-Born Passengers

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MIAMI, April 22, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest leisure travel company, today announced it will sail as planned from the U.S. to Cuba with all travelers, including Cuba-born passengers, for the company’s week-long voyages to Cuba. Carnival Corporation worked closely with Cuba to allow its cruise ships to operate in a similar manner as current air charter operations to Cuba, starting with its historic inaugural voyage on May 1, 2016.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160321/346232

Last week, in anticipation of this positive outcome, Carnival Corporation announced its new Fathom brand was accepting bookings to Cuba from all travelers, including individuals born in Cuba. Fathom’s 704-passenger Adonia luxury cruise ship will begin sailing to Cuba every other week, marking the first time in over 50 years that a cruise ship has been able to sail from the U.S. to Cuba, as well as the first time in decades that Cuban-born individuals will be able to sail to and from Cuba.

“We made history in March, and we are a part of making history again today,” said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation. “More importantly, we are contributing to a positive future. This is a positive outcome and we are extremely pleased. We want to extend our sincere appreciation to Cuba and to our team who worked so hard to help make this happen.”

“We have already seen tremendous interest in the incredible Cuba journey we have put together, and we are ecstatic that this historic opportunity is open to everyone who wants to travel to Cuba,” said Tara Russell, president of Fathom and global impact lead for Carnival Corporation.

Russell added: “Our guests will visit three beautiful and unique destinations on the island all in one week, with the convenience of only having to unpack once while we sail on the Fathom Adonia, our premium small ship with its excellent and diverse dining, service and accommodations. We are looking forward to treating Fathom travelers to an unforgettable experience.”

Carnival Corporation’s Fathom brand and its voyages to three ports of call in Cuba

During each sailing, Fathom will visit Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba, three ports of call for which Carnival Corporation has obtained berthing approval.

As part of this historic sailing in this inaugural year, travelers will enjoy an exciting Cuban experience and will sail aboard the Adonia, where they can choose to partake in onboard experiences, including Cuban- and Caribbean-inspired food and films, music and dancing, and much more.

Special onboard programming will include a wide variety of activities covering an array of interests, ranging from an orientation of Cuba’s history, customs and culture, to geographic-inspired entertainment, to casual and fun personal enrichment activities, along with conversational Spanish lessons.

Seven-day itineraries on Carnival Corporation’s Fathom brand depart from PortMiami on Sundays at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). The ship will arrive at its first destination, Havana, the following morning (Monday) at 11 a.m. ET. The Adonia returns to its homeport, PortMiami, at 7:30 a.m. ET on Sunday.

Prices for seven-day itineraries to Cuba start at $1,800 per person, excluding Cuban visas, taxes, fees and port expenses and including all meals on the ship, onboard experiences and several on-the ground activities. Prices will vary by season.

To reserve a spot on future sailings, travelers may contact their travel professional or call 1-855-9Fathom. Visit Fathom’s “Cruise to Cuba” page to learn more about the brand’s weeklong itineraries to Cuba.

About Carnival Corporation & plc Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest leisure travel company in the world, with a portfolio of 10 cruise brands in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia comprised of Carnival Cruise Line, Fathom, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK).

Together, these brands operate 100 ships visiting over 700 ports around the world and totaling 221,000 lower berths with 16 new ships scheduled to be delivered between 2016 and 2020. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, the leading tour companies in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

Additional information can be found on www.carnival.com, www.hollandamerica.com, www.princess.com, www.seabourn.com, www.aida.de, www.costacruise.com, www.cunard.com, www.pocruises.com.au, www.pocruises.com and www.fathom.org.

FIBRA Prologis Announces First Quarter 2016 Earnings Results

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FIBRA Prologis

MEXICO CITY, April 21, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — FIBRA Prologis (BMV:FIBRAPL 14), the leading owner and operator of Class-A industrial real estate in Mexico, today reported results for the first quarter of 2016.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE QUARTER:

  • Funds from operations per CBFI was US$0.0412, up 5 percent year-over-year
  • Net effective rents on rollover increased 9.7 percent
  • Operating portfolio occupancy ended at 96.4 percent
  • Lease volume totaled 2.8 million square feet, which resolved 31.9 percent of 2016 expirations

Funds from operations (FFO) per CBFI was Ps. 0.7389 (US$0.0412) for the first quarter compared with Ps. 0.5800 (US$0.0392) for the same period in 2015.

Net earnings per CBFI in the first quarter was Ps. 0.5379 (US$0.0301) compared with Ps. 0.4436 (US$0.0304) for the same period in 2015. Net earnings in the quarter includes Ps. 0.0707 (US$0.0039) of costs associated with the early extinguishment of 2016 debt expirations.

STRONG OPERATING PERFORMANCE

“We had an excellent start to the year, thanks to robust leasing activity from the increasing number of multinational retailers that seek out our modern, well-located logistics facilities,” said Luis Gutierrez, CEO, Prologis Property Mexico. “Market fundamentals were in our favor, as well, which allowed us to maintain strong occupancies across all of our markets. Demand is especially strong in Mexico City, where net absorption for the first quarter reached one of the highest levels on record.”

Operating Portfolio

1Q16

1Q15

Notes

Period End Occupancy 

96.4%

96.6%

Six consecutive quarters with period end occupancy above 96%

Leases Signed

2.8 MSF

3.6 MSF

Resolved 31.9% of 2016 expirations

Customer Retention

93.2%

90.8%

Net Effective Rent Change

9.7%

8.9%

Led by Regional Markets at 15.0%

Same Store NOI (Cash)

4.0%

2.9%

Led by Regional Markets at 7.7%

Same Store NOI (IFRS)

2.2%

N/A

FINANCING ACTIVITY STRENGTHENS BALANCE SHEET

As announced in January, FIBRA Prologis resolved its 2016 maturities with the refinancing of US$107.0 million, including prepayment costs, of secured loans scheduled to mature in 2016. The refinanced loans were consolidated into a new secured facility that will mature in January 2026, and were priced at a 4.67 percent fixed interest rate. In addition, the company entered in a three-year forward interest rate swap agreement to fix the U.S. LIBOR rate to 1.065 percent over US$250.0 million of the unsecured term loan that closed in December 2015. This forward interest rate swap agreement will become effective on June 23, 2016.

As of March 31, 2016, FIBRA Prologis’ liquidity was Ps. 7.7 billion (US$443.5 million), which included Ps. 6.9 billion (US$400.0 million) of available capacity on its unsecured credit facility and Ps. 750.6 million (US$ 43.5 million) of unrestricted cash.

Net debt as a percentage of investment properties was 29.5 percent, fixed charge coverage was 4.18 and net debt to adjusted EBITDA was 4.58. 

GUIDANCE CONFIRMED

 (US$ in million, except per CBFI amounts)

Low

High

Notes

FFO per CBFI

US$0.1650

US$0.1800

Excludes the impact of foreign exchange movements

Full Year 2016 Distributions per CBFI

US$0.1100

US$0.1100

Year End Occupancy

95.5%

96.5%

Same Store NOI (Cash)

2.0%

3.0%

Based on U.S. dollars

Annual Capital Expenditures as % of NOI

14.0%

16.0%

Building Acquisitions

US$100.0

US$150.0

Asset Management and Professional Fees

US$18.0

US$20.0

WEBCAST & CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION

FIBRA Prologis will host a live webcast/conference call to discuss quarterly results, current market conditions and future outlook. Here are the event details:

  • Friday, April 22, 2016, at 11 a.m. CT/12 p.m. ET
  • Live webcast at www.fibraprologis.com by clicking Events
  • Dial in: +1 877 256 7020 or +1 973 409 9692 and enter Passcode 77861557.

A telephonic replay will be available April 22–April 29 at +1 855 859 2056 from the U.S. and Canada or at +1 404 537 3406 from all other countries using conference code 77861557. The replay will be posted in the Investor Relations section of the FIBRA Prologis website.

ABOUT FIBRA PROLOGIS

FIBRA Prologis is the leading owner and operator of Class-A industrial real estate in Mexico. As of March 31, 2016, FIBRA Prologis was comprised of 188 logistics and manufacturing facilities in six industrial markets in Mexico totaling 32.6 million square feet (3 million square meters) of gross leasable area.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The statements in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industry and markets in which FIBRA Prologis operates, management’s beliefs and assumptions made by management.  Such statements involve uncertainties that could significantly impact FIBRA Prologis financial results. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature.  All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future — including statements relating to rent and occupancy growth, acquisition activity, development activity, disposition activity, general conditions in the geographic areas where we operate, our debt and financial position, are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Although we believe the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained and therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that may affect outcomes and results include, but are not limited to: (i) national, international, regional and local economic climates, (ii) changes in financial markets, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, (iii) increased or unanticipated competition for our properties, (iv) risks associated with acquisitions, dispositions and development of properties, (v) maintenance of real estate investment trust (“FIBRA”) status and tax structuring, (vi) availability of financing and capital, the levels of debt that we maintain and our credit ratings, (vii) risks related to our investments (viii) environmental uncertainties, including risks of natural disasters, and (ix) those additional factors discussed in reports filed with the “Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores” and  the Mexican Stock Exchange by FIBRA Prologis under the heading “Risk Factors.” FIBRA Prologis undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements appearing in this release.

Non-Solicitation – Any securities discussed herein or in the accompanying presentations, if any, have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or the securities laws of any state and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws. Any such announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities discussed herein or in the presentations, if and as applicable.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140703/124469

Taking Simple Steps Can Help Protect Your Sight

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AAO 2015 New Logo

Taking Simple Steps Can Help Protect Your Sight

American Academy of Ophthalmology provides tips to help keep eyes at their best during Healthy Vision Month in May

SAN FRANCISCO, April 21, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Approximately 37 million adults in America have age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma, all of which can cause visual impairment or blindness, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI).[1] However, recent studies show that making healthy choices and getting regular eye exams can help reduce a person’s risk of vision loss. In support of NEI’s Healthy Vision Month in May, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is encouraging everyone to take charge of their eye health and preserve their sight by following some simple tips.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160421/358443
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151114/287412LOGO

Live a healthy lifestyle. Eating a nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking can lower your risk of eye disease. Foods that boost eye health include dark green leafy greens, cold water fish and citrus fruits. A study recently published in the journal Ophthalmology showed that a diet rich in vitamin C can cut the risk of cataract progression by nearly a third.[2] Other research shows that smoking doubles the risk of the eye disease age-related macular degeneration, is linked to cataracts, and worsens dry eye.

Know your family history. Certain eye diseases can be inherited. If you have a close relative with macular degeneration, you have a 50 percent chance of developing the condition. In addition, a family history of glaucoma increases your chances of developing the condition by four to nine times. So talk to your family members about what eye conditions they have. It can help you and your eye care professionals evaluate whether you may be at higher risk.

Get a dilated eye exam. Many eye diseases may have no symptoms in their early stages. A dilated eye exam is the best way to detect eye diseases so they can be treated as soon as possible to help prevent vision loss. The Academy recommends that adults have a baseline comprehensive eye exam with an ophthalmologist – a physician specializing in medical and surgical eye care – by the time they turn 40. This is when age-related eye changes often begin to occur. People who are 65 and older should get an eye exam every one to two years. Those with chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure or known eye diseases may need to go earlier and more often.

Wear sunglasses. Over time, exposure to UV rays from the sun can increase your risk of cataracts, certain cancers and growths in or around the eyes. When choosing sunglasses, pick ones that block out at least 99 percent of UV rays. A wide-brimmed hat offers great additional protection as well.

Use protective eyewear to prevent injuries. Roughly a third of all emergency room visits for eye-related issues stem from traumatic eye injuries, according to a recent study in the journal Ophthalmology.[3] To help prevent these injuries, wear the right protective eyewear when doing activities that could cause eye injuries, such as home repair, garden work and sports.

“People don’t often realize that simple, everyday actions can help them preserve their vision well through their golden years,” said Rebecca J. Taylor, M.D., clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “We encourage everyone to take these steps in order to keep their eyes healthy.”

To learn more ways to keep your eyes healthy, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s public information website at www.aao.org/eye-health.

About the American Academy of Ophthalmology
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. A global community of 32,000 medical doctors, we protect sight and empower lives by setting the standards for ophthalmic education and advocating for our patients and the public. We innovate to advance our profession and to ensure the delivery of the highest-quality eye care. Our EyeSmart® program provides the public with the most trusted information about eye health. For more information, visit www.aao.org.

[1] https://nei.nih.gov/eyedata/adultvision_usa 
[2] Genetic and Dietary Factors Influencing the Progression of Nuclear Cataract, Yonova-Doing, et al, Ophthalmology, article in press March 2016. 
[3] Eye-related Emergency Department Visits in the United States, 2010, Vaziri, et al. Ophthalmology, April 2016.