Pollution linked to sight loss
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common type of sight loss that’s progressive and irreversible. It’s the leading cause of blindness among the over-50s.
Now a new study has revealed people who live in areas with high levels of air pollution are more likely to suffer it.
Professor Paul Foster, who led the research at University College London, says: “Even relatively low exposure appears to impact the risk of AMD, suggesting that air pollution is an important modifiable factor for a very large number of people.”
Almost 116,000 people in the UK Biobank database, aged 40 to 69, were followed by Foster and his team for 11 years and any diagnosis of AMD was noted. The researchers then calculated pollution levels around their homes.
They found that a 1.07mcg increase in concentration of particulate matter PM2.5 was associated with an 8% greater risk of a person having AMD.
Dear Coleen
I’ve been in a relationship with a man for some time, but we don’t live together. However, he’s desperate for me to move in with him and brings it up all the time. The thing is, he lives with his three grown-up children (aged, 16, 19 and 21), as his ex-wife lives abroad with her new partner.
I’ve never been married and don’t have children, so this situation feels very intimidating for me. I do get along with his kids, but I’m not sure about living as part of the family full-time. I worry about how it might affect the relationship with my partner, as things are pretty good the way they are.
I’d hate to move in and then move out again because it’s not working. Can you help?
Coleen says
If you’re not ready for full-time commitment, then take things slowly – don’t give up your home and leave yourself with no options. You could test the water by staying a couple of nights a week or at weekends if you don’t do that already.
I think you’re right about not wanting to risk moving in lock, stock and barrel, only to move out a few weeks later.
That could be damaging for your relationship and it might be tricky to find a way back.
However, if you spend more time at your partner’s place, you’ll get an idea of how they live and what the situation is, and if you think you could fit into it.
Just explain that you’re not saying no to his suggestion, but think you need to take it slowly. It’s better to be honest, then everyone knows where they stand.