BY BETH PINYERD
FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA —
Lee County Low Vision Support Group met on Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind. Lauren Thigpen, registered dietitian nutritionist at East Alabama Diabetes and Nutrition Center, presented an informative program on foods and nutrients that can improve eye health.
Food sources of vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe and more, while vitamin C can be sourced from lemons, oranges, kiwi and other fruits.
Sources of Omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, sardines, herring and other fatty fish. The nutrient lutein can be found in eggs. Red meat, milk, cheese and other dairy products are sources of zinc.
Thigpen answered questions, guided the group to helpful resources and encouraged everyone to eat the right foods to improve their vision.
During this time of Thanksgiving, Lee County Low Vision Support Group is grateful to the agencies the Alabama Rehabilitative Services; the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind; the Opelika Regional Center, which provides a home for its meetings; the Lee Russell Council of Governments’ Agency on Aging, for presenting helpful programs and providing transportation for members; the East Alabama Diabetes and Nutrition Center; and The Observer, for informing the community when meetings take place.
The group would like to thank its rehab therapist Shiquita Fulton, and Melody Wilson, case manager for the blind.
“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.” — Helen Keller