We have waited through a long winter but finally spring has arrived and is starting to win over with warmer temperatures and longer days. Soon summer will fill the sky with bright sun and sunglasses will be daily eyewear.

But for those with diabetes, sunglasses may not be enough protection against the damaging effects of the sun’s rays.

The Joslin Diabetes Center Beetham Eye Institute offers these tips:

* Diabetic eye disease can be painless until it reaches very advanced stages, and the earlier you can catch it, the more likely you can preserve your sight.

* You can have perfect vision and still have diabetic eye disease.

* An annual dilated eye exam can identify eye complications early on.

* If your doctor finds early signs of diabetic eye disease, a number of treatments may be recommended, including laser eye surgery, contact lenses, glasses and medications.

* Keeping your A1C (an average of your blood glucose levels over a couple of months) on target, controlling blood pressure and quitting smoking also can help preserve vision and prevent vision loss.

Over many parts of the country, winter has settled in with snowfalls ranging in depth from inches to feet. That means thousands of Americans will grab shovels and start to dig out. But for those who don’t normally engage in strenuous exercise, shoveling snow is dangerously hard work.

“If your body isn’t prepared for shoveling snow, your chances of sustaining muscle pulls and strains will increase,” said Dr. Susan Wainwright, vice chair of the Department of Physical Therapy at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. Or worse she added, as shoveling snow is no different than any physical activity that strains the heart.

Back injuries are common because people try to lift with their backs, twisting and throwing snow. According to Wainwright, the back is meant to stabilize and the lifting and work of shoveling to be done with the arms.

Additionally, men and women over 45 who aren’t used to strenuous activity run a risk of straining the heart and heart attack.

“The heart is a muscle like any other muscle in your body,” said Wainwright. “When it gets strained, it shuts down because it can’t handle the increased load. Older adults who aren’t that active tax their cardiovascular system when they start to shovel and this results in heart attacks. You have to remember that shoveling is hard work and you should take every precaution to not get injured or even worse.”

Health Tip: Shoveling Snow Can Lead to Injuries – University of Sciences in Philadephia

If you’re over 50, in the New England area and love snow sports, then you might want to head to New Hartford, CT on February 27 for the Connecticut Senior Winter Games.

For avid skiers there are downhill races, a giant slalom and cross-country events. There’s even a snowshoe race for those who prefer their footwear to be extra-large and sensible. Snowshoes will be provided for those signing up for this event. The games will be held at Ski Sundown.

Fees for registration vary by event from $30 for snow shoe or cross country only up to $60 to register for all four events. Lunch is provided for an additional $15.

Age classificates apply to both male and female participants. The ranges are: 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90+.

For more information and to register, visit the 2007 Connecticut Senior Winter Gameswebsite.

Winter is the time for the Sunshine Vitamin. Our bodies produce vitamin D when exposed to UV rays but in winter, sunshine is in shorter supply and the cold weather often prevents us from spending time outdoors.

Vitamin D is especially important as we age because it plays a role in maintaining muscle strength and in the absorption of calcium. Vitamin D deficiency can cause weak bones and muscle aches and pains.

Although sunshine is the most available source for Vitamin D, we can make sure get enough through diet and supplements. Many foods are now fortified with Vitamin D. A daily vitamin usually contains about 400 IU of Vitamin D. Drinking milk, eating plenty of fish and enjoying cereals and orange juice fortified with Vitamin D will help ensure you get enough to meet daily requirements.

The US RDA for Vitamin D are: 200 international units for most people; 400 IUs for people ages 51 to 70 and 600 IU over age 70. Because Vitamin D is fat soluble, it is stored by the body and high levels can be toxic. 1000 IU per day is considered safe.