The human eye is a paired sense organ that reacts to light and allows vision. Rod and cone cells in the retina are photoreceptive cells which are able to detect visible light and convey this information to the brain. Eyes signal information which is used by the brain to elicit the perception of color, shape, depth, movement, and other features. The eye is part of the sensory nervous system.
Similar to the eyes of other mammals, the human eye's non-image-forming photosensitive ganglion cells in the retina receive light signals which affect adjustment of the size of the pupil, regulation and suppression of the hormone melatonin, and entrainment of the circadian rhythm.
Considering that the eyes are wet and exposed all the time and one would think that in contact with cold winter temperatures they might freeze, eyeballs are actually always warm even though unprotected. Unlike other bodily extremities, the eyes are constantly pumped with a strong supply of warm blood—even in the coldest situations. Furthermore, our eyes are nestled rather deeply in our heads where bone, tissue, and fat also help keep them warm. Essentially, it’s virtually impossible for the eyes to freeze as long as they are inside a warm, functioning body.
The primary blood source to the eye is the ophthalmic artery, which is a branch of the same deep artery that supplies the brain. When in cold surroundings, the body diverts even more blood to the brain which, in turn, helps keep eyes even warmer.
Because tears are saltwater, they are also resistant to freezing; however, they can solidify in extreme cold and possibly “gum up” the eyelids. Even so, the eye itself will be unaffected. Basically, our eyes will only naturally freeze after our bodies are dead and cold. Saltwater freezes at much colder temperatures than normal water, which is why our eyes can stay moist in sub-zero temperatures with our salty tear drops.
Even though eyeballs do not get cold in winter, additional brightness from the snow can ‘burn’ your eyes. Too much UV exposure can cause inflammation of the cornea, a condition called keratitis, which makes your eyes red, sore and sensitive to light.
From Mr. Food
No game day bash is complete without a platter stacked high with chicken wings, and our recipe for Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings is a flavor-packed winner. Coated with a to-die-for lemon pepper sauce, these homemade chicken wings are like nothing you've ever had before.
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 pounds frozen chicken wings, thawed
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper
- Preheat oven to 400º.
- In a large bowl, combine oil, garlic, and salt; mix well. Add wings and toss until evenly coated. Place wings on 2 baking sheets.
- Bake 55 to 60 minutes, or until crispy, turning once during cooking.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper. Place wings in lemon mixture and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
And births this date include...
National Hug Day or National Hugging Day occurs on January 21st and is officially recognized by the United States Copyright Office, but is not a public holiday.
Unfortunately with this horrible covid19 everywhere, hugging is not something to do.
The purpose of the day is to help everyone show more emotion in public. The only way to celebrate the day is by offering a hug to anyone and everyone you want. While National Hug Day and the Free Hugs Campaign share many similarities, there is not an association between the two.
Whether you hug a family member or a stranger, the mental and physical health benefits are the same. From the day we are born, hugs or touch improve our sleep. Hugging, like cuddling, releases oxytocin. On its own, this hormone provides tremendous health benefits. Not only does it gives us feel-good hormones, but it reduces pain. Receiving a hug helps reduce stress, lowers blood pressure, and lowers the risk of heart disease. It also eases anxiety.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Give someone a big hug. Or, if you need one, ask for a hug and reap the benefits. You can also give a mental hug. Let someone know you care by sending warm, cheerful words of encouragement to those in your circle. Boost their joy by letting them know how much they mean to you with a verbal hug until you can give them the real one.
NATIONAL HUGGING DAY HISTORY
The holiday was founded by Rev. Kevin Zaborney on March 29, 1986, in Caro, Michigan.
