Home Health : Vitamin D
Although we’re told we should limit our time in the sun, it doesn’t mean you should avoid it completely. Several studies recently have found a surprisingly high number of Americans to be deficient in vitamin D, which is important not only for strong bones, but for protection against many cancers, including breast and prostate. Recent studies show average blood level of vitamin D in Americans is significantly lower than it was 10 to 15 years ago. Possible reasons include less sun exposure, lower consumption of milk, which is fortified with vitamin D, and excess body fat, which reduces blood levels of the vitamin. With 10 to 15 minutes of daily exposure to the sun, the skin manufactures all the vitamin D the body needs. The vitamin can also be obtained through food or supplements. For more information, or to find a physician, call Referral One at 625.2000 or visit to stj.com.
When it matters most, think St. John’s.
