The right dietary nutrients are key to heart health and one, in particular, could be the entry way to the fountain of youth! Reporters dubbed 2011 the year of Vitamin D thanks to a plethora of rich, robust studies on the so-called “sun vitamin.” From the immune system, to cancers, heart disease, diabetes, neurological disorders and depression, D shines as a must have.
One study of nearly 11,000 patients found that people who were deficient in vitamin D were three times more likely to die from any cause than those who were not deficient. Correcting those deficiencies with supplements lowered their risk of death by 60 percent.
Holistic health consumer watchdog, Dr. Michelle Kmiec, draws our attention to large scale studies not making the news showing that Vitamin D might be, dare we say it, a potential cure for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)!
A wonder drug you say? Could be. Could our paranoia about skin cancer over the years have caused the unintended consequence of a profound deficiency? The rabidly famous Dr. Mehmet Oz reminds us that people get skin cancer, “where the sun don’t shine” (yes, that’s a direct quote). Over exposure to nearly anything can be bad, so sunburn obviously is not good. But 10-20 minutes of daily unprotected sun on your skin could be an amazingly free antidote to countless woes.
Supplements are helpful to those who live in northern regions between November and March. Talk with your physician about proper amounts, but also do your own research on what might be right for you. The USDA recommends 400 IU a day. Sun exposure gives you 20,000-40,000 IU a day. The range is vast!
This time of year the daylight is barely inching back into our souls and seasonal issues like depression and flu are just beginning to lose their grip. To speed the plow, get outside during the day even if it’s just for a few minutes and soak up what you can. Add in a heart pumping walk and maybe a Vitamin D gummy for a powerful one-two punch at potential afflictions.
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.” ~ Walt Whitman
You in Your Workplace
- This is a great time to promote an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is your have one. People may not need long term mental health services but may just need someone to talk to after a long, tough winter. Help take the stigma out of going by offering an EAP orientation. Have your provider come if to meet people and tell them about the services.
- Run a 10-minute a day walking challenge. Raffle off a full spectrum desk or home lamp to the people who enter in a ticket from every time they get outside and get some fresh air.
- Make a vitamin bulletin board and have people post their favorite heart healthy, beat the winter blues ideas, recipes and folk tales.
- Most of all, help people be social and connect. Connecting is great for heart health. Promoting hobbies and exercise in groups can be a great boost.
We’ll see you on the Sunny PATH Ahead!