7:00pm Tuesday 2nd March 2010
With the sun out for longer these days, now’s the perfect time to get outdoors and top up your vitamin D. Around 90% of our vitamin D is made under the skin when we’re exposed to direct sunlight and two in ten adults in the UK are thought to be vitamin D deficient – bad news for heart and bone health. Vitamin D production decreases as we age, is slower in dark skinned people and is lower in obese people. Recent studies show that low levels of vitamin D are linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Get some sunshine Go for a family walk for some fresh air and sunshine.
Spend your lunch break outdoors – go for a walk or settle down on a bench with your lunch.
Explore your local surroundings by foot or visit a local nature trail.
Tackle those troublesome weeds and spend some quality time in the garden.
Dust the cobwebs off your old bike and take it for a spin.
Whatever you’ve planned today, get into the habit of planning in some time outdoors to benefit your vitamin D levels. At this time of year the sun is less strong so there are fewer damaging UV rays. A little exposure to the sun may help boost your vitamin D, but remember to be sun-safe as the sun gets stronger towards the end of spring and into summer. Take advantage of the longer, brighter days and keep your heart disease free.
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