Vitamin D is required by the human body for proper functioning of numerous systems, to maintain health of both mind and body. After several decades of drumming the message to avoid overexposure to the sun because of the damage ultraviolet rays can do to the skin, including melanomas, clinicians are beginning to offer more balanced advice for sun exposure. Dr. Michael Holick, author of “The UV Advantage“, advocates daily sunlight exposure to avoid numerous diseases caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, the “sunshine vitamin” that is actually a hormone. Holick recommends daily sunshine and advocates wider use of proper exposure to the sun, in an effort to counter a pandemic of vitamin D deficiency-linked disorders and diseases that is now prevalent among North Americans. Here is a brief interview and his recommendations.

@DoctorJames

Covering health and wellness matters from the use of tai chi in fibromyalgia to phytonutrients that fight oxidative stress, here are several articles for enhancing one’s health, wellness, and quality of life.
@DoctorJames

Tai Chi Reported to Ease Fibromyalgia: 50% of observed research participants showed substantial improvement with no adverse effects and recommendation is to study the use of tai chi in larger groups of people with fibro and to study its use in chronic pain conditions

Omega-3 Shows Benefits Against Oxidative Stress: generates reduction in cardiovascular disease and promotes optimal heart function

Vitamin D May Protect Against Crohn’s Disease: important news for those with Crohn’s disease and for siblings who do not have it; previous resource regarding Vitamin D deficiency and the use of sunshine is here

Capsaicin Weight-loss Mechanism Suggested: capsaicin is the active compound in hot peppers that produces the chemical changes associated with heat and this compound appears to reduce caloric absorption in the gut, reduces fat tissue, cranks up the metabolism and burns calories more efficiently, and lowers lipid levels, generating weight loss

Sense of Touch Affects Our World View: Study Shows Link Between Sense of Touch and the Decisions People Make