Device 'could revolutionise blood pressure monitoring'

Device 'could revolutionise blood pressure monitoring'

Heart Health & Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 is considered to be the more bioactive form of vitamin D. Scientific studies have shown that vitamin D in the form of D3 is better absorbed and more efficient in raising blood levels of vitamin D. D2 was shown to be less than 1/3 as effective as D3 for raising serum levels. Recently, D3 has become a heavily talked about ingredient in the news. New research continues to be released on its benefits; in fact, new D3 studies seem to emerge on a weekly basis. Studies have shown its beneficial effects on bone health, muscle strength and balance, and cardiovascular health. So since vitamin D is such an important ingredient, let’s consider a few important questions. How much is enough? Well, the answer to this question probably depends on who you ask. Right now the recommended daily intake is 400-600 IU/day; however, this is not considered the optimal amount, it’s simply enough to prevent a deficiency disease like rickets. Researchers say that 10,000 IU per day should be set as the Tolerable Upper Intake level with a minimum of 4,000 IU per day to achieve good vitamin D blood levels. Currently there is varying opinions on what the optimal amount is; however, all experts agree that vitamin D deficiency is a widespread problem. What contributes to vitamin D deficiency? Honestly, many things can contribute. For one, the farther away from the equator, the less direct sunlight the skin gets. For example, Boston, MA has a four month “vitamin D winter”, meaning that for 4 months of the year, sun exposure is not enough to allow the skin to produce vitamin D. In northern Canada and Europe this “vitamin D winter” can reach six months. Other factors that contribute include:  Avoiding sun exposure: regardless of where you live, limiting sun exposure by staying indoors, covering up, or extensive use of sunscreen. Darker skin: melanin, the skin pigment, is an effective sunblock thus preventing the skin’s natural ability to produce vitamin D. Elderly: older skin has less of the skin’s compounds required to manufacture vitamin D. Overweight: overweight and obese individuals are often deficient since their body fat removes vitamin D from circulation. What is the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency?  High rates of deficiency have been reported in children, especially obese and dark skinned children, and in most adults. Researchers believe that at least 50% of the world’s population is vitamin D deficient. What next?  Through adequate supplementation you can provide your body with the necessary levels of vitamin D3 needed to ensure proper bone health, increased muscle strength and balance, and enhanced heart health. Synergy products such as ProArgi-9 Plus

To Blog or not to Blog?

Looking at my last blog post I have been a bit remiss in getting a new post out. However, on Friday I attended a Blogging workshop with Heather Waring of www.WaringWell.com and she has given me a new lease of life as far as blogging is concerned!

I don't know about you but the days whizz by and before you know it there's a large gap between your blogs, so my new idea is to blog each week and post it up on a Friday..... so watch out!

Today was an interesting day, as I had a tour around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in White Hart Lane, North London.

This was my very first visit to a football ground and very impressive it was too! I was accompanying a school trip with Tottenham Hotspurs outreach programme. They like to help the community and go into schools to talk to children about healthy eating and keeping active, something that is very close to my heart! So I was invited to go along and supervise a group of children from my kids school (SuperStars). They were so excited to go and see the grounds of some very famous players and something they'll remember when they get older.

Hopefully some of that healthy eating and fitness advice will stay with them, so they'll have healthy hearts!

Until next week.....