Sunshine, On My Shoulder...by Anne Johnson

Makes me happy!  Right?  Yes it does!  Summer and sunshine go hand in hand.  Did you know that Vitamin D is also called the “sunshine vitamin”?  Vitamin D is vital to strong bones and teeth and a healthy immune system.  Vitamin D has many important functions.  Probably the most important function is regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorous, and keeping your immune system functioning properly.

Getting a sufficient amount of Vitamin D is important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth.  If your body doesn’t get enough vitamin D, you are at risk of developing bone abnormalities such as osteoporosis.
There are many ways to get Vitamin D.  Your body produces vitamin D naturally through direct exposure to sunlight, and a little can go a long way!  Just ten minutes a day of mid-day sun exposure is plenty, especially if you are fair-skinned.  Besides getting vitamin D through sunlight, you can also get it through certain foods.  Some foods that contain vitamin D include:

• Salmon, shrimp, sardines and tuna in water
  
  
• egg yolks
  
  
• milk, cheese and yogurt
  
  
• cereal
  
  
• orange juice
  
  

Sometimes it can be hard to get enough vitamin D each day through sun exposure and food alone, especially in winter months, so taking vitamin D supplements can help.  Talk to your doctor for guidance on how to ensure you get the right amount for your needs.  Happy Summer!