The Richmond Register

Communities

March 13, 2009

D-fend Against Colds

Move over vitamin C. It’s vitamin D that seems to provide the strongest defense against the common cold, according to a recent study. Researchers at the University of Colorado studied 19,000 people about their health habits and took blood samples to determine the frequency of respiratory problems.

They found that people with the lowest levels of vitamin D reported 40 percent more respiratory conditions, including frequent colds, than those who had normal vitamin D levels. Asthmatics who were vitamin D-deficient were five times more likely to have had a recent respiratory infection. Those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who were also low on vitamin D had twice the number of respiratory infections.

Modern folklore has it that vitamin C wards off colds, yet there is little science that backs that up. Meanwhile, the evidence in support of vitamin D as a super infection fighter is growing. In addition to the University of Colorado study, several other investigations have linked low blood vitamin D levels to a higher risk of respiratory infections, including a Finnish study that found that people with low vitamin D levels took twice the number of sick days because of colds and other related problems.

Medical experts suggest that vitamin D protects against infection by regulating a protein that kills microscopic bacteria, fungi and viruses and also prevents the immune system from releasing too many inflammatory “cytokines” and “chemokines” into infected lung tissues.

People can stock up on vitamin D simply by spending more time outdoors, soaking in the sun’s rays. Most people should spend 10 to 15 minutes a day outdoors, at least a few times weekly. Besides that, oily fish, egg yolks and fortified cereals are good sources of vitamin D. And there are always vitamin D supplements.

It is important to keep in mind that are our immune system’s need for vitamin D increases as we age. Therefore, while the recommended adequate intake for vitamin D for people under age 50 years is 5 micrograms a day, for people over 50, the AI is 10 micrograms a day. Individuals who are dark-skinned, housebound or live in tall buildings, air polluted areas, use sunscreens or wear layers of clothing may need more vitamin D.

Text Only
Communities
  • Waco Pentecostal Tabernacle fundraiser Saturday Hi!

    Here we are in fall again!

    How do so many leaves fall off a tree and get scattered in so many different directions in one day?

    How many more leaves are still on the tree that will turn and fall and be scattered in the days to come?

    It almost makes one want to wait until all the leaves are off the tree before picking up a rake or broom. That might be better than raking and sweeping each day for many, many days to come.

    October 1, 2009

  • Paula Jones Roadside clean-up set for Saturday How is everyone’s week going? I hope that everyone is having a great one. We have once again had a little mixture of weather, cool, rain, warm and sunshine. One can never tell what the March weather will be. Have you noticed the buttercups blooming? I also saw some bushes and trees blooming. I even saw a redbud tree blooming! There is such beauty in spring as it comes to life.

    March 19, 2009 1 Photo

  • Take care of your community: Don’t litter! Hello readers. The late evening sun is shining through an upstairs window from where I’m sitting and I notice the brilliance of an outer ring that seems to flow toward the creek as it (sun) begins the journey into the night. I do love to just look and enjoy all we have on this Earth to appreciate. It’s always the little things that seem to make up the circle of life. Like the bright yellow daffodils blooming in Mrs. Callahan’s yard and the many buttercups alongside the road — the little things.

    March 19, 2009

  • Volunteers needed for Union City Boy Scouts meeting Union City Baptist Church had a total of 60 people for the community soup supper last Saturday night. There were pinto beans, several different kinds of chili and some great desserts. While people were eating, some youths from the church provided a puppet show.

    This may seem like the minutes of the last Monday’s Union City Ruritan meeting, but I am pleased to have so much news from local activities.

    March 19, 2009

  • Waco Elementary honors Dr. Seuss How many times did you get pinched on Tuesday for not wearing green? How many times did you pinch yourself on Tuesday because you wanted to make sure you weren’t dreaming when the whole day was so spring-like beautiful? Ahhh, the birds chirping, the green finally peeping through the winter-brown ground, buttercups showing off their new spring bonnets and daylight after supper to enjoy a little porch time — it is getting here!

    March 19, 2009

  • Kirksville Baptist auction set Saturday Hello Everyone. Everyone loves an auction. So here is your chance. The Kirksville Baptist Church is having a remodeling project auction March 28 at 9 a.m. All items will be on display for your viewing at 7 a.m. This auction will be to help raise funds for their remodeling project.

    Items to be auctioned will be from the old sanctuary and Sunday school rooms such as chairs, tables, doors, chandeliers, cabinets, desk and much more. Everyone is also invited to bring items to donate for the auction as well.

    March 19, 2009

  • Dr. Jack D-fend Against Colds Move over vitamin C. It’s vitamin D that seems to provide the strongest defense against the common cold, according to a recent study. Researchers at the University of Colorado studied 19,000 people about their health habits and took blood samples to determine the frequency of respiratory problems.

    March 13, 2009 1 Photo

  • Scott Darst ‘Health Rocks!’ helps kids lead healthy lives 4-H has many diverse activities and programs that have been developed to help youth to get involved. The goal of 4-H is to help youth have a sense of belonging, opportunities for mastery, learn independence and lessons in generosity. An upcoming 4-H event called “Health Rocks” will teach youth these important aspects and more.

    March 13, 2009 1 Photo

  • Killing Kevin I don’t watch much television. There are only a few shows I follow. I’ve come to care about the characters in those programs. They’re like family. So naturally it upsets me when homicidal scriptwriters kill them off. Without provocation — or my permission.

    One of my favorite shows is “Monk,” about an obsessive, compulsive detective. Several episodes have featured his upstairs neighbor, Kevin Dorfman. Kevin is riddled with personality quirks. He talks too much — about nothing. He rambles on about all the places he’s ever lived.

    March 13, 2009

  • Elder John Settles God’s rainbow a sign of an everlasting relationship God’s promise of a rainbow in the clouds indicating a permanent and unbreakable bond between God and the creatures of His world is a strong and assuring promise that lies at the very foundation of Christianity. We are told throughout the scriptures that nothing can separate us from God, not even our own sinfulness. In all of life, there are few feelings, needs and insecurities that are more totally and completely fulfilled than when we have a firm and unquestionable conviction that we are not alone, and are wanted and loved! Amen.

    March 13, 2009 1 Photo

Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
AP Video
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion' Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords 5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La. Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal $25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com
Poll

Have you ever attended a meeting of a local government agency or taxing district?

Yes
No
     View Results