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.
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‘Charles Dickens Show’ for kids Saturday at library
The Madison County Public Library in Richmond will have special children’s programs in December, including a Christmas party that starts Saturday at 1 p.m.
The will start with “The Charles Dickens Show,” said Ari Barron, children’s librarian for Richmond.
Don Miller will come dressed as Charles Dickens in a full Victorian gentleman’s suit and entertain uwith facts about his writing, his rags to riches life, his family and travels. -
‘Thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me’
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
(Psalm 23:1-6) -
Madison Singers concert is scheduled for Sunday
The Madison Singers, a program of the Richmond Area Arts Council, have been working since September to present their “What Sweeter Music” concert on Sunday, Dec. 2, at 3 p.m.
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Paint Lick community Christmas tree lighting is Friday, Nov. 30
Hello readers, it is a chilly, yet cloudy Monday morning, this Nov. 19. As I look out into the street here above the Friends of Paint Lick building, I see the most incredible little tree that sits alone, just waiting to be lighted for the Paint Lick community Christmas celebration. The small spruce was planted by two gardeners from Baldwin Farms, friends of Hal and Yvonne Davis.
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Berean receives 2011 Presidential Early Career Award
BEREA — Dr. Morgan Abney of Berea recently was named a recipient of the 2011 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers by President Barack Obama.
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4-H fair competition: Bringing the family together
RICHMOND — Like most Americans, I have caught the Olympic fever. From the time I get home from work until late hours at night, at least one TV in my home stays on the Olympics.
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Breakall wins Twin Lakes National Fiddle championship
Bethany Breakall, 17, of Berea has represented Madison County and Madison Southern High School well by winner another fiddle championship.
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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. -
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.
- 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.
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‘Charles Dickens Show’ for kids Saturday at library
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