Thursday 22 November 2012

Where are You?

A lone bird flits across the camera as I search for the morning sun.  I remember the sun from long ago.  The sun was a golden orb in the sky that lifted my mood and fed my bones.  Yes, I am being melodramatic here but there is some truth in what I say.

Recent blood tests showed that I am deficient in Vitamin D.  Vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin.  We need to expose our bodies to the sun for our skin to absorb the vitamin which is vital for healthy bones and teeth.  I have been prescribed 6 months worth of the supplement and need to take it weekly to build up my reserves.

For years, on the advice of health professionals, I have judiciously applied sunscreen and covered up in the sun and yesterday my GP told me to (in the Summer months) expose my face, legs and arms to the sun every morning between 8.00 and 10.00am and every evening after 6.00pm.  I guess I was over cautious in the past?

So, now I need to make amends with my old sunshine.  After all, he is the life force of nature.

11 comments:

  1. I really dislike sunblock, it just isn't good for our skin. Good luck with the Vit D.

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  2. I agree with Toffee Apple and have rarely used sunblock except when on holiday in foreign climes. Hope the Vit D helps and even when the sun isn't actually shining its effect can still be good. It lifts the spirits too which no amount of Vit tablets can do!!

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  3. I have heard of a lot of people with that, must be a sign of the times.

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  4. I can't believe how bad this year has been, and still it's raining. :(

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  5. Hi Simone
    Strangely enough after reading your recent 'Stark' post I thought I might mention to you about Vit D when lo and behold I pop by tonight and you have beat me to it! Being fair skinned with ginger hair I have to use a high sun cream all the time to prevent burning in the sun especially by the sea but I too have very low Vit D levels. My consultant has recommended that I take it as a preventative measure as research now suggests it has anti cancer properties and will also help prevent osteoporosis which I could be susceptible to being permanently on Thyroxin but I also believe it helps with low mood problems. I have sailed through these dark months so far so I think perhaps they do help although they take a while to build up in your system. Hope you find they help lift your spirits too.

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  6. I love the sunshine and I have to say I only wear sunscreen when I'm on holiday in France, when at home I never have it on.
    I think living in the UK nowadays probably means we aren't getting enough sunshine as it's in such short supply here.
    Happy weekend Simone,
    Vivienne x

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  7. We've had so little sunshine this year, we still had many green tomatoes in the greenhouse in October. Perversely the sun is streaming through the window as I type this comment such a contrast to yesterday. There is a saying I remember from childhood which goes something like 'can't do right for doing wrong' and I think that fits the bill - we are told to guard against the sun, so we do and then find we aren't getting the vitamins we need from it. Hope you begin to feel the benefit of the vitamin D soon, Simone. Take carex

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  8. I only wear sunscreen on exceptionally sunny days, otherwise I don't, but then I don't actually sit in the sun, only on the bench in the garden between those times to drink tea and eat breakfast/cake! I don't think I sat on the garden bench this year.... Come sun where are you.....have we had any sun this year? Probably why I am feeling down too!
    Julie xxxxxx

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  9. I have just started taking vit D too after feeling low for the last couple of weeks. I have red hair so need to be careful in the sun but don't put it on until around 11am and then don't re-apply it.

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  10. I'm not a big sunscreen user, but this year there was so little sun I wouldn't be surprised if we're all a bit deficient. Hope you begin to feel perkier soon.

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  11. What a wonderful gift, to be told to soak in some sunshine! It's good to find out that something you need is something that is free and available. Good for you! :-)

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