A case report recently published in the
Journal of the Canadian Medical Association reminds us how important Vitamin D is to our health. In this case, a woman after a normal pregnancy and full term delivery had an otherwise normal looking baby whose bones had failed to fully solidify in his skull. It turned out that she had been very deficient in Vitamin D during her pregnancy and after about three months of proper nutrition the babyâs bones grew in properly and everything went back to normal.
This case highlights how essential Vitamin D is for the health of our bones at any age. There are nutritional sources â oily fish like salmon, red meat, liver, egg yolks, and fortified foods such as some dairy products â but itâs tough to get enough from diet alone. Fortunately during most of the year the sunâs rays striking our faces and arms for about 15 minutes a day is enough to naturally produce within our skin the levels of vitamin D that most of us need. This
Feeling SAD this winter? How to cope with Seasonal Affective Disorder during the pandemic
Snowy landscape in Wyoming, MI
and last updated 2021-02-22 20:57:31-05
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich â If you ve been feeling down this winter, you may be battling seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression that usually starts around the fall and then will last until symptoms kind of clearing up in the spring, said Elizza LeJeune, a clinical social worker at Pine Rest. It affects about 20 to 40 percent of Michiganders, because, as you know, we get a lot of really harsh winters a lot of snow; it s very dark.
Pandemic may put added strain on our mental health this winter
Kim Blanch
Kim Blanch
It is not uncommon for the shorter days and colder temperatures to affect us during the winter months.
While some people don’t notice a difference in their mental health, others may experience a seasonal depression or loss of energy.
This condition is often called Seasonal Affective Disorder, and it could be an even bigger problem during the pandemic this year.
Seasonal affective disorder is a form of recurrent depression that can start in late fall or early winter. Symptoms can include low energy, poor mood, excessive sleepiness, craving carbohydrates, over-eating and gaining weight, as well as social withdrawal or isolation.
MPNnow
CANANDAIGUA Ever feel depressed during the winter months? If so, you re not alone, according to Dr. Sudha Bakshi. With winter here to stay for the time being, many people are wrestling with what she terms the winter blues. The winter blues doesn t have a formal diagnosis, but it is very real, Bakshi said.
She noted how people experiencing this might feel very lonely, along with picking up certain habits like an increase in eating or a disrupted sleep schedule. But the psychiatrist and medical director for behavioral health at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield said those experiencing the blues should consider it as a normal reaction and not be so hard on yourself.