GREGORY CHANDLER--VITAMIN D

Vitamin D is often known as the sunshine vitamin.  In earlier times, individuals usually received adequate amounts of vitamin D because of sun exposure.  Today, individuals spend more time indoors out of the sun.  There is also the legitimate fear of skin cancer because of overexposure to sunlight.   

According to the American Journal of Cardiology, medical doctors found 70 percent of heart patients were deficient in vitamin D and 30 percent had normal levels.

Those who were deficient were more likely to have high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, weakened heart muscles, and diabetes.  In addition, over the course of six years, were 164 percent more likely to die from any cause compared to those with normal vitamin D levels.  Also, those who were deficient were able to increase their chances of survival by 61 percent by supplementing with vitamin D. 

GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law