We see it on TV and we read about it in the papers, the role that vitamin D plays in our health is being underestimated.
Join us on February 23, 2012 at the Hyatt Lisle as Dr. Diane Wallis, a noted vitamin D expert explains the latest on vitamin D. This physician talk is one of the Big Boomin’ Heart Month Lecture Events sponsored by Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital. To register for this FREE physician program call HealthAdvisor at 1.800.3 ADVOCATE or (1.800.323.8622) and mention the class code 4C79.
Vitamin D Deficiency
A chronic lack of vitamin D, the so-called “sunshine vitamin,” is being linked by researchers to a host of mind and body disorders—ranging from depression to heart disease and cancer. Higher blood concentrations of vitamin D not only build strong bones, but may also aid in preventing heart disease, help lower blood pressure, reduce some cancers, and assist in fighting infection.
Ongoing research is discovering the consequences of vitamin D deficiency such as symptoms of bone and muscle pain, gait disturbances, seasonal depression, or muscle aches. “I consider this one of the major public health issues of our time,” says Diane Wallis, MD, a clinical cardiologist at Midwest Heart Specialists.
People with very low vitamin D levels have a 26% higher risk of dying from any cause compared to those whose blood contains higher amounts, according to a recently published National Institutes of Health study.
While vitamin D is made in the skin when it is exposed to the sun, the wide use of sunscreen lotions and escalating trends toward indoor, urban lifestyles have significantly suppressed the natural production of vitamin D.
“In past decades the primary focus on vitamin D was the recognition and treatment of deficiency as it related to metabolic bone diseases [such as rickets],” writes Dr. Wallis in “The ‘Sunshine Deficit’ and Cardiovascular Disease,” an article published in the Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association.
“Just in the last 10 years, has come the recognition that the role of vitamin D extends beyond the skeletal system.” She points out that correcting vitamin D deficiency can lower hypertension and may help prevent heart failure and coronary artery disease.
Big Boomin’ Heart Fair
Don’t forget to register for Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital's 9th annual “Big Boomin’ Heart Fair” on Saturday, February 25 from 8am to 11am in the lower level atrium of the main hospital. Cardiovascular Services of Good Samaritan Hospital is hosting this fun and educational event for the local communities. This FREE community event (registration required) offers the public vital health care information, and FREE screenings for cholesterol and diabetes. Additionally, BMI, asthma, pulmonary function and blood pressures will also be available on site during the fair. Physicians and other health care providers will be on hand to share information on heart disease, stroke, nutrition and wellness activities. Tour the state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterization & Electrophysiology Laboratories, stop by the Children’s face painting area and pick up special giveaways. Visit any of the many informative booths and receive free gifts.
Note the cholesterol & diabetes screening requires a 12 hour fast and pre-registration.
To register for this FREE event or for more information about other Big Boomin’ Heart Month events call HealthAdvisor at 1.800.3 ADVOCATE or (1.800.323.8622).
Excerpts from the Winter 2009 Midwest Heart Specialists Newsletter; Midwest Heart website; American Heart Association Website; National Institutes of Health website
