Peggy R. Anderson

Extension Agent

February 10, 2010

Vitamin D May Increase Heart Health

We have been taught for years about the importance of vitamin D for bone health. However, preliminary research shows that adequate vitamin D levels also may be linked with a lower risk of stroke, coronary artery disease and heart failure.  

Many studies have shown a connection between heart disease and vitamin D deficiency. The Framingham Heart Study has followed more than 12,000 people to learn more about cardiovascular disease. The researchers have reported that those lacking vitamin D had an increased risk of heart disease. 

Another study looked at adults who were known to have vitamin D deficiency. Within two years of starting the study, the individuals with extremely low levels of vitamin D showed more risk of strokes, coronary artery disease and heart failure when compared with those who had adequate vitamin D. 

Other studies have found similar correlations amongst adolescents, men, women and the elderly. So what does all this research mean? 

Although much research shows that vitamin D deficiency is connected to a variety of diseases, little research has been conducted showing that it can cause or stop diseases already developed. Therefore at this point, the evidence suggests that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure: Maintain vitamin D levels no matter your stage of life.  

The current minimum recommendation for vitamin D is 400 International Units (IU) per day. These are some of the best food sources of Vitamin D: 

* Salmon (794 IU in 3 ounces) 

* Tuna (154 IU in 3 ounces) 

* Milk (115 IU in 8 ounces) 

* Fortified orange juice (100 IU in 8 ounces) 

* Yogurt (80 IU in 6 ounces) 

* Cereals (the amount varies; on average, 40 IU in 1 cup) 

* Eggs (25 IU per egg) 

Some people cannot use vitamin D from food sources very well, or they may not be able to get enough from their diet or through natural exposure to sunlight. In these cases, a vitamin D supplement may be necessary to reach optimum D levels. Check with your health-care provider for more information about vitamin D. 

Early Lessons in Financial Management Can Pay Off

Children who see their parents pay for items with a credit or debit card, rather than cash, may have some misconceptions about money, said Carol Young, Kansas State University Research and Extension financial management specialist.

She encourages parents to take children along when banking. Children need to see their parents handling money, said Young, who also recommends helping a child open a savings account.

“Talk to your child about his or her short-term goals (such as saving for a bicycle) and long-term goals, which might include a specialty camp, and encourage saving toward those goals,” she said. Doing so can lay a foundation for financial responsibility -- and security -- later in life.

When at the bank, Young recommends explaining to a child why mom or dad is making a savings deposit toward the family's short- and long-term goals or moving money to a checking or debit account to pay bills.

While family life is busy and banking online convenient, the financial management specialist said "children can still benefit from the bank experience." 

Schedule:

Wednesday, February 10 – Burke County

Thursday, February 11 – Divide County

Friday, February 12 – Burke County

Monday, February 15 – Office Closed

Tuesday, February 16 – Divide County