VITAMIN D

Ned would like to say a few words about sunshine and Vitamin D. Skeptical as he is of any epidemiological-based health claim for some compound, Ned feels that the evidence for the value of Vitamin D is so overwhelming that we have to take it seriously. This means we need to get more sun.
But there's a problem: Most people when they get into the sun first slather themselves with sunscreen, thinking that if they don't they will get skin cancer and drop dead. If you do, you virtually eliminate your skin's ability to absorb D. Well, skin cancer is a concern but of far greater concern is lack of Vitamin D.
Here's one way to get your D and still protect yourself from cancer: WEAR A HAT.
Then, expose your arms and legs to the sun and you will absorb loads of D if you do not use sunscreen. BE CAREFUL NOT TO BURN. About 20 minutes exposure is good on a sunny day.
But remember: at the latitude most of us live (33 or above) we don't get enough sunshine between October and April to make much D, so we ought to take supplements.
Now, what is the first rule of supplements? TAKE THEM WITH FOOD.
We should be on Vitamin D, maybe 1000 IU's, between October and April, and thereafter try to get plenty of sun, taking care to keep our head covered, because that's where the danger from skin cancer is the greatest.
If you have health coverage, get your blood tested for Vitamin D deficiency. You'd be surprised how many people have it and don't know it.