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Winter 2007 |
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P
E R S P E C T I V E S
Winter brings
thoughts on Vitamin D, the flu
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Don Lane Photo |
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Dr. Susan King |
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Well it’s soon gonna be
that snuggie time of the year again – the annual winter hibernation. All
pooped out and broke, we spend more time back at the lair. When I come
home, daily tasks all done and freezing cold, there’s nothin’ better
than jammies, hot tea and my favorite un-winder.
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By Dr. Susan King |
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Well it’s soon gonna be that snuggie
time of the year again – the annual winter hibernation. All pooped
out and broke, we spend more time back at the lair. When I come
home, daily tasks all done and freezing cold, there’s nothin’ better
than jammies, hot tea and my favorite un-winder. The days are short,
but take heart; it won’t be long before they start to lengthen out
again.
Speaking of less hours of sunshine, last
time I spoke of Vitamin D and of getting levels done. A reader contacted
me after and indicated that the 25 OH Vitamin D level measures Vitamin
D3. Although most of Vitamin D that is available is D3, it is best to be
sure of this before boosting up the dose.
The thoughts of shorter days and colder
temperatures, of course, leads into the usual “flu season” rant. My
first rant is how the term “the flu”, an abbreviation of influenza, has
come to commonly refer to many viral illnesses. I even find myself doing
it (I bet you too say “stomach flu”!). How these simple viruses can rule
our lives.
Like everyone, I try to get a bit more
exercise. I would always find that if I felt a bit of a cold coming on,
I thought I shouldn’t tax my system too much by getting a good workout.
So, I’d slack off on the exercise. It wasn’t always an excuse either. I
decided to do a literature search, easily done by us all through the CMA
website under “Ask a CMA librarian”. Turns out that continuing moderate
exercise during mild respiratory infections seems to be beneficial or at
least neutral. There were three occasions last winter when I found
myself inhabited by respiratory germs. I continued my exercise regime
(tempting as it was to rest up) and the colds certainly were of shorter
duration and less intense. Knock on wood. I hope I haven’t jinxed
myself.
Speaking of respiratory stuff, I was at a
talk by a pediatrician a couple of weeks ago. He reminded us that this
is the time of the year when children with asthma exacerbated by viral
infections begin the annual cold that seems to start in September and
end in May. He was recommending that for some children, using Singular
regularly during this time could significantly reduce exacerbations. Of
course, it doesn’t necessarily replace inhaler therapy but can add to it
and be helpful if there are issues regarding inhaler use.
The other presentation I went to recently
was on “Emotional Intelligence”. One tip I found to be particularly
helpful: When a person is angry and verbally hostile, immediately assume
that it has nothing to do with you, even if you think it does. Assume
that there is something going on that you aren’t aware of and that the
person is either hurt or behaving out of fear. I find that when I
remember this I get less defensive; the issue is usually resolved more
easily. Be sure to pass that one on to your staff – they take the brunt
of any wrath that’s floating around and are in a difficult and
vulnerable position.
Sometimes looking after my own physical
and mental health is more of a challenge than the work I do every day.
You may find this, too. So, remember to look after yourself at least as
good as you look after others and take time to live in and enjoy the
moment. A nice walk in the woods on a sunny winter day is good for body
and soul . . . Just do it!
Dr. Susan King is a family physician at
the Newfoundland Drive Medical Clinic in St. John’s. Tips and hints may
be emailed or faxed to (709)
726-7525.
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