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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 8, 2017)
Wednesday, November 8, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Fit For Sisters Andrew Luscutoff Columnist Fleeting sunlight This past weekend, America underwent its return to standard time, eschewing daylight saving for more light in the morn- ing — and less light in the evenings. Many of us are going to work in the darkness and returning home without see- ing the sun. Times are tough for those who enjoy activ- ity in the light, who feel a jolt of energy from being in the sun. It’s not only psychological; Vitamin D plays a big role in our health, and during the dark months in the Northern Hemisphere many are deficient. Vitamin D affects every organ system of the body. Vitamin D actually doesn’t behave like other vitamins and minerals. Inside our body, vitamin D is synthesized as a hormone. It is important that it is direct sun-to-skin exposure that does the trick — not exposure through a window, and not through clothes. The actions of Vitamin D play a role in a variety of systems. Low levels of Vitamin D have been associated with: decreased muscle mass in aging people; increase can- cer risks; lowered immune function; high blood pres- sure; neurological dysfunc- tion; diabetes. Many are not getting the required dosage, especially during the dark days of winter. According to Precision Nutrition, any- one living above the lati- tude of Atlanta, Georgia, will receive little to no Vitamin D from November to March. The sun gives off rays of UV-B light, which, once it hits hairless bare skin is converted to Vitamin D in our bodies. All the Vitamin D we need we can get in around 15 minutes of expo- sure. However, in the winter months, the axis of the earth does not allow for nearly the required intensity of rays. It is estimated that up to 80 percent of Americans will be deficient at one time or another. What is striking about this statistic is that it follows the general recom- mendations, which are set not for optimal health but mere survival. Other considerations are age and obesity. Aging reduces the ability to syn- thesize Vitamin D and obesity can trap Vitamin D because of its fat solubility — making someone poten- tially require twice the usual level. Our body can store serum Vitamin D for around two weeks, but once it’s gone more is required. Unless someone is taking a vacation to warm climes, food or supplementation is the next best bet. Foods like mushrooms, fish, and liver do contain Vitamin D, but it is hard to get enough from these sources. A gel cap of 2,000 IUs of Vitamin D daily is rec- ommended by Precision Nutrition, and many other organizations, from November through February for those living at Sisters’ latitude. 23 PHOTO BY SUE STAFFORD Jeri Buckmann, Katy Wooderson, Kevin Hudson (cutting the ribbon), Reid Fisher and Judy Trego at Hayden Homes’ ribbon-cutting open house. Hayden Homes and arts group collaborate By Sue Stafford Correspondent Hayden Homes held a ribbon-cutting open house for their latest phase of single- family homes being built at Village at Cold Springs (VCS) last Wednesday, November 1. The public was invited to tour the furnished model home, The Umpqua, enter a drawing for a sneakaway package at FinePine Lodge, enjoy a free lunch, and view original artwork by local Sisters artists. Hayden Homes is mak- ing concerted efforts on a number of fronts to become a collaborative member of the Sisters community. They are a member of the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce and will sponsor all three major events that are part of the Sisters Cowboy Christmas this year – the Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 24, at 5:30 p.m. in Fir Street Park, and the Christmas parade and visits with Santa on Saturday after- noon, November 25. The homebuilders have See COLLABORATE on page 25 Raise a Paw for Furry Friends! Pet Photos with Santa Saturday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Furry Friends Foundation, 501(c)(3), needs your support to feed Sisters-area pets this holiday! The pet-food is distributed in conjunction with the Sisters Kiwanis and Sisters-Camp Sherman RFPD’s Mark Spirit of Giving programs r your calendar fo to help Sisters-area otos with h P t e P l a u n n a the families. Please mail your r 2, e b m e c e D y, a check to Furry Friends Santa, Saturd y th a K t a . .m 2 p Foundation, from 11 a.m. to y a lid o H P.O. Box 1175, (& friends) Deggendorfer’s Sisters, OR 97759 or ters Art Works, Open House, Sis make your tax deductible 204 W. Adams. donation online at www.FurryFriendsFoundation.org
