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Page 6
December 8, 2010
Get More Vitamin D, But Not Too Much
Got milk? You may need a
couple cups more than today's
food labels say to get enough
vitamin D for strong bones. But
d o n 't go o v erb o ard : L ong-
awaited new dietary guidelines
say th e re 's no p ro o f that
megadoses prevent cancer or
other ailments — sure to frus
trate backers o f the so-called
sunshine vitamin.
The decision by the presti
gious Institute of Medicine, the
health arm of the National Acad
emy of Sciences, could put some
brakes on the nation's vitamin D
craze, warning that super-high
levels could be risky.
"More is not necessarily bet
te r," c a u tio n e d D r. Jo a n n
M anson of Harvard M edical
School, who co-authored the
Institute of Medicine's report.
Most people in the U.S. and
Canada — from age 1 to age 70
— need to consume no more
than 600 international units of
vitamin D a day to maintain
health, the report found. People
in their 70s and older need as
much as 800 IUs. The report set
those levels as the "recom
mended dietary allowance" for
vitamin D.
That's a bit higher than the
target of 400 IUs set by today's
government-mandated food la
bels.
But it's far below the 2,000
IUs a day that some scientists
recommend, pointing to studies
that suggest people with low lev
els of vitamin D are at increased
risk of certain cancers or heart
disease.
H ealth W atch
We cover all uninsured
Oregon kids.
Cardiac-Rehab Exercises — A medically supervised exercise program for
people dealing with heart conditions. For information, call 503-251 -6260.
Stroke Alert Screening — Check your carotid arteries with a painless
ultrasound to assess your risk. Fee $40. To schedule a screening, call 503-
251-6137.
Empowerment through Relaxation -- Free informal meditation classes that
address breathing techniques, some gentle ancient African yoga poses
and mental balancing techniques - People have left these classes joyful
and with a peaceful view of their lives. Call Dr. Marceline Failla at 503-228-
6140.
Powerful Tools For Caregivers — 6-week educational series designed to
help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for relatives or
friends with chronic illness. Class size is limited, and registration is
required. Call 503-413-8018.
Leg Alert Screening — Check for peripheral arterial disease with this safe,
simple screening using ankle and arm blood pressure. The fee is $40. To
schedule an appointment, call 503-251-6137.
Smoke-Free Support Group — Meets Mondays, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. For
information, call 503-256-4000.
Heart Talk Support Group - Meets on the second Monday of each
month; from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call 503-251 -6260.
Family Caregiver Support Group — This topic-oriented group offers a
safe place to discuss the stresses, challenges and rewards of providing
care to an older relative or friend. Meets the first Thursday of each month
at 3 p.m. at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital.
Chronic Pain Support Group - xMeets the first Wednesday at 4 p.m. to
5:30 p.m. and the third Wednesday of each month, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
For more information, call 503-256-4000.
1-877-314-5678
www.OregonHealthyKids.gov
Healthy Kids is a NEW program that provides free or
low-cost health coverage for ALL uninsured Oregon
kids and teens under 19. Some of the best doctors take
Healthy Kids and we cover doctor visits, hospitalizations,
prescriptions, dental, vision, and more.
No family makes too much money for Healthy Kids.
A family of four that earns as much as $66,000*a year
may qualify for low-cost coverage.
Cholesterol Profiles -- Get the resources to help you keep an eye on your
cholesterol and other indicators of heart health. Educational material
provided. For more information, call 503-261-6611.
Bereavement Support Groups — Free, safe confidential group meetings
for those who have experienced the death of a loved one offered on various
nights and locations. For information and registration, call 503-215-4622.
Maternity Water Workout — Helping new moms regain muscle tone,
strength, and flexibility, all in the support and freedom of the water. Call
503-256-4000 for more information.
Senior Aerobics — A low-impact workout geared specifically toward
seniors. Call 503-449-0783 for current schedule.
Osteoporosis Screening - An ultrasound bone density screening with
personalized education; fee $30. To schedule an appointment, call 503-
261-6611.
Mind Body Health Class — Learn and practice techniques to help you
improve your mood, health and wellbeing, including effective ways to
manage difficult emotions and chronic stress or illness. Registration is $70
for Kaiser Permanente members and $95 for nonmembers. Call 503-286-
6816.
Red Cross Certification — The Oregon Trail Chapter Red Cross now offers
credits to helps professionals maintain licensing or certification. For a
cumulative list, visit pdxinfo.net.