Are you one of the millions of Americans who spends most of their working and free time indoors? If so, you may be missing out on the important benefits of sunshine, which not only lifts the spirit, but also helps the body create an essential nutrient—vitamin D.
Early in this century doctors discovered that too little vitamin D led to childhood diseases in which bones failed to develop. We now know that vitamin D deficiency can lead to brittle bones in adults (osteoporosis). Hips, legs, even jawbones become more vulnerable to fracture.
A Boston study showed that 80% of older adults had reduced vitamin D levels during the winter, largely the result of less time spent in the sun.
If you’re not getting your fair share of sunshine, consider a breakfast of vitamin D-fortified milk, margarine and eggs. Your jawbone will thank you!
About Yuri Kaneda, DDS
Dr. Yuri Kaneda was born in Japan and immigrated to the US when she was 4 years old with her family. She lived in Ohio, Nebraska, and Illinois before finally settling in the San Diego area. A graduate of Bonita Vista High School, she went on to the University of California Berkeley where she obtained her Bachelors in Microbiology and Immunology. After working for 2 years in growth plate research at University of California San Diego, she went to the University of California San Francisco Dental School for her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Upon graduation, she returned to San Diego where she worked as an associate in the practice of Drs. Morimoto and Yaryan, her childhood dentist. She then started her own practice in 1995 and has been at her present location since 1999 which happens to be across the street from her high school!
