Dr. Tieraona Low Dog brought this excellent study to our attention via her twitter feed this week.  Researchers at Harvard Medical School, here in Boston, have found a link between sunlight exposure and a decreased risk of rheumatoid arthritis. 

"Researchers at Harvard Medical School followed two groups of more than 100,000 women. The first were monitored from 1976 onwards, the second from 1989. 

Their health was then compared with estimates of the levels of UV-B radiation they were exposed to, based on where they live. 

In the 1976 group, those in the sunniest parts of the US getting the highest levels of sunshine were 21% less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than those getting the least UV radiation." (read full BBC article here)

There was not a noticeable change in the 1989 group; the researchers hypothesize that increased use of sunblock and other "sun protective behaviors" may have have effected that group.

It seems that the Vitamin D that we make when exposed to sunlight may be vital in protecting against the disease. Adequate levels of Vitamin D have already been linked to reducing risk of many other immune system disorders. Individuals living in climates that do not lend themselves to daily moderate sun exposure can supplement their Vitamin D intake to maintain normal levels.

The researchers maintain that laying out in the sun all day long isn't advisable because of the increased risk of burns and skin cancer.

What you're looking for is moderation. Get some sun, not too much. Sounds reasonable to us!

Labels: arthritis, dog, dun, harvard, low, research, rheumatoid, study, sun, sunlight, sunshine, tieraona, vitamin D

Labels: dog, immune, low, mood, seasonal therapeutics, tieraona, winter

We have an exciting new webinar coming up!  REGISTER HERE

Seasonal Therapeutics is the first program of its kind in the integrative health care industry, blending cutting edge science and integrative medicine together with the need of the changing seasons. Seasonal Therapeutics will provide you an evidence-based, nature-oriented approach, using diet, nutrients and herbs in combination with mind/body therapies.

This seasonal approach will shift the patient care paradigm from one "annual visit" to multiple "seasonal visits", wherein you will have the opportunity to see your patient's more and apply the Seasonal Therapeutics concepts, empowering your patients to thrive throughout the year.

Each season is covered in-depth during a one day live event. These full day live events delve into clinical considerations applicable to the season and outlines an integrative approach that can be easily implemented into your practice. 8 CEU credits are available for DC's and ND's for this live event.

What to learn more about...

• Implementing seasonal strategies in your practice?
• What you will experience and learn at a one day event?
• How you and your patients can experience a Happy, Healthy Winter?

Join us for this webinar presented by Tieraona Low Dog, M.D. on November 8th at 4pm est. Dr. Low Dog will introduce the concepts for the Winter Seasonal Therapeutics approach and a sample of the recipes for a happy, healthy winter.

Labels: dog, immune, low, mood, seasonal therapeutics, tieraona, webinar, winter