| Veteran Zach Thomas Tackles an Age-Old Problem Head-On
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. _ You know Zach Thomas as a regular All-Pro with a big-money contract who has more than 100 tackles in all 10 of his Dolphins seasons. Yet there's so much of him that's still a fifth-round pick, that still hears he's too small, that always searches for some new edge in the way GQ searches for style. And so by age 32, entering his 11th season, Thomas has his schedule down: The stretching therapist comes to his house two or three times a week. He goes to the massage therapist another two or three times. On the night after games, a nurse comes over and puts intravenous fluids in his arm packed with 13 healing goodies. B-12. Vitamin C. Glucosamine to soothe the joints. Traumeel, a homeopathic anti-inflammatory. He's studied what all 13 do. With the IV in him, Thomas sits for an hour in his oxygen-filled hyperbaric chamber, the king-sized one he upgraded to recently.
Myths and Facts About Vitamin D and Sun Exposure
In recent weeks, many news reports have focused on the potential health benefits of vitamin D. This news coverage has led to the incorrect perception that you have to intentionally seek the sun or an artificial source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in order to get the health benefits that vitamin D may provide. "Any individual or organization advocating intentional sun exposure as the preferred means of obtaining vitamin D is doing a tremendous disservice to the public," said Barbara A. Gilchrest, M.D., professor and chair of the department of dermatology at Boston University School of Medicine. "Vitamin D is critical to healthy bones, and some research now suggests that maintaining higher levels than traditionally believed to be sufficient may offer additional health benefits.
Boning up on nutrition
Besides its crucial role in directing calcium absorption, vitamin D appears to have vital functions in the brain, pancreas, colon and even in the cells of the immune system. Research suggests that vitamin D may help guard against heart disease and some types of cancer. It has also been associated with a lower risk for developing diabetes. Sunlight reacts with skin cells to produce vitamin D. But we may not be getting enough, some experts say. The recommended daily dose of vitamin D is 400 International Units. Doses of 800 IUs a day have been shown to help prevent bone fractures. The highest daily intake not associated with bad effects is 2,000 IUs, according to the National Academy of Sciences. Milk, yogurt and other high-calcium foods are the best way to get adequate calcium.
A diet rich in calcium can keep bones strong
Q:My doctor said I may not be getting enough calcium. What kinds of foods can I eat with calcium in them? A:Calcium is a very important mineral for our bodies. Our bones store calcium, which gives them strength. Our muscles, including our heart, use calcium to contract. Calcium is also part of our nerves and helps our blood clot when we have cuts. In addition, calcium in our blood helps serve as a buffer to other minerals, like sodium. If our bodies' calcium needs exceed the supply from our diets, stored calcium in our bones will be tapped. Dietary calcium intake is important throughout our lives. Early in life, we build our bones by laying down bone cells, similar to a mason building a wall. Calcium works as the cement, filling in the cell grooves of our bones.
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