One would assume that living in sunny South Africa would mean that we all get the necessary boost of daily sunshine to ensure that our vitamin D levels are optimized. Unfortunately, research tells us otherwise. A study in the South African Medical Journal indicates that one in five children is vitamin D deficient. In fact, researchers have estimated that at least 50% of the general population is at risk of vitamin D deficiency and the various health conditions that are linked to this deficiency. These conditions include autoimmune and bone disorders, depression, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, obesity, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Some intervention studies have shown that vi
It is no secret that smoking kills. In fact tobacco smoke contains a deadly combination of over 7 000 chemicals that increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and many types of life threatening cancers. So why aren’t people quitting? Global research indicates that the majority of people that have started smoking, start in their teens and are addicted by the time they reach adulthood. Many teens are seduced by smoking because of the excitement of sneaking away for a cigarette and experimenting with the forbidden. Others start because of peer pressure and the need to look cool. Adults tend to smoke for different reasons. Some smoke to deal with the pressures of juggling work and family life o
