Warning that rickets is on the increase

[angieh]

My chiropodist told me about this amazing story - she thinks her grandson may be suffering.

A disease that was prevalent in the 17th century is making a come-back.

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/21/20101112/thl-hospital-issues-rickets-warning-d831572.html

[calismum]

Unbelievable!!!

Hard to think with all the advances in 'healthy living' that this disease could be coming back. Fast food and computer games may be even worse than were once thought.

[angieh]

The use of sunscreen could also be blamed - but that's a hard one - do you risk the chance of skin cancer or rickets?

[Shelley123]

It's surprising how many children never realy walk anywhere, instead they are transported in cars. In our village you hardly see any prams being pushed around.
Some parents never teach their children the simple pleasures of just going for a walk in the fresh air, it seems sometimes they are so busy with other things that cost money and are held indoors.

[dandysmom]

Oddly enough this was recently in the news here also: blamed on lack of exposure to sunshine! Also, did you know we need more vitamin D as we age?

[Shelley123]

Oddly enough this was recently in the news here also: blamed on lack of exposure to sunshine! Also, did you know we need more vitamin D as we age?

I know i always feel more healthy and cheerful when i have been in the sun.

[dandysmom]

I've been a sun worshipper since childhood, would bask for hours in the sun, but had to give it up after I got basal cell carcinoma on my nose and needed surgery. I miss it ...... :(

[angieh]

A physiotherapist recommended that I take a calcium supplement because I don't drink much milk or eat cheese much and take steroids for my COPD. Calcium is much better absorbed with the addition of vitamin D - so I am getting both. Meant to avoid osteoporosis.

[dandysmom]

I'm a pill popper as some of you know: take both calcium and vitamin D. Haven't had a bone density test in several years but last report was normal healthy bone, no sign of osteoporosis. :D

[angieh]

That's good news Eileen. The physio said that people here should ask for a bone density scan - one day when I'm feeling particularly brave, I may try!!!

[dandysmom]

It's not a painful, long or intrusive test. They pass a sort of wand thing over your arm that somehow reads and records the bone ... think it's something to do with how the rays or energy pass thru it. You know what a wimp I am, if it had been painful wouldn't have done it! :D

[angieh]

Thanks Eileen - I had no idea how it was done. Thought you'd be put through one of those scary body scanners!