I've known for a while that vitamin D is essential and that one of the best ways to soak it up is to enjoy a bit of time in the sun (but not too much as we all still have to worry about skin cancer). I didn't realize though, until I read this article, just how essential the vitamin really is.

The piece points out that taking vitamin D supplements, along with a bit of sunshine, aids with conditions such as chronic pain and muscle weakness, it strengthens bones and those with deficiencies might even be at a higher risk of dying from diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

Plus, the study discussed in the article, found that taking supplements may increase life expectancy by as much as two years. Not bad for a daily supplement. Those quoted in the article stress that it isn't enough to just garner your daily dose from the sun. Supplements must be taken as well, on a regular basis.

Source

It's possible to lose weight by diet alone. But it's much more effective with exercise. Exercise speeds up the calorie-burning process, increases energy, triggers heart health, boosts mental health and according to a study published in the December 2006 Archives of Internal Medicine, exercise strengthens bones too.

Dieting without exercise can cause bone loss, say researchers at Washington University. Female dieters who lost weight by only cutting calories lost 2.2 percent of bone density in the spine and hips, two areas prone to fractures. Tack on some exercise to that diet plan, and get enough calcium too, and you can lose weight without losing bone.

Seems a simple formula to me. How about you?

Source