Hello everyone April has arrived, and with it the magnificent cool days of autumn. Enjoy. Lots ask me about the sun, vitamin D and bones. What’s the story, and how much sun do we need each day?

Firm bones are essential from adolescence right into senior years. This comes from plenty of calcium in the diet, but also vitamin D. Vitamin D is manufactured by the action of sunlight on the skin. But how much is needed each day, without added risks of sunburn and skin cancer. It is very clear.

A report this month in the “Medical Journal of Australia” (the doctors other bible) says “not much”. Ideal for the average fair skinned person, is to expose the skin of the face arms and hands “outside peak times” (l0 am to 3 pm) 3-6 minutes a day in summer 5-9 in autumn 10-19 in winter and 5-9 in spring if you live in and about Sydney.

The higher north you live, the less you need. Townsville in Jan is 2-5 minutes in summer and 5-10 in winter. In Hobart, it is 7-14 minutes in summer and 37-75 in winter. Other towns proportionately.

Those who cannot get exposure may need to take supplements, Ostelin being widely prescribed by doctors. But natural is always best. In addition, plenty of calcium is needed in the diet, and dairy products and small boned fish head the list. Or 600 mg calcium three times a day in tablet form.

HOW ABOUT MEALS AND GENERAL CARE
Yes, this is often needed by mums dads uncles and aunts in senior years. Lovely Vimiera Village now has “Assisted Living” Units, where this is all provided. A modest ingoing sum, running costs are more than covered by the pension and government rental allowance for those on social services. Most self funded retirees can also enjoy the facilities without hardship.

It is located in a lovely bushland environment, with a 24 hour on call service, friendly neighbours and many issues in life that were previously a problem are solved.

Talk to David on 02 9868 7544, or log onto vimieravillage.com.au. Address is 215 Vimiera Road, Eastwood, right next to Epping Boys High School. I will take you on a virtual tour!

Until next month, every good wish. Talk to your own GP if you need medical advice.