Bennett's Hometown Pharmacy-Folkston

Vitamin D & Covid-19 There is growing evidence that vitamin D may have a protective effect against Covid-19. Vitamin D deficiency seems to raise the risk of serious illness, more severe complications and death with Covid-19. In one study of 489 people, 12% of those with adequate levels of vitamin D (at least 20ng/mL) tested positive for Covid compared to 22% of those with low vitamin D levels. In a study at one hospital, of the 200 patients with Covid, 80% were deficient in vitamin D. In another study, when hospitalized Covid patients were given oral vitamin D as part of their treatment, they were less likely to end up in the ICU. If you are concerned about Vitamin D deficiency, talk with your doctor or pharmacist regarding supplementation.

Sitting Too Much & Cancer Risk A recent study of 8,000 people suggests that being too sedentary may also raise the risk of dying from cancer. In the study, researchers had participants aged 45 or older wear an accelerometer to measure their activity during their waking hours for a week. After five years, participants who were sedentary for 12 of their 16 waking hours had a 50% greater risk of dying of cancer compared to those who were more active. Results held after accounting for other risk factors. Exchanging even one half-hour of sitting each day for a half-hour of moderate to vigorous exercise was linked to a 31% lower risk of dying during the study period.

Have A Safe And Happy Thanksgiving When preparing your Thanksgiving turkey, remember these tips to prevent food-borne illnesses. The cooking process kills any surface bacteria, so experts say it's not necessary to wash the bird before cooking. However, wash your hands and kitchen surfaces frequently to avoid spreading bacteria that may be present on the bird. It’s recommended to cook the turkey until its internal temperature reaches 165 to 170 degrees in the thickest part of the breast and 180 degrees in the thigh. It’s safest to cook stuffing separately. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours.

Weight May Affect Memory Research shows there is a relationship between obesity and impaired circulation in the brain, brain atrophy and reduced cognitive function. A recent analysis of two long-term studies of 5,000 adults showed that women who were overweight between 20 and 49 years of age had double the risk of dementia later in life. Both men and women who were obese (BMI of 30 or more) in those early years were 150% more likely to develop dementia. Investigators say that hormones released from fat may increase inflammation in the brain, affecting arterial function and reducing nourishing blood flow to the brain.