Dorothy

I was diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency too. Calcium levels are great, but vitamin D is low. Doctor said get 15-20 minutes of sunlight daily but for me 20 minutes in the sun without SPF 30 equals sunburn.

Bikergirl

Does this 15-20mins in the sun to get vit d have to be in one go for those that burn, or can it be a few mins at a time so to avoid the burning issue. i dont burn but am concious of the risks of being out without protection.

paulry

The palest people I've seen for many years are in Australia

Sally Redux

I think it's supposed to be in one shot but I'll have to ask my husband.

carolinephillips

The trick is not to do it between 11am and 4pm, which are the burning hours. So go for a morning/evening walk, or do your garden, and DON'T cover up!

I usually go for a dip in the pool- although that has been difficult in all this rain. Max exposure in a short time. (I can only stay in for 10-15 mins before I go blue!!)

Cheetah7

I have to wear total sunblock, drape something over my shoulders, sunnies and a hat. Even walking down the road for a short while will get me a rash on my neck and cheeks - in fact my neck is permanently red and itchy these days.

This next week in Perth will see temps go to the 40s and I am absolutely dreading it as I have to stay inside and I cant keep up with the water consumption I need.

Vitamin D is so expensive - I have found a new compounding pharmacy that sells 100 tablets for 70 bucks.

Alfresco

Yeah!!! I thought I'd come here to see all over body tans everywhere. It's not so.

Only seen them on the GC so far!

LittleKittyCat

Yes, I was diagnosed with a deficiency too, when they were testing my thyroid function and some other things. I take a liquid (oil based) supplement. I have also stopped cutting the fat off meat etc because you also need cholesterol to make vitamin d I think. I recently fractured one of my vertebrae whilst picking my four year old daughter up (she isn't heavy, i just picked her up awkwardly) so I am hoping that the deficiency hasn't done any lasting damage.

Cheetah7

They said my calcium was fine - just really low in Vit D. I notice the difference on the tablets though for sure, never realised just how important it is until I was low in it.

the troubadour

Yes this slavish obedience to avoid excessive sun seems to have resulted in no sun at all. Goodness it is similar to living in Norway or Sweden with little winter daylight with so many suffering a lack of Vit D...
A rather major turn around in Australian culture in the past twenty years or so is avoidance to beach and sun by so many locals.
They used to joke prior to that with, Pick a Pom on the beach, usually due to their lilly white complextion.
I know folk who prefer going to a public swimming pool instead of the beach. Don't understand that.
I always have a bit of a tan. Highly necessary in this climate as gives a bit of protection. Never burn in summer but do gradually get darker what with bike riding and beach.
I guess folk also spend a lot of time indoors now what with computer,etc.
Must admit Perth being up near 40 degrees is too hot even for me to go out.
Beach may be nice this evening though.

carolinephillips

Haven't been to the beach for over a year, and I only live 15kms from it.

paulry

And they were probably foreign tourists.

We only wear sun block if we're going to be out in the sun for more than 30 mins or during the most intense hours. But best if anything to be extra careful, the sun feels very intense in this part of the world.

chris955

I don't know whether Boots post stuff overseas but they do 90 tablets starting at £2.89

paulry

What about here in Aus? ...Where are the best/cheaper places over here to get vitamins and other supplements?

chris955

I don't know to be honest, that sort of stuff does seem expensive here, maybe one of the discount pharmacies that are popping up all over the place ?