Most of us know about the importance of sun protection, but many are now becoming concerned about vitamin D levels when sunscreen is applied at all times. How do we find the right balance of vitamin D absorption and UV protection? Simply giving your child a vitamin D supplement is certainly an option, however, if you are interested in obtaining vitamin D naturally from the sun, here is some information that will help you do that safely.   

Maximizing vitamin D absorption from the sun
 

Your best source for vitamin D is daily exposure to the sun, without sunblock on your skin, ONLY until the skin turns the lightest shade of pink. Longer exposures will not produce any more vitamin D but WILL accelerate photo aging and increase your risk for skin cancer. Cover up before the skin becomes tanned or burned as both are signs of sun damage. As our vitamin D levels increase, more melanin (pigment) is made to protect us from getting too much of the vitamin (excessive amounts can be harmful to our bodies). The more melanin our skin has, the less vitamin D...

Most babies spit up, some more than others, but some babies have what is called reflux. The proper name is GER (Gastro Esophageal Reflux). This is when the baby is vomiting or spitting up after meals, sometimes hours after meals. In proportion, a little spit up is normal and peaks between 1 and 4 months and usually resolves by 6 to 12 months.

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a more serious but less common condition that can be diagnosed by your pediatrician or GP. It is found in both adults and babies and can cause some serious problems. Complications are usually inadequate growth from lack of nutrition, failure to thrived, feeding aversion and esophagitis.

The commonly accepted medical treatment for GERD and in some cases less serious reflux is to give Zantac or Prevacid. These medications are H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors respectivel. Most parents are hesitant about giving their babies medication, especially when those medications have not been tested for safety in infant populations, which is the case...