OUTDOOR Adventures

By Brian G. Schommer

This is the time of year that many people experience “the blahs.” How do you know if you are experiencing a case of the blahs is quite simple. Do you feel fatigued? What about muscle weakness, aches and cramps? Have you noticed that you are a bit more moody, or have others said that you are? Some of us might just chalk this up to the fact that we are getting older and crotchetier, but there could be more to it and, it could have some detrimental outcomes if not addressed. What you may be experiencing is a deficiency or insufficiency of Vitamin D.

When Vitamin D enters your body, it is not active, as your body will convert it to its active form. If you do not get enough Vitamin D into your body, you can develop a Vitamin D deficiency. So, how do we get this vital vitamin into our body? The simplest way is getting exposure from the sun… except at this time of the year when the sun seems to not be interested in helping us out… and THAT is where this entire issue relates to “Outdoor Adventures.” Have you noticed the absence of the sun lately?

I end every column with “Get Out and Enjoy the Great Outdoors.” The problem is, even I know that sometimes, it is really quite difficult to generate the energy to do so. Somedays, the skies are just too cloudy and the temperature is just too cold to muster up the drive to get up, let alone, get out. I really noticed the lack of sun a week ago and how the gloomy weather increased the blahs. There were days that even additional coffee could not perk me up and for those who know me, you know that coffee is my lifeblood. The sun plays so much importance into having the drive to “Get Out and Enjoy the Great Outdoors.” With the exception of maybe duck hunting, the sun is usually more than welcome for any outdoor adventure.

In all seriousness, if you do feel that you may be experiencing a Vitamin D deficiency, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor as it could lead to depression, osteoporosis, rickets (in children), or osteomalacia (in adults). The sun is not the only way to bring Vitamin D into your body. There are plenty of foods that you can eat which will help out that include fish, especially trout and salmon, white mushrooms, Vitamin D fortified milk, canned tuna in water, and if your checkbook is flush enough with funds, eggs. There are also plenty of supplements available which actually may be much more cost-effective than purchasing a dozen eggs. The point is, if you are experiencing the symptoms I shared earlier, it is advisable that you at least check in with your doctor about it.

The other thing we can all do that can help eliminate the blahs is to keep a keen eye out for the sun and when it does decide to make an appearance, take advantage of it. If you are at home, drop what you are doing and go get some sun. Take a quick walk, bust up some of that ice and snow that has been sticking around like luggage in your driveway all winter long, if you have a dog, go on a doggie rocket hunt and pick some up before the spring. Do whatever you want to do, just get some sun. You might even want to check out the 7-10 day forecast and plan some outdoor time when it shows the potential for sun. Of course, we know that the meteorologists are not always right with the predictions and that weather patterns can be somewhat “iffy” from time to time, but if the potential to get some sun at this time of year exists, it is definitely something that we should try to take advantage of.

Soon, we will be entering the shortest month of the year and before you know it, we will be heading into spring training… oooops, I mean springtime. No, I truly meant spring training and baseball season but before that happens, I still need to go sledding a few times and at least one of them will be down a hill on a plastic death trap. The Polaris is also calling my name on a daily basis. While there is still plenty of winter in front of us, there is a shimmering light for those of you who lack the affection for the season. That said, if you are feeling it physically, do yourself a favor and at least get outside when the sun makes its rare appearances. If not, take care of yourself and I ask this somewhat on a selfish note. I only have 29 readers and can ill-afford to lose any. Of course, I am kidding… I may have less readers than that but I do care about the other 7.998 billion people in the world and wish happiness and good health to all. If you see the sun, “Get Out and Enjoy the Great Outdoors.”