Do you get SAD? We’re talking about seasonal affective disorder, which affects 1%–10% of the population depending on the state you live in. Symptoms of SAD are similar to symptoms of depression, but unlike chronic depression, which can occur at any time, people with SAD only experience symptoms during a certain time of year, usually winter. SAD has been strongly linked with shorter days and less sun — although summertime SAD can result from long days that make sleep difficult, resulting in irritability and mood swings. In most cases, however, winter is the problem season, likely due to a link between less sun and a vitamin D deficiency. Depression is one common symptom of vitamin D deficiency, especially in patients who aren’t prone to depression due to other circumstances. Unfortunately, very few foods are good sources of vitamin D. The best source is sunlight itself. There are a few ways to combat wintertime SAD. Establishing a regular sleep schedule is important, as is an exercise routine and healthy diet. As mentioned, it’s hard to find vitamin D in foods, but milk and other food products are often intentionally enriched with it during processing. The most common solution, however, is taking a vitamin D supplement, which can be purchased over the counter at drugstores and grocery stores. It is commonly recommended for people living in places with harsher winters, and although there are negative side effects if taken in excess, a regular daily dose of vitamin D is a healthy way to ensure you have the right levels in your system. This month is the perfect time to begin that process. Vitamin D can take several months to build up to effective levels in our bodies. It may be the hottest time of the year in many places, but it’s also the ideal time to start fighting SAD early!
Start Taking Vitamin D Now, Before the Sun Goes Away Fight SAD Early!
PRESENTING HER BEST SELF EVERY DAY ELIZABETH’S SUCCESS STORY
When Elizabeth Lewis became interested in doing an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, or an upper eyelid lift, she was very nervous about whom to trust but knew she needed a change. “I felt like I didn’t look my best,” she shared with us in an interview. “I looked tired and [as if] my years were more advanced than I felt they should look.” That’s when Elizabeth found Dr. Scott back in 2019, after doing a lot of online research. Although she was also interested in adjusting her lower eyelids, she decided to take things one step at a time. “I was nervous about going in, as I think anyone would be, because it’s my face — I’d never done anything like that before.” But it didn’t take long for her to trust Eye Plastic Associates. “I really felt very comfortable and reassured by Dr. Scott and his surgical coordinator, Dawn. I just felt like I was in excellent hands,” she added cheerfully. After the first procedure in 2019, she was beyond impressed — the results exceeded her expectations in every way.
“His practice is so unique. If I had to latch onto just one [aspect], it’s how holistically they approach their clients,” Elizabeth says. “It’s not just a symptom. Whether they’re treating a cosmetic or a real eyesight-compromising condition, they look at the whole person. It was evident from day one.” It didn’t take too long before Elizabeth came back to treat her lower eyelids. “I thought the second procedure was going to be anti-climatic [compared to] the first, but it was just as exciting, if not even more so.” Her favorite part of the results? “It was so natural. It wasn’t anything shocking, and I think that’s one of the biggest worries people have when they go in for plastic surgery: ‘Am I still going to look like me?’ [But] that’s exactly what happened. I still look like myself. I just look like myself on my best day, every day — and that’s what [Dr. Scott] gave me.” Thanks so much, Elizabeth, for being such a fabulous patient! You’re always a pleasure to have in the office, and we’re so glad you love your results as much as we love having you as a patient.
2 www.EyePlasticMD.com
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