Samantha Torrence - North East Ohioans live in an area that has some of the most prevalent cloud cover in the United States. The cloud cover is one of the reasons the Vienna Arsenal is located in North East Ohio. While the cloud cover is good for a tactical advantage it can also create problems for the area's inhabitants. Many people in North East Ohio suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Vitamin D deficiency, and Hypothyroidism.Inhabitants in most areas that have little sunlight have the same problem and tend to develop illnesses both physically, mentally, and emotionally. All three disorders are linked to depression and Vitamin D deficiency and Hypothyroidism can unbalance your body's blood sugar leading to diabetes. Since many of the symptoms are the same doctors administer blood tests as well as recommend a patient seek counseling to help with both body and mind.
The Winter Blues and other side effects of lack of sunlight can be debilitating for many people. The depression can interfere with jobs and relationships to the extent that one may develop a continuing depressive disorder. Depression can lead to further illnesses as it manifests physically from the stress it induces. SAD is a gateway to problems and should not be taken lightly.
While not to be taken lightly, it seems that light is one way to fend off SAD. Light also happens to be one way to treat Vitamin D Deficiency and can help fend off Hypothyroidism due to the lack of Vitamin D. Light bulbs in full spectrum light in absence of sunlight can help an individual produce Vitamin D through the skin. Most of these light bulbs are around $3 each, but there are other version albeit more expensive which are available through medical supply stores. Light Therapy machines like the advertised Happy Light also expose people to full spectrum light and are a healthier alternative to an old home treatment, the tanning booth.
