Bone Up
Your body needs vitamin D for strong bones. But a study published in Diabetes Care found that about 60% of people with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease may be deficient in vitamin D. What to do? First, know the recommended intake levels:
Ages 19 to 50: eat 200 IUs
Ages 51 to 70: eat 400 IUs
Ages 71 and older: eat 600 IUs
Then bump up your diet: Drink fat-free or low-fat milk and yogurt fortified with vitamin D. Some multivitamins and calcium supplements also supply vitamin D, but read the labels to be sure. And get some sunlight exposure: Just 15 minutes a few times each week can activate vitamin D in the skin.