High Rate of MS is Colorado?! (opthamologists, move, best)

[CAVA1990]

Not terribly persuasive.

[edog80]

This thread is really interesting. I have not done extensive research on this, but I have heard that there is an increased incidence rate north of the 40th parallel, which is Baseline road in Boulder. I am guessing it has something to do with anything of the following: Radon from the rocks, rocky flats, cosmic radiation from the altitude. I guess it's one of those you can't let bother you, I live north of Baseline, you can't live in fear!

[CAVA1990]

Probably has more to do with reduced levels of vitamin D absorbed at a young age as they've found that only people moving North before age 15 assume the higher risk there.

[loves2read]

so your statement leads one to think that people living in that area and having younger children might consider giving them additional vitamin D to supplement what they are missing from daylight???

I know that parents usually give young children--babies and toddlers vitamin supplements--but --personally--as my children aged and started to eat a well-balanced diet their pediatrician was not that concerneda bout them taking vitamins...

[CAVA1990]

Originally Posted by loves2read

so your statement leads one to think that people living in that area and having younger children might consider giving them additional vitamin D to supplement what they are missing from daylight???

I know that parents usually give young children--babies and toddlers vitamin supplements--but --personally--as my children aged and started to eat a well-balanced diet their pediatrician was not that concerneda bout them taking vitamins...

I don't think enough is known to jump to that conclusion but I did hear a nutritional expert on the other night who said that Vitamin D was the only worthwhile one and that all other supplements should be thrown in the trash.

[Mike from back east]

Valid peer-review science continues to hint at a link between Vit D deficiency and a number of diseases or conditions. Truth is that the USDA RDA of 400 IU/Day for Vit D is just a MINIMUM for preventing Ricketts. That RDA of 400 IUs has little to do with optimal health. Research points to 1000 IUs per day for good health. IIFC, Vit D supplements need to be taken with a Calcium supplement to assure proper uptake. My source is the Center for Science in the Public Interest, aka The Food Police. A link between MS and low Vit D may yet prove to be a valid issue, as this news item indicates.

[Chuck54]

I was just diagnosed MS and moved to Colorado 25 years ago from the Southeast US. Nobody in my family has had MS. Guess I got more than I bargained for by coming here. Beautiful place with great skiing, but this MS stuff sucks. Is any one on Tysabri & Ampyra? What is your experience? I was also diagnosed with Stenosis & am recovering from surgery for that condiditon. Is it too soon to be starting on these drugs? I am not sure what symptoms were caused by which condition. My neuro says he is positive I have MS, but the surgeon says no way could I have both at the same time. Anybody out there have any ideas?? Thanks

[CAVA1990]

Originally Posted by Chuck54

I was just diagnosed MS and moved to Colorado 25 years ago from the Southeast US. Nobody in my family has had MS. Guess I got more than I bargained for by coming here. Beautiful place with great skiing, but this MS stuff sucks. Is any one on Tysabri & Ampyra? What is your experience? I was also diagnosed with Stenosis & am recovering from surgery for that condiditon. Is it too soon to be starting on these drugs? I am not sure what symptoms were caused by which condition. My neuro says he is positive I have MS, but the surgeon says no way could I have both at the same time. Anybody out there have any ideas?? Thanks

Chuck, you might find this site to be of help:

Home : National MS Society

I believe there are some forums out there for MS sufferers. You could also check out the health and wellness one here. Since only 1/10% of the population you might not get too much useful info. on this particular one.

[debbie at bouontiful]

Originally Posted by CAVA1990

Probably has more to do with reduced levels of vitamin D absorbed at a young age as they've found that only people moving North before age 15 assume the higher risk there.

Not sure but don't you get more sun in the high elevations? If those figures are correct there's got to be a reason.

[debbie at bouontiful]

What is the average age for getting MS? I've knew someone that had MS and didn't know anything was at all wrong with the person. I guess it was a mild case. Then a friend's daughter got it at a very young age and is wheelchaired.