Are you getting enough vitamin D to ward off the winter blues? During winter, shorter days and less sunlight reduce the skin's ability to produce vitamin D. Finland's official guideline for the sunshine vitamin is 10 micrograms per day. Still, many physicians talking to Helsingin Sanomat revealed they are taking much higher doses.
Hannu Vierola, an ob-gyn, said 10 micrograms will prevent rickets, but affords few other health benefits. Instead, he recommends 60 micrograms for expectant mothers to prevent gestational diabetes and respiratory problems in children. It's practically impossible to get enough vitamin D from food alone, according to Vierola.
Nutritionist Jyrki Virtanen said daily doses of 50–100 micrograms of vitamin D help prevent prediabetes from progressing to type 2 diabetes. In his view, Finns' vitamin D stores are generally good thanks to vitamin D-fortified foods, such as milk, plant-based milk, yogurt and margarine.
But some people don't get enough vitamin D, including vegans and people with darker skin, according to child neurologist Mirjami Jolma, who pointed to a link between vitamin D deficiency and autism in children of colour. This is attributed to higher melanin levels in the skin that block the sun's rays essential for vitamin D production. Getting too little of the vitamin also increases the risk of developing multiple sclerosis, she explained.
Not everyone believes that more is always better.
Maijaliisa Erkkola, a nutrition professor, told HS that she did not take any vitamin D supplements herself, saying she gets enough of the vitamin from a varied diet.
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Rising through the ranks
Commander Saima Ratasvuori told Hufvudstadsbladet she has seen significant progress in gender equality within the Finnish Defence Forces over the past 20 years. Today she is the highest-ranking female officer at the Uusimaa Brigade.
"When I enlisted in Kotka in 1999, I didn't know a single woman who had served before that. Now, it's becoming more common to see women, and it's just not a big deal anymore."
But she still sees room for improvement.
"I believe we could do better at encouraging more women to serve. If they don't serve, they can't build a military career."
Women are excluded from Finland's conscription system but can still volunteer for military service.
Christmas spending
People in Finland are expected to spend an average of 560 euros on Christmas this year. Of this, 346 euros will be spent on Christmas gifts, while an average of 214 euros going towards other expenses, such as food and decorations, reports Taloussanomat.
The business paper says Nordea Bank's Christmas survey found that the average gift budget is 13 euros higher this year compared to last year, while spending on other Christmas expenses is 10 euros lower than a year ago.
Regarding Christmast presents, the paper says chocolate and other sweets remain popular, along with timeless favorites such as gift cards, toys, clothing, books and money.
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