Make It Happen Monday

Your weekly dose from the

The Healthy Living School®

☀️ Slow Down Aging with the Sunshine Vitamin

Can a simple daily supplement help slow the aging process at the cellular level? According to new research from the prestigious VITAL trial, the answer is a compelling yes—and it all comes down to vitamin D.

In this gold-standard study of over 1,000 adults aged 50 and up, participants who took 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily for four years experienced significantly less shortening of their telomeres—the protective caps on the ends of our DNA that naturally shrink with age. Why does this matter? Because shorter telomeres are a key marker of biological aging and are strongly linked to chronic disease risk.

Those taking vitamin D preserved their telomere length enough to suggest a biological aging slowdown of nearly three years. Three extra years of youthfulness—simply from getting enough of the "sunshine vitamin!"

Even better? This simple step is safe, inexpensive, and easy to implement—especially if your levels are low (which is very common).

Dr. Ann’s Take-Action Tip:
If you're over 50, ask your healthcare provider to check your vitamin D level. Aim for a blood level between 40–60 ng/mL, and consider a supplement of 2,000 IU of D3 daily, particularly in the winter months or if sun exposure is limited.

When you nourish your body wisely, you nourish your future—and your healthiest, most vibrant years are still ahead!(1)

🍏

COMING FALL 2025

Deborah joined my Zoom to Health program last fall after a surprising pre-diabetes diagnosis—and what a transformation!

In a matter of weeks, she was sleeping better, walking daily, eating 50+ plant foods a week, and shedding weight with ease—four pounds without even trying. “Everything is science-based—and Dr. Ann is so authentic,” she shared.

I can’t wait to reopen this powerful program again this fall.

If you’d like to be among the first to hear when it’s available, click here.

😴 Sleep Better, Feel Stronger: The Power of Strength Training After 60

If you're over 60 and struggling with sleep, here's some uplifting news: a recent study reveals that strength training is particularly effective in improving sleep quality for older adults.

Researchers analyzed data from 24 clinical trials involving over 2,000 participants aged 60 and above. Participants who engaged in resistance exercises—such as lifting weights or performing bodyweight movements like squats and push-ups—two to three times a week for about 50 minutes per session over 14 weeks experienced significant improvements in sleep quality.

Specifically, their scores on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index improved by an average of 5.75 points, surpassing the benefits seen with aerobic or combination exercises.

Dr. Ann’s Take-Action Tip:
Incorporate strength training into your weekly routine. Aim for two to three sessions per week, focusing on exercises that target major muscle groups. This could include using resistance bands, light dumbbells, or bodyweight exercises like chair squats and wall push-ups. Not only can this enhance your sleep, but it also supports overall health, balance, and vitality.

Remember, it's never too late to start. Embrace the strength within you, and let it guide you to restful nights and energized days.

See you next week for another

Make It Happen Monday!