by BJ Armstrong

And the Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love for everywhere;
And each flower and herb on Earth's breast
Rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.
--- Percy B. Shelly

March 2005 is here with us. March brings in Spring and ends the winter. Why not march into spring by ensuring that you get the 'B Vitamins' that you need? Why not make it the month to safeguard your health?

It's becoming increasingly clear that vitamin deficiencies are widespread. Many experts are recommending that people supplement their diet with vitamins to alleviate disease and maintain health. Sometimes, prescription drugs hinder your ability to absorb vitamins from the foods you eat. Also, your ability to absorb 'B' vitamins through your digestive system decreases as you age. But... according to experts, by taking your B vitamins you will be lowering your risk of heart disease, stroke, depression and Alzheimer's. B Vitamins are essential for:

* Healthy skin, bones, hair and muscles.

* Emotional balance and positive mood.

* Energy, stamina and sleep.

* Mental clarity and memory.

* Nerve impulses.

The best vitamins for your skin are B-Complex vitamins, found in beef, chicken, eggs, and whole wheat. Several studies show that 1 in 7 people with canker sores are deficient in folate, iron and vitamin B.

"Nutritional deficiencies - such as the lack of B-Complex vitamins and iron - play a part in sealing of the lips and cracking at the corner of the mouth,"  says Nelson Lee Norvick, M.D. Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology in New York City.

Why do some people use their hands and fingers a great deal develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome while others do not? Some studies suggest that it may be

partly the result of Borderline B-vitamin deficiency, especially B6. Some doctors suggest that 100 milligrams a day of vitamin B6 can reduce the symptoms.

Premenstrual Syndrome .. you may feel better taking a B6 vitamin. Increasing your intake of this vitamin can help alleviate symptoms such as mood swing, fluid retention, breast tenderness, bloating and

fatigue. Supplements of 25 to 100 milligrams per day are well tolerated by most women. Be sure to eat foods that are high in vitamin B6 such as, turkey, potatoes, bananas, many kinds of fish and the white meat of chicken.

Are you getting the B vitamins you need to feel great? Take this test to see. Answer ' yes or no.'

Feelings of listlessness, sadness and discouragement impact millions of Americans daily. A low level of the B vitamins could be to blame. B vitamins are nature's answer to overcoming chronic sluggishness whereby you can experience vibrant health. Ask your doctor today about taking vitamins to enhance the feeling of good health that you deserve. Whether your diet is ideal or not, chances are, if you are over 40, you're not getting the B vitamins you used to ... and your heart, energy level, emotional balance and memory are at risk.

If we had no winter.
the spring would not be so pleasant;
if we did not sometimes taste of adversity,
prosperity would not be so welcome.
--- Anne Bradstreet