Dr. Lisa Belisle

Winter Darkness

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published January 2007, Maine Sunday Telegram

We are living in a time of relative darkness. The sun enters our days languidly, strolling in just before we leave for work or school. No sooner have we welcomed his presence than he is gone again, trailing dusk behind. We catch ourselves longing for the days of high summer, when the sun held near-constant court. We are gladdened by the thought of the Winter Solstice, which brings with it the promise of lengthening days.

Health, and the Still, Small Voice

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published January 2007, Community Leader

January is a month for making and renewing promises to ourselves. We have crossed into a new year. We are enjoying the energy of an ever-increasing number of daylight hours. We can utilize this energy, and honor this time of beginnings, by committing to a satisfying life path—committing to ourselves.

Vitamin D and Winter Woes

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH 
Originally published January 2007, Parent & Family 

As any long-term resident of Maine can tell you, this state can be a dark place to live in the winter. The sun, while often a beautiful part of our days, disappears pretty early in the evenings. This can have a direct impact on our well-being, because decreased sunlight limits our ability to get proper amounts of Vitamin D. Recent studies have shown that this vitamin is crucial to not only bone health, but a variety of other bodily functions.