HUNTINGTON -- The health benefits of vitamin D will be explored during a free community presentation at 5 p.m. Monday, March 18, in the Harless Auditorium on the campus of Cabell Huntington Hospital and the Marshall University Medical Center.

The presentation kicks off the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine's 25th annual Research Day set for Monday and Tuesday, March 18-19.

Research Day showcases research conducted by medical students, graduate students, residents and postdoctoral fellows. This year's entries include projects that focus on diabetes, lung and breast cancer, ophthalmology and orthopaedics, as well as dozens of other areas.

Guest speaker Dr. John Cannell, founder of the Vitamin D Council, will present, "The Case for Vitamin D -- Why Vitamin D Deficiency is Pandemic, Why We Need Vitamin D and Why Current Recommendations Fall Short."

"Vitamin D is essential for more than just bone health, and recent studies indicate that three-quarters of us are deficient in the 'sunshine vitamin,'" said Dr. Franklin Shuler, medical director of the senior fracture program at Cabell Huntington Hospital and associate professor in the department of orthopedic surgery at Marshall University. "We are pleased that a world expert on vitamin D will be present to highlight that vitamin D is essential for health and prevention of many diseases.

"If you have or know of someone with cancer, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, asthma, chronic pain or the winter blues, this event is for you."

To register, call 304-526-2695.

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