Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D?

Saxony tree w sun sm

Today’s post was written by Concordia Physical Therapist Assistant Marcy Reott. At Concordia Outpatient Therapy, we have the expertise and resources to help get patients back to life.

As all of us in western PA and eastern OH have experienced in the past several months, winter brings shorter days and decreased outside activities (thank God for Daylight Saving Time!). While curling up with a good book in front of the fireplace is a great way to pass the time in the winter, when we avoid the harsh elements in our warm and cozy homes, our levels of vitamin D decrease.

Vitamin D is absorbed through our skin with sunlight exposure.  Of course, decreased sun exposure is not the only reason for being deficient. According to an article on WebMD, decreased vitamin D can be related to:

  • If your body cannot correctly absorb vitamin D
  • Obesity
  • Vegan diets
  • Kidney complications
  • Dark complexion

So why bother with maintaining healthy levels of vitamin D? This vitamin is important to our bodies because it helps convert calcium to a useful form. Decreased levels have been related to bone pain and brittleness. Did you know that exercising and weight lifting through a physical therapy program can help maintain bone density and health?

Other health risks may include: increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment in older adults, severe asthma in children, and cancer. These are all excellent reasons to keep up with Vitamin D and avoid the MD.

The six best ways to get vitamin D, according to Mayo Clinic:

  • Sunlight exposure to bare skin
  • Fish and fish liver oils
  • Egg yolks
  • Grains
  • Beef liver
  • Fortified dairy

If you do experience loss of bone density or pain, contact your doctor for a referral for outpatient physical therapy and come see us. We can help you build both strong muscles and bones. So get some vitamin D, stay healthy, and enjoy life!

For more information on Concordia Outpatient Physical Therapy, visit our website or call 724-352-4535. You can also message us through the Contact form on our website 24 hours a day.

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