The days are warming up and the sun is shining more often—spring has sprung, and we’re heading quickly toward summer!

Have you ever considered the important role the sun plays in helping us get vitamin D? Or just how important vitamin D is for our health? Our team at AFC Urgent Care Cleveland is taking a few minutes today to shed some light on the topic.

Why Is Vitamin D So Important?

There are a number of reasons why vitamin D is important for our health. In order for our bones to stay healthy and strong, we need calcium in our body. However, in order for the calcium to be absorbed properly, we need the help of vitamin D.

Not only does vitamin D help with our bone health, but it’s important for other reasons, too. Experiencing a vitamin D deficiency can actually put us at risk for a number of health conditions, such as breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease and depression.

Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency

• Bone weakness
• Muscle weakness and/or pain
• Getting sick often
• Tiredness
• Back pain
• Depression
• Hair loss

How Much Vitamin D Do You Need a Day?

The amount of vitamin D needed varies from person to person. Most people older than age 1 should get around 600 IU per day, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.

Adults older than age 70 may need more—and your doctor may also recommend you take more for a while if you have a vitamin D deficiency. He or she can check your vitamin D level and make a recommendation based on that.

Ways to Get Vitamin D

• Spend time in sunlight.
• Consume fatty fish and seafood.
• Eat more mushrooms.
• Include egg yolks in your diet.
• Eat fortified foods.
• Take a supplement, if recommended by a doctor.
• Try a UV lamp.

AFC Urgent Care Cleveland is now offering AFC TeleCare services. Visit our website today to schedule a virtual visit.