Most people know that spending too much time in the sun can be a bad thing, but one Wyndham resident is warning others of the dangers of not getting enough rays.
Vandana Verma, of Point Cook, moved from India to Australia in 2010. Not long after that she found out she had been sheltering herself from the sun too much.
“I first learned I had a low vitamin D level after a routine blood test during the first trimester of my pregnancy,” she said.
‘‘The results of the test shocked me. I was told that if I didn’t increase my levels, it would affect my bone and muscle health and that of my baby, which really frightened me.”
Ms Verma’s doctor told her she needed to spend more time exposing herself to sunlight, especially because of her darker skin.
“The thing I’ve learned from all this is that there are definite benefits to getting out in the sun,” she said. “Firstly, it makes me feel happier and, secondly, it’s the best natural source of vitamin D.”
SunSmart manager Sue Heward said only 49 per cent of Victorians had sufficient vitamin D levels in winter.
“Victorians may not be aware that their vitamin D level can vary,” Ms Heward said.
“Most of the population makes enough vitamin D in summer because UV levels are high. But it can be difficult to make enough in winter as it’s colder, so we cover up and often stay inside.”
Ms Heward said people should not wear sunscreen and hats in winter and should aim for 20 minutes of sun exposure every day.
More details at www.sunsmart.com.au
