Vitamin D has a crucial role in the overall development and well-being of the human body. It is also called the “Sunshine Vitamin” as mere exposure to sunlight can increase vitamin D levels in the body. Despite the importance of Vitamin D consumption, countless individuals (especially the youth) suffer from its deficiency with serious health complications. Knowing the causes of deficiency, symptoms, and optimal solutions is necessary to understand the importance of Vitamin D for optimal health.

As the name suggests, the primary source of Vitamin D is exposure to sunlight. The human body naturally produces this vitamin when the skin is under sunlight. However, the current work culture forces an individual to stay within the work premises, sitting eight to ten hours a day, and doing no physical activity. 

Staying indoors for too much time with no sunlight exposure can hinder the process, contributing to lower Vitamin D levels. Also, the current lifestyle, with obesity and no physical activity adds up to the lower levels of vitamin in the body.

Furthermore, certain lifestyle and demographic factors can also increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency. For example, people with dark skin pigmentation have a higher chance of deficiency as melanin acts as a natural sun shield, reducing the natural vitamin production. Older people tend to have thinner skin which can reduce the efficiency of natural production. 

The primary symptoms of the lack of Vitamin D include bone aches, muscle weakness, fatigue, and an increased vulnerability to infections. In severe cases, the deficiency can lead to rickets in children and increased risk of cardiovascular and chronic diseases. 

The solutions to address the lack of Vitamin D deficiency are relatively straightforward. Exposing the body to sunlight, especially during midday hours can help the body increase the process of natural Vitamin D production. However, it is essential to have an idea of sun safety and consume sunlight enough not to damage the skin.  

Additionally, incorporating vitamin D-rich food in the diet can help tackle the deficiency. Foods like cheese, yogurt, egg yolks, mushrooms, cereals, and much more are excellent sources of vitamin D. Individuals with mostly indoor jobs should add these food items to their diet to overcome the deficiency and if someone struggles with the symptoms of low vitamin D, supplements can be consumed prescribed by health professionals. 

Regular monitoring of vitamin levels via blood tests, if a deficiency of vitamins is a rooted problem, can help identify the deficiency early and suggest appropriate interventions to manage the vitamin levels. Also, routine checkups from a healthcare professional can help tackle vitamin deficiency. 

Bringing out the overlooked concern of vitamin D deficiency, Unimoni Financial Services Limited, a non-banking financial company, as a part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) organized health camps in several states to promote health awareness. The primary tasks featured a free vitamin D blood test and BMI checkups.  

Impact Created

The initiative to date has engaged with diverse communities and demographics. The health camps were set up across 32 branches of Unimoni across 12 states of India (Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal) with a comprehensive response of more than 900 visitors signing up for the initiative.

By collaborating with community leaders of different regions, Unimoni reached even the remotest location for free health checkups and made people aware of the importance of vitamin D in the human system. Apart from health camps, the venture also organized seminars and workshops to interact with the locals to share knowledge on a variety of topics related to healthcare and disease management. 

The primary focus was to shed light on the importance of vitamin D for humans and the prevalent symptoms of its deficiency. The director and CEO of Unimoni India, CA Krishnan, recently expressed his delight at the successful commencement of the impactful healthcare initiative. The commitment to empowering communities through initiatives like these serves as a beacon of hope, especially for marginalized communities, to lead a healthier life. 

Future Ahead

Vitamin D deficiency is a crucial health concern and requires attention. The current era lifestyle is one of the primary causes for the depletion of its level. The 9 to 5 routine of sitting on a chair combined with people disdaining physical activities contributes to this deficiency. 

Countless marginalized communities are unaware of basic healthcare and the prevention of diseases. They lack the resources and knowledge on how to approach when a critical disease hits the system. Either they start using traditional home remedies or neglect the symptoms leading to multiple health risks. Moreover, the financial constraints these communities face whenever they visit a well-established healthcare facility are above par. Often people in such communities are hesitant for a routine checkup considering the financial burden they will have to carry. 

By setting up health camps providing free health checkups, these people can be guided toward basic healthcare knowledge. These camps will not be a financial burden thus people can have at least an idea and intervention methods for a particular disease their body is suffering.

The Unimoni CSR of empowerment and awareness of critical health issues, especially vitamin D deficiency, has set a prime example of a responsibility efficiently carried out for the local communities. The initiative has created a ripple effect, inspiring other sectors to realize their social responsibilities and spread awareness by fostering a culture of health consciousness. A single act of philanthropy can create a sense of responsibility among other corporate or public sectors to empower, aware, and invest in sustainable and healthy lifestyles. 

Through this initiative, Unison India aims to spread awareness regarding vitamin D deficiency, its symptoms, and its causes. Observing a comprehensive response to the program, Unison has found the spark to drive this initiative to furthermore areas and expand its reach to more remote locations where basic healthcare is a luxury. 

Through education, collaboration, and investment, the backward communities can be exposed to the latest advancements in the medical field and free health camps will motivate people to actively participate in such initiatives without caring about financial burdens.