We all want to live a long, happy, and healthy life, but that depends on so many factors. These factors do not, however, need to be inaccessible for those in Elderly Care. Westlake Village, CA families don’t need to go anywhere to avoid one potential problem: a deficiency of Vitamin D.
Vitamins and minerals are compounds that the body needs to function properly. Most of the time we get these needed vitamins and minerals from our diet, by eating the right foods. Vitamin D is different, however: it is also produced naturally by the body, when our skin is exposed to UVB rays that come from the sun. So even those taking advantage of an excellent elderly assisted living agency in Westlake Village, CA should make sure to get sufficient sun exposure to produce Vitamin D naturally.
But as we get more advanced in age, our ability to synthesize Vitamin D. naturally diminishes as our skin gets thinner. This is why it is important to keep an eye out for the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency. These symptoms should be known by senior care providers. Westlake Village, CA families should know if their elderly care agency is familiar with the signs of a deficiency of Vitamin D.
Some Signs of Being Vitamin D-Deficient for Senior Care in Westlake Village, CA
There are a number signs that might indicate a Vitamin D deficiency, though any severe symptoms should be diagnosed by a doctor. But the symptoms that might point to a Vitamin D deficiency include things like this.
The first symptom is drastic changes in mood or cognitive function. Dopamine and serotonin are regulated, in part, by Vitamin D. Keeping these in their proper levels can help prevent depression and even schizophrenia.
The second symptom is weight gain. Vitamin D is important in helping the body regulate fat storage, and it helps tamp down the appetite. Signals can get crossed without enough Vitamin D in the system, leading to overeating and poor fat storage.
A third symptom is weakening of the muscles and bones. Legs and arms can feel heavy during simple movements like going up stairs. And since Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, bones may become more brittle.
The fourth symptom is digestive issues. A potentially serious condition called IBD, or Inflammatory Bowel Disease, can result from a deficiency of Vitamin D. Those afflicted with IBD can have difficulty absorbing dietary fats.
And the fifth symptom is fatigue and body pain. Those with low Vitamin D may experience stiffness and joint pain across the hips and shoulders, and in other joints. This can cause people to become more sedentary, and that could lead to greater fatigue.
Excellent Senior Assisted Living Can Help
The best thing to make sure your loved one is getting the Vitamin D they need is to have excellent residential assisted living near me. Westlake Village, CA families can rely on Home Instead to provide compassionate, trained, licensed, and bonded CAREGivers. They will be on the lookout for symptoms of problems, and they will help implement a plan of action. This could be more activity in the sun, preparing more healthy foods, or sticking to a vitamin supplement regimen — whatever is medically approved for your loved one will be what the Home Instead CAREGivers will help to make happen. To learn more, call Home Instead today at (805) 429-9789.
