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November 2^nd marks our 7^th annual Vitamin D Day. Each year, we dedicate this day to spreading awareness on vitamin D in hopes of ending the world wide vitamin D deficiency pandemic.

Vitamin D deficiency affects individuals throughout the world. In fact, researchers believe that at least 1/3 of the population is vitamin D deficient. As a result, several organizers are reaching out to their communities to help spread awareness and put an end to this issue.

You may be asking why so many people are vitamin D deficient. Well, since our bodies produce vitamin D when exposed to the sun, the indoor lifestyle and sun avoidance practices among much of the world’s population in today’s society has led to this widespread vitamin D deficiency.

During the winter months, receiving adequate vitamin D from the sun is even more challenging. This is due to the angle at which the sun’s rays enter the Earth’s atmosphere, thereby preventing vitamin D production from taking place in the skin. During this time, it is important to seek other sources, such as supplements or UVB lamps.

Researchers have discovered that low vitamin D status is linked with the prevalence of at least 45 chronic health conditions, including various autoimmune disorders, several types of cancer, inflammatory disorders and various infections. In order to reduce the risk of developing these diseases, organizers all over the world are stepping forward to help spread awareness on the importance of vitamin D and health.

Back in 2009, InspireHealth, a health center in Vancouver, Canada, established Vitamin D Day on November 2nd in their region. Prior to this date, the Vitamin D Society, a public health non-profit focusing on vitamin D and health, recognized November as Vitamin D Awareness Month for several years.

This grassroots public health movement inspired Dr. James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Alberni, Canada, to introduce Bill C-388, An Act to establish National Vitamin D Day on November 2nd in Canada.

Since November 2^nd 2012, Vitamin D Council and Grassroots Health, two United States nonprofit organizations, have been expanding these outreach efforts in an attempt to make Vitamin D Day a global movement.

Please check out the Vitamin D Day website at www.vitamindday.net for more information on how to get involved. The organizers of this movement also have a Facebook group at www.facebook.com/vitamindday.

About Vitamin D Day

Vitamin D Day takes place November 2^nd each year. Organizers are calling for people to learn more about vitamin D, educate others and participate on this day. Please visit www.vitamindday.net to learn more about vitamin D and find out how you can help spread awareness on the importance of vitamin D.