Pithoragarh District Hospital data have brought nutrition and health concerns among women in the border district into focus. Around 6,000 people underwent vitamin-D testing over the past year, and approximately 3,200, or nearly 51%, were found to have a deficiency.
Women accounted for 1,920 of those cases, or 60%, while men made up 1,280 cases, or 40%. The affected women included those in the 18 to 50 age group. District hospital officials said working women, particularly in rural areas, are facing difficulty getting adequate morning sunlight.
Why women are at greater risk
Doctors said women in the hill region often manage household duties, livestock care and employment. These responsibilities can make it difficult to spend time in the morning sun, which doctors identified as a major reason for the deficiency.
Dr Ravi Joshi, a physiotherapist at District Hospital, Pithoragarh, said vitamin-D deficiency was more common among working women because they were not receiving enough morning sunlight. He said women needed to pay special attention to their health.
The reported problems include bone pain, body aches, tiredness, severe back and muscle pain, increased hair loss and fatigue even after a full night’s sleep. Stress has also been reported among people dealing with the deficiency. Doctors said injuries and surgical wounds may take longer to heal in such patients.
Role of calcium and vitamin D
Doctors said vitamin D helps the intestines absorb calcium from food. When vitamin-D levels are low, the body cannot absorb dietary calcium properly, which can lead to physical disorders.
Vitamin D also helps regulate the activity of cells involved in strengthening bones. The hospital’s advice highlights the importance of addressing vitamin-D deficiency alongside adequate calcium intake.
Measures suggested by doctors
Doctors advised people to spend some time in mild morning sunlight. They recommended keeping the hands, back and legs exposed while sitting in the sun.
The advice also includes yoga and a diet containing milk, curd, eggs, mushrooms, salad and green vegetables. These measures were listed as part of efforts to support bone and overall health.
The figures from the district hospital point to a substantial burden among people tested, with women forming the larger share of identified cases. The findings also underline the health pressures faced by working women in rural and mountainous areas.
Conclusion
Pithoragarh District Hospital data show vitamin-D deficiency in approximately 3,200 of around 6,000 people tested over the past year. Women represented 60% of those cases, and doctors advised attention to morning sunlight, yoga and a balanced diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many people were tested for vitamin-D deficiency?
Around 6,000 people underwent vitamin-D testing at the district hospital over the past year.
Q. How many people were found to have a deficiency?
Approximately 3,200 people, or nearly 51% of those tested, were found to have vitamin-D deficiency.
Q. What proportion of the deficiency cases were women?
Women accounted for 1,920 cases, representing 60% of the identified deficiency cases.
Q. Which symptoms were reported with vitamin-D deficiency?
Reported problems included bone pain, body aches, tiredness, back and muscle pain, increased hair loss, fatigue after sleep and stress.
Q. What measures did doctors suggest?
Doctors advised spending some time in mild morning sunlight, practising yoga and consuming milk, curd, eggs, mushrooms, salad and green vegetables.
