Nearly 37% of adults worldwide have vitamin D levels below the recommended amounts, according to research published in the journal Metabolites. In the U.S., studies have found that 14% to 18% of adults have low levels of vitamin D.
Without enough vitamin D, bones may become weak and brittle over time. Other signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include muscle weakness, fatigue and a weakened immune system. Some also report changes in their mood and ability to concentrate. If this deficiency is overlooked, these symptoms could lead to further problems like falls and misdiagnosis then leading to possible antipsychotic use.
Some people are more at risk for too little intake or absorption of vitamin D, including older adults; specifically, those in long-term care facilities. In this Webinar, Dr. Beth Sanford will share how we can improve resident and patient outcomes through a better understanding of Vitamin D testing and vitamin D education and new established guidelines within healthcare communities can establish solid professional preventative practices, while addressing a safe, effective, low-cost intervention that can make a big health impact.
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | 3:00 pm- 4:00 pm CST
Objectives:
- Understand the basis for scientific recommendations for vitamin D – 25(OH)D – concentrations of 40-60 ng/mL.
- Understand determinants of health that impact long-term care residents’ 25(OH)D serum concentrations.
- Learn how to robust serum 25(OH)D concentrations can impact LTC resident and staff’s physical and mental health outcomes.
Speaker:
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Dr. Beth Sanford, DNP, RN, ACN, CLC, Professor of Nursing | F/M ATI Champion | NCLEX Coach, Doctor of Nursing Practice in Public Health and Policy, specializing in vitamin D translational research Dr. Beth Sanford graduated with her BSN and MSN in Rural Health Nursing with a specialization in Nursing Education from the University of North Dakota. Most recently, Beth completed her DNP in Public Health and Policy from Rasmussen University, focusing on vitamin D translational research. She has worked as a Hospice Nurse, a Migrant Health Nurse, a Public Health Nurse, a Community Health Educator, and a Nurse Manager in Long-Term Care and Memory Care. These roles shaped her love for vulnerable and underserved populations, as well as for primary prevention. In 2020, she obtained a post-graduate certificate in Applied Clinical Nutrition to better educate future nurses, colleagues, patients, and the public about the principles of integrative nutrition and advocate for vitamin D deficiency education in North Dakota. |
