HEALTH

The UK still has Daylight Saving Time, despite 80% of the world not changing its clocks. This can be a disadvantage when it comes to vitamin D, which can affect regulation of the immune system, the neuromuscular system, the life cycle of human cells, and calcium for bones.

According to consumer data from Medichecks, over half (52%) of us are insufficient or deficient in vitamin D in February, yet only 24% show low levels in August.

Dr Sam Rodgers, GP and MD of Medichecks, says get checked. “Insufficient vitamin D is damaging,” he said.

“You are more likely to catch respiratory infections and it takes longer to recover from illness. We see increased levels of autoimmune disease in those who lack vitamin D – this includes problems like hypothyroidism and MS. There are also increased rates of heart disease, and it is needed in thinking and memory.”

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include lower mood, more infections, struggling to concentrate, back pain and feeling tired and weak.

Research on the impact of stress has found 35% of employees regularly miss family occasions or personal engagements due to work. Fresh concerns over work-life balance are highlighted for International Stress Awareness Day tomorrow. A third of employees don’t like their job, with not being paid enough the top issue (9%). New research by CABA, a charity that supports the wellbeing of chartered accountants, reveals we miss at least 26 family events or social outings a year.

Director Kelly Feehan said: “You don’t just work then go home – 68% of employees check work emails when on leave and off sick to show they need to be connected to the office 24/7. This expectation needs to go if we want happy and productive employees.”

Martin Bagot is the Mirror’s Health Correspondent