Latest news with #LongShuang
The Sun
6 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Tan-hating woman who covered every inch of her skin from sunlight suffers broken BONE just from rolling over in bed
MADE OF GLASS She always covered her body from head to toe, rarely wore short sleeves outside and always applied sunscreen A WOMAN who covered every inch of her skin from sunlight because she hated being tanned broke her bone just by rolling in her bed. The woman, 48, is said to be suffering from extreme vitamin D deficiency which made her bones so brittle that they broke even when she casually rolled in her bed. 4 4 The bizarre news broke in China's Chengdu region, where the woman was rushed to the hospital after experiencing a bone fracture from merely rolling over in bed. Long Shuang, an attending doctor in the emergency department at XinDu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, revealed that it was a consequence of her prolonged avoidance of sunlight. This led to a severe calcium deficiency in the woman's body, which weakened her bones - so much so that her shoulder bone got crushed by the weight of her own body. Medical tests revealed that her vitamin D level was critically low, which had accelerated bone resorption and led to severe osteoporosis. According to Shuang, the woman had shunned sun exposure since childhood. She always covered her body from head to toe, rarely wore short sleeves outside, and always applied sunscreen, the South China Morning Post reported. It is unclear if the woman's family knew about the prolonged habit of avoiding sunlight. Jiang Xiaobing, Chief Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, issued a warning after the shocking case emerged. He said: It is now common to see people fully covered from head to toe for sun protection – this is indeed unhealthy. "All the bones in our body regenerate every 10 years, but from age 30, we begin to lose bone mass at a rate of 0.5 to 1 per cent per year. "Low calcium intake, lack of sun exposure, and vitamin D deficiency all hinder calcium absorption. A sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and excessive drinking also compromise bone health. 'We need to ensure adequate calcium intake, exercise regularly, and limit smoking and drinking." The shocking incident rocked people in China, where avoiding sunlight is said to have become a trend lately. The bizarre news quickly drew public attention in China. One person wrote on social media: 'This is unbelievable – she broke her bone just by turning over in bed?' Another added: 'This is so extreme. Was she also crash dieting in addition to avoiding the sun? Seriously, everyone needs some sunlight every day.' A third wrote: 'Sadly, this reflects how society has conditioned many Chinese women to prioritise fair skin over their health.' Vitamin D is essential for keeping bones, teeth and muscles healthy. It is vital to help your body absorb calcium as well as strengthen the immune system. And according to the British Dietetic Association, even if you have a calcium-rich diet, without enough vitamin D you cannot absorb the calcium into your bones and cells where it is needed. What happens during vitamin D deficiency PEOPLE who don't get enough of the vitamin are more likely to suffer recurring headaches. Vitamin D deficiency is also linked to rickets, heart disease, osteoporosis and cancer. The body makes vitamin D when exposed to sunlight – so those in cooler and less sunny climates have a higher risk. People with darker skin need more sunlight than those with pale skin to generate enough vitamin D. Those who spend most of their time indoors or have their skin covered when outdoors are upping the risk. Also vulnerable are people with long-standing conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis. Symptoms include: Muscle or joint pain and weakness Tiredness/fatigue Bone pain Low mood The following vitamin D-rich foods can help: Oily fish such as salmon, sardines, pilchards, trout, herring, kippers and eel contain reasonable amounts of vitamin D Cod liver oil contains a lot of vitamin D, but pregnant women should not take this Egg yolk, meat, offal and milk contain small amounts which vary during the seasons Margarine, some breakfast cereals, infant formula milk and some yoghurts have added vitamin D 4
News18
26-05-2025
- Health
- News18
She Used Sunscreen For Years, Ended Up In The Hospital With Broken Bones
Last Updated: A 48-year-old woman in China fractured a bone from rolling over in bed due to extreme Vitamin D deficiency from lifelong sun avoidance and excessive sunscreen use In an unsettling case from China that has sparked debate across social media platforms, a 48-year-old woman's bones were found so brittle that a simple turn in bed caused a fracture, an alarming consequence of a long-standing aversion to sunlight and overuse of sunscreen. Doctors at a hospital in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, were left stunned when the woman arrived with a broken bone, not from a fall or accident, but from simply rolling over while lying down. Medical investigations revealed that her condition was the result of an extreme deficiency of Vitamin D, a nutrient essential for calcium absorption and bone health. The case underscores a growing health dilemma in parts of the world, where cultural ideals equating fair skin with beauty have led many to go to great lengths to avoid sun exposure. In this particular instance, doctors noted that the woman had been avoiding the sun since childhood. She wore long sleeves, shunned short-sleeved shirts, and never stepped outside without a thick layer of sunscreen. Dr Long Shuang, one of the attending physicians, said the woman's lifestyle choices had effectively blocked her body's ability to produce Vitamin D, which is synthesised in the skin upon exposure to sunlight. Over the years, this led to severe osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them so porous that even slight pressure can lead to fractures. 'She had no significant falls or trauma," said Dr Shuang, adding that her bones were so brittle that the mere act of rolling over caused them to break. Medical professionals pointed out that the body renews its skeletal structure roughly every decade, but bone mass begins to decline steadily after the age of 30. According to Dr Jiang Xiaobing, the average person loses about 0.5 to 1 percent of bone mass annually after that age, an issue exacerbated by a lack of sunlight. 'Sunlight plays a crucial role in Vitamin D production, Dr Jiang explained, 'Without it, the body's ability to maintain bone density is compromised." While sunscreen is vital for protecting skin from harmful ultraviolet rays and reducing the risk of skin cancer, experts are now cautioning against its excessive use. Blocking all UV exposure may come at the cost of other vital physiological functions, such as Vitamin D synthesis. In China, where pale skin remains a standard of beauty, sunscreen is often used in combination with physical barriers – hats, gloves, parasols, and long clothing – to completely block the sun. The result, as highlighted by this case, may be an unintended health crisis. The story has since gone viral on Chinese social media, prompting thousands to question whether their own sun-avoidant routines might carry unseen risks. Many users expressed surprise that such seemingly benign beauty habits could lead to debilitating outcomes. Doctors are urging a balanced approach: responsible sunscreen use should be paired with limited, safe exposure to sunlight to allow for natural Vitamin D production. 'Moderation is key," said Dr Shuang, adding that one must protect themselves from skin damage, and should not forget that bodies also need sunlight to function properly. First Published: May 26, 2025, 18:09 IST
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Woman who avoided sunlight breaks bone from rolling over in bed: Signs of dangerous Vitamin D deficiency
Not a fall, not an accident, a Chinese woman suffered from a surprising fracture while turning over in her bed in her sleep. While this may seem shocking at first, it was revealed that the 48-year-old woman had shunned sun exposure since her childhood, which had led to the development of severe osteoporosis. Afraid of getting tanned, the woman from Chengdu, in southwestern China's Sichuan province, avoided short sleeves and always applied sunscreen while stepping out. However, her extreme sun avoidance landed her in soup after it became clear that she developed severe osteoporosis due to crucially low Vitamin D levels. Long Shuang, an attending doctor in the emergency department at XinDu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, told the outlet that the woman had avoided sun exposure since childhood, rarely wore short sleeves outdoors, and applied sunscreen while stepping out. Tests done upon her hospital admission disclosed the severe vitamin D deficiency, which had accelerated bone resorption, causing severe osteoporosis. Why sunlight is important for bone health Calcium is important for healthy bones and Vitamin D lays an important role in its efficient absorption. Without sunlight Vitamin D won't be synthesized well which could compromise absorption of calcium as well. When our skin is exposed to sunlight, the natural process of vitamin D production starts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Kickstart your new journey with the Honda Shine 125 Honda Learn More Undo Just a few minutes of sunshine everyday can help sort this process. When we avoid the sun for prolonged periods, it can wreak havoc on our bone health. Vitamin D, also nicknamed 'sunshine vitamin' doesn't just boost bone health, it also supports our immune system, keeps muscles functioning, and helps prevent brittle bones. Long-term sun avoidance, whether due to sedentary lifestyle or a fear of tanning, can eventually lead to serious consequences like fragile bones, recurring illness, and overall fatigue. Many women are going to extreme measures to shield themselves from the sun by wearing wide-brimmed visors, sun-protection gloves, cooling face masks, and lightweight UV-resistant hoodies. While this can provide protection against the harsh UV rays and reduce risk of skin cancer, going overboard can lead to critical Vitamin D deficiency, like this woman experienced. Signs of critical Vitamin D deficiency Severe osteoporosis Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, crucial for maintaining bone density. A deficiency can result in decreased calcium absorption, leading to osteoporosis, a condition characterized by brittle and fragile bones. This increases the risk of fractures, even with minimal trauma. In severe cases, individuals may experience fractures from everyday activities, such as rolling over in bed. Osteomalacia In adults, prolonged vitamin D deficiency can cause osteomalacia, leading to bone pain and muscle weakness. This condition results from impaired bone mineralization, making bones soft and more susceptible to deformities and fractures. Depression Vitamin D plays an important role in brain health. The deficiency of this essential vitamin has been linked to mood disorders, including depression and anxiety. Some studies suggest that low vitamin D levels may affect neurotransmitter function, influencing mood regulation. Muscle weakness and cramps Low vitamin D levels can lead to muscle weakness, cramps, and aches. This is due to impaired calcium metabolism affecting muscle function. In severe cases, individuals may have difficulty climbing stairs or rising from a seated position. Fatigue Persistent fatigue and a general sense of tiredness can be symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. While these symptoms are non-specific, studies have found correlations between low vitamin D levels and increased fatigue. Dental problems Vitamin D deficiency can lead to dental problems, including tooth decay and gum disease. This is due to its role in calcium absorption and bone health, which are vital for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Hair loss While hair loss can result from various factors, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition characterized by severe hair loss. Study casts more doubt on vitamin D pills, says it doesn't prevent heart disease or cancer One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
The Star
23-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Chinese woman, afraid of tanning, suffers fractures from rolling over in bed
A Chinese woman, who was so fearful of tanning that she had never worn short sleeves, ended up suffering a fracture simply by turning over in her sleep. The incident has shocked many on Chinese social media. The case emerged on May 14 when Long Shuang, an attending doctor in the emergency department at XinDu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, shared the unusual incident. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. The 48-year-old woman from Chengdu, in southwestern China's Sichuan province, whose name has not been disclosed, experienced a bone fracture from merely rolling over in bed, a consequence of her prolonged and excessive avoidance of sunlight. According to Long, the woman had shunned sun exposure since childhood, rarely wore short sleeves outdoors, and always applied sunscreen. While it remains unclear whether she or her family ever voiced concerns about her extreme sun-avoidance habits, the repercussions became serious after her injury. Upon admission, medical tests revealed that her vitamin D level was critically low, which had accelerated bone resorption and led to severe osteoporosis. Given that sunlight plays a vital role in enabling the body to synthesise vitamin D – which is essential for bone health and aids in calcium absorption – long-term avoidance of sunlight can result in a range of health issues, including weakened bones and diminished immunity. As sun protection trends gain traction across China, with women extensively shielding themselves from the sun using wide-brimmed visors, sun-protection gloves, cooling face masks, and lightweight UV-resistant hoodies – layering to guard against harsh UV rays – experts are voicing concerns about the potential health risks associated with excessive sun avoidance. Jiang Xiaobing, Chief Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, issued a warning in an online video. 'It is now common to see people fully covered from head to toe for sun protection – this is indeed unhealthy. All the bones in our body regenerate every 10 years, but from age 30, we begin to lose bone mass at a rate of 0.5 to 1 per cent per year. Low calcium intake, lack of sun exposure, and vitamin D deficiency all hinder calcium absorption. A sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and excessive drinking also compromise bone health.' 'We need to ensure adequate calcium intake, exercise regularly, and limit smoking and drinking. For instance, no more than two cans of beer per day if the alcohol content is five per cent. Menopausal women, in particular, should be exceptionally cautious,' he advised. The news, reported by Haibao News, quickly went viral, sparking a wave of online reactions. One person commented: 'This is unbelievable – she broke her bone just by turning over in bed?' Another added: 'This is so extreme. Was she also crash dieting in addition to avoiding the sun? Seriously, everyone needs some sunlight every day.' A third remarked: 'Sadly, this reflects how society has conditioned many Chinese women to prioritise fair skin over their health.' More from South China Morning Post: For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2025.
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Woman who avoided sunlight to prevent tanning breaks bone while turning in bed
In an unusual and alarming case, a 48-year-old woman from Chengdu, Sichuan province, China, suffered a bone fracture simply by turning over in her sleep, an injury doctors linked to years of excessive sun avoidance, reported the South China Morning Post. The case came to light after Dr. Long Shuang, an attending physician at the emergency department of XinDu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, shared details of the incident. According to Dr. Long, the woman had avoided sunlight since childhood, never wore short sleeves outdoors, and was meticulous about sun protection to maintain fair skin. Also read: Scotsman travels on India's 'worst airline' and leaves pleasantly surprised. Watch This extreme lifestyle eventually led to a critical deficiency in vitamin D, which plays a vital role in calcium absorption and maintaining bone strength. Medical tests upon her admission confirmed that the woman had developed severe osteoporosis, making her bones so fragile that even the slightest movement caused a fracture. While it is not known whether her family ever raised concerns about her sun-avoidance habits, the injury served as a stark wake-up call to the hidden dangers of extreme sun protection. The incident has reignited a national conversation around China's growing trend of aggressive sun shielding, particularly among women, reported the outlet. It is increasingly common to see people using wide-brimmed visors, long gloves, face masks, and UV-resistant clothing to guard against sun exposure. This cultural shift has drawn criticism from health professionals. Jiang Xiaobing, Chief Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, warned about the unintended consequences of such practices in an online video. 'It is now common to see people fully covered from head to toe for sun protection – this is indeed unhealthy. All the bones in our body regenerate every 10 years, but from age 30, we begin to lose bone mass at a rate of 0.5 to 1 per cent per year. Low calcium intake, lack of sun exposure, and vitamin D deficiency all hinder calcium absorption. A sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and excessive drinking also compromise bone health.' 'We need to ensure adequate calcium intake, exercise regularly, and limit smoking and drinking. For instance, no more than two cans of beer per day if the alcohol content is five per cent. Menopausal women, in particular, should be exceptionally cautious,' he advised. Also read: 'You want Google output at $8,000 per year?': Indian techie lashes out at US clients, asks them to 'chill'
