News for You and Your Pet

By Woody McMahon

Good Sun, Bad Sun

Human beings have been benefiting from the sun for thousands of years. It is only recently that the sun has become something to avoid. The current message of cover-up or run the risk of skin cancer has put people in a terrible predicament. You need the sun's rays to maintain good health especially when it comes to producing adequate amounts of vitamin D. The trick is to get enough sun to improve your health but not too much to
damage your skin.

Some Ultraviolet Radiation is Good

For our discussion, there are basically two types of ultraviolet light, ultraviolet A and B. Ultraviolet A (UVA) contributes to tanning but also carries with it the potential for premature aging and wrinkles. Ultraviolet B (UVB), known as the "tanning" ray, is best known for producing vitamin D but it can also cause sunburns. If you get too much, both types of UV light can severely damage your skin and lead to skin cancer. UV rays are more intense in the summer, at higher altitudes, and closer to the equator. At latitudes above 34 degrees, UV light is almost non-existent in the winter months, due to the angle of the sun.

Sun Therapy

When UVB light from the sun strikes your skin it begins a cascade of
chemical reactions leading to vitamin D production. We are now learning that every single cell in your body needs vitamin D for good health. Just like everything else, some sun exposure is good; a lot can detrimental. Research has found that 10 to 15 minutes of full body sun exposure every other day is adequate to produce enough vitamin D for good health. Experts are now learning that a lack of sun exposure may be more dangerous than too much. Can you get too much sun? Absolutely yes! After 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure, your skin begins to get damaged. That is when covering-up or getting out of the sun is your best option for skin protection.

Multiple Health Benefits

There is a well-documented relationship between low vitamin D levels and poor bone health. Now links to low vitamin D levels have been made to almost every major cancer. Getting some sun may also shake off the
wintertime blues. Research suggests that light hitting your skin, not just your eyes, helps reverse seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Moreover, being outside golfing, gardening, and engaging in other types of physical activity is good for your health. In addition, UVB irradiance and vitamin D also provide important health benefits in preventing or ameliorating such conditions or diseases as osteoporosis, muscle pain, multiple sclerosis,type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure.

Get Your Sun On

Your body was clearly designed to produce vitamin D from sun exposure. How do we know? There are no significant amounts of vitamin D naturally occurring in the foods you eat. If there were, adequate levels of vitamin D could then be obtained from your diet. This is just impossible to do. Supplements can be used to improve vitamin D levels but because of the substantial amounts required, a blood test is necessary to prevent overdosing. When sun exposure is used to increase vitamin D levels, your skin has a natural protection mechanism that stops production thus preventing an overdose. Just remember that the sun is your friend. As long as you use it wisely your body and health will thank you for it.

High stress living can cause excess weight gain! Follow the Fresh Start Healthy Weight system and you'll reduce your weight and improve your health at the same time. We provide the education, motivation and accountability necessary to improve your health while helping you feel and look your best. For a no cost consultation, please call Woody McMahon at 703-464-5171 or email Woody@SequoiaHealth.com.