Sunshine, Vitamin D, and your health

This isn't the first day of Fall, but it feels like it.

We're had a warm and sultry September and early October, and this is the first day when it actually feels cool here in North Carolina.

The problem is that we are heading into that time when we're spending less and less time outside, and getting less and less sun exposure.

Which isn't good. Because we need more sunshine, rather than less.

That's not what you've been told for the last 30 years or so, when it's been preached that we should avoid sun exposure, slather on chemical-laden sunscreens, and wear a hat on the beach.

Scientists are finally coming around to understanding what humans have instinctively known for years: sun exposure not only feels good, but is good for you.

This article tells it better than I can.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-05-21-doctors-sunshine-good_x.htm

What I would encourage is this:

1. Get as much sun exposure as you can. When it's warm, go outside, uncovered, for at least 15-20 minutes per day.

2. When you can't (winter months, for most folks), go to a tanning bed. Start slowly, maybe a 5 minute tan first, and then work up to 10 or 15 minutes, 3 times a week. Make sure you use eye protection.

Your body needs UV rays to produce vitamin D. Get those UV rays from the sun, if you can, and from a tanning bed if you can't.