Fun In The Sun Tips…

Summer is here! Our gardens have been planted.  Vacation plans made.  The grandchildren are ready to come; the swimsuits have been pulled out, and we’re all ready for the glorious sunshine!  Right?  Well, not so fast.   Didn’t the last weatherman say the sun is bad for our skin and we’re at risk for skin cancer– to be cautious about the ultraviolet rays…

It’s true that  too much sun can dry and damage the skin.  True, too much sun can put you at risk for skin cancer and cataracts.  But lets look at the ‘bright’ side of things.  Sunshine is one of the glorious 8 Laws of Health! The benefits are too numerous to list here.  For starters, outside of the fact that the sunshine is responsible for the growth and  beauty of our fruits and vegetables, it gives a wholesome glow to our skin.   The UV rays actually kill bacteria, yeast, fungi, viruses, molds, even water and air mites on our skin and other surfaces..  Our body will build up a natural resistance to the harmful effects of ultraviolet light as well as act as a natural antiseptic.

In terms of some ailments, the sun has been known to clear up various skin diseases known to so many , young and old alike such as eczema, athletes foot, boils, psoriasis, and acne.  It can also stimulate circulation, and multiply red blood cells (increasing O2  in the blood), balances hormones, based on some studies, sunlight can decrease risk of breast, prostate, and colon cancers, and helps to convert a form of cholesterol into vitamin D.

There are precautions to take to help us protect our body and enjoy more sunshine.  A simple short-list would include:

•  Keep body well hydrated
•  Wear a sun hat or cap
•  Don sunglasses that protect from the harmful rays
•  Enjoy gauze and linen clothing that breathe

So go ahead, enjoy your summertime play in the sun!

According to the AJCN  (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition), your chances of getting cancer could increase by as much as 70% if you don’t get enough direct sunlight.