With
cancers gaining more prominence in global health issues, little wonder that one
of the first things that comes to mind on the topic of sun exposure is skin
cancer. Skin aging and cataracts are other common health and beauty concerns.
Yet one forgets how the sun has always symbolized good things – happiness,
light, even the Chinese character for sun literally means positive. In actuality,
sun exposure at a safe level is important to health. It is one of the major
sources of Vitamin D, which is crucial for many important functions like
absorption of calcium and strengthening of the body’s immune system. Recently,
a research has implied that exposure to sunlight, or Vitamin D, can even help
long-suffering asthma patients be rid of this pesky life-endangering illness.
One can
argue that popping Vitamin D pills is a good alternative. But the sun offers
something that no pills or vitamins can possibly give – happiness. And
happiness is one of the things that even a visit to the doctor can’t help.
Natural
sunlight helps to increase endorphins, hormones that lift our spirits. Those
who live in countries with four seasons and extreme winters will probably
appreciate this better. In winter months, some people fall victim to Seasonal
affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression caused by lack of natural
sunlight. Sufferers experience fatigue, gloom, change in appetite, fitful sleep
and despair.
Meanwhile, a study revealed in the June 30, 1999, issue of
"Psychiatry Research" states that exposure to bright white light can
even ease symptoms of nonseasonal forms of depression, such as PMDD, or premenstrual
dysphoric disorder, a plight that bothers many women (and their significant
others).
Many of us complain about our hot weather all year round, but we should consider ourselves lucky for not having to put up with seasonal problems like SAD. Instead, let’s try to make the best of what we can, by getting out and about and enjoying the sun, instead of holing up at home with our computers, game consoles and other gadgets!
Many of us complain about our hot weather all year round, but we should consider ourselves lucky for not having to put up with seasonal problems like SAD. Instead, let’s try to make the best of what we can, by getting out and about and enjoying the sun, instead of holing up at home with our computers, game consoles and other gadgets!
Skin cancer
is still a real threat, so it is still important to enjoy sun exposure in
moderation.
Generally,
you need about 15 – 30 minutes of unprotected sun exposure on your limbs for at
least 2 to 4 times a week. No sunblock, no hat. Let the UV rays enter your skin
uninhibited. And no, you do not just stand out there for 30 minutes without
rest. Frequent, intermittent exposures are safest, and can be a welcome break
to monotony and the freezing air-conditioned indoors. When you take short
breaks at work, consider heading out of your building for ten minutes to get
some sun, instead of going to the pantry.
In
addition, the amount of time you should be exposed to the sun differs for
different people. The darker your skin, the more sun you need, because the
melanin pigment in dark skin is a natural protection against the absorption of
UV rays. Elderly people will also need more sun exposure as aged skin has a
reduced ability in converting sunlight into vitamin D.
On cloudier
days when the sun is less intense, you can afford to stay out longer soaking up
the rays.
The Health
Promotion Board recommends that the best time to get unprotected sun exposure
is between 10am and 3pm in Singapore .
Listen to
your body. No one rule works for everyone. If your skin is turning visibly red,
or if you’re experiencing a headache or discomfort from the sun, you should
head indoors immediately. Some people have more sensitive or delicate skin, or
simply have been indoors for too long, and may require some time to adjust
before they can enjoy the full thirty minutes of sun exposure. Wear sunglasses
to protect your eyes when the sun is strong, and never look directly at the
sun.
Have a
sunny long weekend!
Sources:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-22570859
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