Although it is not yet summer and most of the country is still blanketed in snow, everyone is longing for those long sunny days and a bit of warmth. However, there is also a growing amount of concern as to whether getting that glowing tan is good for you. There has been so much emphasis on UV radiation being carcinogenic, most people are now afraid to soak up the rays. Some doctors promote spending time in the sun while others caution you against it. What is the truth? Is sunshine good for you or not? The best answer would be, that depends. As vague as it sounds, that really is the truth.
Where to Find the Answers You Need
There has been a great deal of scholarly literature released in the past few decades. Some of it, like this article published by Harvard University, is easy to understand. Other times, you’ll find that the information available on the net is written above the layperson’s level of comprehension. They are scholarly dissertations for use among medical and science professionals. There is also a great deal of good information on sites like healthrow.net.
What to Look for When Seeking Answers
If you want a simple answer, there probably isn’t one. The simplest way to put it is that sunlight, in moderation, is actually good for you. Overexposure can be dangerous. There is ample evidence that substantiates the premise that too much of certain rays from the sun can be carcinogenic. You will find expressions such as short UV rays and UVB rays and a number of other terms, which you will probably then need to research as well. What you need to look for if you are not a medical professional is simple, down-to-earth information put in terms you can understand.
The Answer May Be Simpler than You Think!
Here is the thing. Your body actually needs a certain amount of sunlight to manufacture vitamins necessary for your health. Vitamin D is a prime example. Doctors say that 10 minutes of direct exposure to sunshine will enable your body to produce ample amounts for maintenance. However, each individual is different so a few more or a few less minutes may be required. If only your arms are exposed, obviously, you will need a longer period of exposure. But, if your arms legs and some of your torso is exposed, such as when wearing a two-piece bathing suit, ten minutes a day should do fine without causing the level of overexposure that can lead to skin cancer. In addition, it is also important to protect your eyes as well as your child’s eyes by wearing sunglasses or even covering up with a hat.
If you had to sum it up, the easy answer would be that you do need sunshine for optimal health. In other words, sunshine is good for you. However, too much sun can be dangerous. Also, the right kind of sunscreen can protect you from the harmful rays while letting in the rays you need for the production of vitamins. Here is another article published on the Harvard Health website that should explain what you need to know about how much sun you need. When in doubt, remember this time-honored adage, “All things in moderation.”
