Fun In The Sun

Sunny Sunny Days...

Here in the UK we see the Sun roughly around as many times a Unicorn in a year, Saying that we are having some glorious weather currently.

So fingers crossed that these sunny days are here to stay, I thought I would point out a few issues on the Sun and your health.

Now the big one here is Vitamin D.

The direct sunlight on our skin triggers a reaction in the cells and that reaction is the formation of vitamin D.

Vitamin D has a few very important functions – it helps absorb and regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body which the body needs to keep the bones and teeth healthy. It also supports the immune system.

Furthermore, a wide variety of studies have discovered that vitamin D even goes way beyond that. Researchers have discovered that it is active in many tissues and controls an enormous number of genes including some associated with non-skin cancer, autoimmune disease and infection. A recent study has identified that sufficient levels of it reduce the risk of heart attack and extend lifespan.

But how much sun is enough?

Short daily periods of sun exposure (about 10-15mins) are enough for most people. However, if you are dark-skinned you may need longer than that and the larger the area of skin exposed to sun, the better.

Nevertheless, as here in England, we suffer from sun deficiency, you can get vitamin d from oily fish (salmon, sardines and mackerel), eggs, fortified fat spreads and fortified breakfast cereals, and powdered milk.

Some Tips when out in the Sun:-

• Fluids -  

Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water – you’ll be loosing more fluid than usual so it’s important you stay hydrated. On the plus side, it will help you cleanse your body from toxins and perhaps lose weight.For every 2lbs – 1 ounce of water is needed!
Try to avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks (no matter how refreshing the beer might taste) as they dehydrate the body.
 

•  Suncream - 

Use sunscreen – as tempting as sunbathing is, bear in mind that it can be hazardous. It’s bad enough that the skin feels painfully irritable when it gets sun burnt, but it may lead to other more severe complications such as skin cancer.

• Shade -

The sun is most dangerous between 11am and 3pm so try to avoid staying out for too long during that time of the day. If you must, try to stay/walk under the shades.

• Keep Cool - 

 If the weather gets unbearably hot, shut the windows or just pull down the shades. And keep the room ventilated.
When out, wear loose clothing and clothes that protect the predominant part of your body. And don’t forget to wear a hat!

 If you think your already Sun Savvy then double check here. 

Remember go outside and have fun but please be very careful.

Sam.
FitandFull.