Are You Getting Enough? Experts Say “No”
Do you reap the benefits of solar power? And if you do, are you getting enough?
I’m talking here about a benefit that many people don’t take advantage of.
Even though it’s free!
According to many experts, we should be getting more sun in our daily lives.
Yes, the sun is lovely, but we’re all scared of getting cancer, so we pile on the sunscreen.
But did you know this?
Office workers are more at risk for malignant melanoma (cancer) than outside workers.
Isn’t that astonishing?
Experts say this is due to a lack of vitamin D. This vitamin helps to protect us from many cancers.
Are You Getting Enough? If Not, You’re At Risk!
- If you work long hours, commute to work in a car with the windows closed (or work from home indoors all day), and spend evenings indoors watching TV, you probably don’t have enough vitamin D.
Sunshine – enjoy it! - Children now spend less time playing outside, preferring to play computer games and watch videos.
- A 2018 study found that almost half of Americans are deficient in vitamin D – almost half!
The only way to get a sufficient amount is through a proper diet and plenty of sunshine.
We’re Cavemen!
Some scientists and doctors say that we’re the first [modern] generation of cave people.
It’s thought that Nature intended humans to take in a lot of sunlight.
But we don’t – here’s why:
- First, we shifted away from an outdoor, agricultural society to an indoor, manufacturing one.
- Then we invented the air conditioner, so people kept their windows closed (window glass helps to block out the ultraviolet rays that enable our bodies to manufacture vitamin D).
- And the final straw has been the computer and video-game craze of the last 30 years.
Essentially, you already know how much sun you can safely take in. That means not burning! Especially if you have blue eyes, fair skin and red or blond hair (like me).
Melanoma (skin cancer) claims approximately 9,000 lives in the U.S. per year, yet it is estimated that more than 250,000 lives could be saved from cancer-related illnesses if people had the proper amount of vitamin D in their bloodstreams.
Yes – it’s better to get too much sun than too little.
Research suggests that light stimulates brain chemicals that improve mood. So, get outside, enjoy the sun and feel better!
Use the free power of the sun to boost your health!
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More tips –
What does SPF really mean? Sunblock vs. sunscreen? And are sunscreens safe? Your questions answered.
The safest sunscreen is the super-simple one you pour yourself!
My personal recommendation for the safest sunscreen you can buy
I get grumpy too when it isn’t sunny.
Does using sunblock also block the creation of Vitamin D?
Tim Van Milligan
Hi Tim, that is a great question! Yes, sunscreen does adversely affect the production of Vitamin D. In 2007 the Australian government promoted increased use of sunscreen. There was a marked vitamin D deficiency as a result. However, a small number of studies say the effect is negligible. From a personal perspective, I don’t like the thought of putting so many chemicals directly on my skin. Sunscreens are indeed effective at preventing burning (the manufacturers solved a customer problem / request) but the ingredients lists are pretty scary. The current general recommendation is to spend 10-15 minutes in the sun, twice a week to produce sufficient vitamin D. A healthy diet helps too! (Especially salmon, milk and fresh orange juice). And presumably vitamin tablets can help – but they don’t quite have the same feel-good factor as sitting in the sun! Hope this helps!
I love the sun! Like you, I also get grumpy when the sun doesn’t shine for a couple of days. I definitely need to see that glowing ball in the sky often. I can totally believe those statistics as well. I’m sure that most of us are deficient in vitamin D. We really do have to focus on getting kids outside more. Thank you for the information!
Lisa McLellan
Babysitting Services, Nanny Services, and Nanny agencies
Thank you so very much for the new book! I am so excited!!
Thank you for my new book. I can’t wait to start putting it into action. Naomi and I have solar panels here in Las Vegas, a place well known for sun. Another reason solar panels aren’t employed so highly in heavy sunlit areas is the fact that heat has a negative effect of them. It is kind of a wash as far as solar energy available vs. loss by heat. I will say 9 months of the year we benefit from the free solar power. Now, I’m an air conditioning repairman so I’m pretty sure I get my fair share of Vitamin D.
We have the same problem here in Spain. We have a lot of sun but very few people use solar pannels. Countries like Germany or Holland with 3 times less sun use those pannels a lot. Don0t know why we are not using them more…
Hats off! No wait,didn’t put on the sunblock. Hats on to Vitamin D.
When a doctor prescribes Vitamin D, you know he is saying to get your but outdoors! While I am a very strong believer in the Solar Water Heaters and how great they are, I am an even bigger advocate for getting outside and seeing the sun!
It’s amazing to me how Vit D has become such an issue and it is because of how we have become cave dwellers and too fearful of the sun, using sunblock that eliminates the benefits as well.
My children’s doctor has told us to give our kids Vit D supplements when this is something we never heard as children. Sometimes if feels like we replace one problem with another.
Jennifer Battaglino
One more benefit to NOT owning a car is sunny Costa Rica! I walk in to town every day and get groceries, mail AND my daily dose of Vitamin D!!! I know that it would be even MORE healthy if I did not have to pass so many bakeries along the way….I am exercising my will power as well I guess!
Sonya Lenzo
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