Surgeon General warns against the dangers of sun exposure.
The surgeon general warns about the epidemic rise in osteoporosis.
There is a direct link between osteoporosis and low Vitamin D levels.
You need the sun to manufacture Vitamin D in your skin. It’s a complicated process that has to start with the sun on bare skin… And to complicate it further, the sun’s rays have to be at a particular angle.
Dermatologists say slather on the sunscreen, yet more and more research is connecting our desperately low Vitamin D levels to a wide variety of chronic diseases. What to do?
Know your skin type.
- Fair skin requires less exposure and darker complexions need more.
- Expose areas of skin less vulnerable to sun damage (and wrinkles), perhaps just your legs.
- Short exposure…enough that when you go inside and press on the exposed area that you see a slight pinking of the skin as you release your finger.
- Try for 2-3 days a week.
Know your Vitamin D level.
Costs of tests have become surprisingly manageable.
- Ask us for more info about Vitamin D and other available tests next time you’re in.
Go for a mix of sun exposure and supplementation.
Check the UV Index in your area.
There’s an app for that! The EPA has a SunWise UV Index app.
Below 3 and you’re not getting enough of the good stuff to make Vitamin D. As I write this; the UV Index is 11 in Scottsdale… I am not going outside! Find the sweet spot and keep it short.
Use your shadow as a clue:
As long as your shadow’s length is less than your height, you should make some D.
Think it through and make a plan. Have a little fun in the sun… safely.