Weekly Doctor's Article

Summer Fun and the Sun

Summer’s nearly here and with it comes increased time in the sun. Here are a few things to think about whether you find yourself outside at the pool, the beach, or however you’re spending your summer:

1. How the sun can help us

   • Vitamin D is needed to:

     1. Help your body absorb calcium

     2. Promote bone growth

     3. Prevent thin, brittle and misshapen bones

   • Vitamin D can be found in food or supplements, but your body can also use sunlight to produce it naturally.

   • Sunlight exposure has also been shown to positively affect mood.

How? Increased sun exposure increases serotonin production and decreases melatonin production.

Result? You feel more energized, less sleepy or lethargic. 

2. Can the sun hurt us?

   • YES, it is possible to get too much of a good thing. Ask anybody who has ever had sunburn.

   • UV rays from the sun come in several varieties:

     1. UV-A – think A = “Aging”. These rays cause the wrinkling, aging of skin and negatively impact our immune system.

     2. UV-B: think B = “Burning”. These rays are responsible for the red skin, burns and blisters that come with too much sun exposure.

   • What about artificial UV exposure? Are tanning beds safer?

     1. There is no difference between artificial and natural UV rays in how they affect your body. They’re equally carcinogenic (cancer-causing). 

According to the American Cancer Society, there are more new cases of skin cancer every year than Breast cancer, Lung cancer, Prostate cancer, and Colon cancer. . . . COMBINED. UV exposure is the leading preventable cause of skin cancer.

3. Prevention Tips:

   • Avoid sun exposure during peak hours: 10am to 2pm.

   • Wear sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays.

     1. Not all sunscreen is created equal. SPF is a measure of how well it blocks UVB rays, so check the label to make sure it also blocks UVA. It may say “broad spectrum” protection which is the same thing.

     2. Reapply every 2 hrs in the sun, or 30 min if in water or sweating heavily

   • GET ADJUSTED REGULARLY!!!

- Visit your local Chiropractor. Lets keep that immune system functioning at an optimal level.