Are You a Sun Worshipper?

Most people love the sun. It offers warmth, light and a general cheerful feeling to those who bask under its glory. For others it offers a fear of burns, rashes and horrible cancers. Doctors and dermatologists have driven home the fear of all of these things, through constant lectures and scientific research, warning us all of the dire consequences of too much sun exposure.

We relent, believing these medical studies, and lather on tons of oils, creams and lotions to ward off all of those harmful UV rays we've been warned about. Some go so far as to avoid direct sunlight, and remain indoors, fearful of the effects of exposure.

A new advocacy group has decided to challenge all of the years of studies, citing that these studies have scared people into believing things that just aren't true. They have been actively campaigning the virtues of sunlight and exposing what they call the "hypes and myths" of sun exposure.

One such person who has been quite public in his defense of the sun is Dan Humiston, who also happens to be the President of the Indoor Tanning Association. Mr. Humiston was featured on the Mike and Juliet Morning Show, and debated his beliefs with Dermatologist, Debra Wattenberg. Wattenberg called this "sun is good for you" campaign "outrageous" and claimed these new sun advocates had "no scientific data to back up their statements"

This advocacy group, who can be found at www.sunlightscam.org contends that UV rays, either from the sun, or a tanning bed, are natural sources of Vitamin D, and that natural exposure will help ward off heart disease, strokes, osteoporosis and even some types of cancer. They believe that the body's natural ability to make Vitamin D is much healthier than adding man made sources of the Vitamin.

Web sources like http://middlepath.com.au/quol/sunlight.php seem to agree with the sun advocates, and contend that 10 to 15 minutes of direct sun exposure, at least 3 times a week, is enough to maintain the proper amount of Vitamin D, for optimum health. This report also advises that "unnatural" supplements of Vitamin D can lead to an unhealthy toxicity level.

Some Doctors are starting to agree with these newly surfaced reports. Dr. Michael Holick is the author of "The UV Advantage" and has been studding the health benefits of the sun for years. These sun advocates offer the theory that the human body was created to survive and work best with regular exposure to the sun.

Perhaps there is something to their theory, as our past ancestors spent many hours toiling in the blazing sun to work the land. Old Country Doc's gave the advice to "get some sun."

Even today's doctors admit to the "blues and depression" of winter, when people don't get as much sunlight. As, countries rediscover the benefits of "going green" by using more natural products, this could be just one more "step back" to what works for free, versus something someone can sell.

Which version is true? Do you go enjoy the sun, or do you lather up the lotions? That is something you'll have to decide, because apparently, the people we rely on for such information, keep changing their minds. "Good Day Sunshine....."

Disclaimer: This article in no way suggests that you are safe to go frolic in the sun, unprotected. It is simply to inform you of the conflicting reports as to the sun's safety and Vitamin D sources. Please do your research and decide for yourself how much sun or vitamin supplements are safe for you.