In my “Dumbing it Down for Better Health” blogs, I’ve tried to cut the confusion to give you some simple, helpful information. Here’s a question that’s confusing and controversial: Is sunshine good for you or bad for you?

I think sunshine has gotten a bad wrap. The sun is not only our main natural source of Vitamin D, but it also makes us happy. Everyone prefers a bright, sunny day to a cloudy, dismal one. Yet, every where we turn someone is telling us to “stay out of the sun!” It’s a big, scary monster and we have to avoid it at all costs.

The warnings have come because of the epidemic of skin cancer. The diminished ozone layer, tanning beds, and the preference that most people have for a healthy tan as opposed to pale skin have caused this epidemic. The dermatologists have a valid point.

I know first hand about skin cancer. I had a large basal cell carcinoma removed from the end of my nose! Though not usually life threatening, any skin cancer is serious, invasive, and can leave horrible scars. I had to have reconstruction surgery on my nose. Not fun! And in the case of melanoma it can be deadly.

But the fact is, most Americans don’t get enough sunshine—especially those who live in cold climates. The benefits of vitamin D for physical health are widely recognized, but researchers are only recently discovering how important it is for emotional health and combating depression.

S.A.D., which stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder is widespread. I can understand because though I grew up in the Deep South, I have lived in Chicago for over thirty years. I hate the long winters and having to stay indoors and I experience mild depression during the coldest months. Being deprived of daily sunshine affects us physically and emotionally. We should all try to get out into the sun even when it’s cold. You can also take cod liver oil in the winter months because it has lots of vitamin D. Oh, yum.

Getting out in the sun for short periods is not dangerous. Most doctors agree that it’s not modest sun exposure that can cause skin cancer, but sunburn. Over exposure to the UVA spectrum of sunlight can cause skin cells to colonize and become cancerous.

If your skin heats up to a temperature above your body temperature you can burn. On a 90-degree day, 10-15 minutes in the sun is enough, especially if you have light skin and eyes. When your skin starts to feel hot, get in the shade.

Now what about sun screens and sun blocks? Well, they contain a lot of chemicals, so as a general rule, don’t use them everyday—except possibly on your face. Because of my light skin and history of skin cancer, I have to wear a face moisturizer with SPF 30 protection every day. Obviously, if you work outside or play a lot of golf, you need to protect your skin with a hat, clothing, or a sunscreen.

The bottom line here is don’t avoid the sun; just use common sense. And girls, if you just love that healthy, brown tan, and most of us do, there’s always the tan that comes in a bottle. I always say brown cellulite is better than white cellulite any day.

Well, I hope this has helped to dumb it down. And remember I’m here for you.

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