It\u2019s scorching outside! So, it\u2019s that (brief!) time of the year to remind everyone of the importance of protecting oneself in the sunshine and how to do that. With the weather as it is, if we\u2019re lounging outside sunbathing or working in the garden or allotment, we need to consider how to keep ourselves safe in the sun.<\/p>\n
The British Association of Dermatologists offer advice based on an easy to remember SOS theme: Save Our Skin:<\/p>\n
Accessing their website below provides additional information on sunscreen, skin advice for skin of colour, sun protection advice for children and babies, a Vitamin D factsheet and sun awareness leaflets.<\/p>\n
The NHS also offers comprehensive advice on how to keep your self safe in the sun; the link to their website is also below.<\/p>\n
Some research advice does show that it\u2019s not good to shun the sun\u2019s rays completely.\u00a0 With care, exposure to sunshine can have some excellent health benefits.\u00a0 Up to 15 minutes a day without protection can be okay. Sunlight stimulates the body to produce Vitamin D.\u00a0 We can produce this in the summer and store it to keep us through the winter.\u00a0 Research has shown that Vitamin D is important in helping our immune system, forming strong bones, helping us with mental health disorders and assisting us with better sleep.\u00a0 There are links to two articles below exploring the health benefits of Vitamin D gained through sunshine; the one by Lizette Borrell references a number of research projects.<\/p>\n
There is a lot of innocent joy to be gained from simply feeling the warmth of the sun on our skin.\u00a0 A survey undertaken by Vitamin N, a group of organisations with interests in the environment and mental health, showed that children enjoyed time outdoors during the lockdown and flagged it as something they should keep up when attending school regularly.<\/p>\n
If possible, take some time to connect with the fresh air and sunshine while taking care to stay safe in the sun.<\/p>\n
British Association of Dermatologists\u2019 SOS Poster<\/a><\/p>\n British Association of Dermatologists\u2019 Sun Awareness website<\/a><\/p>\n NHS Sunscreen and Sun Safety website<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018Sun Exposure: Vitamin D And Other Health Benefits Of Sunlight\u2019 by Lizette Borrell, Medical Daily<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018What Are the Benefits of Sunlight?\u2019 by Timothy J Legg, Healthline<\/a><\/p>\n