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The Sun & Vitamin D:
Vitamin D is essential for our health and well being. The bulk of our vitamin D comes from UV radiation, in the form of sun light hitting our skin. It is almost impossible to receive enough vitamin D in our diet alone.
Vitamin D is crucial in skeletal development, helping in the prevention of osteoporosis. The suns UV rays help the body to absorb calcium to maintain strong healthy bones and muscles. Vitamin D is also essential for our immune system and blood cell formation.
The best thing about Vitamin D is that it's free.!!
How Much Do We Need?
It is very important that we maintain a balance. Australia has the highest skin cancer statistics in the world and over exposure to UV radiation will cause skin damage and ultimately skin cancer. UV radiation levels vary depending on location , time of year, time of day, cloud coverage and the environment. Research suggests that people with fair skin can get enough Vitamin D by exposing 15% of their body i.e.: arms, hands and face, for only 6-8 minutes most days. Avoiding the peak time of 10am to 2pm. People with very dark skin need 3-6 times longer sun exposure as the pigment in their skin reduces UV absorption.
What Is UV? and What Does It Mean?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is radiation that is emitted by the sun. Which comprises of :
UVA – ultraviolet light type A. These rays of light from the sun are not visible but cause skin damage.
UVB- a type of sunlight. The ozone in the stratosphere, high above the earth, filters out ultraviolet B rays and keeps them from reaching the earth.
UVC – short wave ultraviolet radiation in the C band.
The earth's atmosphere blocks all UVC radiation, with only a small amount of UVB coming through. UVB is the most harmful, yet we still require a small amount of exposure for the healthy production of Vitamin D in our body.
The UV index , which is recorded every day by the Bureau of Meteorology identifies the times during the day when the UV is at it's highest. If the UV index reaches 3 or above, we need to be sun smart and cover up. Remember, the UV index changes everyday of the year for all seasons. This information can be obtained from www.sunsmart.com.au the news bulletin on T.V or by your daily newspaper in the weather forecast section. When UV levels are below 3 "no UV" alert is issued.
It is always so important to be SUN SMART. Remember Australia's message :
SLIP – on clothing
SLOP- on sunscreen
SLAP – on hats
SEEK- shade
SLIDE- on sunglasses
Everyone should wear sun protective clothing whether you are working or playing, and by starting with young children it reduces their chances later on in life of potentially getting skin cancer.
To find out more about Vitamin D and your UV alert in your capital city visit www.sunsmart.com.au
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