Time in the Sun: How Much Is Needed for Vitamin D?

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The extremist view of the health recommendations are always being delivered by sensationalist media. "Scientist may have discovered something that cures X... when we return from this short break". It's always about selling you something. If you actually read the studies that are being misconstrued in the mass media, you would know there are always caveats and exceptions or recommendations for moderation. It's Oil of Olay or whatever brand that is telling you that you need to block the Aging UV A rays so you don't get wrinkles. And yes it is a good idea to wear sunscreen when you are having prolonged exposure leading to severe sunburns caused by UV B rays. I never had a doctor tell me to avoid the sun at all cost.

Healthcare Professional of NC 1:21PM June 24, 2008

I have found that my tinfoil reflector beanie protects me from everything and keeps me in tip-top health. LOL ... sorry, couldn't let that one go. And yes, I am old-fashioned kidding y'all.

Bart of IL 1:14PM June 24, 2008

Hey Benny, who cares if it's 10 minutes or 200? The point is all the "experts" that race to proclaim all these impending health disasters (everything from milk to eggs to coffee to the sun) and the supposed remedies or preventions, are proved wrong time and time again.
I am angry because I'm tired of being preached to about what is killing me, how I'm killing the earth, how I'm killing starving orphans in Africa, and the incessant drumbeat of negativity, fear, and pessimism that is so pervasive in all aspects of our society, including the medical community.
Common sense is the scarcest commodity in this country, especially among the medical community and the folks who make a living on scaring the public. How could the sun be so deadly that the medical community recommend total abstinance from exposure? It can't and obviously it isn't. No I didn't come up with a study...you don't need a stupid study when you have common sense.

Jason of TX 12:25PM June 24, 2008

I prefer UV to X ray or Gamma radiation. For X ray I use lead shields and for Gamma radiation I try to use bunkers. If I am in the sun long enough to burn I use sun screen and then sunblock. Finally, if I tan in a bed, I try to limit the exposure to less then ten or twenty minutes. Of course that is easy since the beds will turn off before that.
Nice article, but you forgot to mention anything about how cranberry juice is good for your bladder.

Vida the Vegan of LA 12:23PM June 24, 2008

UV-A Rays do penetrate glass, but UV-B rays can't - and you need UV-B rays to get vitamin D.

Fatima of DC 11:17AM June 24, 2008

What about tanning salons? Would they work to offer much needed UV in the winter?

Tammy of NJ 11:09AM June 24, 2008

I do actually get sunburned in my car, though.

henx of CO 10:49AM June 24, 2008

I have survived melanoma, basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas but am a strong believer in adequate sunshine being very good for almost everyone. Extremism of any kind is rarely found to be correct in anything so I am glad to see scientific evidence of the need for sunshine at healthy levels.

Don W. Kincaid of TX 10:41AM June 24, 2008

I heard that there is a sticker that measures the amount of sun you get and it works with or without sunscreen. It's called Suncheck.

Pat Fitzgerald of OH 10:36AM June 24, 2008

I've always had an innate feeling that the sun was good for me, but I listened to the skin cancer freaks and found myself severely vitamin D deficient this spring, with achy joints, low energy and depression. Living in New England it is hard to get enough sunlight, so I am stocking up this summer and taking supplements. I hope it works. This news is music to my ears; I Love the Sun!

AC of MA 10:12AM June 24, 2008