The Benefits of Sunshine

We are now in late spring and the beautiful sunshine is in full blossom. So much information has been presented warning us of the dangers of skin cancer due to over exposure to the sun’s rays. However, when done in a balanced manner, we can eliminate the skin cancer risk and still receive the benefits of the sun.  The sunshine is especially valuable in maintaining mental health.  “Healthline Magazine” recommends starting out with 5- 15 minutes 2 or 3 times a week for sunshine exposure.  They go on to state the many benefits of sunshine. Sunshine aids the body in producing serotonin, a chemical that allows one to feel calm and focused, both of which are valuable to individual well-being.  Darkness helps the body to produce melatonin, the chemical that aids sleep.  Both light and dark work in enhancing our health.  “Healthline Magazine” continues with more of the assets of sunshine. It is a wonderful source of vitamin D, which is critical for mental health, but also in maintaining bone health.   Vitamin D’s hidden treasure is that it helps in the fight against internal cancers like colon, lung, breast, and prostate.  Skin problems such as acne, psoriasis and eczema are controlled by good old sunshine and vitamin D.  Nature’s natural preventative element is sunshine.  This applies to seniors even more so than the rest of society.