Staying Sunny

It’s that time of year… the days are getting shorter and it’s getting dark sooner. Although its presence is diminishing, that big yellow fireball in the sky provides plenty of benefits:

• Regular sun exposure can ease depression and lethargy — when sunlight becomes sparse, some doctors recommend light therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder

• Sunlight kills infections in your body and on your skin

• Vitamin D provided by sunlight helps build strong bones.

But be sure you take precautions:

• Ultraviolet rays are most intense between 10 AM and 3 PM — experts advise against prolonged exposure during this time

• Excessive sunlight can lead to sunburn and increased risk of skin cancers; lather up with sunblock, sunscreen, and a layer of common sense

• Avoid tanning beds — one analysis found skin cancer risk increased by 75% for those who began using tanning beds before age 30.