Here Comes the Sun ‒ Are You Ready?

It is a bit of a marvel at how Earth’s astronomy impacts its residents’ biology. In summer, as our planet orbits further from the sun (fun fact), we typically experience a warmer, sunnier climate that can require adaptations to protect our health.

So, let’s start with the largest organ in your body ‒ your skin. The sun, specifically its ultraviolet (UV) rays, can be unhealthy to the skin, especially in heavy doses (like during summer, or at locations nearer to the equator).

How “unhealthy,” you ask? Well, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer (melanoma) each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, and more than two people in the U.S. die every hour from skin cancer.

Since having five or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma, we all need to avoid getting sunburned. You probably know the drill: apply sunscreen whenever you are going to be out in the sun or wear clothing that provides protection, from long-sleeved shirts to wide-brimmed hats. Sunscreen literally can be that ounce of prevention worth a pound of cure.

Melanoma is also one of those illnesses that reinforces the importance of regular wellness checkups with your physician. A doctor is trained to spot skin cancer (you can find a primary care physician here or call 662.846.2227). And when detected early, the five-year survival rate for skin cancer is 99 percent!

A second organ also vulnerable to the sun’s rays is your eyes. “Jeepers, creepers, what about those peepers?” you ask. Well, those annoying UV rays can damage the cornea and lens and raise the risks of eye cancers, cataracts and even a disease called macular degeneration (the major and uncurable cause of blindness in adults over 55).

The optimal solution is spending less time in the sun. The more realistic solution is wearing UV-protective sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats ‒ and maybe limiting your time in the sun.

A third area of vulnerability to the sun ‒ in this case, its heat ‒ is your entire body. High temperatures dramatically increase your risk of heat exhaustion and stroke. Always think of “hydration” (drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids) when pursuing outdoor work or fun in the summer sun. And perhaps save the more strenuous stuff for early morning or early evening.

Now the good part. Aside from making our planet habitable, the sun offers several benefits to our health.

• Sunlight enables our skin to create Vitamin D, which in turn helps create stronger bones and teeth and improves our body’s ability to fight infection.
• Sunlight is proven to help your mood and sleep.
• Sunlight even prevents some cancers such as breast, colorectal and prostate (related to the skin’s creation and absorption of Vitamin D).
• And, sunlight is a natural disinfectant, as those UV rays kill bacteria.

The summertime sun also encourages more physical activity, which can significantly benefit our bodies and our health. Just remember to protect your skin and eyes and stay hydrated. Fun in the sun is recommended, but like just about everything else, always in moderation.