Here Comes the Sun

Very few things are black and white in this world, especially when it comes to our health. I find it very interesting how new studies are always coming out touting that things we might think to be bad for us in excess are actually good for us in moderation...wine (but it must be red) and chocolate (but it must be dark) are two of the more favorable examples. What might be considered a vice could actually help you live longer, if enjoyed in moderation.  I think these studies give people the permission they might need or seek to indulge in such luxuries with the attitude of "it's all for my health."

And earlier this week another such study came to light (no pun intended) about the benefits of Vitamin D and breast cancer patients. It was conducted by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and in essence stated that a certain level of Vitamin D - direct from the sun as opposed to from supplements or other sources - may be beneficial to cancer patients in stopping or slowing down the progression of the disease. You can read about it here. It actually highlights some interesting results.

Of course, the results aren't conclusive yet as everyone knows that too much sun and vitamin D can be harmful. On the flip side, too little Vitamin D can be detrimental as well. It's hard to strike a balance with the sun and I am reminded about that now more than ever with two little rugrats to worry about. In fact, earlier this week I brought my kids to the gym one afternoon - they have childcare facilities so the parents can work out. It was a beautiful, sunny, spring day and the "big kids" were actually outside in the playground area. I started to stress because Ethan was not adequately prepared to be outside. I didn't know he was going to be outside so I didn't lather him up with sunscreen or bring a hat. I immediately started to wonder if the 4 p.m. Minnesota sun would harm him and was really feeling kind of bad about the situation, to be honest. Luckily, the child care facility had some sunscreen on hand, and I have to say I was hugely relieved and I got to enjoy a work-out.

When I was growing up I can honestly say I never wore sunscreen when I went outside to play with my friends. The damaging effects of the sun was not a news topic, and I don't recall hearing about the "UV Index." My mom always enjoyed laying in the sun and I can say I am truly my mother's daughter in that regard. When I was younger I was not very careful with how much sun I got; in fact, the tanner I was the better. Now, of course, getting any sun while on vacation is a luxury (if the kids are in tow), and if it just happens to be Andy and me, I am much more careful. Nothing worse than a horrible sun burn.

Most nights as Ethan gets ready for bed and the sun starts to go down he asks me if the sun is going away. I always tell him that it's just going to sleep and that he can be sure that it will be here again tomorrow. In fact, the sun rising in the morning is one thing in our world that is black and white. You can always count on that. And so despite all the hype and hysteria about it's damaging rays, it seems that you can count on it doing some good in cancer patients, too.

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