Who doesn't love the sun? I was in Boston earlier this year, when the sun broke out on a Saturday. I swear, the entire city was outside. It was a mild early-spring day, the kind that makes us feel alive again. Boston Commons was packed, people walking on the melting ice, sitting on the benches, eyes closed, faces toward the afternoon sun. Human sunflowers.
I cannot pretend that this Blix is endorsed by modern medicine. But here I go, anyway...
1. Suntans feel good. Really good.
Here is my confession: I love the sun. More specifically, I love a suntan. I came of age in the "Coppertone Era" when--at the first hint of spring--we'd all head outdoors to start tanning. We'd assume the tanning position: on our backs, hands splayed across the hips, to optimize the browning of our hands. Faces to the sun, eyes closed. No sunglasses. No sunblock. Maybe some baby oil, for faster frying. The goal: To be as tan as possible by Saturday night.
Think about it. Has anyone ever returned to work with a tan and heard the words: "Yikes! You look awful?" Au contraire, mes amis. It's more like: "You look terrific! Must've been a great vacation!" There is just something about that sun-kissed look that makes you look healthy and feel good.
Now I wear sunscreen and a hat with a six-inch brim. No more afternoons devoted to turning over for even exposure. I've become sensible. That doesn't mean I don't miss the look and feel of a tan. I can commiserate with ex-smokers, who will admit that they know they are healthier, but, god, they crave their cigarettes. Even as I write this, I am jonesing for a tan.
2. Vitamin D!
Let us not forget that humans are animals. That just might have something to do with our instinct to get outside in the sun. Vitamin D is necessary for a ton of reasons...and our bodies can't make it. By the end of winter, our Vitamin D levels are low. At the first sign of spring, outside we go. Vitamin D seems to be important in preventing heart disease, diabetes, and a dozen cancers. Some research indicates that up to 90% of breast cancer could be prevented with more Vitamin D. It lowers pain thresholds, cholesterol, and blood pressure . Pregnant women with low Vitamin D levels increase their babies' risk of Multiple Sclerosis. A quick Google will tell you more.
It seems that in our zealous attempts to reduce skin cancer--but that still means never, ever getting sunburned--we've cut off the supply to one of the most important vitamins required by the body. Long before we popped supplements or added vitamins to milk, we went outside to fill our Vitamin D tank.
Rejoice, sun lovers! As that Aristotle guy said, "Moderation in all things." But I say: "Woo-hoo!"
3. Sizzling Social Life.
I bet you didn't know about this benefit, but it will make complete sense to you. First of all, sunshine makes serotonin: The Happy Vitamin! Sunlight wipes out depression; lack of sun in winter leads to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The sun also stimulates the pineal gland to release melatonin...and we sleep better.
Starting to get the picture? We feel better, we sleep better, and that makes us want to get out with be with friends. Barbeques, picnics, patios, parties, pools.
We can't overdo it in the sun anymore. Then again, no one wants the leathery eternal Floridian look. But that healthy glow? The thrill of tan lines? The satisfaction of knowing you are honoring your ancestors' way of getting Vitamin D...before anyone even knew what Vitamin D was?
Get outside, now!
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