Effects of the Sun to People’s Health University of affiliation Student’s name

Introduction Radiation obtained from the sun is a major cause of skin cancer. However, the sun’s ultraviolet rays are an imperative source of Vitamin D, which is a necessity for bones development in the body. According to Carlson, (2009), it is imperative to regulate the levels which our skin is exposed to the sun to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Vitamin D is an essential element in the absorption of calcium and phosphorous from food consumed.

Notably, reduction in the levels of vitamin D in the body leads to weak bones, and the condition may lead to deformation of bones and rickets a disease common in children. Vitamin D deficiency also has effects to adults; Osteomalacia. This disease is characterized by bone pains and softness. There are substantial sources of vitamin D especially in foods such as eggs and milk. However, the sun is the main source since the foods only constitute small amount (Reichrath, 2008). Vitamin D is essential for keeping bones strong as well as maintaining good health.

Duration that we should spend in the sun The period for exposure to sunlight varies with different people, location, time of the day, and skin type. According to (Holick, 2010)the sun is hot between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. During this light-skinned people are likely to be affected by ultraviolet radiation, unlike dark skinned people. Moreover, the season of the year determines the duration required for exposure. For example, During summer, the body will absorb enough vitamin D when exposed to the UV radiation. The opportune moment for the body to absorb sufficient Vitamin D is between mid-day and 3:00PM (Holick, 2010). Exposure of at most 20 minutes is sufficient for light skinned people, especially during the summer season. For people with dark skin, the duration necessary to absorb the required amount of Vitamin D is higher since their skins absorb more heat compared to light-skinned people. During winter (November to March), the body uses the vitamins previously absorbed and from foods rich in vitamin D. people who spend more time exposed to sun rays have more chances of being infected with skin cancer.

People with risk of vitamin D deficiency The color of the individual skin affects the rate of Vitamin D deficiency. Dark skinned prone to deficiency since their skin take more time to absorb sufficient Vitamins. A substantial number of people such patients hospitalized for a long time and other who deliberately avoid sunlight are in the risk of Vitamin D deficiency (Feldman, Glorieux, & Pike, 2005). Workers who spend their days indoors and night shift workers are likely to affect by the deficiency in question. Infants depend on vitamin D from their parents for strong both bone development. Pregnant and breastfeeding women have a high risk of vitamin D deficiency since much of vitamin D is transferred to the infant through breastfeeding.

References Carlson, L. M. (2009). The sunlight solution: Why more sun exposure and vitamin D are essential to your health. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books. Feldman, D., Glorieux, F. H., & Pike, J. W. (2005). Vitamin D. Amsterdam: Elsevier Academic Press. Holick, M. F. (2010). Vitamin D: Physiology, molecular biology, and clinical applications. Totowa: Humana. Reichrath, J. (2008). Sunlight, vitamin D and skin cancer. New York, NY: Springer Science+Business Media.