Let the Sunshine In

May is skin cancer awareness month and while we want to keep safe from the sun, we should remember that the sun does have some positive affects too. Yes, it feels so good on a cold day to bask in the warm rays of the sun. This may be linked to the fact that sunlight triggers the pineal gland, located in the brain, to produce chemicals called tryptamines, which elevate mood. This may in part explain why some people suffer from seasonal affective disorder and others do not.

The sun’s UV produces Vitamin D in our bodies. Vitamin D, sometimes referred to as the ‘sun vitamin’, helps increase immunity, bone and muscle strength and has been shown to lower risk for certain types of cancer.

The sun has also been shown to help those who suffer from certain skin conditions like psoriasis. Light treatment boxes have been simulated on doctor’s offices to produce a sun-like affect for sufferers.

UV has also been shown to kill virus and bacteria. The perfect example of this is when you hang out clothes to dry, the UV penetrates the cell of the bacteria/virus and kills it. Underwear, workout clothes and diapers are great to dry outside because of this.

UV is clearly very powerful and steps should always be taken to protect yourself. Just remember a little sun in the right way never hurt anyone.

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Pale Skin Is IN

We all have excuses about why we don’t protect our skin from the sun. We will spend hundreds of dollars on face serums and moisturizers that promise to turn back the hands of time, but won’t take 30 seconds to spritz on a little sun screen. Those serums and moisturizers will help after the damage has already occurred, but why let it continue?!? There are so many easy and quick ways to protect yourself and most importantly, your face, from the sun!

The first and most important way to protect yourself is to use sunscreen. No more excuses about clogged pores and sticky product. You have options now. Reapply throughout the day, even if you’re not at the beach. Walking to and from your car or train, you are getting sun! This will add up. Another great way to protect yourself is to wear a hat. Hats are very fashion forward right now, so you don’t have to feel like you need to wear a big sun hat, just something that has a brim.

If you are doing outdoor activities for long periods of time, wear protective clothing and do not forget to reapply after sweating or swimming. Check the UV index in your area, so you know the severity.

Remember pale skin is beautiful and sun damage is an uphill battle. Protect yourself!

 

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Hug a Tree-it’s Earth Day!

When Earth Day was started in 1970, Earth was in a lot worse shape than it is now. There were not pollution laws or recycling rules. You do not have to change your life to do your part today and everyday. Here are a few easy everyday things to try.

  •  Plant a tree or a neighborhood garden. If you live in a house and have a yard, plant a little tree. Trees clean the air and this is great group project with friends or kids. If you live in a city, there are numerous neighborhood gardens you can participate with or start your own. Even a window sill garden helps!
  • Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. The three R’s. Reduce your intake of waste by incorporating material based towels as opposed to paper towels. You can also reduce air pollution by riding a bike or walking instead of driving. Carpooling also helps reduce pollution. Reusing and recycling go hand in hand. The next time you buy a plastic container, keep it, wash it and reuse it! This will take the place of tupperware. Invest in a reusable coffee cup. If you do use materials that can pollute, recycle them! Most cities recycle and bins should not be difficult to find.  Do yourself a favor and google images of landfills, you will never not recycle again……
  • Cleaning up and taking care of an outdoor space helps the environment too.  Whether it is a turtle egg rescue or just a garbage pickup on the beach or in a park, this helps keep the Earth clean. Activities like this are fun for kids and create a sense of community!
  • Switch to Earth friendly house cleaners. There are so many on the market now. They smell delicious and they won;t make you, your kids or your pets sick. Look at products made by Green Works and Seventh Generation. You can also make your own products with apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda.

It is so easy to keep our planet clean. Think before you throw something away. The Earth will not last forever at the rate we are mistreating it. Recycle, reuse and hug a tree! Happy Earth Day!!

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