Another Reason to Garden

We have heard since time immemorial that too much exposure to the sun can cause melanomas on the skin. I don’t doubt that, and have seen in myself. But the trouble with our 24-7 news cycle is that it emphasizes the sensational at the expense of common sense.

Currently, the media is focused upon a study indicating that heart attacks are linked to low Vitamin D deficiencies. But that’s nothing you didn’t know already. Most of us have, at one time or other, told the children: “Go outside, get some sunshine and fresh air.” That seems to have been good advice, acquired without a degree from Harvard Medical College.

The research I’m talking about comes from the Archives of Internal Medicine and shows that the risk of dying from heart disease is MORE THAN DOUBLE in those with vitamin D deficiencies who rarely get the sunshine. You can buy Vitamin D in the stores (for a price) but nature provides it for free in the summer of our Hemisphere. At least ten minutes a day will give you a good boost (about 10,00 I.U), and do that without the sunglasses. Your eyes need the Vitamins, too.

Other researchers believe that Vitamin D from the sun may protect from other physical and psychological ailments, too. The sun is a good psychologist, treating you for the winter blues, also known as depression. That something the Red Rooster knows, and it is no coincidence that your dog or cat like to nap in the sunshine. So finally the knowledge has traveled up the food chain to the “higher levels”…ahem…of planetary development.

So get out there and garden. For longer periods, you already know what to do. Wear a hat and cover that skin from excess exposure.