Should We Spend Time in the Sun?

Should we spend time in the sun?

In this essay, I am going to answer the above question through all the research I have been doing in the past few days.

The sunlight gives both the benefits and the harms. The effects of sunlight upon the skin are due to the ultraviolet light. The light rays are generally divided in three kinds according to wavelength, UVA with longest wavelength and UVB of shorter wavelength, and UVC of shortest wavelength.

Benefits of UV-rays (Ultraviolet rays)

Most people know of the positive research conducted regarding exposure to ultraviolet light and the production of vitamin D. Yet, few people realize the other proven benefits related to moderate exposure. Consider the following:

UV light & blood pressure

Since the early 1900s, studies have shown that individuals exposed to ultraviolet light can experience lower blood pressure and the effects can last from five to six days.

UV light & heart efficiency

Dr. Raymond Johnson of the Tulane School of Medicine exposed people to ultraviolet light. In 90 percent of the test subjects, their cardiac output increased an average of 39 percent. In other words, their hearts became stronger and pumped more blood.

UV light & cholesterol

In one experiment, patients with hypertension and related circulatory problems were exposed to UV light. Two hours after the first exposure, 97 percent of the patients had almost a 13 percent decrease in serum cholesterol levels.

Dr. Darell Boyd Harmon carried out a research that conducted on the effects of lighting on human function and development. His research began when the Texas Department of Health initiated a long-range comprehensive program of child development. This research-based program was started as part of the services offered by the Texas school system for protecting and promoting the health of schoolchildren.

In the first three years of Harmon's research, schoolchildren were screened for health and educational problems, while the classrooms were inspected for physical factors that may have influenced the student's well-being. Initial information gathered found that more than half of 160,000 children screened developed at least two observable, but preventable, deficiencies. These deficiencies were found to be positively affected by "optimum lighting." This lighting consisted of ultraviolet radiation levels that mimicked that of sunlight.

Problem Areas Percent Reduction

Visual difficulties 65%

Nutritional problems 47.8%

Chronic infections 43.3%

Postural problems 25.6%

Chronic fatigue 55.6%

In addition to these improvements in the students' physical well-being, other results also were seen in their academic success. Harmon's research is very important since it focused on frequently overlooked physical needs of people in learning and work environments. His research demonstrated the relationship between a typical environment and its health and learning capabilities in regard to ultraviolet exposure.

The results seem to be reliable as the research was carried on 160,000 children.

The dangers of the sun-rays

The most visible danger of exaggerated sun exposure is the burning effect caused by the UVB rays.

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the major cause of skin cancer. This disease affects