Defining healthy sun exposure and sunscreen’s role
Most cancer rates are decreasing, whereas skin cancer continues to steadily increase as it has for the past decades (Saraiya et al. 422). The three most common skin cancers are squamous-cell, basal-cell and melanoma carcinomas. Squamous-cell and basal-cell carcinomas are grouped as non-melanoma cancers. Family history and genetic disorders increases the risk of forming cancer; however, estimates place excessive sun exposure as causing as much as 90% of all melanoma diagnosis (Saraiya et al. 423).
Highly accessible, simple and effective measures recommended to limit exposure include avoiding the sun during peak hours, wearing protective clothing and using appropriate sunscreen (Saraiya et …show more content…
The beneficial effects of sun exposure, however, are mainly related to Vitamin D production. Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption in the intestines. Consequently Vitamin D plays a big role in bone health and deficiencies cause bone problems such as rickets, osteomalacia and osteoporosis (Lucas and Ponsonby 595).
Apart from bone health, research suggests that vitamin D has an important role in immunomodulation, and regulation of tumor-cell development. It has been shown that Vitamin D triggers apoptosis, cell death, in melanoma cells (Merrill et al.). Diseases for which causality has not yet been shown but are strongly correlated with vitamin D levels include multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, schizophrenia and rheumatoid arthritis (Lucas and Ponsonby 596).
It’s estimated that over 90% of vitamin D is produce within the body by the UVB action. UVA on the other hand breaks vitamin D down (Lucas and Ponsonby …show more content…
Many papers state that large populations are vitamin D deficient and criticize reviews that appear to downplay the beneficial effects of vitamin D (Baggerly et al. 359).
In her paper, Manson discusses both the positive and negative possibilities in recommending vitamin D supplementation. There does not appear to be enough information available to state that the population as a whole is vitamin D deficient, because the baseline for adequate vitamin D levels is unknown. Furthermore there is risk in prescribing vitamin supplementation without knowing the potential risks as was seen in high dose supplementations of beta carotene, vitamin E and selenium (Manson 1312).
There are a number of measures that one can employ to reduce UVR exposure when outdoors. The most effective measures being complete sun avoidance and seeking shade. Covering the majority of the skin with clothing is also quit effective, depending on the type of fabric; however, this option is not very appealing for to people in hot regions during the summer. Sunscreen is by far the most popular sun protection measure among those wanting to spend time in the
Most cancer rates are decreasing, whereas skin cancer continues to steadily increase as it has for the past decades (Saraiya et al. 422). The three most common skin cancers are squamous-cell, basal-cell and melanoma carcinomas. Squamous-cell and basal-cell carcinomas are grouped as non-melanoma cancers. Family history and genetic disorders increases the risk of forming cancer; however, estimates place excessive sun exposure as causing as much as 90% of all melanoma diagnosis (Saraiya et al. 423).
Highly accessible, simple and effective measures recommended to limit exposure include avoiding the sun during peak hours, wearing protective clothing and using appropriate sunscreen (Saraiya et …show more content…
The beneficial effects of sun exposure, however, are mainly related to Vitamin D production. Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption in the intestines. Consequently Vitamin D plays a big role in bone health and deficiencies cause bone problems such as rickets, osteomalacia and osteoporosis (Lucas and Ponsonby 595).
Apart from bone health, research suggests that vitamin D has an important role in immunomodulation, and regulation of tumor-cell development. It has been shown that Vitamin D triggers apoptosis, cell death, in melanoma cells (Merrill et al.). Diseases for which causality has not yet been shown but are strongly correlated with vitamin D levels include multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, schizophrenia and rheumatoid arthritis (Lucas and Ponsonby 596).
It’s estimated that over 90% of vitamin D is produce within the body by the UVB action. UVA on the other hand breaks vitamin D down (Lucas and Ponsonby …show more content…
Many papers state that large populations are vitamin D deficient and criticize reviews that appear to downplay the beneficial effects of vitamin D (Baggerly et al. 359).
In her paper, Manson discusses both the positive and negative possibilities in recommending vitamin D supplementation. There does not appear to be enough information available to state that the population as a whole is vitamin D deficient, because the baseline for adequate vitamin D levels is unknown. Furthermore there is risk in prescribing vitamin supplementation without knowing the potential risks as was seen in high dose supplementations of beta carotene, vitamin E and selenium (Manson 1312).
There are a number of measures that one can employ to reduce UVR exposure when outdoors. The most effective measures being complete sun avoidance and seeking shade. Covering the majority of the skin with clothing is also quit effective, depending on the type of fabric; however, this option is not very appealing for to people in hot regions during the summer. Sunscreen is by far the most popular sun protection measure among those wanting to spend time in the