The Sunshine Blues

Many scientific studies have shown that the right amount of sun exposure is essential to maintaining good health.  When sunlight hits the skin, it helps to create necessary vitamins in the body.  The sun also staves off depression, and a sunny day just generally makes people smile. 

But there is a darker side to this ball of sunshine.  The sun is one of the most dangerous of all natural elements.  It effects are so strong that it can cause severe illness, permanent blindness, and death, among many other health problems.

Harmful Effects of the Sun

Skin Cancer
Overexposure to the UV rays of the sun frequently results in the development of skin cancer.  You should know that skin cancer is more common than breast, lung, prostate, colorectal, and kidney cancers combined.  Over a million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every year, and one person dies of this preventable disease every hour.  Despite these facts, people continue to sunbathe even though they are risking their lives every time they get a suntan or sunburn.

Some skin cancer is curable, but catching it early is essential.  See a dermatologist every year and examine your skin regularly.  Signs to look for include red patches, unexplained pink or red bumps, crusty sores, and moles that are dark brown or black and have jagged edges.  These moles are a sign of melanoma, the most aggressive kind of skin cancer, so see a professional immediately if you find one.

Skin cancer is a serious matter.  Do everything you can to protect yourself.  Wear sunscreen every day, even when it's cloudy.  Cover up with light-colored clothing and wide-brimmed hats.  Stay out of the sun during its strongest hours (usually 10am to 4pm).  Don't sunbathe and never go to tanning booths -- they harm your skin just as much as the sun. 

Eye Damage and Blindness
UV light can wreak havoc on the tissue of the eye.  Prolonged exposure can cause many eyediseases including cataracts.  Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, making vision more difficult.  As cataracts progress, they can lead to permanent blindness.

Another potential effect of UV radiation is a "burning" of the eye surface.  This causes patches of blindness.  The effects usually disappear within a couple of days, but may lead to further complications later in life.

Everyone should have a pair of good-quality sunglasses to wear while outdoors.  On particularly bright days, add a brimmed hat to your outfit to protect yours eyes and your face from the sun.

Exposure to the sun can also cause wrinkles and age spots.  In addition to harming you appearance, you risk cancer, blindness and death when you spend too much time in the sun.  It's not really worth it, is it?  If you're going to be outside, always take the proper precautions.