www.womanthismonth.com 71 June 2015 So stay away from artificial tanning and layer up on the SPF. But which sunscreen is the right one? “A broad spectrum sunscreen for protection of both UVA and UVB rays is important for all people for daily use. Select SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 15-30 sunscreen for regular use. Higher SPF does not necessarily give more protection,” says Dr Anjali. A liberal use of sunscreen on exposed body parts is essential. One ounce (5-6 teaspoons) of sunscreen, or roughly one palmful of sunscreen reapplied every two hours is what our expert recommends. And here’s why you must not skimp on sunscreen. “Using a thin layer only provides the square root of the SPF. For example, a thin layer of SPF 30 sunscreen only provides an effective SPF of 5.5,” warns Dr Anjali. Parents must ensure their children are protected from sunburn, as many studies have observed that frequent sunburn in childhood is associated with increased risk of skin cancers in adult life. Besides sunscreen, Dr Anjali gives us essential pointers on sun safety. “One should limit exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays, especially between 10am and 4pm, when the sun's rays are strongest. Wear a hat and sunglasses, and cover up with clothing,” she says. D IS FOR DEFICIENCY The other end of the skin cancer spectrum is a deficiency of Vitamin D, caused by inadequate sun exposure. Dr Babu Ramchandran of the Everyone should practice safety in the sun, but some of us who are fairskinned and have light eyes and hair must be especially cautious American Mission Hospital, Amwaj, says that Vitamin D deficiency is a highly prevalent condition in around 30 to 50 per cent of the general population, more so in the elderly, women of child bearing age and infants. The sun’s rays interact with our skin to produce Vitamin D that helps the body absorb calcium, thereby contributing towards bone and muscle health. The deficiency of this ‘sunshine vitamin’ causes rickets, a bone-related condition, in children as well as bone pain and muscle weakness. It also makes you feel blue more often than normal and puts you at risk for osteoporosis. Dr Babu observes that it is only in the last five to six years that he has seen people being investigated for Vitamin D deficiency and its notably high prevalence in the population. “The increasing incidence of Vitamin D deficiency cases may be due to the present lifestyle worldwide, where people have limited exposure to sunlight,” he says. There are steps you can take, besides a healthy dose of early morning sunshine to avoid or set right a Vitamin D deficiency. Eggs, fish liver oils such as cod liver oil and fatty fish – herring, catfish, salmon, mackerel etc. are good sources of Vitamin D. Stocking up on fortified milk products and cereals can also help. In cases of Vitamin D deficiency, the health care provider may put the person on Vitamin D supplements or injections.
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