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Old 06-07-2004, 08:11 AM   #1
shamrock_uk
Dracolich
 

Join Date: January 24, 2004
Location: UK
Age: 42
Posts: 3,092
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3782577.stm

Quote:
A US doctor has claimed warnings about getting skin cancer from the sun may have done more harm than good.

Dr Michael Holick says we are missing out on essential vitamin D by staying out of the sun - and that causes thousands of deaths each year.

However, his controversial views have cost him his job as Professor of Dermatology at the Boston University School of Medicine.

[snip]

Dr Holick told the BBC Today programme: "What I am suggesting is sensible sun exposure. We are talking probably about no more than maybe three to five minutes to your hands, face and arms two to three times a week.

"People don't realise that 90% - 95% of your vitamin D requirement comes from exposure from sunlight, and if you always wear sun block and never have direct sun exposure you will become vitamin D deficient, and at high risk of developing many serious chronic diseases."

[snip]
The man was professor of dermatology, i think its fair to assume he knows what he's talking about. And three to five minutes, two or three times a week is hardly recommending you spend two hours in the midday sun every day.
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