Vitamin D is required by the human body for proper functioning of numerous systems, to maintain health of both mind and body. After several decades of drumming the message to avoid overexposure to the sun because of the damage ultraviolet rays can do to the skin, including melanomas, clinicians are beginning to offer more balanced advice for sun exposure. Dr. Michael Holick, author of “The UV Advantage“, advocates daily sunlight exposure to avoid numerous diseases caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, the “sunshine vitamin” that is actually a hormone. Holick recommends daily sunshine and advocates wider use of proper exposure to the sun, in an effort to counter a pandemic of vitamin D deficiency-linked disorders and diseases that is now prevalent among North Americans. Here is a brief interview and his recommendations.

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