1. The Sun: Friend and Foe Community Logo

2. Gain Benefits, Avoid Risks It is suspected that the benefits of the sun actually outweigh the risks Take advantage It only takes 15 minutes of sun exposure a day to reap its benefits Get outside to gain the most out of the sun, but avoid direct exposure between 10am – 4pm

3. Our Foe, Sun Do not be fooled by the sun. Keep the following in mind before you assume you are protected: Sun damage can occur any time during the year, not just in the summer Clouds do not protect you from the sun Looking at the sun can cause damage to your retina

4. Our Foe, Sun The sun has specific ultraviolet (UV) rays that are damaging to the skin: UVA Penetrates deep into the skin’s surface Releases free radicals and causes DNA changes Can cause skin cancers UVB Causes burning and tanning Responsible for the loss of elasticity in skin Leads to premature aging of skin and wrinkling

5. Our Friend, Sun The sun enables the body to create vitamin D, which is why it is called the sunshine vitamin Because of this, the body can better absorb calcium Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D, so the sun is your best source If we do not give our friend, sun, enough attention, it can lead to a vitamin D deficiency. This deficiency is associated with: Osteoporosis Cognitive impairments Cardiovascular disease Cancer

6. Our Friend, Sun The sun gives off blue light, a part of the natural light spectrum, which is critical in maintaining our body’s circadian rhythms As we age, our eyes lose the ability to absorb blue light Seniors have a higher need for natural light but a harder time getting it What does blue light do for us? Enables melatonin production in our brain Decreases risk of insomnia Regulates sleep-wake cycles Alleviates depression Lowers heart disease risk

7. Stay Protected Keep yourself protected from the sun’s harmful rays by practicing the following strategies: Slipping on protective clothing Lathering on sunscreen Throwing on a pair of sunglasses Placing a hat on your head Carrying an umbrella Drinking plenty of water Examine your skin regularly for spots See your physician for a professional skin exam

8. References http://www.nlm.nih.gov http://www.uvawareness.com http://askdrgottmd.com www.geteyesmart.org