Controlled exposure to ultraviolet light (UV) may minimize some health risks that simply can’t be controlled when sunbathing out of doors. There are many documented medical studies that support the idea that moderate exposure to UV light can be therapeutic for the body, its organs, and the mind regardless of the source of ultraviolet light.

According to Zane R. Kime, M.D. in his book Sunlight, the following effects may be derived from exposure to ultraviolet light:

• Decreased blood pressure
• Increased muscular strength
• Lower resting heart rate
• Increased resistance to stress
• Increased cardiac output
• Increased adrenaline in tissue
• Lower blood cholesterol
• Increased sex hormones

We further know that UV light is our primary source of Vitamin D, which assists in the absorption of calcium. This in turn helps form and maintains bone structure. Vitamin D is believed to reduce the risk of some cancers including colon cancer, and breast cancer. It is widely known that these diseases are more prominent among people who live in climates that have less natural sunlight than those who live in a sunny environment. Vitamin D is essential for proper health and while other sources such as supplements are available, the main source of vitamin D for most people is UV.

Most people falsely believe that totally eliminating regular sun exposure eliminates the risk of damage from the sun. In reality, avoiding regular sun exposure still leaves you susceptible to damage when you do go outdoors, possibly even more so.

Although research links skin cancer to ultraviolet light, the exact relationship is unclear, and we should avoid simplifying the issue. There are many other important studies to consider:

• Malignant melanoma skin cancer is most common in people who do not receive regular sun exposure and most frequently develops on parts of the body that are not regularly exposed to sunlight.

• Several studies suggest that many types of cancer—including breast, colon, prostate and ovarian—are slowed or inhibited by increased exposure to sunlight.

• More than 138,000 Americans die each year from breast, colon, and ovarian and prostate cancers. Less than 2,200 die of non-melanoma skin cancer.

• A 1994 study shows that northern women have five times greater risk of developing ovarian cancer than southern women who receive more direct sun exposure do.