I want to bring you some good news today which may clarify existing thinking patterns due to sensational media reports and incorrect facts over the years, and hopefully fill us with relief and give us hope.

Each year there are many scientific summits around the world including topics concerning UV rays, light, effects of the sun’s rays, effects of tanning sunbeds etc. In a quote from a recognized medical researcher with all the accompanying letters after his name, Oliver Gillie, says the authorities’ attitude to sunlight is denying health benefits to the nation in what he describes as ‘sunlight robbery’. The UK’s health policy towards sunlight has come under attack. Gillie has had his report published by the Health Research Forum which is a private non-profit making research organisation.and is titled Sunlight Robbery. Free copies of this report can be downloaded from the Forum at www.healthresearchforum.org.uk or you can send a cheque in the post for £12.50 for a copy- to Health Research Forum 68 Whitehall Park, London N19 3TN. Gillie’s credentials and integrity include being a freelance medical researcher and writer. Was formerly the medical correspondent of the Sunday Times and medical editor of The Independent. Also has BSc and PhD degrees from Edinburgh University where he studied genetics and developmental biology.

It makes essential reading material for everyone interested in indoor/outdoor tanning/ effects and essential benefits from UV rays and all who wish to have and keep good health.

For over 30years a Dr. Michael Holick an eminent scientist and researcher has researched light and it’s effects on us, one main theme being the concerns of Vitamin D in our bodies. or in this country, the lack of it and the tragic consequences of deficiency. of this vitamin and the fact that taking the vitamin by mouth will not work if you are vitamin D deficient. He is well known throughout the world for work in his field. A copy of his book can be obtained from THE SUNBED ASSOCIATION-01494 785941. The book title is THE UV ADVANTAGE.

The basic facts from introducing you to these two researchers are mainly that contrary to some existing belief sunbed tanning is good for you purely because of what it gives our health from exposure to UV rays It is only by the body being able to assimilate the vitamin naturally via the effects of the UV or sun’s rays that this is possible – giving 90%--to 95% supply.. It is only possible through this way. People who live in similar climates to us in the UK are under significant danger really from inadequate or even undesirable low levels of the vitamin. Serious deficiency is present in our winter months making us very susceptible to chronic illnesses in our lifetime. And our lifestyles of constantly being indoors etc. don’t help. It’s the assimilation of the vitamin via the rays that’s important, as popping a pill of the D vitamin just goes through your body as food would and doesn’t do the required job for the essential work needed in maintaining bodily health for our lifetime.

Previous risks associated with sunbed use may have been exaggerated .It is always the burning of the skin itself which is very dangerous and over-doing it, which is easily done in the sunshine itself as we know. We’re talking here about these rays being able to keep us healthy by enabling the assimilation of the vitamin to do it’s vital work in our bodies and needing these rays all year round .Most people here do not get even adequate amounts of sun or UV exposure--- think of the children. Sunbed use can help maintain good levels of the vitamin. And of course respect for your skin is a must - always. So always be a responsible tanner ---although here we’ve been discussing health in our kind of climate. We can’t all go and live in the Mediterranean---can we?

Look – I can hardly tell you in a few short lines how interesting and serious this subject is and will be so debateable I’m sure. One thing I do know is that Vitamin D—via the rays-- is so essential for every cell in our bodies. So get the books.

I just love looking at ways I can improve my lifestyle. Improve is a good word. Didn’t you just have a sneaky feeling all along though that it was good for you .[Always responsibly]