SUN-BATHING

New Zealand Listener, Volume 11, Issue 286, 15 December 1944, Page 19

SUN-BATHING

(Written for "The Listener’ by DR. H. B. TURBOTT, Director of the Division of School Hygiene, Health Department) NCIENT Rome appreciated the value of sunlight and fresh air. This is shown by the remains of sunbaths and open-air schools whigh have been discovered. Modern England operates artificial sunlight clinics for young children in crowded, smoky, industrial areas, and has established sunbathing centres in different parts. New Zealand has plenty of sunshine, but does not make enough use of it for health. The sun émits many kinds of radia-tions-X-rays, gamma rays, ultra-violet rays, visible light rays, infra-red rays. About ‘half of the sun’s energy is obtained at sea level; a quarter in a big city. The whole, at once, would be destructive to living things. But a certain amount is needed for living. The ultraviolet rays, in suitable doses, activate the ergosterol present in the skin and produce vitamin D. eer ern te A ee

Morning light is more valuable for this purpose than afternoon light. In a temperate climate like ours, sunbathing becomes a duty for health. This is especially so, now that butter is rationed and we have reduced that small source of vitamin D, In our foodstuffs we cannot get enough vitamin D to satisfy the body needs. Any small loss makes the position worse. Small amounts are present in eggs, liver, milk and butter, but not sufficient for growth and health of bones and teeth: We have to make up the lack either by taking’ fish, liver oil or by sunbathing. In the hot months, why not sunbathe-and leave the taking of cod-liver oil for the winter time? Bones and teeth are made of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D is the agent helping the cells build and repair with these minerals. Let us go to the natural source-sunlight-the originator of all Vitamin D. Bathe, But Do Not Burn One wants to see New Zealanders become regular sunbathers — not just on holidays, but as they garden or play in leisure hours. Do not join up with the sunburning club! Begin your sunbathing gradually, working up from a few minutes exposure. Never choose the midday sunlight to begin. Remember, the morning sun is preferable, and the best sunbathing hours are before 11 a.m. and after 3 p.m. Let children play around in sun-suits and get their sunbathing as they play-but see that their introduction is gradual, too! Adults, if lying down, should change the posture every 10 minutes or so, Both grown-ups and children should protect their heads with some light covering. SE

The practice of alternating sunbaths and seabaths is not good. There is no harm in oiling the skin with vegetable oil before a sun bath-the oil reflects the light rays from the skin. The chief thing is to avoid sunburn, for this is a waste of time as well as being painful. Browning without burning is the objective. The tanned skin resists sunburn and deleterious rays. If you sunburn, you will get harmful effects-lassitude,

fatigue, irritability, fever, headache and even nausea-in minor or major degree, But if you carefully and gradually get tanned, the beneficial effects appear a feeling of well-being and vigour both during and after the sunbath. So sunbathe-intelligently--on your holidays; at week-ends, as you garden, In sun-suits or shorts, at the seaside or at home, every chance you get-sun-bathe!