by Rhonda Sheryl Lipstein

Created on: July 13, 2008   Last Updated: July 21, 2008

Who would've thunk it?!
An article promoting tanning, in today's ozone depleted, global warming issued, threatened state.....
and yet, here I am, a self professed lover of the Sun and definite occasional tanner.

We all know the downsides to tanning, especially without the appropriate safety tools lavishing our bodies, so why?, why would one, such as myself, a personal trainer, nutritional consultant, and enlightenment guide, purport tanning as a positive?

Believe it or not, there ARE many positives to a good stint in the sun, aside from the great tan and healthy glow you'll be sporting, that is.
As much as we have been scared out of the sun, from all the possible threats that can occur, we have also been scared out of all the positives the sun brings to our lives.
Not mentioning the fact that we would all be "in the dark" without the fabulous rays of the sun everyday, to wake us to a new experience, although haven't I just now, the sun is chock full of extremely beneficial vitamins to our well being, namely vitamins K and D.
Each of these vitamins provides vast fulls of necessary and required nourishment for our bodies, as well as our minds.
Specifically, vitamin K is ESSENTIAL in blood coagulation, which if you have ever nicked yourself shaving or cut yourself in a fall, you can appreciate the vitality, not to mention those of us who have had the unfortunate experience of surgery.
Vitamin K is also essential in the proper care and longevity of our bones, as is vitamin D, with vitamin K providing ostecalcin, which allows for the much needed calcium our bones rely upon, to actually bind to and promote the healthy vitality of our bones.
Vitamin D on the other hand, assists in the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. Without sufficient vitamin D, one's bones start to become brittle and break down.
There is NO other source as rich in these two vitamins as our sun.
In addition to these and other vitamins one receives, by merely being within the presence of our sun's rays, is the healing nature of the rays for the many individuals suffering from skin ailments such as psorisis and exema.

Now, don't get me wrong, I am definitely NOT promoting lying in the sun for hours on end, every day of the summer, in the hottest of the sun's rays, however, I do purport that a little bathing in some nourishing rays from our almighty star and giver of energy, -did I mention the energy giving benefits of the sun?, -a relaxing, beneficial, and healthy choice, especially when done in moderation and with mind.

You obviously do not need to be out in the sun when at its most potent, 10 - 2, you obviously do not to be tanning in the sun for longer than 15 - 20 minutes to receive the benefits therein, and you obviously do not need to be so doing, every day of the week, let alone summer.

As with all things in life, moderation is key.

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