IT DOESN’T GET MUCH BETTER than soaking up the sun with an ice-cool lemonade in hand. But, you may also be worried about having enough sunscreen, becoming dehydrated, or getting too hot. How do you know if assisted living Mesa, Arizona sun is good for you?
It turns out soaking up the sun is good for quite a few reasons. After reading about these benefits, you’ll be happy you live in sunny Arizona.
Vitamin D
We all know that our bodies naturally produce vitamin D from sun exposure, but what does it do for our bodies? Vitamin D is magical because it helps us absorb other nutrients, such as calcium and phosphorus. It helps reduce the risk of many different diseases and health problems, such as multiple sclerosis or diabetes.
When a pregnant woman is deficient in vitamin D, it has profound implications. Women lacking the vitamin are more likely to require a Caesarean section than women who are vitamin D sufficient when they give birth.
Research has recently shown that vitamin D can promote healthy cell growth and decrease your chances of developing cancer. Researchers have also found sufficient vitamin D levels correlate with breast and prostate cancer prevention.
Bones and Muscles
Your bones and muscles have a lot to get from the sun. Vitamin D can help absorb other vitamins, like calcium, which is essential to good bone health. People that lack Vitamin D can develop:
- bone softening (osteomalacia)
- low bone density (osteopenia)
- osteoarthritis
- heart disease
- cancer
- rickets in children
Beyond that, low vitamin D levels can contribute to fatty, cramped, or impaired muscles.
Mental Health
Many studies these days show a link between vitamin D deficiency and depression.
Whether you suffer from depression, or perhaps you just need a mood boost, follow the sun.
Spending enough time in the sun helps your body to create more serotonin. Serotonin is a critical hormone that plays a crucial role in helping people feel good and keeping stress at bay. Natural sunshine is a wonderful way to increase serotonin.
Body Clock
Have you heard of circadian rhythms? Circadian rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioral changes on a 24-hour cycle. These natural processes respond to light and dark and affect most living things.
It means that sunlight can help you sleep deeper if you soak up an hour of the sun each morning. Early morning sun tells your body clock it’s time to wake up. This daily habit, combined with shutting off electronics and other blue light sources before bed, can help your body regulate melatonin. Melatonin is a critical hormone that causes you to sleep.
While it’s essential to protect your skin with sunscreen and stay hydrated, you don’t want to miss out on the significant benefits of assisted living Mesa in the Arizona sun. So, go ahead, get outside and let vitamin D do its work.
The Summit at Sunland Springs in East Mesa offers assisted living and memory care senior living communities. We pride ourselves on the best senior care around. See the difference for yourself.