Talk about health
Treating illnes and keeping or regaining health is a constantly evolving picture. All of us are affected at one time or another. We all need the information so you and I can make the most out of the available options. This blog is a chance to discuss some of these choices.Friday, May 09, 2008
TV Health Complaints and Vitamin D
I've been visiting my children and attending a wedding hence the reasons for my not adding an article last week. However, I've now sorted out my e-mails and am almost back to normal - whatever that is!
There's a particular TV program here in the UK with a regular health spot. I like watching this program - it's casual and friendly presenters make it a 30 minute easy view. Usually, the medical people who do the health spot appear open to viewing alternative therapies in a good light. They are not exactly 100% in the altenative camp, but having an open mind is a first step.
But, the other day the health spot took a turn for the worse. On a previous occasion they covered the benefits of vitamin D and sunlight. The point was gently made that we need some sunlight before slapping on the sunscreen to have the best chance of improving vitamin D levels. This time they spent a great deal of time in the old total-block groove so beloved of mainstream doctors.
The five minute slot could have been written a few years ago by the archetype blinkered GP. It pointed out the dangers of sunbeds (absolutely correct) but then told us to stay out of the sun or use high-factor sunscreens. If I'd had any hair, I would be pulling it out.
Having calmed down a little, I've come to the view that TV simply cannot bear to approach a complex problem in depth. I understand that people are busy and don't necesarily want to think too deeply about anything that can't be covered in a five-minute slot. But, is that a valid reason for over-simplifying health topics to a one line message presented by charming ladies?
If you really must simplify everything to a one-point message, stick to that and do it one step at a time. I don't think any health item is simple. Everything that goes on in your body and mind is a vastly complicated interaction of many things, most of which we don't really understand fully. The only way to rationalise it is to highlight current knowledge and point out that the story is not complete.
Take the vitamin-D and sunlight problem. So far as I can tell, the ideal situation to maximise vitamin D is to get some direct sunlight on your face and body every day for about 15 minutes or so, then shield your body thereafter using clothes, shade or sunscreens. Just to complicate matters, there is some concern that certain ingredients in sunscreens could be harmful. And some scientists say that regular sun is better protection from skin cancers that occasional exposure.
I say, 'break it down even further, then join it all up again at the end'. To me, it would be better to point out the dangers of sunbeds to fair skin and stop at that. Then to recommend ways of improving your vitamin D level giving the apparent benefits of this particular vitamin on health and stop there. And tell us the dangers of prolonged sun exposure giving us the results of trials, to complete that part of the picture.
In other words, have three relatively simple views of sunshine, vitamin D and health that form a more realsitic view rather than one very simple but flawed message that glosses over the whole truth by majoring on only one aspect.
The glossy magazine, simplistic presentaion may have a useful message to help others get a point but in the long run it must be better to tell the whole truth. It may take longer to get your point across but people won't be confused by different advice on the same subject.
There! I've got that off my chest for now. Let me know what you think about the way TV deals with health matters or your thoughts on vitamin D and sunshine.
Join me by subscribing to my regular but Fr ee newsletter. Go to http://www.healthexplored.com and subscribe - and you'll get a bonus tips booklet as well.
Wishing you the best of health.
There's a particular TV program here in the UK with a regular health spot. I like watching this program - it's casual and friendly presenters make it a 30 minute easy view. Usually, the medical people who do the health spot appear open to viewing alternative therapies in a good light. They are not exactly 100% in the altenative camp, but having an open mind is a first step.
But, the other day the health spot took a turn for the worse. On a previous occasion they covered the benefits of vitamin D and sunlight. The point was gently made that we need some sunlight before slapping on the sunscreen to have the best chance of improving vitamin D levels. This time they spent a great deal of time in the old total-block groove so beloved of mainstream doctors.
The five minute slot could have been written a few years ago by the archetype blinkered GP. It pointed out the dangers of sunbeds (absolutely correct) but then told us to stay out of the sun or use high-factor sunscreens. If I'd had any hair, I would be pulling it out.
Having calmed down a little, I've come to the view that TV simply cannot bear to approach a complex problem in depth. I understand that people are busy and don't necesarily want to think too deeply about anything that can't be covered in a five-minute slot. But, is that a valid reason for over-simplifying health topics to a one line message presented by charming ladies?
If you really must simplify everything to a one-point message, stick to that and do it one step at a time. I don't think any health item is simple. Everything that goes on in your body and mind is a vastly complicated interaction of many things, most of which we don't really understand fully. The only way to rationalise it is to highlight current knowledge and point out that the story is not complete.
Take the vitamin-D and sunlight problem. So far as I can tell, the ideal situation to maximise vitamin D is to get some direct sunlight on your face and body every day for about 15 minutes or so, then shield your body thereafter using clothes, shade or sunscreens. Just to complicate matters, there is some concern that certain ingredients in sunscreens could be harmful. And some scientists say that regular sun is better protection from skin cancers that occasional exposure.
I say, 'break it down even further, then join it all up again at the end'. To me, it would be better to point out the dangers of sunbeds to fair skin and stop at that. Then to recommend ways of improving your vitamin D level giving the apparent benefits of this particular vitamin on health and stop there. And tell us the dangers of prolonged sun exposure giving us the results of trials, to complete that part of the picture.
In other words, have three relatively simple views of sunshine, vitamin D and health that form a more realsitic view rather than one very simple but flawed message that glosses over the whole truth by majoring on only one aspect.
The glossy magazine, simplistic presentaion may have a useful message to help others get a point but in the long run it must be better to tell the whole truth. It may take longer to get your point across but people won't be confused by different advice on the same subject.
There! I've got that off my chest for now. Let me know what you think about the way TV deals with health matters or your thoughts on vitamin D and sunshine.
Join me by subscribing to my regular but Fr ee newsletter. Go to http://www.healthexplored.com and subscribe - and you'll get a bonus tips booklet as well.
Wishing you the best of health.
posted by James # 2:10 AM 
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"It pointed out the dangers of sunbeds (absolutely correct) but then told us to stay out of the sun or use high-factor sunscreens."
This phrase leaves me wondering how to respond. It's almost like asking, "when did you stop beating your wife?"
What about sunbeds, exactly, is it that makes you feel they are more dangerous than sun exposure? Is it the UV output? UV is UV. The majority of sunbeds are very similar in UVA/UVB ratio to the sun. Times are regulated and not varied based on time of day, cloud cover, etc. A person starting out in a sunbed is encouraged to start slowly without burning. I could go on, but hopefully, you get my point. Anything (sunbed or sun) has potential for abuse. Used properly, sunbeds are no more dangerous than the sun.
Now, on to the rest of your post, I agree almost completely. However, consider this: If you get regular UV exposure, whether from the sun or from a sunbed, you will begin to develop a tan. This pigmentation is your body's natural way to protect itself from overexposure to UV. If you start out at 15 minutes of unscreened exposure, you are getting some vitamin D produced in the skin. Once your skin begins to darken, it will require more and more exposure to get the same amount of vitamin D production. The darker you get, the longer the exposure time required to get an equal amount of vitamin D.
Also, it depends on time of day, latitude, cloud cover, season, etc., etc. A sunbed is roughly the same amount of exposure every day.
Get out in the outside. Get some sun, some outdoor exercise, run, jump, play, etc. It's good for you. But, when you can't, go check out a tanning salon (solarium to you Brits ;)).
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This phrase leaves me wondering how to respond. It's almost like asking, "when did you stop beating your wife?"
What about sunbeds, exactly, is it that makes you feel they are more dangerous than sun exposure? Is it the UV output? UV is UV. The majority of sunbeds are very similar in UVA/UVB ratio to the sun. Times are regulated and not varied based on time of day, cloud cover, etc. A person starting out in a sunbed is encouraged to start slowly without burning. I could go on, but hopefully, you get my point. Anything (sunbed or sun) has potential for abuse. Used properly, sunbeds are no more dangerous than the sun.
Now, on to the rest of your post, I agree almost completely. However, consider this: If you get regular UV exposure, whether from the sun or from a sunbed, you will begin to develop a tan. This pigmentation is your body's natural way to protect itself from overexposure to UV. If you start out at 15 minutes of unscreened exposure, you are getting some vitamin D produced in the skin. Once your skin begins to darken, it will require more and more exposure to get the same amount of vitamin D production. The darker you get, the longer the exposure time required to get an equal amount of vitamin D.
Also, it depends on time of day, latitude, cloud cover, season, etc., etc. A sunbed is roughly the same amount of exposure every day.
Get out in the outside. Get some sun, some outdoor exercise, run, jump, play, etc. It's good for you. But, when you can't, go check out a tanning salon (solarium to you Brits ;)).
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