Recently, Dr. Stephanie Seneff, a senior scientist at MIT was quoted in an article by Dr. Joseph Mercola, entitled “How Can Sunscreen Cause Alzheimer’s?” Seneff, a senior scientist at MIT who has a wealth of information about the importance of sulfur, explains:
“… depletion of sulfate supply to the brain is another important contributor to Alzheimer’s, and I further think that sulfate is supplied to the brain principally by sterol sulfates like cholesterol sulfate as well as their derivatives like vitamin D3 sulfate. Both cholesterol sulfate and vitamin D3 sulfate are synthesized in the skin upon exposure to sunlight, and it is theorized that the skin is the major supplier of these nutrients to the body. This is why I believe that excess sunscreen use and excess sun avoidance are another principal causative factor in Alzheimer’s disease.”¹

The argument for safe sun exposure for overall health is a growing one. The question is how much sun is too much?
SkinHealth Technology has developed a patented, new sensor that helps enable the user to get sun without damage to the skin.

The Natural Vitamin D UV Activation Sensors take the guess work out of gauging the real-time intensity of UV light and answers the universal “how long should you stay in the sun without sun protection” question.

1) http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/03/03/sun-screens-cause-alzheimers.aspx

Spring is here and with much of the country experiencing above normal temperatures people are enjoying outdoor activities extra early this year.  Experts in the medical field agree that spending a short amount of time in the sun (without sun protection) is actually good for you.  A certain amount of exposure to natural UVB light allows the body to produce vitamin D naturally. This critical nutrient is essential to overall health and the best way to obtain it is from the sun.

According to Dr. Oz, “Vitamin D boosts your immunity, promotes healthy neuro-muscular functions and helps protect you from some forms of cancer. The easiest way to reap the benefits of this nutrient is to spend 15 minutes in the sun a few times a week. Be mindful that sunscreen will prevent you from getting adequate vitamin D outdoors; try skipping sunscreen for just 15 minutes.” ¹

This is great advice, but with variables like time of day, time of year, geographic location, etc—it’s evident that 15 minutes in Maine is not going to equate to 15 minutes in Miami! So how do can you know when you’ve had enough sun to attain your vitamin D?

A small sensor that enables the user to identify when they have spent enough time–without burning–is now available from SkinHealth Technology. ‘Natural Vitamin D UV Activation Sensors’ adhere to clothing or skin. When the color changes from yellow to red–optimal vitamin D development has taken place and indicates it is time to apply sunscreen or seek cover.

SkinHealth Technology developed Natural Vitamin D Sheer Sunscreen as ‘step two’ and is designed to be applied to the skin as soon as the sensor indicates vitamin D optimization. The sunscreen immediately begins protecting the skin.

1) http://www.doctoroz.com

A study presented last month at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reported that blood levels of vitamin D were “insufficient” in 78% and “frankly deficient” in 39% in patients treated for a fracture at a Missouri trauma center.

The researched group of 889 patients excluded those with known risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. As reported in the New York Times by columnist Jane E. Brody, vitamin D levels are often associated with bone health, but deficiency in this vital hormone (not really a vitamin) risks many other serious illness.¹ With potential ramifications as diverse as diabetes, heart disease and a host of cancers, it’s worth keeping your vitamin D level in check.

Vitamin D is difficult to attain through diet. In fact, only a handful of foods like mushrooms, oily fish and enriched milk or orange juice provide any vitamin D at all. Supplements can help keep your D levels up, but the best source of Vitamin D is the sun.

Skincare experts at SkinHealth Technology, LLC have developed a patented, new concept that enables you to attain vitamin D 100% naturally – without damage to the skin. To accurately gauge the necessary length of time in the sun, simply apply one of the Natural Vitamin D UV Activation Sensors to skin or clothing. When the sensor turns red and the sun symbol disappears —it’s time to apply sunscreen or get out of the sun.

1)   http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/12/reasons-to-place-a-bet-on-vitamin-d/

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, at least ten  percent of the general population are believed to have the genetic makeup that leaves them susceptible to psoriasis, but only two to three percent ever develop symptoms.¹   The first flare-up can be can be triggered by a variety of things, and at the top of the list is stress.

Some stress in life is expected and can even be useful, for example in pushing us to complete a task on time.  However, if you have become overwhelmed by the things you have to deal with in your life, that stress can take a toll on your health.  If you have a predisposition to psoriasis, you may experience the first outward symptoms at a time of increased stress.

In working to eliminate stress from your life it is helpful to take a step by step approach.  First, figure out where your stress is coming from.  Once you have identified the causes, you can formulate a plan to eliminate it.  Managing your time better, taking better care of yourself, and learning to control thoughts that cause you to worry may be part of the plan to avoid stress.  Exercise or meditation can also help you manage it.²

The National Psoriasis Organization has great information on dealing with psoriasis, including a webinar scheduled for March 20, 2012 on dealing with stress.  To register for the webinar, click here.

1) http://psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/causes
2) http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-management-topic-overview

On the heels of an already mild winter, Punxsutawney Phil’s Groundhog Day prediction of six more weeks of winter is a little off this year.  Much of the U.S. has been warmer than average and many regions are experiencing record high temperatures, so it’s a great time to get outdoors to enjoy the sun and fresh air.¹ Unfortunately, it’s also a prime set-up for that blind side so many of us have experienced on beautiful spring days – an unexpected sunburn!

The UV Index in parts of the country are also expected to be above average in correlation to the higher temperatures.   It’s easy to forget how strong the sun can be when the temperature is so comfortable.  If you aren’t prepared with sunscreen, you could become sunburned before you ever realize it.

Before you head outside, check the UV index on your local news or on the EPA’s  Sunwise UV Index home page.² This will help you determine the appropriate level of sunscreen protection needed for your region.  It’s always good to have a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen with an SPF of 30 of higher on hand.  UV Skincare Facial Light Sunscreen SPF35 by SkinHealth Technology is a great choice.  It is light, silky, and fragrance free so you hardly know you have it on.

1)    http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/12/10652420-temps-in-60s-70s-likely-across-northeast-midwest

2)    http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html

Daylight Savings Time 2012 begins on March 11.  Whether you look forward to it or dread it, societies have been manipulating daylight since ancient times.  Early civilizations divided the daylight into twelve hours, so that during the summer each hour was longer.  In more modern days, rail and communications schedules necessitated the standardization of time.

Modern DST was first proposed by New Zealand entomologist George Vernon Hudson in 1895.  He wanted to add daylight to the hours after his work shift so that he could spend more time collecting insects.  The first to actually use DST were Germany and its allies in WW1 as a way to conserve coal during wartime. Since then, the world has seen many enactments, adjustments, and repeals.¹

These days in the U.S. no law requires that a state observe DST, but if a state chooses to do so, it must follow the starting and ending dates as set by law.  Starting in 2007, has been observed from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, adding about a month to daylight saving time.²

Like Hudson, many people look forward to extended daylight after work to pursue activities that are not possible during the winter when it gets dark before dinner.  This is the first real sign that summer is just around the corner.  So don’t forget this Saturday night – set the clocks ahead an hour if you are in a location that observes DST.

1)    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daylight_saving_time

2)    http://www.infoplease.com/spot/daylight1.html

If you suffer with psoriasis you may be doing all the right things to treat your condition, but are still having difficulty getting it under control.  You know there are prescription drugs available for topical and oral use, but you may prefer to treat the condition without prescriptions, using a more natural regimen.  This may include a topical product to provide moisture and soothe inflammation.

You know what to DO.  But do you know what NOT TO DO?  As with many conditions, psoriasis can be made worse by neglecting the affected areas.  This sensitive skin is vulnerable to damage and will have more difficulty healing than healthy skin.  It will also be more prone to flare ups if it’s not taken care of.

Here are five important tips to remember for psoriasis sufferers¹:

1.    Don’t leave the skin open to injury.

2.    Don’t cleanse vigorously.

3.    Don’t ignore dry skin.

4.    Don’t get sunburned.

5.    Don’t scratch plaques.

To read more about these tips, click on the link below.

1)    http://inhealth.cnn.com/stepping-up-your-psoriasis-treatment/five-skin-care-donts-for-psoriasis-sufferers