Too much in the sun?

An informative look at recent Holistic Fitness News

DR KAPLAN'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

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The sun, the source of all energy on Earth, got a bit of bad publicity this week. Of course, we all know that over-exposure to the sun is bad for us and can produce various skin cancers, including malignant melanoma. Doctors have been warning against sunburn and excessive exposure to the sun for many years now. They have also been strongly advocating the use of sun screening creams. These creams do indeed guard against UVB rays but recent research seems to show that they do not protect much against UVA rays which are actually even worse for you.

The men and women in white coats at Raft (Restoration of Appearance and Function Trust) are concerned that we are getting a false sense of security when we use sun creams that promise a high level of protection, like Factor 30 creams. The Week quoted Dr. Claire Linge, head of cellular biology at Raft: ' ..the average SPF30 cream only protected against UVA rays by a factor of two. This is worrying because people think they are safe from melanoma if they slap on cream.' The Week goes on to give the grim statistics about melanoma in the UK. The number of people suffering from this (particularly deadly) form of cancer is faster than sufferers of any other cancer. Currently at one in 68 adults, predictions are that it will be one in 50 by the year 2010.

My advice to you is to treat direct exposure to the sun with the utmost respect. We need some sun directly on our skin to produce Vitamin D, but not that much. As my professor of medicine used to say, 'If you put your nose in the sun for 30 minutes a day, you should be able to produce enough Vitamin C forever.' So whether at home or abroad on holiday, please look after your skin and 'worship' the sun by respecting it and avoiding too much exposure. Use sun creams by all means but be aware that they do NOT give absolute protection, not even the ones with the highest 'factors'.

Run for your Life

Since I've started running myself, I've noticed that London is full of people running in its parks and streets. Personally I run on the wonderful public track in Regents Park. It's an idyllic setting and I don't mind running in a 400 metre circle if I know that I'm sparing my joints some unnecessary injury.

In a useful supplement to the Evening Standard (produced in association with BT) a number of running clubs were mentioned and I thought these well worth listing here. It's fun to run with others and find new terrains to explore. Here are some examples:
1. The Serpentine Running Club (www.serpentine .org) has over 1000 members, nearly half of whom are women. Beginners meet on Wednesdays and Saturdays in Hyde Park and they also arrange some races for the more competitive runner.
2. Hash House Harriers (www.cityhash.org) sounds like a very interesting sociable running club. Runners meet at a pub near a different Tube station every week, run for 4 miles and inevitably chat over a drink afterwards. Sounds like fun.
3. Sisters Network (www.shu.ac.uk/crs)is an excellent organisation for women who want to run, but run in safety. There are nationwide groups of runners of different abilities (including absolute beginners) and the network has a national membership of over 5000.

Homeopathic Tip:

I thought a few tips for runners would be appropriate.
If you feel bruised or achey after overdoing a run, use Arnica 6c three times a day for a day or two.
If you fall, use the same Arnica for the bruising and Calendula cream for any grazes.

And most important of all. Drink plenty of water. When your run you lose water and this will lead to dehydration unless you replace it. Get yourself a cool, runner's water bottle and use it!

Dr Kaplan's personal website is: www.drkaplan.co.uk and his practice website is www.140harleystreet.co.uk and he can be contacted on (020) 7487 3416