Latest news with #DrLucyMcBride
The Independent
10-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Why you shouldn't be afraid of the sun this summer: The health benefits of sunshine
Many people worry that spending too much time in the hot summer sun could have serious consequences. And it's true that people are at a heightened risk of skin damage, sun poisoning, melanoma, and other maladies during the season. However, feeling the sun's warm rays also comes with potentially unexpected benefits. 'The 'never go outside without S.P.F. 50' approach treated sun exposure as if it were universally harmful,' Dr. Lucy McBride, an internal medicine physician in Washington, D.C., told The New York Times. However, 'moderate, thoughtful sun exposure,' in accordance with personal risk factors, she added, 'may offer benefits we're still discovering.' Here's what to know before your next trip to the park or the beach. The benefits Exposure to sunshine has been linked to lower blood pressure, regardless of the temperature. And while that study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association was observational, one doctor said its findings could prove beneficial. Another study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found moderate exposure to sunlight may be a prevention strategy for heart failure. It's not just heart health that sees a benefit. A group of German scientists at Münster University found that the sun's ultraviolet B rays -- the ones responsible for melanoma -- support the build-up of a healthy immune system and protect the central nervous system. Professor Karin Loser said that a similar effect, in the case of other diseases, is already known. Research has shown that ultraviolet light exposure can improve symptoms in people with eczema, and experts prescribe light therapy to treat psoriasis. "From our treatment of psoriasis," she said, "we know that ultraviolet light has a positive effect on the immune system." The drawbacks Still, there are some serious risks to spending too much time outside. For one, any tan you may get is a sign of skin damage. Sunburn can lead to sun poisoning, which may result in blisters that cause skin infection. In addition, skin cancer remains the most common form of cancer in the U.S. Nearly 20 Americans die from melanoma every day, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. 'Everyone's skin can be impacted by the sun and other forms of UV rays – regardless of their skin color,' Dr. Shanthi Sivendran, senior vice president at the American Cancer Society, said.
The Independent
09-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Here's why you should catch some rays this summer despite skin cancer risk
Many people worry that spending too much time in the hot summer sun could have serious consequences. And it's true that people are at a heightened risk of skin damage, sun poisoning, melanoma, and other maladies during the season. However, feeling the sun's warm rays also comes with potentially unexpected benefits. 'The 'never go outside without S.P.F. 50' approach treated sun exposure as if it were universally harmful,' Dr. Lucy McBride, an internal medicine physician in Washington, D.C., told The New York Times. However, 'moderate, thoughtful sun exposure,' in accordance with personal risk factors, she added, 'may offer benefits we're still discovering.' Here's what to know before your next trip to the park or the beach. The benefits Exposure to sunshine has been linked to lower blood pressure, regardless of the temperature. And while that study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association was observational, one doctor said its findings could prove beneficial. Another study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found moderate exposure to sunlight may be a prevention strategy for heart failure. It's not just heart health that sees a benefit. A group of German scientists at Münster University found that the sun's ultraviolet B rays -- the ones responsible for melanoma -- support the build-up of a healthy immune system and protect the central nervous system. Professor Karin Loser said that a similar effect, in the case of other diseases, is already known. Research has shown that ultraviolet light exposure can improve symptoms in people with eczema, and experts prescribe light therapy to treat psoriasis. "From our treatment of psoriasis," she said, "we know that ultraviolet light has a positive effect on the immune system." The drawbacks Still, there are some serious risks to spending too much time outside. For one, any tan you may get is a sign of skin damage. Sunburn can lead to sun poisoning, which may result in blisters that cause skin infection. In addition, skin cancer remains the most common form of cancer in the U.S. Nearly 20 Americans die from melanoma every day, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. 'Everyone's skin can be impacted by the sun and other forms of UV rays – regardless of their skin color,' Dr. Shanthi Sivendran, senior vice president at the American Cancer Society, said.
New York Times
08-07-2025
- Health
- New York Times
What are the Health Benefits of Sunshine?
Q: I've heard two conflicting things about sun exposure — that you should avoid it and that it's good for you. What should I believe? For decades, many doctors have said that less is more when it comes to sun exposure. Ultraviolet light from the sun can age the skin and cause skin cancer, and people can get vitamin D from food or supplements instead. But in recent years, some scientists have questioned this thinking after research suggested that moderate sun exposure may, at least in certain contexts, have some benefits. And that vitamin D supplements may not always be a good substitute. 'The 'never go outside without S.P.F. 50' approach treated sun exposure as if it were universally harmful,' said Dr. Lucy McBride, an internal medicine physician in Washington, D.C. But 'moderate, thoughtful sun exposure,' in accordance with your risk factors, she added, 'may offer benefits we're still discovering.' Sunshine has a bright side. It's undeniable that the sun's rays can damage your skin in ways that result in premature skin aging and cancer, said Dr. Elizabeth Ko, an internal medicine physician at UCLA Health who has written about the health effects of sun exposure. But researchers have also identified a handful of potential, if limited, associations between sun exposure and health benefits. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
