Contributed by Amanda Albiar

It’s summertime…and who doesn’t like a little bit of sun? Did you know that sunlight can reduce surgery pain and stress? Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University conducted a study to see if sunlight affected the moods and pain medication usage of patients undergoing surgery.

They found that patients who were placed in bright rooms reported less perceived stress and took less medication per hour than patients in dim rooms. This study also suggests that even indirect exposure to sunlight (i.e. through a window) can improve one’s mood.

Sunlight can reduce cancer risks. Studies have linked vitamin D, known as the “sunshine vitamin”, to protect against colon, kidney, and breast cancer. It’s also linked to improvements in bone health and overall mortality. Neurological, cardiovascular, and immune diseases are associated with vitamin D deficiency. By increasing your exposure to sunlight, you can decrease your risk for these diseases.

Sunshine can have many benefits, but be sure to enjoy in moderation and wear appropriate sunscreen.

“Sunlight: A natural way to fight stress.” www.healthline.com