The UV Advantage

“...Dr. Holick says, sunshine is good medicine." Jane E. Brody, The New York Times

Sunshine is good for you! While too much sun causes wrinkles and raises other health concerns, a lack of sun exposure, our primary source of vitamin D can cause serious health problems, such as osteoporosis, certain cancers, and diabetes. Dr. Holick, the discoverer of the active form of vitamin D, has pulled together an impressive body of evidence in support that no one should be—as he puts it—a “sunphobe,” or, for that matter, a sun worshipper. His conclusion: relatively brief, but unfettered exposure to sunshine and its equivalent can help to ward off a host of debilitating and sometimes deadly diseases, including osteoporosis, cancers of the colon, prostate and breast, hypertension, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and depression.

Michael F. Holick, Ph.D., M.D., is internationally recognized for his expertise and many contributions in the fields of vitamin D, calcium, skin, bone, and the biologic effects of light. At Boston University School of Medicine, Dr. Holick is professor of medicine, dermatology, and physiology and biophysics; director of the Bone Health Care Clinic; and program director of the General Clinical Research Center. Dr. Holick received more than forty awards and honors for his innovative research and clinical activities. Dr. Holick lives in Sudbury, Massachusetts.

Mark Jenkins is the author and co-author of a dozen books, including two Book-of-the-Month Club alternate selections. His writing has appeared in publications as varied as Rolling Stone and The Wall Street Journal. Mr. Jenkins also writes humorous commentaries for public radio about life on a small island. He lives on the island of Martha's Vineyard.