Sunshine: Hero or villain?
I don’t know anyone who complains about the sun shining, but for my fellow pasty northern folk this usually means either lathering ourselves with SPF to protect oneself from the sun’s harmful rays or turning as pink as a mole’s nose and as sore as a belly flop from the top board. The former is for a fear of developing skin cancer and an attempt at preventing ageing of the skin, the blokes usually favour the latter as they stupidly think wearing sunscreen is as macho as synchronized swimming. The sun however isn’t all evil. Its UV rays allow our bodies to manufacture potent supplies of vitamin D, a substance essential for bone health. Without these UV rays our body is prone to a vitamin D deficiency, because unlike other vitamins, no matter how many greens or oily fishes we eat, our bodies cannot produce enough vitamin D without the sun’s rays.
It’s long been known that a lack of vitamin D leaches muscles and bones of calcium, leading to pain, weakness, osteoporosis and fractures, but research published contradicts the long-held belief that avoiding UV radiation will reduce the risk of skin cancer. In fact their findings suggest that avoiding the sun leads to an increased risk not only of melanoma, but of any other cause of premature death including other cancers. The researchers conclude that a lack of vitamin D from too little sunlight is to blame for adverse health effects seen in their trial. It is thought that 50% of white skinned, 90% of dark skinned and 25% of British children display vitamin D deficiencies. And if you think how sunny Yorkshire is, this shouldn’t be happening in our region!!!
In my opinion the problem is a combination of two factors. Firstly, people have taken scientists’ advice to the extreme over the last 30 years, and rather than limiting sun light exposure, people have avoided it all together by keeping their heads and bodies covered at all times with clothes and/or sunblock. Secondly, the fact that over the last 60 years we have migrated indoors as we spend more time inside our offices, homes and shopping centres, means we are kept away from the sun all year round. Computer games and TV have been blamed for a resurgence of rickets, a problem last linked to Victorian poverty, as children no longer play outside.
With all this conflicting information you’re probably wondering what the solution is? Scientists are yet to precisely advise how much sunlight is healthy. I would suggest using common sense. I think that old saying ‘everything in moderation’ applies well. We should try and take in the sun’s rays little, but often and not binge on the sun. Taking in the sun’s rays without protection for about 15 minutes in the morning, or late afternoon & evening is safer than during the intense midday sun. Opportunities to practice this throughout autumn and winter, whilst more difficult, should be seized. It is still important to wear sunscreen, cover up and find shade on the days when you need to be out for long periods on a sunny day because it is essential that you avoid burning. In summary the sun is our hero, essential for our health, but equally, if misused, it transforms into a villain!
Rohan Gulliver2024-04-30Had been suffering with an issue for a year, and have had a toenail operation at castle clinic, i received first class service and if I had any queries the team was on-hand to answer them. I would highly recommend this place to anyone with a similar issue.
John Keane2024-04-25After suffering a back injury I visited Seb at Castle Clinic. Three visits later I am pain free. Thanks for a professional and efficient service. I will whole heartedly recommend your services to anyone in pain
Malcolm Taylor2024-04-18Saw Seb for arm and shoulder pain. Really listened and has helped enormously. Recommend very highly.
Katie Lord2024-04-13Have been to castle clinic for years for varies pains and had the lovely osteopath Sebastian! Most recently he has helped relive my pregnancy related sciatic pain! Always lovely, professional and on time :)
sophie dockerill2024-03-26I have been going to Seb now for 3 years consistently. I have a lower back problem that flares up and leaves me incapable but I truly believe our appointments every 6 weeks are keeping it under check. The whole team at castle clinic are so friendly and welcoming and will always do their best to fit you in at last minute! Seb makes you feel so comfortable and will always tell you what’s going on and make sure you’re okay through the whole appointment. I’ll never stop going and recommend castle clinic to everyone that’ll listen 100/10!
Brian Coffman2024-03-21Visited the other day for an Indian Head Massage with Sheona. Was a very nice treatment! Sheona did a great job tailoring the experience to my requirements. Most definitely recommended 👍
Erin Morrison2024-03-13I saw Sheona recently for a facial reflexology treatment to help with chronic rhinosinusitus which has lingered on for 5 months. The first thing that struck me was how friendly and warm Sheona is. Her calm, caring professionalism stands out. She is very knowledgeable and explains her techniques clearly. It was a wonderful, relaxing and nurturing treatment with beautiful facial oils and background music. The treatment has definitely helped and I feel very optimistic about future treatments. I would highly recommend Sheona and her wonderful holistic treatments. Can't wait to see you again Sheona! Thank you so much!
Sarah Coltman2024-03-11This was my first experience of osteopathy. When I hurt my back/neck a good friend warmly recommended Seb and Castle Clinic. The recommendation was thoroughly deserved! The holistic approach, care, sensitivity and treatment have been exemplary. An excellent introduction for me to the discipline of osteopathy. In addition to the effective treatment of my back, neck and accompanying arm pain, advice has been consistently reassuring and thoughtful. It is great to feel well on the way to recovery with a near normal arm again! With many grateful thanks, Sarah
Gillian Brooks2024-03-10I have experienced severe pain with hip bursitis GTP since a car accident 4 years ago. I have tried many therapies including chiropractic, massage, physio, creams and patches that haven’t helped alleviate the pain. I was recommended to Seb at the Castle Clinic who, after a thorough examination and listening to my history, suggested I try shock wave therapy. This has been the best decision as it is really helping to manage the pain in my hips and legs and improve my mobility . As I’ve had the symptoms for so long I have had to have quite a few shock wave sessions but it is definitely worth it coupled with the exercises Seb has given me. Seb is a brilliant, experienced and professional practitioner and all the staff at the clinic are friendly, caring and patient. Thank you.
Janet List2024-02-19Seb is my go to therapist; he has helped me in the past twenty years through back problems and in recuperation after a broken arm. Recently I went to Seb with a shoulder injury which resulted in me having very little mobility in my arm and substantial pain. Seb expertly diagnosed the problem and the treatment, which has included Shockwave therapy, has helped restore normal movement. I can’t recommend him highly enough!