Sunny side up

Researchers at Sydney University are urging city residents to roll up their sleeves and have lunch outside as winter approaches.

City workers with minimal exposure to natural lights are at risk of vitamin D deficiency, which has been linked to cancer, osteoporosis, weak muscles, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Going against widespread anti-sun warnings, The Bosch Institute is trying to promote a healthy image of sun exposure.

“It would be a good idea to go out for a short walk – 6-8 minutes or so with sleeves rolled up at morning or afternoon tea in summer and for a longer walk of around half an hour around lunch time – with as much skin showing as possible in the cold in winter,” says Professor Rebecca Mason.

Cancer Councils are also advising schools in that in winter, the ‘no hat no play’ policy is inappropriate.

Some groups in the community are at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. They include naturally dark skinned people, those who cover their skin for religious or cultural reasons, the elderly, babies of vitamin D deficient mothers, and people who are housebound or are in institutional care.

Patrick O’Halloran, who works at Citibank in Sydney’s central CBD says he averages 15 minutes in the sunlight at lunch and 10 minutes walking to and from the walk from the train station.

O’Halloran says he is aware of some benefits of sunlight. “It gives you vitamin D and a brighter outlook on life – sorry about the pun.”