Seriously. Go Outside.

I know, I know. By now, you probably don't need a lot of convincing.

At the same time, it's a perfect time to be reminded. Our habits have changed - and maybe it's time to start some new habits - to improve our health.

Last month we talked about some of the reasons why someone with migraine in particular should be sure to get enough vitamin D. And there are some great ways to do that with food and supplements (see the July 2020 for more).

But there are a lot of reasons why someone with migraine needs to get outside.

Of course, vitamin D is one reason. But that's not all.

Some researchers believe that vitamin D is simply a sign that we're getting enough sunlight - and that it's the sunlight and time outdoors that doing far more good than just the vitamin D alone.

Why would that be? Well, for example, proper light alone could do a lot to improve your mood and fight depression. Exercise, even a little, could provide a host of health benefits.

Did you know that sunlight might also help with weight loss? And may boost the immune system (very important: staying home should NOT mean staying inside all the time!). It can also help with sleep - so very important for fighting migraine.

It could be that modern science is telling us some things that our bodies knew all along. For example:

Don't burn your skin, silly! If you're burning, you're doing something wrong.
You're sweating out there - drink lots of water and stay hydrated (especially in hot weather).
Migraineurs know it as a rule of thumb in many things - little by little. Your body can get used to the sun if you go out regularly, starting with short periods of time.
Enjoy different types of sunlight - they may all have different benefits. For example, going out at mid-day, or enjoying a sunset.

I'm going to give you some more reading in a moment - this is just a quick introduction to the topic from the perspective of migraine. Time outdoors can help with some of the comorbid conditions and symptoms that migraine patients suffer from, and can fight migraine itself. Think about managing sunlight instead of avoiding it.

Here are some resources to get you started:

dminder: This is a brilliant little app that will tell you how long to stay outside, and when, based on a variety of factors such as your location, weight, and skin type, to maximize your vitamin D. Check it out!
Why You Should Become a Sun Worshipper: No, actually, don't worship the sun. But do appreciate it's value for your body! This is a deep dive into some of the current research and discussion, including questions about skin cancer, benefits of time outdoors, and links to more research.
Sunlight and Your Health: From WebMD, a more traditional view of sunlight, but still some interesting notes about its benefits.
Why Does the Sun Give Me a Headache?: From our friends at TheraSpecs, some quick thoughts on enjoying the sun without triggering a headache.
23 and 1/2 hours: What is the single best thing we can do for our health? A fun video to make you think.
Avoid Summer Headache: Quick tips and more links.

A quick reminder...

Some people are really struggling financially right now. But others are finding that they've saved some money unexpectedly, or that their hours at work have increased.

If you're the latter, why not take a moment to fight migraine with a few dollars?

Help fund cutting-edge migraine research by giving to the Migraine Research Foundation! Don't let these strange times lead to a "stall" in migraine research.

It's time to fight back.

Say what?! UV Radiation

UV - UltraViolet Radiation is radiation that comes primarily from the sun.

As soon as many people hear the word "radiation" they think - bad! dangerous! But actually it's necessary for your health. It's too much that is cause for concern, especially if your body isn't used to it.

Radiation itself is a transmission of energy. In this case, UV is "non-ionizing radiation". Ionizing radiation is much more harmful.

Thanks for reading! Remember, if you have feedback or ideas for future issues, visit the HeadWay MailRoom. Your password is nomoache.

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