They say you can blame acting a little crazy on a full moon. Maybe so, but I think it’s time we gave the sun it’s “crazy-making due” as well. I was out for a run a couple of mornings ago. Already in the upper 80’s–the temperature was rising fast. Jogging towards me was a latte-brown-sun-tanned fellow about 60 years old. He was wearing a bright blue “do-rag” on his head and some Elton John-looking, wrap around sunglasses. He was in heaven, cruising along—sun on his shoulders, loving every rising degree of the heat.

The heat means different things to each of us. I grew up in Arizona, a bleach-blonde little kid with bare feet running around on black asphalt that you could fry an egg on (it’s works—we tried it). I learned early on to make peace with the heat. For some, sitting outdoors in the shade is restful and relaxing whereas for others it is uncomfortable. Remember, your body perspires in order to cool you off and release toxins from the body—it’s a good thing. Plus, studies show that outdoor air is much healthier to breathe than indoor air, so take those chances to get outside and really breathe.

But perhaps some of us are just built for the heat. The average body temperature is about 98.6 but, if you are hungry, sleepy or cold, it is likely to change. It also varies depending on where it is taken–under the arm, under the tongue or that other place where the sun never shines. See, we’re adaptable. And some of us have expanded our comfort zones to more fully enjoy the outdoors. We don’t mind the feeling of our raised body temperature and a little perspiration. Plus, those who remain persistently hidden from the sun will miss out on many of the benefits the sun provides.

The sun’s rays are a wonderful source of vitamin D, which balances hormones and builds good bones and teeth. The sun also raises your serotonin levels, which is why it can elevate your mood and bring a sense of contentment. Exposure to UV light can improve depression and mood swings and lower your risk of certain cancers. The warmth of the sun can relieve joint pain and help to normalize your blood pressure. But if all the while you are stressed about the possibility of getting skin cancer—then the good may not out-weigh the bad. Rather, we should be smart and protect ourselves by limiting direct sun exposure to approximately 15-20 minutes daily. Find the shade when necessary and use a good quality paraben-free sun block. You’ll need to read the label—remember if it goes on you—it’s going in you. If you are applying a toxic cream to the skin daily—well…there’s that “good out weighing the bad” thing again. Remember your hat and sunglasses too, then go ahead and enjoy the fragrance and sounds of the outdoors and the beautiful mountains around us.  Your disposition just might get a little “sunnier.”

For all you residents of the Crescenta Valley, here’s a poem by Lili Dauphin:

Go ahead and smile
Get rid of the frown
Let a happy face shine for a while

Wake up and enjoy the sunshine
Today is a beautiful day
Allow your heart to shine

Allow your spirit to grow
Let it cheerfully expand
Give it enough room to flow

Be happy in the meanwhile
Feel love in your heart
Don’t stop the smile ***

I’ll see you in two weeks.

Love & health,

Loa