For many of our readers in the southern hemisphere, it is now a sunny time. And not too far off, many of us in the northern hemisphere will be enjoying spring time, sun and fresh air as well.
Those of us who focus on health-related trends and ever-changing approaches to what makes us healthier, cannot have help but be aware of resurgence of interest in vitamin D and its importance. And as regards yoga — to consider a way of making a healthy exercise even healthier. There are now yoga-in-the-park and other outdoor yoga events worldwide. But most yoga is still takes place in a studio setting far removed from the sun's rays.
Now may be the time to consider our current yoga lifestyle. For some of us, it consists of the day spent in an office and then going from the office to an indoor yoga studio for exercise. Maybe it's time to think about other routines for a few times a week — yoga on the apartment balcony, yoga in your back yard/garden, or yoga and a picnic in the park. Or do a little cross-training and take an hour walk or jog.
To conclude, here is just one of dozens of recent medical studies that deal with the issue of vitamin D and health. This study found that women who reported spending on average of less than 30 minutes versus more than 2 hours outside in daylight year round at the the study's year 4 follow-up, had a 20% increased risk of breast cancer. The researchers observed that the association "between time spent outside and breast cancer risk support the hypothesis that vitamin D may protect against breast cancer." Abstract: PubMed. "Incident invasive breast cancer, geographic location of residence, and reported average time spent outside," Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention [2009 Feb;18(2):495-507]
