The Refreshing Benefits of Sunshine

With the long, sunny summer days officially here many of us may turn to outdoor activities to get some extra rays. While we all know that getting outside is a great way to increase your daily activity, did you know that getting regular sun exposure has some serious health-promoting benefits?

That’s right – soaking in some sunshine isn't just enjoyable. It’s actually good for you!

Here are just a couple of the fantastic health benefits that come from the sun:

1. Sunshine Is a Natural Mood-Booster

Ever notice how you feel happier after being in the sun? There’s a reason for that!

Both sunlight and darkness trigger different hormones to be released in your brain. When it comes to sunlight exposure, your brain releases higher levels of serotonin, the hormone that’s responsible for better moods, happiness, and feelings of calm or focus.

Have you ever felt bummed out after several days of no sun? That may be because without that sun exposure, naturally occurring serotonin levels can decrease. In fact, this is believed to be a contributor to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a condition where people experience lower moods during colder seasons of the year.

2. Sunlight Builds Stronger Bones

When your skin soaks up that delicious sunshine, something incredible happens. Your body turns the ultraviolet-B radiation from the sun into vitamin D. Vitamin D is an essential component for healthy bones, connective tissue, and your immune system. Even just 30 minutes out in the sun is enough to boost your vitamin D levels.

Low levels of vitamin D have been connected to conditions such as osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, and spontaneous bone fractures. While many people take supplements to prevent deficiencies, the best way to increase your vitamin D levels naturally is to increase your sun exposure.

Interesting fact: Did you know that 40% of Americans are vitamin D deficient? Just another reason to soak in some sun this summer.

3. Sun Exposure Improves Sleep

After a long day in the sun, a good night’s sleep often seems to be easier to come by. And that’s because of the impact of sunlight on your sleep hormone, melatonin.

The release of this powerful hormone is regulated your circadian rhythm, the driving force behind your sleep cycle. When it becomes dark, melatonin is released from the brain, signaling your body that it’s time to sleep. So, increased exposure to sunlight during the day helps create a strong contrast between the two, causing a more dramatic shift when dusk sets in and the sunlight starts to go away. This allows you to drift more easily into a deep, restorative sleep.

A Quick Note About Moderation

While there are so many clear benefits to enjoying the summer sun, it’s also crucial to practice moderation and protect yourself from getting burned. Moderation is essential.

Too much of a good thing is possible when it comes to sunlight. Without adequate calcium, fatty acids and other important nutrients, prolonged periods of sun exposure can lead to skin burns, discomfort, and other more serious skin conditions. If you have a history of skin cancer, you’ll want to be extra cautious when it comes to sun exposure.

Enjoy Extra Sunshine This Season

The summer sun is more than just an enjoyable temperature change – it also packs a powerful punch of health benefits. Be sure to get out this summer and reap the benefits of safe sun exposure.

Just make sure not to overdo it!

Happy Patients

I have had back issues most of my life. Since starting treatments with Dr Greg I have had no more issues. It's such a relief to be able to be physical at the high level I want to be. I am able to maintain wellness by seeing Dr Greg on a regular basis. Thank you Dr Greg!!

Michael L.

Hello! I just want to say that you are truly a healer! After leaving your office last Monday, I was more able to breathe, truly breathe - after having suffered all weekend to take a deep breath due to a "rib out of place" OK - if you say so....all I know is that, though I continued to have a bit of pain in my upper back and neck for a day or two, I could take wonderful, glorious deep breaths thanks to your treatment. Thanks again for all you do! Even if I do make many sound affects while you are treating me - "OUCH!!! Hmmmph!! Ughhh!! Really???" I truly appreciate your healing touch....

MMW

I have had Parkinson's Disease for 8 years.  I have developed arthritis in my back and hips. The stiffness of the Parkinson's and the arthritis has caused me a lot of pain. Because of that unrelenting pain I was unable to exercise. Exercise is an important part of pain management for Parkinson's.  Since I have been seeing Dr. Krapf I am feeling much better and his care has allowed me to begin exercising again, which has improved my overall well being. In the past I have been treated by physical therapists and orthopedists. Dr. Krapf's chiropractic manipulations have had an amazing impact on my health and happiness. I highly recommend Dr. Krapf to anyone who needs excellent chiropractic care and the many alternative therapies he offers. I would say he is magical!

When my friend received excellent care from Dr. Krapf, she recommended him to me. I have had gastrointestinal problems for nearly 50 years that have recently been diagnosed with celiac disease with lactose intolerance. All that, including unrelieved stress had made me unhappy and unhealthy. Today I am a different person with the help of Dr. Greg. The Gastro issues are practically nonexistent, my stress levels have plummeted, and my body is changing. I am so grateful for Dr. Greg and his healing hands.

Mary Ann L.

Our family have been patients of Krapf chiropractic for a few decades. We have several success stories archived. The most recent event involves our youngest son who is completing his senior year of high school. He has been a patient of Krapf Chiropractic (KCA) since birth. He has been an avid soccer player since the age of four and has sustained numerous injuries over the years. Dr. Krapf has successfully assisted in every recovery.

Most recently, he began complaining of his feet hurting while playing soccer. Both feet hurt - particularly the balls of his feet while running and cutting. He came to Dr. Greg with his complaint as this was seriously affecting his game. Dr. Greg evaluated the situation and decided a foot scan should be done. The finding was dropped arches. My son was fitted for orthotics. They arrived within days and he wore these as directed. Within a few short weeks he is now playing full games pain free.

SC

I first called Krapf Chiropractic when my back was so bad that I couldn't get up off the floor. It's been a blessing to have Dr. Greg help me with my overall wellness and health! I find this to be a place where you are not a number and everyone cares. Mollie is always cheerful and reminds me to come. Erin is always smiling and helps relax me when I'm in pain. I would not be functioning if I did not have Krapf Chiropractic to keep me going. As I get older my appreciation deepens, especially when I see people around me who are suffering with back problems. If they only knew how helpful this is. I believe Dr. Greg treats the person not the symptoms. Thank you

Debbie B.

I've been lucky to have exceptional health care from the beginning. At the beginning, seventy-six-plus years ago, Hugh Rodgers brought me into the world in mother and dad's second-floor bedroom in our dairy farm home. Hugh's son, Hugh, Jr., practiced with his dad and beyond caring for my parents, he, also, cared for hundreds of others and me. Roughly forty years ago, a friend suggested I make an appointment with Richard Krapf for help with back-pain. Richard treated the pain that, often, was debilitating, and on Richard's death, his son, Greg became the second second generation to help me from one place to another. I'm grateful to Hugh, Hugh, Richard and, perhaps, most of all, to Greg.

N.C.

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