It’s Spring!
It has been a long, cold, snowy, icy winter. If you are a family caregiver, there’s a strong possibility that you and your loved one haven’t been out in the sunshine for a long time.
According to the National Institute of Health, there are very important reasons to get out and get sunshine, beyond the fact that it simply feels good. Sunlight provides critical physical and mental health benefits, primarily by triggering the production of vitamin D and essential hormones. Experts generally recommend 10–30 minutes of direct exposure to the face, arms, and legs several times a week to reap these benefits safely.
Sunlight is the body's primary source of vitamin D, which is needed for bone strength. It helps prevent osteoporosis in adults. Exposure to UV rays dilates blood vessels and can lower blood pressure. Sunlight boosts the immune system and reduces systemic inflammation, that may offer protection against autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, regular, moderate time in the sun is associated with a reduced risk of some cancers.
Time spent in the sunshine has been shown to improve mood, help regulate sleep, combat depression and sharpen cognitive function.
When you’re caring for a person who is essentially housebound, it can be difficult to get out into the sunshine, but it is worth the effort. If the person you’re caring for isn’t able to get about outside the home, think about time in the sun on the porch. Determine the time of day when the sun is shining directly on a convenient spot on the deck and plan to include time spent in that spot for 20-30 minutes whenever the sun is shining. Your loved one will feel better physically and mentally from regular sun exposure.
If you are able to travel away from your house, schedule time for yourself to get out in the sunshine and take a walk. A half hour respite break, in the sunshine will be very beneficial for your mental and physical help as well. If you aren’t able to leave your loved one home alone for half an hour, seek assistance planning for respite breaks. This is the time to say “yes” when someone says to you, “if there’s anything I can do to help call me”. If there isn’t anyone offering you a respite break, call the Agency on Aging and ask to speak to someone about caregiver respite. 203 785-8533