Get Healthier Almost Instantly

Not one, not two, but five just-released studies found that vitamin D has wide-ranging benefits, from keeping your bones and heart healthy to reducing the risk of breast and other cancers. Yet, up to half of all women just don't get enough of it. Just 5 to 30 minutes of sunscreen-free afternoon sun on the arms and legs three times a week (paler women need the least time, darker the most) will help your body produce the vitamin D it needs.

If you live north of Texas, winter rays aren't strong enough to trigger vitamin D production, so experts suggest eating D-rich foods like salmon or taking a supplement. Most agree 800 to 1,000 IUs of D3 per day is enough.

In honor of spring...

Whether young or old, it’s important to be aware of the harmful effect the sun can have on our skin. Not only can it cause cancer and burn, but getting too much sun begins to show in the lines and wrinkles in our face. Here are some tips for staying safe:

* Wear sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays, even on cloudy days.

*Limit you exposure in areas that are highly reflective, such as sand, water and snow.

*No tanning beds, ever!

*Watch the hours you’re in the sun. From 10am to 4pm the sun is at its strongest and most harmful. Keep this tip in mind: if your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun's rays are very intense and you should seek shade.