The Modest Islamic Dress Prevents: 
- Sunburn
- Wrinkles
- Premature Aging
- Skin Cancer
While modesty itself is priceless and moral values cannot be subjected to cost/benefit analysis, Muslim women have special reason to be thankful to God for their dress code that also protects them from this deadly fate. The Islamic dress code protects us from all harmful objects, from unwanted gazes to ultraviolet light. It is good for the soul, good for the morals, and good for the body.
MANY SOURCES (STUDIES) HAVE SHOWN THAT YOU DONT NEED TO EXPOSE MORE THAN YOUR FACE AND HANDS TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT TO GET YOUR RDA OF VITAMIN D. SKIN CANCER RATES AMOUNG MUSLIM WOMEN IS LOW.
The Cancer Council of NSW points out the following:
§ Most people get enough vitamin D by going about their usual daily outdoor activities.
§ Just 10 minutes in the sun on most days of the week in summer, 15–20 minutes in spring and autumn, or 30 minutes in winter, outside peak UV times ( 10am-2pm or 11am-3pm daylight saving time) , will usually give you enough vitamin D. Source: The Cancer Council, NSW
Keep in mind these tips about sun exposure and vitamin D:
§ To get enough vitamin D, you need only to expose about 15% of your body, such as your face, arms and hands. It’s not an excuse to sunbake and the best time to get vitamin D is either side of the peak UV period (10am-2pm or 11am-3pm daylight saving time ).
§ Short bursts in the sun (outside peak UV times) are better for making vitamin D than long periods of exposure.
§ Skin cancer is a high risk for all Australians. Deliberately exposing yourself to the sun when the UV Index is 3 or above increases your risk of developing skin cancer. http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/editorial.asp?pageid=2112
www.abc.net.au – Professor Michael Holick of Boston University, School of Medicine quotes:
“I think that what we recommend for the elderly in Boston is that, five or ten minutes of exposure of hands, face or arms two or three times a week will not significantly increase your risk of skin cancer or damage your skin, it will provide you with an adequate source of vitamin D. We know from our experience that if you just expose 6% of your body to one minimal erythemal dose, it’s equal to the RDA” He uses the example of elderly (as they are the most at risk) but it can apply to all ages.
Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency:
- muscle weakness
- aching bones and joints
- fatigue
- difficulty sleeping or non-refreshing sleep
Prevention
Vitamin D deficiency can be prevented by acquiring the RDA through drinking fortified milk and eating fortified cereals. For those who cannot drink milk, supplements of pills might be considered. Foods rich in Vitamin D include Cod liver oil, salmon, canned tuna fish, mackeral, fortified milk, margarine/butter, eggs,liver, beef, some cheeses. Researchers in the United States have determined that regular,brief exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) light reduces blood pressure while increasing blood levels of Vitamin D.
I personally get plenty of Vitamin D by just by being in my backyard during daylight (i.e. hanging out washing, taking my baby for walk in stroller etc).
