Sun cancer warnings exaggerated doctor

AAP General News (Australia)
04-03-2000
Sun cancer warnings exaggerated doctor

A Hobart rheumatologist says health warnings about the risk of catching skin cancer
from the sun are one-sided and need to be more balanced.

Dr GRAEME JONES says that warnings from public health authorities are putting people
at risk from other diseases and injuries such as colon cancer and the risk of fractures.

In a report submitted at the annual conference of the Australian Rheumatology Association,
Dr JONES says that Australians, and Tasmanians in particular, need more exposure to the
sun to combat Vitamin D deficiency and reduce the risk of disease.

Tasmanian studies show that a high proportion of people in different age and health
categories are deficient in Vitamin D.

Dr JONES says that in Tasmania, 10 minutes of exposure to the sun a day is enough in
summer, but in winter, eight hours a week is needed.

AAP RTV dw/gp/jn

KEYWORD: FRACTURES (HOBART)

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