Sun exposure

Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images

At first glimpse, this photo, taken in 1934, looks horribly shocking, especially in today's neurotic world. But, in many ways East Poplar Council had it sussed; the idea was simply to expose young children to fresh air and sunshine, something we are at long last beginning to acknowledge is of utmost importance. 


After years of religiously smothering our babies in chemicals to 'protect' them from the cruel sun, the true value of it's healing power is beginning to surface. Even dermatologists have been forced to admit that 'limited' exposure is beneficial.


There are more and more cases of rickets emerging; in 2010 the British Medical Journal reported that doctors in Newcastle on Tyne saw 20 cases of rickets per year. Rickets, or the adult equivalent osteomalacia, is generally due to a deficiency of vitamin D. This is often attributed to over-zealous application of sun protection and not enough time spent outside.