Estate Living Magazine Alfresco Living - Issue 36 December 2018 | Seite 47

Creato r : Dragon dragon artz.wo Art rdpres s.com http://cre ativecom mons.org /licenses/ by-nc-sa/ 3.0/us/ Creato r : Dragon dragon artz.wo Art rdpres s.com http://cre ativecom mons.org /licenses/ by-nc-sa/ 3.0/us/ Creato r : Dragon dragon artz.wo Art rdpres s.com http://cre ativecom mons.org /licenses/ by-nc-sa/ 3.0/us/ Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency       Lowered resistance to colds and flu Constant unexplained tiredness Back pain and aching joints Unexplained chronic pain Osteoporosis Depression serious, but there are also long-term cosmetic issues and the pain and suff ering of even mild sunburn. Of course, it’s diff erent for diff erent people. While no-one is immune to sunburn, people with darker skin produce more melanin more quickly, which protects them from UV damage, but it also means they need longer sun exposure to manufacture vitamin D. On the other hand, some paler people can barely walk across the road in summer without getting sunburned. Do something It’s all about balance. And the best way to get the right amount of sunshine is to do something outdoors – preferably not wearing too much. A regular half-hour outdoor workout wearing shorts and a sleeveless top can go a long way to regulating your vitamin D intake. But, remember, it’s about balance. While sunshine is a good thing, excessive sun exposure is never a good thing. Regardless of your complexion, try to stay out of direct sun in the middle of the day – especially in summer. And balance your need for vitamin D with your own skin cancer risk profi le. If you burn easily, it’s probably best you keep to the high factor sunscreen and cover up when you go outdoors, get your vitamin D levels tested and take a supplement if necessary. And, if you have very dark skin, you need more sun exposure to manufacture vitamin D, so it’s also worth getting your vitamin D levels checked. And where should you exercise? Anywhere. But it’s best to not have to go too far from home. That’s why estates with running or cycling tracks and outdoor gyms or other fi tness areas are so popular. And it’s easy to make them happen. While Gym Africa off ers a custom design service for both outdoor and indoor gyms – from layout to building associated spaces such as studios and changing rooms – outdoor gyms are what they really love. And they do them better than anyone else. gymafrica.co.za estate-living.co.za | 45