Primary Times SW Wales Summer 18

Primary Times South West Wales
PRIMARY TIMES EXCLUSIVE
Now’s the time for
SUNSHINE
CBeebies medic,DrRanjSingh,
shares scientific reasons to love the
longer,brighterdaysofsummer
Delightful D
Exposure tosunlight for short periods
of time helps the body produce
Vitamin D, essential for healthy bones,
but also implicated in preventing a
range of other conditions from asthma
and cancer,todiabetes
and multiple sclerosis
Sleeptight
Exposure to daylight
helps to
regulate some of the body’s
natural biological rhythms and
can help regulate sleep
Dr Ranj is encouraging families
to hurry outside to tap into
some bountiful, beneficial
natural light, before it’s too late and the
nights start drawing in. The Get Well
Soon hospital doctor leads by example,
saying he loves getting out into the
park and harnessing the extra boost of
productivity that the longer days help to
kick start in his system.
“Summer is my favourite time of
year. Ifind that when we have brighter,
longer days it automatically elevates my
mood and increases my productivity.
“Not only do Iachieve more, but Iget
the urge to be more active too. Icannot
wait to get outside and go for awalk
around the park!
“As the days get sunnier and longer,
it’s important to make the most of them
whilst they last. Here are five reasons
why it’s good to get outside…”
Healthy hearts
Getting outdoors leads to increased
physical activity,which is
important in maintaining ahealthy
cardiovascular system as well as
reducing the risk of obesity and
long-term medical problems
Feel-good
factor
Play in outside spaces
encourages social interaction and
development, as well as enhancing
mood, which helps boost
mental wellbeing
Summer is my favourite time of year. Ifind that
when we have brighter, longer days it automatically
elevates my mood and increases my productivity
Our summer tips for...
STAYING INDOORS
With simple changes you can brighten
up family life and soak in more beneficial
daylight – without the fuss of decamping
from home. Time for a couple of extra
jobs around the home? Polishing up your
window panes helps let in maximum
daylight for energizing results. Or position
your dining table next to a sunny window, if
possible. This furniture move helps everyone
soak up nourishing bursts of daylight.
GLORIOUS GARDENS
Making the effort
to move small snippets
of life outdoors is well worth it. Families
who’ve invested in garden furniture
could aim to sit outdoors seven days
a week (weather allowing), and not just
on special occasions or weekends.
Taking snacks outdoors is a good way
to soak up natural light, with the added
bonus of saving carpets from crumbs.
Reading or creating art
together outside,
bundled up under ablanket ifthe breeze
sets in, also reduces screen time and
ups children’s natural light quota.
LIGHT FANTASTIC
Always look on the bright side – even on
cloudy days, outdoor light is lots brighter
than indoor lighting.
Outdoor light helps to balance out screen
time and might encourage healthier eyesight
in youngsters, research suggests.
Remember, don’t forget sun screen, hats
and shades on hot, sunny days.
Brain
training
Exploring the outside environment
encourages curiosity,imagination
and the formation of new ideas,
all of which are important for
mental development
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SUMMER 2018 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/south-west-wales