Sarasota beaches are reopening today. Here’s why you shouldn’t feel guilty about going, according to science.
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to give medical advice. Always consult your physician prior to making any changes to your lifestyle or medical regimen. If you choose to be in a public place, be sure you understand what coronavirus is and practice these CDC guidelines for health and safety.
Quarantine has many of us Sarasotians itching to get outside. As of today at 6am, Sarasota beaches have reopened and residents are free to walk in the sand (as long as social distance protocols are adhered to). And yet, that ‘good news’ feels bittersweet.
Maybe it’s because most of the country is under orders to shelter in place, and families are still reeling from the financial and emotional strain of this unprecedented pandemic. Unemployment is up, fears are high, and people are dying—hardly a day at the proverbial beach.
Or, maybe it’s the #stupidflorida hashtag trending on social media, where Americans from across the country are criticizing our state’s decision to open beaches (among other things).
Despite the controversy, going to the beach is not without proven health benefits.
Coastal people tend to be healthier people
There are many examples of coastal populations that exhibit better health than their inland counterparts. Take England, for example. In 2012, researchers found that “good health” was more prevalent amongst those who lived closer to water. According to the study, that’s likely because living closer to water provides more opportunities for stress reduction.
“Water is considered the elixir and source of life. It covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface[…] and constitutes over 70% of our heart and brains,” explains marine biologist, Wallace Nichols. According to Nichols, the sight and sound of water can induce a flood of neurochemicals that promotes wellness.
“Thanks to science, we’re now able to connect the dots to the full range of emotional benefits being on, in, or near the water can bring.”
Nichols is author of the 2014 bestselling book, Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, Or On Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do.
Water isn’t the only benefit to taking a walk on the beach, however.
It is widely accepted that the sun is your best source of vitamin D, a crucial component to a healthy immune system. In one study, just 30 minutes of midday sun exposure was the equivalent of consuming 10,000+ IUs of vitamin D. To put that in perspective, the current recommended daily dose of vitamin D is 600 IUs—though some health professionals think more is better.
The catch: You have to be smart. Too much sun exposure can have the opposite effect, causing skin cancer and suppressing the body’s ability to detect and attack malignant cells.
Health professionals recommend getting sun around noon, since that’s when your body is most capable of producing vitamin D. In the UK, 13 minutes is enough to maintain healthy levels amongst Caucasians during summer. Of course, using sunscreen, taking breaks in the shade, and drinking plenty of water is important as well.