I’ve written various pieces over the years for various publications damning the health & safety mania with sunscreen, and Cancer UK for scaremongering headlines about skin cancer ’caused by’ sunbathing. At the same time, I’ve always been suspicious of how many ‘research studies’ are conducted with money from sun-screen manufacturers.

Now Dr Frank Lippman, a US medic, says – surprise, surprise – the sun has been demonised far too much….and in moderation, it’s exactly what you need.

In the past few years, numerous studies have shown that optimizing one’s vitamin D levels may actually help prevent as many as 16 different types of cancer including pancreatic, lung, breast, ovarian, prostate and colon cancers. And the best way to optimize Vitamin D levels is through safe, smart and limited sunscreen-free exposure to the sun.

So to all those old moaners who sanctimoniously told me off for writing ‘irresponsible’ articles about sunbathing and skin cancer – no doubt you’re surprised, but I’m not. The medical profession is addicted to media exposure of their half-arsed studies and theories, the result being that every week yet another Doctor Says that red wine, white wine, beer, red meat, vegetarianism, organic foods and exercise are good for you/deadly or make no difference whatsoever.

We’re all of us dying, bit by bit, every minute of every day. Live until you’re ninety, and the chances are your last five years will be miserable. So enjoy life a bit more, and have a slightly shorter lifespan. Trust me – it’s very good for your health.