Justification goes a long way, baby.

Summer is approaching fast. You need to take care of yourself. And everyone is telling you to stay away from the sun. Yes, it’s a toss-up between slathering on the Zinc oxide and getting a few rays in style.

Harvard University researchers to the rescue! They have discovered that most people have blood levels of vitamin D that are far below optimal. The scientists recommend that more than half the population consume at least 25 micrograms (1,000 international units) of the vitamin daily to achieve the lowest risk of bone fractures, periodontal disease, and several types of cancer (including colon and breast cancer.) That's about 20 mcg (800 IU) more than the average person's current intake. Although milk is an obvious source of Vitamin D, it contains just 3 mcg (133 IU) per 8-ounce glass.

The solution: Your body naturally gets vitamin D through sunlight exposure, so -- despite what you've heard -- try to get 10 minutes of direct sun exposure to your body or (if you must) take a vitamin D supplement once a day.

A little sun with your vitamins? Is there any question? I say go for it. You don’t even need to feel guilty for having some fun in the sun!