Summer tip: Limit screen time, get outside

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - In a world dominated by screens and devices, a dose of fresh air might just be what the doctor ordered.

Spending time outside and getting away from screens has endless health benefits.

Dr. Abbie Miller, the Chief Medical Officer for the commercial plan in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota for United Healthcare, says getting sunshine helps your body produce natural vitamin D, helping to strengthen your bones.

She also says getting up and moving outside boosts that feel-good chemical in your body called serotonin, which decreases stress.

We all feel better after a good dose of fresh air, sunshine, and physical activity. Miller says spending time outdoors while also limiting screen time can be crucial, especially for children.

“Getting outside and getting away from screens is really important. We’ve got studies now that are showing that kids who spend most of their time on screens, such as mobile devices and computers, have an 80% increased risk of developing nearsightedness, so thinking about our kid’s eye health, getting outside, and getting away from those screens is a really good thing for them,” Miller said.

Miller says the best time to get outside is before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. due to the lower UV rays and heat.

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