We all know the dangers of sun - skin cancer, wrinkles - you can't turn sideways at this time of year without seeing another newspaper or magazine headline on the topic. But I saw my GP the other day and found out I've got a calcium and vitamin D deficiency. And the solution? Expose my body to more sun!

'It's quite a common problem and we're seeing it more frequently now,' my doctor explained. 'People are wearing very high factor suncream these days to protect against sun damage.'

The irony is that we're also blocking out the good effects of the sun, which helps our body to make vitamin D. The answer is not to go out and fry like a crisp, but be aware of the issue and take a balanced approach. SPF 25 will protect the body quite adequately, she advises; it may be better to opt for a lower SPF and apply more frequently, rather than slathering yourself once in sunblock.

And, while I'm on the subject, I'll just like to mention to anyone reading from the office that I have a note from my doctor saying 'get more sun'...

Facts and figures

Vitamin D: You can also get it from eggs and oily fish like salmon and sardines, or buy vitamin D fortified milk.
Alternatively, take a supplement - find out which one doctors advise here
More about vitamins: how to get maximum benefit from minimum effort
Looking for sun products for sensitive skins? Try Aubrey After Sun Face and Body Moisturiser, which is suitable for use on sensitive and children's skin, containing a mix of organic rose hip seed oil and soothing aloe vera. It costs £10.70 and is available from www.aubreyorganicsuk.co.uk.