Today, on this first day of September, I am dispensing medical advice. Stare at the sun. As a resident of Michigan, the percentage of the year where this is possible outdoors, in a t-shirt, in the early morning is…not a huge number. So, while it is still in season, I’m doing this every day. With my favorite live podcast chirping in the background, I’m enjoying the free warmth. And I do think there is some physiological benefit in addition to the obvious mental benefit.

Am I some sort of daredevil? My dermatologist might think so. I’m easing my way into the camp of “sun good for you” vs the obvious medical fear offered by the derm industry. What is the most competitive specialty medical degree to get accepted into? Dermatology. Why is that? Does the office you visit look like a cash machine to you? Do you enjoy the calming water feature in the lobby? Are you buying the line of facial cosmetics they all seem to sell?

I can counterpoint that I don’t completely ignore their advice. I have let them use their scalpels and freezy potions on me as necessary. However, I remain skeptical about the truthiness of their instant diagnosis of every bump of skin on my body.

This has become my posture for all of the medical care (of my own) that I manage. Yes, I will do my own research so I can reach better conclusions. I have more time than the 10-15 minutes a health provider offers.