• The New York Times recommends you only venture out into the sun if you're prepared to fully block its rays

• In addition to applying sunscreen every two hours "across every exposed bit of skin, including your hands and the tips of your ears," they suggest using a hat, long-sleeved clothing and an umbrella

• A full face mask that covers your face up to your eyes — or one that goes completely over your head — is also recommended, along with sun capes, gloves, sunglasses and visors

• The fear-based article, unfortunately, is doing an extreme disservice to anyone who reads it and comes away believing they must shun the sun entirely

• Not enough sun exposure increases the risk of chronic diseases including certain cancers, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, autism, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease and more

The New York Times published an article advising readers, "How to Get Absolutely No Sun This Summer."1 I'd like to say this is a joke, but it's disturbingly real. It begins by stating there's "no such thing as a safe tan," warning that should you avail yourself of a bit of daily sun, you're setting yourself up for sunspots, skin discoloration, premature aging and skin cancer.

While too much sun can, indeed, harm your skin, the article completely neglects to tell readers that too little sun can be equally detrimental to your health — and likely more so.