DST has mixed effects on health. In societies with fixed work schedules it provides more afternoon sunlight for outdoor exercise. It alters sunlight exposure; whether this is beneficial depends on one's location and daily schedule, as sunlight triggers vitamin D synthesis in the skin, but overexposure can lead to skin cancer. DST may help in depression by causing individuals to rise earlier, but some argue the reverse. The Retinitis Pigmentosa Foundation Fighting Blindness, chaired by blind sports magnate Gordon Gund, successfully lobbied in 1985 and 2005 for US DST extensions. COUNT 5
QSN1 What do societies with standardized work schedules have more time for because of the increase in afternoon daylight from DST? ANS1 outdoor exercise QSN2 What vitamin does sunlight help the human body absorb? ANS2 vitamin D QSN3 What chair of the Retinitis Pigmentosa Foundation Fighting Blindness lobbied for an extension to daylight savings in the U.S.? ANS3 Gordon Gund QSN4 What cancer can be caused by too much time in the sun? ANS4 skin cancer QSN5 Some people say DST can help sufferers of depression because it encourages them to do what? ANS5 rise earlier