The message from doctors has long been unequivocal - there is no such thing as a safe suntan because sun exposure causes skin cancer. However, a cancer expert Professor Tim Oliver, has given the other side to this story.

He believes the health benefits of exposure to its UVA and UVB rays greatly outweigh the disadvantages, even if that means using a sun bed during winter months. This is because the body converts sunshine into Vitamin D, a substance that helps build a healthy immune system and strong bones, and may even fight off depression and cancer.

The idea that Vitamin D is essential for good health is not new; nor is the connection to sunlight. But in more recent years, antibiotic-resistant strains of diseases such as TB are emerging, proving that medicine may no longer be enough. Combine the anti-sun skin cancer message and the trend for young people to play indoors on computer games rather than running around outside and there is the potential for a health crisis.

This doesn't mean you should throw yourself at a beach once a year and let yourself burn. The skin cancer message is right. Melanomas - tumours on the skin - are found on people who have burnt in the sun, particularly when young.

Of course, in this country, sun can be hard to come by, especially during the winter. It's during these times that many of us may benefit from the UV lamps used in sunbeds. Because the whole body is usually exposed, a single five to ten-minute session once every six weeks should be sufficient. The danger with sunbeds comes if they are used by children. The risk of melanoma increases for those who start using sunbeds under the age of 18.

Most of us will be aware that a glass of red wine a day has positive health benefits - however drinking a bottle a day will have serious health implications! so using sunbeds correctly and with the right advice can have a positive affect on your physical and mental well being.

Make sure any salon you visit is registered with The Sunbed Association, like Zen Beauty and Tanning in Newport - registered members MUST adhere to a strict code of practise - this insures a high level of operating standards; most importantly that the  tubes used are emitting safe levels of UVA & UVB

Further tips on safe sun bed usage can be found on www.sunbedassociation.org.uk

Seen the light:

Using a sunbed carefully during winter months will boost your Vitamin D levels

Vitamin D is known to play a vital role in metabolism of calcium, which is needed for strong bones.

And last week a new study revealed it may help stave off Alzheimer's Disease. Research on English adults aged 65 and over showed that as their Vitamin D levels decreased, mental impairment increased.