You'll also find, that there are a high number of other people with such results - although not that many know it. Some of us took the advice re keep out of the sun too seriously, and now are lacking essential benefits from the sun. I've heard of many people, particularly those who are elderly and not very mobile; also women with a few kids who are busy inside the house.

What is "high bone turnover"? Yes, I know, read the article. I will later. I'm finishing off a fully lined jacket for a friend of mine - it's a pressie for Xmas! It's a winter polar fleece one, and I know she'll love it!

I've started walking again recently,and while I avoid the really hot and dangerous time of the day, I know I'll benefit in many areas, including vitamin D. I'm involved with a Womens' Health Centre, and next yr we're focusing on heart disease, diabetes and weight problems, and I'll raise this issue then. Heart disease/strokes kill more women than all the cancers combined. I was surprised! We have many women from different cultural backgrounds - including the Middle East.Great women all!
Cheers. no prob about the Miz!

According to Daniel Greenfield:

"The Burqa arose because of the need to distinguish between women who were married to Muslims and could not be touched, and all other women. By covering their bodies and faces, Muslim women showed that they were off limits. Other women on the other hand remained subject to assault. Rather than practice morality, Mohammed's men made a point of marking their 'property' with a brand. The Burqa was that brand. It still works that way today. When Australia's Grand Mufti justified the gang rape of Australian girls, he did it by comparing them to uncovered meat who were to blame for what happened to them. Women who adopt the Burqa and submit to Islam are moral. Those who do not are whores."
"Islam was Born Out of Child Abuse and Rape"
http://sultanknish.blogspot.com/2010/12/islam-was-born-out-of-child-abuse-and.html

While it might protect women from rape outside of marriage
the burga won't protect them from rape inside of marriage:

"Your women are your tilth,
Go into them when and how you will"
Koran 2:223

Does that mean that Allah authorises Muslim men to take off their (multiple) wive's burqas whenever they have the inclination?
No wonder so many men are converting to Islam!

Liz45,

You say you do have a problem with “ the sexualisation of women and girls though”.

The infantilisation and sexualisation of women is at the heart of the whole justification for women wearing burqas. It is the basis for the denial of education to girls. It is the justification behind the stoning of women and the multilation of girls genitals.

The spread of fundamentalist Islam is accelerating in the west. It is an undoubted fact that, whilst it may still be by choice that some women in the west wear burqas, there is no choice at all for many of their sisters. And those who might wear the burqa by choice today, are also likely to find( in the near future)that it will be impossible to stop.

How much of Sharia law, as espoused by the fundamentalists, are you willing to live under? Where do you draw the line? If the deciding factor on these issues is whether the minority group supports it, then there is no justification to deny Sharia, once the calls become loud enough. And there is plenty of support for it in key sectors of the Islamic community.

Finally, those who make the argument that men have no place discussing this issue are mistaken. Firstly ,the effect of this wedge politics by the muslim community, will be felt by all. Secondly, women are not expected (and would be outraged if they were) to limit themselves to female only issues.

Liz,

You are not too convincing about reading much nor about the benefits of the BIG COVER UP. Why did you never respond to my earlier posts? Again, have you never heard of these women activists I mentioned who are now living in the West with real experience of living under Islam? I can only assume you don't read much. I know, ignorance is bliss, and it just may offend your feel-goodedness. Life can be pretty ugly, I know, but you need to face reality sometimes. You don't help things at all by condoning oppressive practices.

So all niqab wearers must have backyard. Okay. I would then suggest this condition be added on the health risk niqab tag. And what if they don't have a backyard - where would they go to then for healthy doses of sunshine? You know backyards are becoming extinct, don't you?

It seems small doses of sunshine are better than a 30 min hit.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12013332

I forgot to mention heat rashes and heat exhaustion, or do they only get out in the Winter?

Jewely,

"Burqa wearers having lower chance of skin cancers are all okay with me though."

I seem to be hearing more that it can work in the reverse.

http://middlepath.com.au/qol/sunlight_vitamin-D_skin-cancer_suntan_sunburn.php

Constance, from what I know of the culture and the individuals I have met; pale skin is sought after and considered more attractive – they wouldn’t go in the sun anyways.

I'm having trouble getting to links today... annoying!