Barb's Daily Dose

A Safe Tan? No Way, Experts Say

Today's Article is by Staywell Custom Communications, as Featured on Caring.com

FRIDAY, July 8 (HealthDay News) -- Young women say they flock to tanning salons to gain a healthy glow that adds to their natural beauty, protects them from the sun's rays and fills them with self-confidence.

Except none of it is true or lasting.

A deep tan may help project beauty and confidence for a while, but health experts stress that it will eventually give way to permanent skin damage caused by the ultraviolet rays emitted by a tanning bed -- damage up to and including potentially deadly skin cancer.

"We're seeing more young women with melanoma," said Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society. "Based on recent research, we believe it is linked to use of tanning beds."

Slather on the Sunscreen

"Mommy, my back hurts."  Amelia quickly ticked off the 25 million possible causes of a sore back in an 8 year old. Could he have fallen?  Did the dog jump on him?  Was he twisting in a weird position on his boogie board?  Was it a wave?, the list was endless.  He had just been dropped off by his best friend's family after a day at the beach.

Free Telephone Workshop On Metastatic Melanoma

If you or someone you know is living with metastatic melanoma, there is a free telephone workshop this Friday, 5/20 at 1:30 to 2:30 Eastern time.  This is also open to health care professionals.  

Click here to register.

Please pass this along to anyone you know who could benefit.

Photos of Melanoma

Have You Seen Anything That Looks Even a Little Like Any of These Photos?

 

If you or someone you know has anything on their skin that looks like any of these photos of melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer, then get yourself to a dermatologist ASAP for a biopsy.

Read more on Melanoma.