"In Fla., tanning salons exceed fast food outlets; Dermatology study warns of melanoma risks" by Stacey Singer | New York Times, January 03, 2014
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — There are more tanning salons in Florida than McDonald’s or CVS stores and their widespread use poses a public health risk, a new report warns….
The deadliest type of skin cancer, melanoma….
“You’d think that in Florida, there would be enough sunshine outside that you wouldn’t need this, but apparently that’s not the case,’’ Dr. Robert Kirsner, vice chairman of the University of Miami dermatology department, said.
Boynton Beach restaurant manager and mother Viviane Kukta, 42, isn’t surprised. She said she goes into a tanning booth once a week, because it’s her ‘‘me time,’’ where she can count on the blue lights and music to lull her into a relaxed mood. She said she emerges with a smile and a warm glow.
‘‘I’ve been doing it all my life, ever since I was a teenager,’’ Kukta said. ‘‘It makes me feel good about myself, and I can relax for 10 minutes.’’
Vanity carries its price, I suppose.
Studies show that sense of well-being may be a mirage. Tanning activates opioid receptors in the brain, and it can actually be addictive, Kirsner said, even as it is damaging the skin. While the brain is saying ‘‘ahh,’’ the skin is saying something else.
‘‘When the body gets UV light, several things happen,’’ Kirsner said. ‘‘You get genetic changes in the cells, and there is a risk of then getting cancer. At the same time, you suppress the immune system, the body’s system for getting rid of damaged cells. And, you create an additional type of aging of the skin, called photo aging. It is damaging the elastic tissue, the collagen and elastin fibers that hold cells together.’’
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He believes that policy makers should consider tighter restrictions on access to tanning beds. Florida requires parental consent for teens between 14 and 18; youths under 14 must be accompanied by a parent. The Indoor Tanning Association has said it supports parental consent laws, but not bans. The Affordable Care Act includes a 10 percent excise tax on tanning beds, a tax the association has said is forcing small tanning salons out of business.
Maybe they should be forced out of business, but a naked ca$h grab is not the way.
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Also sun yourself with this: Florida's Reverse Dookhan
Yeah, the (antiwar?) congre$$man is on coke (NSA calling?) but they need to test welfare recipients.
Sorry, readers, but I'm trying to stay out of the Florida sun.
Also sun yourself with this: Florida's Reverse Dookhan
Yeah, the (antiwar?) congre$$man is on coke (NSA calling?) but they need to test welfare recipients.
Sorry, readers, but I'm trying to stay out of the Florida sun.
