Tanning?

[ijen0311]

Personally... I think if you're vain enough to take the risks in exchange for a tan... then it's your deal... who ARE these parents letting their kids tan??

Texas lawmakers begin tanning bill fight

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Texas-...-14675205.html

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- A proposal that would make it harder for Texas teenagers to enter the tanning bed was compared to legislation against Big Tobacco as lawmakers took up the issue.

"In the United states and Texas, we don't allow our teens to purchase cigarettes until after they are 18 because it is a carcinogen," said Rep. Burt Solomons, R-Carrollton. "Yet we don't do that for tanning beds, which can expose teens to the same risk for cancer."

The bill would require anyone under 18 years old to get a doctor's note before using a tanning bed and would require a parent be with them in the salon. Supporters and detractors said this would be the strictest legislation any state has passed on teen tanning.

Current Texas law requires parent permission slips for children up to 18 and that adults go with their children if they are under 16. Children under 13 can also tan if they get permission from a doctor.

In testimony to the board Tuesday, one of the state's largest tanning salons said current oversight is strong enough, and that parents should decide whether their child can use a tanning bed.

"This should not be a state issue, a doctor's issue -- it's a parental issue. I have a right to decide what is right or wrong for my daughter," said Diane Lucas, president of Texas-based Palm Beach Tan. She was also representing the Indoor Tanning Association.

Lucas said there are 75 Palm Beach Tans in Texas employing more than 500 Texans. Though she said the average age of their clients is 32, the loss of business from restricting teen access would hurt small businesses in a tough economy.

Dermatologists and melanoma survivors argued that tanning beds are a proven risk for skin cancer including melanoma, and teens are at particularly high risk for such damage.

"Epidemiological studies have now shown that even one exposure to tanning beds before the age of 35 can increase your risk for melanoma," said Sharon Raimer, a dermatologist and president of the Texas Dermatological Society. Raimer said she favors the bill.

UV light treatments similar to tanning beds are used to treat some skin conditions, but Raimer said she would prefer those be treated in a controlled, medical environment.

Both sides acknowledged that a doctor's note would be difficult to get if the bill passed.

The bill was left pending in the House Public Health Committee.

[Ashley]

Down with paying for skin cancer and leathery, prematurely aged skin.

[Lion]

Hey, if you want to see the detrimental effects of too much tanning, check out the other thread in this open section of the Forum(page 2)!!!

[GinGinD]

[QUOTE=ijen0311;1056576]

Personally... I think if you're vain enough to take the risks in exchange for a tan... then it's your deal... QUOTE]

Normally I'd agree with you, but these are minors to which we're referring. If their parents won't protect them, then the law does have some responsibility to do so.

Jeannie

[Lisa]

It's a forward-thinking bill, and I hope it can be passed and enforced. Maybe it will pave the way to let the states help keep kids safer and healthier when the parents don't, or won't, make wise choices. Hmmm.... think they can write another one to limit parents' purchases of junk food? Or prohibit the purchase of cigarettes that they're going to smoke in the car or in the house with their kids? The possibilities are endless!

Pffft - I still hear the silly argument that tanning beds are a safe alternative to sunlight tanning. People believe what they want to hear. (Did I say that right?)

[Lisa]

[QUOTE=GinGinD;1056877]

Originally Posted by ijen0311

Personally... I think if you're vain enough to take the risks in exchange for a tan... then it's your deal... QUOTE]

Normally I'd agree with you, but these are minors to which we're referring. If their parents won't protect them, then the law does have some responsibility to do so.

Jeannie

Re-reading her post, I think that's what Jen is saying. As an adult, you can do whatever stupid things you want to, but sometimes minors need to be protected from their parents' choices.

[scottschoe]

Seems like a lot of hubbub over nothing. They're just going to end up with a bunch of closed down shops and some bored parents sitting in the waiting room.

"Current Texas law requires parent permission slips for children up to 18 and that adults go with their children if they are under 16. Children under 13 can also tan if they get permission from a doctor."

Seems strict enough to me. I feel bad for whoever is running these companies - they're going to take a huge hit if this silly thing passes.

[Lisa]

Scott, your comment reflects what must be a widespread lack of understanding about the risks of indoor tanning. In my opinion the people running these companies need to find another kind of business. It's almost like feeling sorry for the tobacco industry.

But I also wonder: How many teens are going to tanning salons against their parents' wishes? Children aged 13 to 18 would still be able to tan with their parents' approval, and most of them will probably get it. So I'm not sure the law could really have much impact.

[scottschoe]

Originally Posted by Lisa

Scott, your comment reflects what must be a widespread lack of understanding about the risks of indoor tanning. In my opinion the people running these companies need to find another kind of business. It's almost like feeling sorry for the tobacco industry.

But I also wonder: How many teens are going to tanning salons against their parents' wishes? Children aged 13 to 18 would still be able to tan with their parents' approval, and most of them will probably get it. So I'm not sure the law could really have much impact.

I understand the risks, and many of my friends do tan for pageants / various other reasons. But I don't think the entire industry needs to be held back like this. It will have a huge impact now that parents actually have to be with the clients - business will drop dangerously no matter how you cut it. I see no reason for parents to physically be there. Parent permission slips are trouble enough.

If anything, they should do this for fast food and all the obese people out there. There are many more battles out there worth fighting - this is not one of them IMO.

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by scottschoe

I understand the risks, and many of my friends do tan for pageants / various other reasons. But I don't think the entire industry needs to be held back like this. It will have a huge impact now that parents actually have to be with the clients - business will drop dangerously no matter how you cut it. I see no reason for parents to physically be there. Parent permission slips are trouble enough.

If anything, they should do this for fast food and all the obese people out there. There are many more battles out there worth fighting - this is not one of them IMO.

Well, I agree with you on that point, but beg to differ that it's not a battle worth fighting. I doubt I have the time or energy to find some medical citations about indoor tanning and cancer, but it's daunting information. The word's just not getting out effectively.

In the meantime, as my husband says, business is booming for dermatologists and the physicians involved in caring for patients with melanoma and other skin cancers - and business and will only get better over time. So I guess I should personally thank the indoor tanning industry for helping put food on our table.

Brown lapel ribbons, anyone?

[Lisa]

This is a lot to wade through, but it's got some good information. And I give Britney Spears a little credit, too!



Indoor Tanning Is Not As Safe As You Think - In Fact, It's Totally Out
Main Category: Dermatology
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology; Public Health; Melanoma / Skin Cancer
Article Date: 07 May 2008 - 0:00 PST



At age 17, all Meghan Rothschild and Brittany Lietz wanted was a dark tan. They thought it made them look beautiful. But both had no idea that in just three years they would be battling melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Now Meghan, 24, of Wilbraham, Mass., and Brittany, 23, of Annapolis, Md., are speaking out about their experiences. They are sharing their stories in the American Academy of Dermatology's (Academy) new public service advertisement (PSA) campaign which was launched today. The campaign is designed to communicate the risks of indoor tanning to women ranging from those in high school to those in their mid 20s.

"Indoor tanning before the age of 35 has been associated with a significant increase in the risk of melanoma. Yet on an average day, more than one million Americans tan in tanning salons," said Arielle N.B. Kauvar, MD, FAAD, dermatologist and chair of the Academy's Council on Communications. "Research shows 70 percent of indoor tanners are female, primarily 16 to 29 years old -- the age group that's particularly at risk for developing skin cancer. We especially hope women who are using or considering using tanning salons will think twice about partaking in this risky behavior."

Research also shows the dangerous results of indoor tanning. Melanoma is increasing faster in females 15-29 years old than males in the same age group. And in females 15-29, the torso is the most common location for developing melanoma, which may be due to high-risk tanning behaviors.

"Since one American dies of melanoma about every hour, it's imperative that young people avoid deliberately seeking a tan," said C. William Hanke, MD, MPH, FAAD, president of the Academy. "The Academy is committed toward reaching young women with this potentially life-saving message."

The Academy's 2008-2009 skin cancer PSA campaign features print, television and radio advertisements with the theme, "Indoor Tanning is Out." The print ads feature Meghan and Brittany urging their peers to learn the facts about indoor tanning. The ads also direct readers to the Academy's Web site for more information about the survivors' stories.

The PSA portraits were taken by a photographer who has a deep connection to the cause. Susan Drinker, of Glenwood Springs, Colo., is a skin cancer survivor who documents other cancer survivors with her portrait photography. For the past five years, these emotional portraits have been displayed in various locations in her native Colorado.

The television and radio advertisements continue the theme, "Indoor Tanning is Out." The television advertisements features a variety of young women telling their peers that indoor tanning is not as safe as they thought. The radio PSA is a contemporary folk song about the dangers of indoor tanning written by a 14-year-old girl and performed by a professional recording artist.

Brittany said when she was young she never heard much about skin cancer. "This campaign would have opened my eyes to reality," she said. "People are now catching on that even young people are at risk for skin cancer."

Young Women and Indoor Tanning

Research supports the need for public education on the health risks of indoor tanning. Studies have shown that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can be addictive because of the production of endorphins which can initiate dependency. A study published in the March 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) indicates that indoor tanning device users are more likely to show signs of such addiction. This study found that 18 percent of undergraduate students who admitted to purposely seeking a tan demonstrated evidence of a substance-related disorder with respect to UV light, which is comparable with findings of other addiction studies conducted with college students, including those for alcohol and tobacco. This study also determined the tanners associated their experience with positive sensations of relaxation. Another study published in the April 2006 issue of JAAD found that some frequent tanners who tanned 8-15 times a month developed withdrawal-like symptoms when given a drug to block the endorphins produced by tanning. Since these withdrawal symptoms were not observed in the infrequent tanners, this study further supports that UV exposure may be addictive in frequent tanners.

In addition, a 2002 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics reported that girls are more likely than boys to use tanning beds. Older girls, age 15-18, were more likely than younger girls, age 12-14, to use tanning beds. While tanning bed use among girls 14 years old was 7 percent, it increased dramatically to 35 percent by age 17. A survey conducted in 1999 among undergraduate and graduate students and published in the Archives of Dermatology in 2002 found that 47 percent of students had used indoor tanning beds. Ninety percent of these students admitted knowing about the adverse effects of indoor tanning, including premature aging and skin cancer.

Current estimates show one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. And, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has declared UV radiation from the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds and sun lamps, a known carcinogen.

"The Academy is committed to reducing incidence and mortality from skin cancer," said Dr. Kauvar. "The Academy's skin cancer PSA campaign is one way we can reach young women with this important health message."

The PSA campaign is debuting on Melanoma Monday(R), May 5, and is being distributed throughout the country during May. For more information about the campaign or to view the television, radio and print ads, visit http://www.aad.org/media/psa/index.html.

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 15,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails.

American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org

[GinGinD]

[QUOTE=Lisa;1056883]

Originally Posted by GinGinD

Re-reading her post, I think that's what Jen is saying. As an adult, you can do whatever stupid things you want to, but sometimes minors need to be protected from their parents' choices.

Ah. Sorry. Read it late at night with half my attention on Wake Forest's appalling performance against Cleveland State.

Jeannie

[Trurolexer]

Sometimes people not satisfied with their. The darker want to be white, and the white want more tanner.
The skinny want to be a bit curve, the curve want a skinny body.
That's life. But I don't blame Everyone here, that's human nature, never satisfied, right?

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by Trurolexer

Sometimes people not satisfied with their. The darker want to be white, and the white want more tanner.
The skinny want to be a bit curve, the curve want a skinny body.
That's life. But I don't blame Everyone here, that's human nature, never satisfied, right?

Wise words, Heru. Wish we could all use that energy toward self-acceptance.