Tame your tanning habits – tanning beds deemed risky and melanoma on the rise.

Excessive sun exposure can place you at a higher risk of developing skin cancers – and so can the use of tanning beds or booths. The American Academy of Dermatology states that your risk of developing the deadly form, known as Melanoma, increases to 59 % if you have been exposed to the UV radiation emitted by indoor tanning equipment. Melanoma rates have been steadily rising in the U.S.

The FDA recently release a statement that they will now require black box warnings to appear on sunlamp and similar machines, to warn the public of the health risks associated with their use. The FDA is also recommending that tanning lamps not be used in children under the age of 18 years, in addition to advising all users to get regular skin cancer checks.

Sunset Beach - Los Angeles, CA by Carole Jakucs, 2014.
Image subject to copyright.

In addition to skin cancer, too much natural sun exposure and tanning lamp use can cause eye injuries, sunburns and premature wrinkling.You may want to sunset your current tanning habits that may be placing your health at risk and limit your exposure to the both indoor and outdoor tanning. 

If you like a tanned appearance, consider using self tanning lotions, liquid bronzers and/or bronzing powder on your face and body. These can provide a tanned look without exposing yourself to radiation. 

If you're outdoors, don't forget to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, reapply often and limit your exposure during the hours of 10 am to 3 pm.

5 Tips to Prevent West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus cases have rapidly increased in some areas in the United States in the last two weeks. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can cause death in some cases. It’s important to recognize that this is a preventable disease if you can avoid getting bit by an infected mosquito. Since there is no way for you to know which mosquitoes are carrying the disease, it’s important to do your best to prevent all mosquito bites.  This is especially important with the holiday weekend coming up and increased outdoor activities at back yard barbecues, hiking at parks or visiting the beach.

*Stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active, which starts at dusk (in the early evening) through the night and can continue through the early morning (and sometimes during the day).

*Keep your skin covered (long sleeves and slacks) if you’ll be out when the mosquitoes are.

*Make sure all your window screens are intact, if not, have your screens replaced or repaired. You don’t want your non-screened doors or windows open when mosquitoes are active as they can come inside your home and start biting.

*Avoid having any collections of standing water around and near your home.

*If you have to be outdoors when the mosquitoes are, be sure to use and EPA approved insect repellent (follow all package directions) for extra protection, in addition to long sleeves and pants.

See this link for more information. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your health.