The summer is here and for most of us that means the weather will be heating up. Nowadays you don’t have to look very far before you find an image of a celebrity with a tan, it’s become the fashionable thing to have all year round. On the other hand, there is a stereotype that us gamers are too pale and fear nothing more than the day star. Both of these, we are told, are bad things. Some sun exposure can be a source of vitamin D but too much sun and we risk damaging our skin. Wearing sunscreen is the way to go during the summer months, when you are outside in the elements for long periods of time.
If you live up to the gamer stereotype and spend most of your summer indoors with the latest games, it might be tempting to have a few tanning bed sessions and avoid being ridiculed for you lack of tan. This is probably more damaging to you skin than not wearing sunscreen outdoors.
“In 2009, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified tanning beds alongside cigarettes and asbestos in the category of the highest risk for developing cancer in humans.” – Canadian Cancer Society
Think about that for a moment, according to the research tanning beds are up there with cigarettes and asbestos in the high risk category. The risks are even higher if you expose your skin to tanning beds at a younger age. It has become such a concern, several countries have implemented strict regulations for indoor tanning beds and in some cases banned them altogether.
Brazil was the first country to completely ban tanning beds. Within Europe, many countries prevent people under the age of 18 from using them, in the USA there are restrictions on the amount of time you can spend on a tanning bed and Australia has also implemented age restrictions. Canada is currently working on new regulations to be put in place that would ban the use of tanning beds for young adults. With all of these restrictions and regulations, you start to understand indoor tanning beds pose a very real threat to your skin and health.
Take a moment to consider the risks as you venture out this summer and really think it through before going anywhere near a tanning bed. Head over to the Canadian Cancer Society website for more information about skin cancer, the risks and how to stay safe. Also please take a moment to watch the video below and pass the message on!
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