Tanning Beds?

Umm... ever used a tanning bed? Ever used one a lot? And love the beautiful dark skin that accompanies its use?

Unfortunately, those of us who love tanning need to reconsider the safety (or lack thereof) of this seemingly harmless habit, because:

"The IARC, a part of the World Health Organization (WHO), has now re-classified UV tanning beds to the highest possible cancer risk category known as "carcinogenic to humans."

Ok. Alright. That's interesting.

"The analysis reviewed about 20 studies to reach the conclusion that the risk of skin cancer is increased by 75 percent when individuals use tanning beds prior to reaching the age of 30."

Tanning in a bed is now known to be just as detrimental to health as "tobacco, the hepatitis B virus and chimney sweeping, which are all known to be definite causes of cancer."

Read the full article HERE. At the end, they curiously recommend using bronzing or self-tanning creams. Umm... don't know that I like that suggestion, either. What happened to just going out in the sun and soaking up some rays? Sunshine is a phenomenal source of Vitamin D, which we all need for healthy bodies. Look it up. The sun is friendlier than some would have us think.

I think... when in doubt, go the most natural route...

7 out of 10 children Low in Vitamin D!

THIS article reported on a national study that concluded that 7 out of 10 children do not get enough Vitamin D. This can cause problems like bone and heart disease, as well as increase risk for high blood pressure.

“We expected the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency would be high, but the magnitude of the problem nationwide was shocking,” said lead author Juhi Kumar, M.D., M.P.H., a fellow in pediatrics at Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center, The University Hospital and Academic Medical Center for Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

There are so many problems that can arise from insufficient Vitamin D! Plus, you need "D" to be able to process and absorb other vitamins. In another report linking lack of Vitamin D and HDL Cholesterol,

Kevin C. Maki, PhD, the study's Principal Investigator and the Chief Science Officer of Provident Clinical Research, Glen Ellyn, IL, says, "Results from population studies suggest that a low serum vitamin D concentration is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality..."

But there is good news! This very important vitamin can be built up in our systems through supplements. And believe it or not, many studies claim we can get enough Vitamin D simply by being outside in the sunshine (without sunscreen) for about 15 minutes a day. This isn't so effective if we don't live in a sunny area, but sunshine and supplements should greatly help our levels! And Shaklee has done so much research on this topic, and they have come to understand even more the tremendous need for Vitamin D supplements, they have 'upped' the quantity in their multi-vitamins for both adults and children.

For a more in depth scientific explanation, the Office of Dietary Supplements offers a great description of the need and uses of Vitamin D.