THE REALITY

You may have seen an ad in last month's New York Times containing false and misleading statements about tanning. It was paid for by the Indoor Tanning Association as part of its national campaign attacking melanoma hype. We all love to have a healthy golden glow but healthy is the key word. With conflicting information out there, it's essential that you know how to safeguard your health and protect your skin. Do what you can to avoid being one of the estimated 116,500 new cases of melanoma in 2008.

THE SCIENCE

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has declared UV radiation from both the sun and artificial sources (tanning beds, sun lamps) a known carcinogen that increases the risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. The World Health Organization even recommends that minors be prohibited from indoor tanning because of the danger of skin cancer. Tanning advocates sometime argue that sun exposure is necessary to obtain Vitamin D. However, requisite amounts are easily available by eating a healthy diet with fish, dairy products or Vitamin supplements.

THE SOLUTIONS

Prevention is the name of the game when it comes to skin cancer, and this means avoiding UV exposure. Protect yourself when outdoors by seeking shade whenever possible, wearing sunscreen, protective clothes, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Never use tanning beds! Get your sun-kissed look with the many bronzers, tinted creams and faux-tanning products available for every skin tone.

PROTECT YOURSELF WITH: