my thoughts on tanning.

Okay, if you are one of those people who do not like rants, click that little X button in the corner because I don't want you to be offended. Or read on, I don't care really I guess.  But anyway.

 Today's post is about something that is really near and dear to my heart. Tanning. Or Melanoma/Skin Cancer. One of my family friends just passed away yesterday from a very, very extreme case of Melanoma. So before I go on with this post first let me explain what exactly Melanoma is. Okay?Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is the leading cause of death from skin disease. Melanoma is not as common as other types of skin cancer. However, the rate of melanoma is steadily increasing as the years go on. Whether it is because of the use of tanning beds, or what, it's increasing. Though the risk of melanoma increases with age it has also been frequently seen in young people. So yes, that means that YOU are suseptable to getting it as well.


Here are some risk factors.

•Have fair skin, blue or green eyes, or red or blond hair
•Live in sunny climates or at high altitudes
•Spent a lot of time in high levels of strong sunlight, because of a job or other activities
•Have had one or more blistering sunburns during childhood
and...
•Use tanning devices

Okay, there's the background. But do you fully understand what I am saying here? Okay, lets look at some of the symptoms, will we...
1. Tumors.
2. Fatigue.
3. Irregular moles and your body starts to become weak.
4. Death

That's right. Death. So those of you who think that it is "No Big Deal" to go out and tan for prom, just do some reasearch, look at some pictures, understand exactly what you are doing to your body. Especially those of you who are fair skinned.


I am seeing so many girls lately tanning like CRAZY. And though I am not going to judge them for tanning, it is ultimately their choice, but I do feel like they need to be thouroughly informed on what exactly they are doing to thier bodies. It really makes me sick when I see someone tan every day. It only takes ONE time to get skin cancer, and people do not understand that.

Yes, you look good tan, sure. But I'm pretty sure you'll look better alive.

Not to mention how many wrinkles you will have.

I don't know, I know I'll get a lot of dispute over this post, but I really don't care. I am posting this because I care about each and every single one of you reading this. 

I just keep thinking about that family friend that lost her life too early to stage 3 melanoma. She had TWELVE yes, twelve brain tumors at ONCE because of this cancer. 
I don't know, maybe I worry too much, or care too much. Take it as you may. 
Let me know your thoughts. And google pictures, I didn't want to put them in this post because they are a little nasty, but if you really want to see what happens, check it out. 
Rest in peace, Genia.