$500 University of Iowa J-MC Scholarship Winner
Erin Roman
Jefferson HS, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

According to a recent poll by Newsweek, 47 percent of men and women believe that people look healthier with a tan.

While the glowing bronze look may make people feel more attractive, the effects of tanning can be severe. Teenagers and children under the age of 18 are the most likely to inherit skin cancer if they tan excessively. Melanoma, a more severe case of this disease, can also be acquired if precautions are not taken.

Lying out on the patio or hitting the tanning beds for long periods of time can ultimately cause people to show signs of skin damage. They may not be as visible, however, until one has become an adult.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to determine when enough is enough.

People should really be taking the effects of tanning into consideration each time that they lay out voluntarily. They are least likely to inherit a disease if they are becoming tan by walking, jogging, or simply watching a baseball game. Having the intention to tan and spending time outdoors are completely different situations and should not be confused.

Over the years, the use of tanning beds has rapidly increased. Many believe that the use of these salons will provide safer lighting and better results.

According to an article published by the World Health Organization (WHO), “More Tanning Means More Skin Cancer,” there is absolutely no evidence that tanning in a bed is safer than lying under the sun. Some beds actually emit much stronger Ultraviolet (UV) rays than those of the sun.

Because of this desire to “fake bake,” women and men have a greater chance of developing melanoma than those who don’t.

Tanning has become increasingly important in the minds of teenagers to improve and maintain their social status, not to mention spice up their everyday appearance. It is almost as if the activity is a result of peer pressure to look presentable and “hot” for those who see us each day.

People would be smart to consider what tanning will do for them in the future before even committing to the activity. It can become an addicting process for some.

To make sure that precautions are taken, steps can be pursued to decrease one’s chances of inheriting skin cancer.

For one thing, children and teenagers, as well as adults, can plan their outdoor activities around the sun’s strongest rays. Avoiding the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. will be beneficial to people with sensitive skin.

Another precaution that can be taken would be to wear protective hats, long pants and/or long-sleeved shirts to reduce the amount of exposure one receives.

Wearing sunglasses with 100 percent UV ray protection is also crucial during the summer. Most females and some men will wear “fashion” sunglasses that could work as accessories with their outfits, but take no results of this decision into consideration. Wearing sunglasses with darker lenses will ensure more protection in the later, much warmer weeks of the summer.

Making sure that sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) level of 15 or more is used will be beneficial to people under the sun for longer periods of time. Applying the product every hour or two will help to prevent skin damage.

Lying at the beach for several hours or exercising the right to “fake bake” will only take off months of one’s life at a time.

Live life to the fullest, even if it means maintaining a pale, white glow.