2013 Indoor Tanning Bed Legislation

Indoor tanning and its contribution to skin cancer and melanoma has been a hot topic of discussion for a few years now. With over 30 million people in the US who tan indoors annually, the subject affects us more than we think. 2.3 million indoor tanners are 18-years-old and younger. There is a growing presence of indoor tanning beds in salons, spas, gyms and even apartment complexes. In these non-traditional places people searching for an artificial glow can find it with less supervision and more inexpensively. With the media portraying tan skin as desirable the public is seeing it as normal and common behavior. Studies have shown that between the age of 14 and 17-years-old there is an increase use of tanning beds. This could explain the 60% increase in  Melanoma diagnosis in people age 15-39 over the last 30 years.

The World Health Organization categorizes tanning beds as a carcinogenic to humans, but the FDA only classifies them as a Class 1 device along with bandages and exam gloves that are defined to have minimal potential to cause harm to the user. Tanning beds are harmful and shouldn’t be treated under the same category as bandages and exam gloves. No one has ever died from wearing too many bandages. No one has ever died from wearing an exam glove for too long. People have died from using tanning beds. Young people have died and young people have lost their Mothers, Fathers and loved ones. Our young people are affected and it is up to us to protect them when the vultures of the tanning industry are just waiting to prey on their innocent vanity.

Our young people are the reason why tanning legislation is so important. The goal is to ban minors under 18 from using tanning beds. AIM at Melanoma is an organization committed to the education of tanning dangers and advocating for melanoma awareness. They have compiled a list of each State and their current tanning legislation. AIM is always at the forefront for the advocacy of tanning legislation and have helped many people through their Melanoma journeys.

Take a look at the chart below and see where your state stands. If you are compelled to support tanning legislation in your state contact Samantha Guild at sguild@aimatmelanoma.org

State	Bill Description
Alabama	HB 179  Prohibits minors under 18 from using a tanning device.
Arizona	HB 2402 Prohibits minors under 18 from using a tanning device.
Colorado	HB 1215 Prohibits the use of tanning devices by minors under 15 unless the use is prescribed by a physician; requires parental consent form or physician prescription for minors 15 or older but under 18 years of age to use a tanning device.
Connecticut	HB 5108 Requires minors under 18 of age to obtain parental/guardian consent.SB 872 As amended, prohibits minors under 17 from using tanning device.
Delaware	SB 94  Prohibits minors under 18 from using a tanning device.
Florida	SB 1674 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices unelss prescribed by a physician.
Hawaii	HB 611 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices.SB 399 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices.
Idaho	HB 191 Prohibits minors under 16 from using tanning devices unless prescribed by a physican.  Requires minors 16 & 17 to obtain in-person parental/guardian consent unless authorized by a physician.HB 268 Prohibits minors under 16 from using tanning devices unless prescribed by a physician. Requires 16 & 17 to obtain in-person parent/guardian consent unless authorized by a physician.
Illinois	HB 188 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices.SB 2244  Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices.
Indiana	SB 269 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices.
Iowa	HF 257 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices.SF 258 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices.
Maine	LD 272 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices.
Maryland	SB 488 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices.
Massachusetts	SB 1105 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices.
Michigan	HB 4405 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices.
Minnesota	H.F. 676 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices.S.F. 816 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices.
Missouri	HB 47 Requires minors under 17 of age to obtain in-person parental/guardian consent annually.HB 72 Prohibits minors under 6 from using tanning devices.
Montana	HB456 Requires minors under 18 to obtain in-person parental/guardian
Nebraska	LB 132 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices.
Nevadasigned into law 6/4/13 effective 7/1/13	SB 267  As amended, prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices. Provides for regulation.
New Jerseycarroversigned into law 4/1/13 effective 10/1/13	A 2142 and S 1172 As amended, would prohibit minors under 17 from tanning devices. Prohibit minors under 14 from spray tans. A minor older than 14 but less than 18 may use spray tanning with consent from parent/legal guardian.
North Carolina	HB 18 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices.S 167 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices.
North Dakota	HB 1188 Repeals chapter 23‑39 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the regulation of tanning facilities.
Ohio	SB 113 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning beds. Allows for a doctor to prescribe tanning device use.HB 131 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices. Allows for a doctor to prescribe tanning device use.
Oklahoma	SB 345 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices.SB 816 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices. Allows for a doctor to prescribe tanning device use.
Oregonsigned into law 5/16/13 effective 1/1/14	HB 2896 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices. Allows for a doctor to prescribe tanning device use.
Pennsylvania	HB 977 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices. Provides for some regulation.HB 1257 Prohibits minors under 17 from using tanning devices. Parental consent for 17 year olds.
Texas	HB 598 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices.SB 329 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices.
Virginia	SB 1274 Prohibits minors under 15 from using a tanning device. Requires minors who are 15, 16, and 17, and are not emancipated under VA law, obtain parent/guardian consent.
Washington	SB 5521 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices.SB 5455  Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices. HB 1585  Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices.
West VirginiaSB 464 signed into law 4/1/13 effective 7/12/13	HB 2768 Prohibits minors under 18 from using tanning devices.  SB 464 As amended, prohibits minors under 14 from using tanning devices. Requires parental consent for 14 – 17 year olds.

Wordless Wednesday…School Sun Safety Program

http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2013/may/23/independence-middle-students-hear-about-melanoma/

MY Story; Tina’s Place

A safe haven was created out of a heartbreaking tragedy. This is Tina’s story…

What type or stage of cancer did your loved one have?

Tina had a mole in the middle of her back. By the time they found it, it was stage 3 Melanoma.
 
What was the primary cancer treatment facility involved in your loved one’s care and what was your experience there?

Tina  worked with Dr. Hersh in Tuson for the largest part of her treatment. Tina was in the Cancer center for IL2 in Tuscon and they where amazing. The entire staff well-trained and the care was the best I’ve ever seen. Tina at first was very happy with Dr. Hersh than thought and found he didn’t seem to be keeping up with what was happening with the new Melanoma trials and treatments. So she started seeking other doctors. She became stage four in 2008 and then the Melanoma moved into her kidney and it had to be removed. They where not able to remove all the melanoma and she needed a miracle and then found a trial in Phoenix with Dr. Gordon for B-raf drug and decided to move there and give the new drugs a test. Dr. Gordon office was really good with Tina while she was doing well in the trial. But once she failed, so did he, leaving her with nothing until we pushed and placed her in the hospital.  Dr. Gordon was not totally present for her care. He failed to finish the journey but rather left her in the dust. When you are down everyone needs a doctor that stands Strong with them through the good and the bad. The hospital in Scottsdale Shea the nursing was top-notch “Kelly Hilcove” the best and most of the doctors where very kind and caring.
What organizations were the most helpful to you?

I didn’t know of any organizations that reached out to Tina through out her journey. Even though she blogged her entire journey. Today I read and hear about many organization helping Melanoma patients. Which I think Tina would have found very helpful and heart warming.

What would you say was the most impactful experience from the treatment of your loved one?

This question is the hardest of all to respond to. During Tina’s treatment watching her become more and more in touch with God was amazing and even that word doesn’t do it justice. The closer she came to going to heaven by this I mean the last few months. I watched a mom who was tied had her daughter on her hip more than not, slowly let that little girl go closer and closer to her daddy. This meant she fell farther and farther from her mommy loving arms. Tina was one brave mom and this mom shed many tears watching this take place. Tina never spoke of what she was doing; I just knew as a mom what she was doing. She was allowing her daughter to become detached from her and attached to her daddy even more everyday. I can’t imagine the pain Tina was going through as this took place right before her eye. But she was so full of the Holly Spirit that she almost smiled as she watched, knowing she was doing the right thing. Before Tina past she was able to see her daughter lean on her daddy and see that daddy had taken it on with open arms. Being by her side and she was never mad, at least with others about what hand she was dealt. Privately she shed many silent tears. Tears for what if I die, tears for I’m leaving my 7-year-old daughter without a mom, tears I’m only 38, tears she always said, God is taking me for a reason I only hope I made him proud while I was on earth. I said, “Proud” UN measurable! Heaven was her reward!
 
What would you most like people to know about your loved one?

That once she could breathe after hearing the words you have stage 3 Melanoma. Tina began to help others who had Melanoma and to try and prevent it from happening to anyone she knew or who would read her story on her blog www.paleskinisin.com. She mad a very private illness public. She served as a mentor to many who never met her in person but found refuge in her story and personal notes. Tina was very funny, hard worker, preschool teacher and a wonderful mother and wife. If she was your friend she had your back always. She was a great daughter and the older she got the more caring I saw her become. She spent time with family as often as she could.
What is your greatest source of strength and/or inspiration?

My heavenly father brought me my greatest strength without a doubt. He gave me strength to be my daughters care giver with some days only getting maybe four hours of sleep. To be able to continue the next day without being tired. I would never, ever take back the time God allowed me to spend with Tina during the end of her journey. It gave me time to speak with my daughter about things no mother should ever have to. There where many times we laughed together and times we cried together. Time I cheered her that after a month of not being able to get out of bed, we cheered as we watched her take her first steps again. Once she started walking nothing could hold her down. She walked every single day until she went to heaven, that’s how strong she was. Tina gave me more I feel than I gave her during those last few months. She was so strong and full of inspiration and the peace she had those last few days I just can’t explain. I personally feel God leads us before he takes us, which helps those of us left behind. We must be open to God’s gift or you will not receive it.  God was with me when I thought I couldn’t get out of bed after Tina went to heaven. He was with me all those times I cried out in private and my pillow was wet from my tears. I still cry often and miss her tons, but every tear makes me stronger. Tina’s Place is helping me heal and I am looking forward to reaching out to all the families Tina’s Place is able to host.
Tina’s Place was created in Tina’s memory. Tina’s Place will provide a lakefront 2-bedroom cottage getaway, nestled in the trees on an all sports private lake in Michigan for Melanoma stage 3 and 4 patients and their families. There will be no charge for accommodations; food/travel to the retreat is the responsibility of those attending. Visit us at www.facebook.com/tinasplacemi or email us at tinasplacemi@yahoo.com for more information or to apply.

What is the best advice you can give to someone who thinks that skin cancer can’t happen to them?

I have continued Tina’s passion in Melanoma Awareness and I speak with people about the dangers and some still don’t get that they could be the next one who dies this hour. I explain to them that someone dies of Melanoma every hour of every day. I advise them on sunscreen and reapplying. Wearing hats, sunglasses, clothing with UV protection and No indoor tanning it is just not safe. Tina can not go back words in her life but she would say Never let yourself get a sun burn. Prior to getting pregnant get your skin checked, stories are coming out about woman finding out during their pregnancy that they have Melanoma. Treatment can not be done during pregnancy. Get your skin checked once a year. Most Melanoma can be prevented with regular check ups. Moles can be removed that are suspicious easily if found early right in the doctors office. If you wait you will find yourself in the operating room not only once but several times while fighting for your life. Your beautiful in your natural skin if you can just see yourself as I do. Pale Skin Is In.

Today is “Don’t Fry Day!” The Friday before Memorial Day is coined “Don’t Fry Day” in hopes that people will take the extra precautions to practice safe sun protection habits. It’s the weekend when many of us will be hitting the beaches, having picnics at the park and just enjoying the outdoors and long holiday weekend. Keep you and your family safe and let the world know you are by taking the ”Don’t Fry Day” Pledge!

Here are some great sun protection tips from the Skin Cancer Prevention website:

Do Not Burn.

• Avoid intentional tanning.
• Avoid tanning beds.

Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds causes skin cancer and wrinkling.  If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.

Generously Apply Sunscreen to all exposed skin using a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.  Re-apply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.

Wear Sun Protective Clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.

Seek Shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Use Extra Caution Near Water, Snow, and Sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn.

Get Vitamin D Safely through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements.  Don’t seek the sun.

“Don’t Fry Day” also marks the end of National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. You still have until May 31st to place your UV Skinz order to receive a complimentary Special Edition “What’s a Sunburn”  baby skinz swim shirt! Go to the UV Skinz Facebook fan page and share what special child or organization you gifted your baby skinz to!

 

Melanoma Monday

The American Academy of Dermatology designates the first Monday in May–Melanoma Monday. Its simple purpose is to increase public awareness about Melanoma. Melanoma is a very aggressive form of skin cancer and occurs when uncontrolled growth of pigment producing cells spread rapidly to other areas of the body. Melanoma is less common than other skin cancers, but if not detected early it is 75% more deadly.

Facts:

• Over 2 million cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year.
• One in five Americans will contract skin cancer during their lives.
• While many common cancer rates are falling, the melanoma rate continues to grow at a rate faster than that of any of the seven most common cancers. Between 1992 and 2004, melanoma incidence increased 45%.
• One bad sunburn in childhood doubles the risk of melanoma later in life.
• Those who use tanning beds a handful of times per year in their youth risk up to a 75% higher likelihood of developing melanoma in their lifetimes.

No tan is worth your life!

What can you do today?

1. Find a free skin cancer screening in your area!
2. Learn and practice healthy sun-protection habits–everyday! A few easy ones to remember are; seek shade during 10am-4pm when the sun is at its highest point, wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, gear-up with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and uv-protective clothing.
3. Conduct your own regular Skin Cancer Self-Exam:

 

4. Wear traditional black or…

 

Currently, there is a lot of controversy over what color to wear today to honor those battling Melanoma and our Melanoma Angels. Some people will choose to wear black (the traditional color of Melanoma awareness) and some people will choose to wear orange. Wearing orange is the color being promoted by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)  for their SPOT Orange on Melanoma Monday campaign. For those who traditionally honor their loved ones with black it has come as an insult to the Melanoma community, but the AAD is hoping that the bright orange color will really call attention and bring awareness to a disease that has claimed so many lives. It is your choice to wear black or orange, or both!

 Bringing awareness to the signs and prevention of Melanoma and skin cancer is the ultimate goal. 

UV Skinz 6th Annual “My First Skinz” Campaign in Honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Today marks the start of our 6th Annual “My First Skinz” Campaign in honor of  National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. You will probably hear a lot about how to protect yourself from this treatable disease. You will see a lot of pictures and diagrams about the statistics of skin cancer and the signs to look for. You will most likely be told to cover-up, wear sunscreen, stay out of the sun at certain times of the day. It is true that just one childhood sunburn can more than double your chances of developing skin cancer in adulthood. More than 73% of skin cancer deaths are from Melanoma and more than 3.5 million skin cancers diagnosed on over 2 million people each year.

Despite all of the facts, warnings and statistics–we want to give you more. We want to give you a way to help teach and give the gift of sun protection to the ones who matter the most, children. UV Skinz is proud to provide worry-free alternatives for sun protection. This month our gift to every one who places an order during the month of May is a “What’s a Sunburn” My First Skinz Baby UV protective swim shirt.  Rhonda Sparks, Founder of UV Skinz, truly believes that healthy sun protection habits should begin early and be taught daily. When Rhonda lost her husband to melanoma in 2001, leaving her with three small boys, it was their future health and happiness that led Rhonda to found UV Skinz. Ever since, UV Skinz has never lost sight of the goal to get kids covered. Teaching our children good sun-safety habits is important so that they continue these practices into adulthood. UV Skinz makes it easy with comfortable, high-quality, and stylish swim shirts.

 ”The free baby swim shirt giveaway gets families in the early habit of making sure their children have adequate sun protection – not just through sunscreen, which can be irritating to skin – but through our UV swim shirts and UPF 50+ clothing,” says company founder, Rhonda Sparks.

Remember for every order placed during May you will find our special edition “What’s A Sunburn” Baby Skinz inside your package! Please pay-it-forward by donating this shirt to a child so they will never know what a sunburn is. There will be a flyer within each order asking for you to pass along the Baby Skinz to a needy organization; your local women’s shelter, red cross, maternity ward, mommies group, a friend or family member. The possibilities are endless!  We would love to hear where the Baby Skinz end up!

If you would like to know more about the campaign feel free to email info@uvskinz.com, call 1-877-887-5468.

 

Wordless Wednesday…Pretty in Pink