Tuesday, February 08, 2005

Take heed all you sunbakers!

"Melanoma is related to intermittent, excessive sun exposure, such as that experienced during recreational activities and holidays. Melanoma is also related to sunburn in childhood and adolescence.
There is no health advantage from levels of ultraviolet exposure that result in tanning or burning. This is the case whether the untraviolet radiation is from the sun, or from sun beds or lamps. Some suggest that if we become too vigilant about sun exposure, then we may become vitamin D deficient. However, the truth is that our vitamin D requirements can usually be met with exposure to the sun during short periods outdoors such as usually occur in everyday life.
In summary, the way to prevent skin cancer is to reduce excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation. A change in attitude towards tanning would be an excellent start."

From todays Press article 'Combating skin cancer' by Dr David Langford.

3 Comments:

Blogger Kat said...

Hey, he's my GP! Cool. Or rather, was, till his fees went up.

2:55 pm  
Blogger Christina said...

*sigh* I guess all that sunburnination I got as a kid wasn't good afterall...

12:34 pm  
Blogger Matthew P said...

It's kind of ironic, 150 years ago westerners (those with too much money at least) tried their best to stay as white as possible. Another irony is the amount of money westerners spend on trying to lose weight because we have too much food.

Interesting what money and privalege can turn us into, especially seing as we are inherently good (bah, must resist urge to be sarcastic!...)

Anyways, I am slightly sunburnt myself having subjected myself to the wonderous fulfillment of tramping! And I ate too much food... must rest now...

5:20 pm  

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