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March 2001

Fake and bake is not very great...

With prom season approaching, tanning will be on the to-do list of many Neshaminy students. It has become a part of the regular routine for any formal preparation. To get the dress, get the shoes, and book an appointment at a tanning salon are three things on these girls’ minds months in advance of these dances. However, they are either unaware or failing to recognize the many hazards of tanning beds and UVA radiation.

“Even though girls know it’s dangerous, I don’t think it’s a major concern,” said senior Kelly Garvin when asked her opinion on of girls who use tanning beds. This seems to be somewhat accurate.

Most girls do know that the use of tanning beds causes a more rapid aging of the skin and may cause skin cancer. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Devices and Radiological Health reported that it could also cause malignant melanoma as well as immune deficiencies.

The FDA has also reported a predicted 7,300 deaths as a result of these tanning beds.

I asked Jen Conrad, a junior who does use tanning beds, if she would stop using tanning beds provided with the information above. Her reply was, “No. I’m going to die eventually and I don’t think that the use of tanning beds will shorten my life significantly.” It’s troubling to hear that future health is being completely disregarded in exchange for a better tan.

Some girls who do use tanning beds don’t merely look the other way. These girls are aware of the concerns but believe a boost of their self-esteem is an even trade. This is a valid argument, but I believe teens are in trouble if they are willing to risk eventual serious damage to their body simply to darken their skin.

Self-esteem may be the issue at hand but I believe that we should definitely be concerned. The FDA. discourages the use of tanning beds for any person, but it seems that the FDA. holds little credibility in the eyes of a girl who wants to look good in a prom dress.

By Scott Colburn
Staff Writer