According to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, people who use tanning beds and lamps have a considerably higher risk of developing basal and squamous cell carcinoma, the two most common kinds of skin cancer.

A report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is part of the World Health Organization, concluded that there is an association between tanning devices that emit ultraviolet (UV) rays and cancer of the eye, and that the risk for melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer, increases by 75 percent when the use of tanning beds starts before the age of 35.

Both UVA and UVB rays can cause potentially cancerous changes in the DNA of skin cells. In addition to increasing the risk of skin cancer, tanning also can cause:

• Premature aging that occurs when skin loses its elasticity and wrinkles prematurely.
• Immune suppression that can leave the body more susceptible to diseases.
• Irreversible eye damage due to exposure to UV radiation.
• An allergic reaction for some people resulting in an itchy rash or other problems. 

The risk of cancer increases anytime a tanning bed is used. But certain practices can lead to additional health problems. Not wearing the goggles provided can cause both short- and long-term eye injury. Use of a tanning bed while taking certain medications or cosmetics also could increase the body’s sensitivity to UV rays.

If you have used tanning beds in the past, the damage to your skin is already done even if you can’t see it yet. But you don’t have to go without that sun-bronzed look. New self-tanners and spray-on tans provide a quick, safe alternative that is better for your skin. To learn more about tanning safety, visit the free, online health library on the Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake website at DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/SunSafety.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

Do you know someone who has heart disease? Chances are you do. Approximately 26.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with the condition. Kidd Kraddick, a local and nationally well-known DJ who to many was not just a guy on the radio but a friend, recently died of a heart attack in late July. His passing at the age of just 53 made headlines and brought attention to the importance of reducing the risk of heart disease and diagnosing heart problems before they become deadly.

While heart disease is a gradual, lifelong process that you cannot see or feel, you can make lifestyle changes to help prevent heart problems so you can enjoy a healthier life in the years to come.

Eat healthy. A healthy diet includes a variety of grains (especially whole grains), fruits and vegetables. Opt for foods low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugar and salt.

Exercise regularly. As little as 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days of the week is all you need to protect heart health.

Don’t smoke. The risk of having a heart attack is six times higher for smokers compared to nonsmokers, with the chances increasing depending on the number of cigarettes smoked daily.

Maintain a healthy weight. A weight loss of just five to 10 percent of current weight can help lower the risk for heart disease. Gradual weight loss of one-half to two pounds per week is recommended to ensure long-term success. 

You also can take advantage of a free preventive cardiac screening at Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake. The baseline screening, which includes a blood cholesterol check, blood pressure monitoring, weight evaluation, glucose check and personal health assessment, will be held Saturday, September 28 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The screening is free, but space is limited and reservations are required. Call 866-764-3627 to reserve your appointment today.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com