Common Sense Living

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If you haven’t heard, there has been a recall on all Slim Fast drinks in cans. For more information on the Slim Fast Recall >>>

I’m assuming that if you read this blog – you don’t have any, right?

Why? It’s milk, sugar, and chemicals. If you want a safe way to lose weight that actually works >>>

  Microsoft, of all people, has put up a flu assessment test that will give you advice on whether you have flu, whether you need to just say home and get some rest, or whether you need to see a doctor. The concern is that people will be flooding doctor’s offices and hospitals because of the swine flu scare, and most probably won’t need it. Plus, the more you’re out and about when you don’t need to be, the longer it takes to recover – not to mention the bigger the chance of spreading around even more. I think it’s a brilliant idea, and a useful tool. Here’s the link – https://h1n1.cloudapp.net/Default.aspx Don’t forget to do the most you can to prevent getting sick in the first place. Part of the reason you haven’t heard from me is there is this bug, or 2 going around at the spa. I’m the last one standing. There was one stomach flu going around, and now a second different one seems to be making the rounds. And it spreads fast. I went back in to cover for my boss tonight, and the other girl started feeling bad. They had been working together for a couple of hours. I’m in serious attack mode eating immune boosting foods and taking extra vitamin C. I think I’m even going to make a pot of chicken soup. Review this artcle and make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep you and your family healthy – Swine Flu – 20 Ounces of Prevention Take care of yourself!

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I’ve always said that cell phones are bad for your mental health. This always connected frenzy is just plain not good for you on a number of levels. It is fully expected that you will have your cell phone on you and have it on at all times. You are to be at the beck and call of your boss, your clients, your kids, and whoever else feels they must have immediate access to you.

I say bull. Yes, I have a cell phone. It is for emergencies – car problems or my daughter needs a ride. If you want to talk to me, you call me on my house phone.

Turns out that my being a dinosaur is a healthy attribute again. (you remember my aversion to packaged foods, right?)

There is quickly mounting evidence that cell phone usage is connected to a rise in brain cancers.

Read this mans story -

My name is Enrico Grani and I presently live in Australia. I used cell phones for ten-plus years extensively on-and-off, and because of this I developed a brain tumor! Read the rest of his story >>>

Like Enrico, I have discussions with my daughter about her constant cell phone use. I take some comfort in the fact that the kids don’t actually talk on their cell phones much, instead they choose to text, which was always beyond me! But I guess carpal tunnel is better than a brain tumor.

As the evidence mounts, the question needs to be asked – will you give up your cell phone?

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Thanks to all that helped me find the actual WHO document!

It was just as I suspected. The WHO report is actually quite level headed and reasonable. I agree with 98% of their recommendations.

But when it comes to the media reports of tanning beds being as dangerous as arsenic and right up there with smoking … it’s all exaggerated hype.

One of the ‘reports’ said that they found that 95% of the skin cancer sufferers had used a tanning bed at least once in their life – so therefore, using a tanning bed increases your risk of skin cancer. And, most had used a tanning bed before the age of 35, so using a tanning bed before the age of 35 increases your risk of skin cancer by an additional 75%. Huh?

That’s like saying if you’ve ever eaten a chocolate chip cookie, your risk of getting diabetes is 95%. I guess chocolate chip cookies should be banned too. I mean, isn’t that ridiculous?

Whether it’s sunlight, tanning beds, alcohol, cookies, or even exercise, too much of a good thing is bad. Use a little common sense and you’ll be fine.

 to read the WHO report >>>  (thanks to Katie!)

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So, the World Health Organization has supposedly issued a report stating that tanning beds are as dangerous as smoking.

I’ve read the articles. They’ve all latched on to one or two spectacular lines, but no real information.

I’ve tried to get my hands on a copy of hte report itself, but so far – no luck. I want to read it for myself. Sick, I know – but you need someone who will go to the source and try to flush out the truth.

One of the articles that I read made silly statements like this -

“Since Vancouver is a low sunlight area, Dr. Rivers speculated that the young
women diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma in his practice could be getting
more ultraviolet (UV) radiation from tanning beds, which studies show is also
linked to an increased risk in melanoma.” 

That sure seems to be soundly based on facts – doesn’t it? Oh Brother!

Here’s what I do know -

Responsible use of tanning beds increases you vitamin D production, helps SAD and depression, excema, and provides you with a sense of well being.

Because of the profound sense of well-being, tanning can become addictive. This is not scientific – just an observation.

Most tanning salons are not strict enough.

I work at a contempo spa that also has tanning. I swear I fight with new people almost every day. They want to go max time, they swear they never burn, they don’t want to wear eye protection, and they say no one else makes them.

The whole key here folks is RESPONSIBLE use of a tanning bed.

That means -

Getting the proper level of exposure for your skin type – and no more.

Waiting 24 hours between tanning sessions.

Not tanning and sun bathing in the same day.

Wearing protective eyewear in the tanning beds. Closing your eyes will not protect you.

At Grayslake Planet Beach Contempo Spa, we are strict. I don’t care how pissed you get at me. Usually when I explain why we’re so strict, people usually appreciate it. Not always, but usually. People don’t realize the damage you can do to your eyes, or how over-exposure increases your risk. I’ve had a couple people threaten to cancel their memberships because I wouldn’t let them tan without eyewear. Sorry folks. Number one, it’s the law. Number 2 – I’m not going to be responsible for you burning your cornea. Period.

I’ve heard of tanning salons that just automatically give you max time. I’ve heard that they look the other way if you don’t have eyewear. I’ve heard that many salons are dirty. We get a lot of customers from these salons. Yes, we are not the cheapest. But when your health is at stake…

Some of the reports I read said that teens are tanning 2 or 3 times a day! Hence the tightening of restrictions on teen use of tanning beds. Parents, if you’re going to let your teen tan – check out the salon and make sure that they are following regulations. Talk to your kids about using tanning – indoor or outdoor – responsibly. Lead by example. Use tanning responsibly yourself.

If UV rays caused cancer, wouldn’t the whole continent of Africa have skin cancer? Why is it that skin cancer is more prevalent in countries that use a lot of sunscreen? I’m having a hard time swallowing all of the hyped up reports.

I think they key is moderation. The same key that you need to apply to anything else in your life. Too much of anything is usually not good for you. Why would this be any different?

I know, I’m looking for logic again…