Addicted to Tanning?

Tanning beds have been taking a little heat (ahem) in the press lately because their use may increase the risk of skin cancer, UV radiation, and bad burns. Local governments have even discussed banning children from indoor tanning and the federal government has added a 10% sales tax on tanning.  The World Health Organization has even likened it to cigarettes and arsenic. But the risks may have gotten a little bit higher--according to a recent study, indoor tanning might actually be akin to substance abuse.  This Medical Minute by Penn State faculty also lists some other dangers of this practice

So far, it sounds like indoor tanning doesn't have a lot going for it. Could there possibly be some upsides, such as increasing Vitamin D levels (in a population who is typically deficient), increasing your mood, or giving your body image a boost?

Or maybe the government and researchers are just hyping the risks. Perhaps the sunscreen industry just wants to sell more products by instilling fear in consumers. Some even suppose that drug companies don't want you to feel the mood elevating affects of tanning so that you continue to take the medications they produce.

No doubt, there are lots of issues surrounding what once considered a healthy habit by many people.

keywords: tanning booths, indoor tanning, tanning salons, vitamin d, sunscreen, skin cancer