Waisting Time

My college roommate used to say that “tan fat looks better than untanned fat,” as she headed outside to catch some rays.  That was almost three decades ago, before we knew what we know now about the negative impact of sun on our skin.  But studies show that despite growing concerns about skin cancer, the majority of us still find tanned people more attractive and think people with tans look healthier.

I wonder if those survey respondents have been following the story of the New Jersey mom, accused of bringing her daughter into a tanning salon, who many are now calling a “tanorexic.”  Apparently some people are addicted to food, some to alcohol or drugs, and some to tanning.

I have no opinion about the case, since I don’t know enough specific details.  But I will share that I was struck by how very unhealthy this woman appears in all the photos I’ve seen.  I don’t know her personally; I don’t know why she tans as often as she does; I don’t know if she thinks she looks healthier or thinner or more attractive this way.

But what I do know is that doctors will tell you that a tan is an outward sign of skin damage.  And that the sun is a known carcinogen.

Do I think I’d look better with a bit of color on my uber-pale skin?  Maybe.  Okay, probably.  But as a three-time skin cancer survivor, my days of intentionally exposing myself to the sun without protection are long over.

Consider this:

• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
• One dies of melanoma every 62 minutes.
• Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than of all other cancers combines.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and today is Melanoma Monday.  So today I am asking you to consider changing the paradigm that tan looks better than au natural.  Or to at least choose to get your tan from a bottle.  And I am encouraging you to take steps to prevent skin cancer for yourself and your loved ones.  The research is very clear:  most skin cancer can be prevented by practicing sun protection.  And it is never too late to start protecting your skin.  And with that said, I’ll hop off my soapbox now:)

To learn more:

Melanoma Monday

The Skin Cancer Foundation

Thoughts about the Jersey tanning mom?  Have you or anyone you know been diagnosed with skin cancer?  Any personal crusades that you’d like to share today?

Photo credit [myFOXny]

The winners of Diane’s book giveaway are Lori and Andie:)

In honor of the new month…

I may… get choked up when my son graduates college.

I may… not get around to my typical annual birthday treat debate since I’ll be spending most of the day on the road, driving home from the graduation with the graduate in tow.

I may… be glad that there is no scale around on my birthday.  Something about that day makes me always mark my weight in my mind.  But I’m confident I’d weigh at or near my goal weight, except for those inevitable pounds from several days of travel.

I may… watch a House marathon with my (husband and) youngest son when he gets home from college.  I’ll also be catching up on the many episodes of Chopped that I’ve saved to watch with both my boys.  Go figure – they like cooking competitions as much as I do:)

I may… cry during the last episode of Desperate Housewives.

I may… take a “posed” family photo while both boys are home.  I guess I need to start thinking about what we can wear and which family member I can impose upon to try to get us all to smile at the same time.

I may… find a different day to celebrate Mother’s Day because I may be working.  I don’t mind; hopefully my mom doesn’t either:)

I may… have to get someone to drive me to work this summer since we’ll be back to more drivers than cars.

I may… start feeling confident comfortable, rather than nervous, about ringing sales and returns on the register.  I may finally have less back aches from standing.  I may feel guilty about asking for so much time off.  The job is still going well but it sure is making all these trips out east more complicated.

I may… blog less often.  Or without a schedule.  Or I may not.  I’ve said it before and, yet, here I am today.

I may… eat less meat to go along with my husband or eat more meat to go along with my teen, home from college.  I may tear my hair out trying to plan family meals.

I may… read “Shades of Grey” to see what all the hype is about.

I may… bake sweets for my son’s “officially leaving the nest and relocating halfway across the country” party or I may let someone else handle desserts so I’m not “sampling” the batter or tempted by the wonderful smells coming from the oven.  I may once again show my love with his favorite M & M cookies.

I may… paint my toenails for the first time this season.  If I can find just the right color.  I may decide I don’t like how it looks and I may start over.  Or I may just be lazy and leave my nails alone.  I may over-think this and so many other things.  Okay – for sure I’ll over-think many things, that’s just me.

I may… babysit my three young nephews overnight this weekend.  Which means lots of little boy energy.  And three soccer games at three different locations but not at three different times.  I may be reminded how glad I am that my boys are (for the most part) grown.  I may need a nap.

I may… start doing cardio again!!!!  My calf is still bothering me but I’ve sort of given up waiting for it to be “normal” again.  I may regret my decision but there’s only one way to know.

What may you do this month?

The winner of the Snikiddy Snack giveaway was Diane!  Really.  Coincidentally.  I’ll be announcing the winner of her book giveaway next week.