The Bed is Dead

February 12, 2015

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The High School Girl's basketball team took a brief time-out on February 11th to learn about the dangers of indoor tanning. Dusty Duis, School Nurse, presented information from The Bed is Dead campaign being promoted state-wide by the Department of Health & Human Services. Tanning bed use is linked to higher rates of all three major forms of skin cancer; melanoma, basal cell and squamos cell carcinoma. A recent study completed in California found that indoor tanning is attributed to over 388,000 new cases of skin cancer each year compared to just over 203,500 cases of lung cancer attributed to cigarettes. The girls reviewed common myths associated with indoor tanning. No, indoor tanning DOES NOT improve acne. In fact, it may make it worse. The bacteria in tanning booths may cause acne if it comes in contact with the skin and may even lead to infections. The girls also discussed a few ways to prevent skin cancer risk and how to identify possible signs of skin cancer. Each team member received an information kit that included bracelets that change color in the sun. The bracelets were provided by The Bed is Dead to help serve as a reminder to reapply sunscreen. To learn more about this campaign or to read personal stories of those affected by skin cancer visit http://www.thebedisdead.org.