Tanning is the New Trashy?

Mr. Spots and I were out enjoying an adult beverage and listening to a local band Friday night when he made the offhand comment that he could almost smell the burned skin in the bar. There were that many tan females who had worked hard on baking their flesh. Like in any bar scene, there was a mix of people. You had your couples enjoying a night on the town, your girls wanting to find Mr. Right (or right now?), and you have your cool guys wanting to be Mr. Right (Now). Looking around the room, the tannest chicks were also the girls who were trying the hardest to be noticed. I'm talking booty shorts, backless shirts, and F.M. shoes. (I will not translate that if you are unaware of the terminology.) It made it hard for me to relax because I kept judging their skin and becoming angry. Why is it "hot" for them to look like Snooki before pregnancy whereas because of embracing my natural skin tone, I get asked, "Have you been outside lately?" Do people really believe the Tan Mom appearance actually looks good? (This is not an exaggeration. Ask Mr. Spots.)

Is tan skin really considered to be the most beautiful even today or is the fake tan becoming a less than classy accessory?

Let me compare a few famous faces.

Tara Reid

OR

Reese Witherspoon

OR

 Paris Hilton

OR

Scarlett Johansson

OR

Lindsay Lohan

OR

Emma Stone

OR

Kelly Ripa

OR

Natalie Portman

OR

Snooki

OR

Rachel McAdams

I could make this list last forever; however, I think my point has been made. Being tan used to indicate wealth and class. I am beginning to wonder if that has already changed. Is the fake & bake tan slowly going out of style?

Health reasons aside, is being tan really that beautiful compared to our natural glow?

Dr. Oz Strikes Again.

We spent our gorgeous Saturday at a local wine fest covered in sunscreen and fabulous hats! While browsing the vendors prior to sipping the wine, I was stopped by a gentleman selling some pill that is supposed to be the cancer miracle drug. The man began listing all of the cancers and he mentions skin cancer. Of course, I could not stay silent.

Me: "Huh. That's interesting. I have stage III melanoma."

Him: "You did?"

Me: "I do."

Him: "Well, of course it does not cure cancer, but it decreases your chances of getting it. Dr. Oz recommends it."

Me: "Dr. Oz also recommends tanning beds."

And I went to enjoy my wine.

A Kid's Reaction

The folks in Hotel Melanoma owe Mrs. Tan Mom. Because of her ridiculousness, we are receiving all kinds of publicity! I could not be more pleased especially considering it's Melanoma Monday!

As most of you know, there is a little 5 year old boy in my life named G. He is my boyfriend's pride and joy, and of course, he holds a special place in my heart. He knew that I had "been on TV" last week and he had been asking a lot of indirect questions about it. Saturday morning, when it was just the 2 of us, G asked if he could watch the interview. We curled up on the couch and began watching.

 G was witness to my healing process last year after my surgeries, and to this day, refers to the "hole" in my neck and shoulder (damage from full lymph node dissection) as my "boo boo." He was in a full discussion with me during the interview about how my "boo boo" still hurts and that he has to be careful with me.

 Then, mid-sentence, he yelled, "AHHHHHHHHHH!"

His reaction to the New Jersey Tan Mom could not have been more perfect had I written the script myself!

After G got over the initial shock, he looked up at me with disgust and said, "She painted her face with polish!"

I could not stop laughing. Even a 5 year old understands how scary she looks.

Thanks, Tan Mom, you scared the kid. I don't think he'll forget your face--or the need for sunscreen-- anytime soon!




(Speaking of laughing, did you see the SNL skit this weekend ?_

Oh, one last thing. I have started a little part-time job writing for Everyday Health. I would love if you could check out my FIRST published article! I am so excited! I am finally making a few dollars thanks to my expensive college degree!  http://www.everydayhealth.com/what-is-melanoma-a-survivors-opinion/what-is-melanoma-a-survivors-opinion.aspx

Tan-Free

Happy Skin Cancer Awareness Month!

Have you scheduled your appointment with your dermatologist yet?

What are you waiting for?

Today I am asking you to read Susan's latest post. She's the mother of Ms. Jillian, a young lady in her early 20's who is battling stage IV melanoma. Grab the tissues. This one got to me.  

Now, go spread some awareness. Please.

Self

I get a lot of joy when I read articles in magazines regarding the dangers of skin cancer. A lot of the information that is out there is only shared within the Melanoma community, so it is a nice change when I see an article in a magazine that caters to every day women.

Self posted a good article for those not yet residents of Hotel Melanoma. The article discusses how the rise in melanoma is an epidemic. They interviewed Marina Peredo, M.D., F.A.A.D, Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and founder of Marina I. Peredo, M.D., P.C. Dermatology and Spatique Medical Spa in Smithtown, N.Y, who believes tanning beds are as dangerous as smoking and unprotected sex.

The article goes on to list ways to protect yourself from skin cancer. Read list here.

My favorite quote from the entire article is this, "With melanoma, the difference between life and death is early detection," she says. "A lot of people think, 'Maybe if I ignore it, it will go away.'" No. "If something looks unusual or different -- get it checked. A lot of the time it's nothing, but that's OK! Don't be scared of the unknown," says Dr. Peredo. "But if you do find that something is wrong, get it off your body."

That is advice we need to share, folks.

Share it.

Remember, May begins Skin Cancer Awareness month. How are you going to raise awareness?

Don't forget to find me on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/AdventuresWithMyEnemyMelanoma

Kidding, but Not Kidding.

Just read this on Twitter (Follow me-- Melanoma_Diva--I'm still learning!)

"Half the girls in this school won't even be at the high school reunion in 20 years because they'll have died of skin cancer. #kiddingbutnotkidding."

Now, let me ask you, if your teenager is not allowed to smoke, why should they be able to tan?


Let's fix this before more young folks join us in Hotel Melanoma.

One Realization

Pinterest

I found out today that one of my (very supportive) sorority sisters is still using the tanning bed. She said that she knows the dangers, she sees what is happening with me, but once or twice won't kill her. I have not seen her or talked to her about her (addictive?) tanning habits, I assumed that based on how supportive she has been with me, she began to value her skin and quit visiting Home of Melanoma--AKA the tanning salon. It makes me sad to know that a tan still exceeds the risks for her.

What can ya do though? She has to make the decision that is best for her. I know that. I support that. I just hope she learns before melanoma happens to her or someone she loves. I know that for this one girl who is still tanning there are SO MANY others who have stopped. I am so proud of them. These people have realized that the risks just aren't worth the "healthy glow." Sure, people may tease them about their "pale" skin, but so what? Not only are they taking out a risk factor for melanoma, they are going to have far prettier skin than their friends. Hello, what's attractive about  looking wrinkled and leather-ish?

See what the Today Show had to say this past week about skin cancer: http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/47115785#47115785

My heart sank a bit when I heard about this sorority sister. But like Ms. Lovato said, the only person who can save you is yourself. All I can do is put the information out there and hope that she will "get it" before she actually gets it.

Educate!

Melanoma is in the news today! Did you all see it? If not, check out the links below!

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/3041426/vp/46924232#46907463 
       *Oh, the dangers of tanning beds....

http://dailynightly.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/02/10987650-for-young-women-melanoma-rates-on-the-rise
 **Notice how he says that the rise of melanoma in young women is almost an epidemic.

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/rising-melanoma-rate-hits-young-women-hardest/story?id=16054407#.T3pAjtV-X_c


Share these with your friends. We need to educate!

R(R)andom Opportunities.

So, I am sticking to my goal of working out and trying to live an overall healthier lifestyle. Week 2 of the gym has begun and this week I have a work out partner: My Mr. Spots! Although it was a learning experience for me to go to the gym by myself, I really enjoyed working out with him tonight. We definitely pushed ourselves harder than we would have had we been alone. So, when I can't move tomorrow, I am blaming him.

Mr. Spots had an interesting encounter with the sales person when he was signing up for his membership. The guy in his mid 20's asked Mr. Spots if he would like to sign up for the Black Membership which includes 1 free tanning session. Mr. Spots didn't say a word, he just pointed to his Melanoma t-shirt. The sales guy looks at the shirt and says, "I don't do the tanning. I am pre-med. Did you know Melanoma is the fastest growing cancer now?" Mr. Spots blurts out, "I like you."

Hey, it's not often that we have random strangers sharing melanoma statistics with us! It's usually the other way around.

After our intense work out session, we headed to the grocery store. Sure enough, the cashier Mr. Spots' t-shirt out loud, "Someone I love has.......What is melanoma?" Mr. Spots says, "A type of skin cancer." Conversation ends.

Today I learned how a t-shirt can educate and start conversations you do not expect. I guess I need to go order some more Melanoma t-shirts, huh?

Tanning Bed Gossip

Tanning salon owners are not having an easy go of it lately. Folks are spreading the dangers of tanning beds in all kinds of different places. We have an article on a famous magazine's website, states are trying to pass bills that will prevent teens from visiting tanning salons, and top modeling agencies in Australia have a strict 'zero-tolerance' policy on the use of tanning beds. I am sure it sucks to be a tanning salon owner right now. For us in the melanoma world, this is progress!

Cosmo recently published an article about the lies that tanning salons will spread. Oh, it is interesting... It discusses a survey that was conducted where 300 salons over the country were visited. 90% of the salons visited said that tanning beds would not harm your health. 51% of the salons said that tanning beds did not raise your risk for tanning salons. It is unbelievable to me that tanning salons get away with such lies, but I'm sure tobacco factors got away with it a few years ago too. Read more of the article here: http://www.cosmopolitan.com/celebrity/news/tanning-salon-lies-020712?src=soc_fcbks

Maryland and West Virginia are becoming very close to passing a bill that will prevent teenagers from using tanning beds. Woo hoo! If the state regulated this, how many lives will be saved?! I know that some people argue that parents should control what their children are allowed to do. Parents should be involved enough with their children to know that tanning isn't safe for their JV cheerleaders, future movie stars, and little divas. Then you hear reports like this one that shows that some children need to be protected from the parents. Idaho is trying to pass a law that will keep minors from visiting tanning salons. In obvious protest against this law, Colleen Skaar, a owner of 2 salons has spoken out. Skaar believes that folks in Idaho do not receive enough Vitamin D to keep their "bones healthy." Skaar is so willing to put all of her confidence into the safety of tanning beds that she began a tanning regimen for her 4 year old grandson.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Oh, oh, oh...Colleen Skaar also reminds folks, Dr. Oz supports tanning beds.

Gag.

The more that the media talks about tanning bed dangers, the more people will begin to question just how safe those beds are.

Keep talkin', folks, keep talking.

Is It Worth It?

Is your tan worth this?

Think about it.

A Tan Shouldn't Define You

Sometimes I think Youtube is ridiculous. There are so many pointless videos that most of us never need to see. Then there are videos like these that are worth sharing with all of your friends and family---especially the young kids.

If we tell 10 teenagers that they could die from skin cancer, most of them would forget about us by the end of the day. If they see a beautiful young girl crying over having to tell her mom that she has melanoma, they will remember.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEjhgNkpoSk&sns=fb

Share it, share it, share it.

I would much rather have a painful surgery than have to to go back in time and tell my family that I have advanced melanoma. That, my friends, was the worst.

Protect the skin you're in.