Tanning is out
Editor:
We are 17 years old and we believe tanning is out.
Because of that belief, we are taking part in the Canadian Cancer Society's Tanning is Out Challenge from April 29 to May 3. We will be hosting events all week and spreading the word to all students at Chatelech Secondary School about the dangers of tanning.
Tanning still seems to be a strong trend in our society, with many youth visiting tanning salons (once they turn 18 in B.C.), hitting the beaches, or baking out in the sun during their vacations, all to achieve what they perceive to be a healthy glow. Sometimes the long term consequences do not hit home for people.
As Tanning is Out Chal-lenge leaders at Chatelech, we and our fellow leaders are on a mission to educate our peers about the health risks of tanning, as well as to encourage everyone to own their skin tone. The fact is no tan is a safe tan. Tanned skin is damaged skin, which can lead to skin cancer including melanoma - the deadliest form of skin cancer. Unfortunately there is no way to repair this damage, so each time people tan the damage is building up and so is their cancer risk.
We are lucky here in B.C. that the provincial government has banned indoor tanning for youth under 18. We still have a lot of work to do to discourage youth from tanning outdoors and from using tanning beds once they turn 18. We are also hopeful that through educating our peers we can help increase awareness of the dangers of UV exposure.
Coral Robinson and Reanna Popp
Sechelt
