Letter: Tanorexia: A Bronzed Nation
Issue date: 11/2/06 Section: Opinion
Skin cancer, wrinkles, and cataracts. You would think that these words would be enough to scare any sensible human being away from any activity associated with such unpleasant conditions. In fact, half of teenagers aged thirteen to nineteen have tried ultra-violet tanning beds before, and the numbers of older people using them is increasing as well.
The light from the rays could eventually lead to these and other detrimental, even deadly, symptoms. Why do so many Americans continue to damage their bodies and threaten their health when they are well aware of the adverse consequences of continued exposure to UV rays?
I suppose I am being a little hypocritical, as I myself have been subjected to the hype of the "fake and bake." However, I am more concerned with trying to understand the lifestyle of a "tanorexic," who uses the salon as often as daily.
I think even an uninterested passerby would be overwhelmed by the bright, fluorescent colors that dominate the tanning studio's decor. The pinks, yellows and greens create a cheery and appealing aura which, coupled with the flashing "Walk-Ins Welcome" sign, is enough to invite a curious onlooker inside.
Immediately upon entering the salon, the scent of coconuts and vanilla overwhelms your senses, and the steady flow of tan people entering and leaving incites your curiosity to find out why this place is so popular.
If it is spring time, you're likely to see people preparing for the beach, prom, or graduation, but even throughout the summer you will find the workaholics and the tan addicts making their appointments too.
You approach the front desk, which is covered with hula grass and Hawaiian flowers, and you notice a picture of a dolphin emitting the peaceful sound of ocean wave.
Since you are over eighteen years old, you are able to sign your own consent waiver, and the woman at the desk suggests a short amount of time for your first session. You trust that the tanning salon is complying with the FDA's recommended usage times, but you can never really be sure.
The light from the rays could eventually lead to these and other detrimental, even deadly, symptoms. Why do so many Americans continue to damage their bodies and threaten their health when they are well aware of the adverse consequences of continued exposure to UV rays?
I suppose I am being a little hypocritical, as I myself have been subjected to the hype of the "fake and bake." However, I am more concerned with trying to understand the lifestyle of a "tanorexic," who uses the salon as often as daily.
I think even an uninterested passerby would be overwhelmed by the bright, fluorescent colors that dominate the tanning studio's decor. The pinks, yellows and greens create a cheery and appealing aura which, coupled with the flashing "Walk-Ins Welcome" sign, is enough to invite a curious onlooker inside.
Immediately upon entering the salon, the scent of coconuts and vanilla overwhelms your senses, and the steady flow of tan people entering and leaving incites your curiosity to find out why this place is so popular.
If it is spring time, you're likely to see people preparing for the beach, prom, or graduation, but even throughout the summer you will find the workaholics and the tan addicts making their appointments too.
You approach the front desk, which is covered with hula grass and Hawaiian flowers, and you notice a picture of a dolphin emitting the peaceful sound of ocean wave.
Since you are over eighteen years old, you are able to sign your own consent waiver, and the woman at the desk suggests a short amount of time for your first session. You trust that the tanning salon is complying with the FDA's recommended usage times, but you can never really be sure.
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