The Dangers of Tanning Beds

How many people consider tanning beds a healthy alternative to the sun? I know many people who tell me that it is ok to tan in a bed as it doesn’t damage your skin the way the sun does. I just read an article “Scary Truths Tanning Salons Deny” which states that tanning indoors before the age of 30 increases your chance of skin-cancer risk by 75%. I won’t deny that as a teenager I not only used tanning beds but would lie in the sun with baby oil on. I then started looking at my mother’s skin, she loved tanning whether in the sun or using tanning beds, and saw the damage and aged look it gave her skin. I decided that I would rather be pale then chance skin cancer or prematurely age my skin. A professor at Yale was quoted in the article about the fact that there is no debate anymore about UV radiation causing cancer and tanning salons deny this they are misstating information for their own benefit. ABC’s 20/20 and Cosmo teamed up to do an undercover investigation to find out what tanning salons were telling consumers. The article gave a sneak peak at some of the lies that were told to the investigators when they went into salons asking questions. It just amazes me that they are able to operate while telling such blatant lies to their customers. At the same time so many people are uneducated regarding the issue or even with the knowledge don’t seem concerned. They have that mentality that they are young and it’s not going to happen to them. Or their grandparents where outside all the time in the sun and did not get cancer. I think people prefer to ignore facts such as the ozone layer has been damaged and it is not the same to be outside as it once was. More people are concerned about having a healthy glow to their skin then the fact that in another 20 years they may see the permanent damage to their skin. I think people need to think about the risks and read articles such as this one to get facts and make an informed decision. If having a tan is that important to you go to the pharmacy and buy a bottle of self-tanner and skip on the UV damage.

Job Hunting

As a student doing my post graduate degree searching for a job in my chosen career is something regularly on the mind. When it comes time to find a job come May after graduation you want to make sure you are doing everything you can to make sure you are chosen for the position. I recently read an interesting article about the new rules for a getting a job. I find it very interesting and also at times quite surprising. The article was in Cosmo magazine and they teamed up with Human Resource Management and surveyed 500 members to hear what increases applicants chances. I think one good tip is to wait a day or two after a job is posted as HR reads the last resumes first. Another good tip which I have heard many times before is to go on an untagging spree. Of those surveyed ¼ said they Google applicants and 86% of those said if they find evidence of unflattering behaviour it would reduce your chance of being hired. I think too many people think social media sites are just for fun and connecting with friends but once you post something on the internet it is out there for good and may damage you in the future. So next time a drunken photo looks funny at the time think if you would want your coworkers or executives at your job to see that photo or read those comments. I found it shocking that many said you have about 5 seconds to make a good impression and by that point they basically know whether you will get the job or not. So it is important to make eye contact and be polite and confident when you first meet your interviewer. It also comes down to simple things such as not wearing jeans, and not coming across as too sexy in an interview. Most said bare legs and tights are too much and even sometimes heels too high look too provocative. I think that some people are concerned about looking good and being in style and don’t really think about if what is trendy is professional. The article had ten tips in total which contain a lot of good information to consider when applying for a job. I would recommend reading the article to anyone who is considering looking for a job now or any time in the near future.