Why Medical Experts Recommend a Healthy Glow This Winter

[Ziti]

Image Sun Tanning Salon Reports Benefits of Vitamin D
(November 16, 2004, Sterling Heights, MI) - An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but a healthy dose of sunshine may be a better prescription. Scientists have been reporting an alarming increase in illnesses stemming from vitamin D deficiency, including rickets and osteoporosis. Sunlight, a primary source of vitamin D, can be found in abundance for only a few seasons in the year. Yet, area residents can easily get their dose of vitamin-filled rays - without stepping outside, and even in the winter - through indoor tanning.

"Few people can meet vitamin D requirements through diet alone because few foods contain it," said Kelly Sunquest, Image Sun Tanning Centers director of marketing. "Compounding that problem is the very low standard the federal government has set for vitamin D daily requirements. The results are problematic, and even dangerous."

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, essential in bone formation and repair. Conditions that have been linked to vitamin D deficiency include severe muscle weakness and bone and joint pain. Even old-world illnesses such as rickets have crept back into the modern world's list of common diseases.

Dr. Michael Holick, one of the world's foremost authorities on vitamin D and a professor of medicine, dermatology, biophysics and physiology at the Boston University School of Medicine, claims vitamin D may help protect against heart disease, autoimmune diseases and even Type I diabetes. Dr. Holick's book, The UV Advantage, states that adequate vitamin D nutrition and sensible sun exposure will not only maximize bone health, but may decrease the risk of many chronic diseases.

"Sunshine is the source of all life and energy on our planet," Sunquest said. "But people spend more time indoors during the winter months, and that contributes to the widespread vitamin D deficiencies we see today. It is up to us to harness that energy properly. I believe indoor tanning is the smartest way to maximize the potential benefits of sun exposure while minimizing the potential risks."

Sunquest explained that the time spent exposed to UV rays in indoor tanning units is much shorter than a tanner would experience in the outdoors. Additionally, the professional staff at Image Sun stresses the importance of exercising caution with UV exposure. "Our certified staff performs a free skin analysis and offers skin care and tanning guidance," Sunquest said. "We strictly follow the Golden Rule of Smart Tanning: don't ever sunburn."

"Winter is an ideal time to take advantage of Image Sun's advanced tanning equipment to catch those vital vitamin D rays," Sunquest said. Research has indicated that phototherapy (use of UV light) can be effective in curing Seasonal Affective Disorder and easing acne and depression.

Indoor tanning also encourages melanin production, the tanning pigment that helps the skin absorb UV rays without causing sunburn damage to surrounding cells, Sunquest added. Dr. Holick's studies show that tanners had much higher and healthier blood levels of vitamin D at the end of the winter, and that their bone health was better.

Sunquest invites residents to visit their local Image Sun to learn more about healthy tanning techniques. Image Sun is open seven days a week.

About Image Sun
Since the opening of Image Sun's first Tanning Center in 1994, Image Sun has grown by over 2000 percent. Based in Michigan, Image Sun was listed in Entrepreneur Magazine's 25th Annual Franchise 500 (Jan. 2004). Each Image Sun center features a professional certified staff, sparkling clean facilities, free skin type analysis, and is open seven days a week. Every tanning experience offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. For more information, visit the Image Sun website at www.imagesun.com or call 888-LOOK-GR8.

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Source: Image Sun Tanning


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[stan@sunsys]

That information just became illegal in North Carolina. But according to the ITA, that's "no big deal". And if the demotologists are successful in their goals and lobbying efforts, tanning salons in every state will be subject to a fine for even whispering facts like those about vitamin D production, SAD, or other issues related to the positive effects of UV.

Bravo to Anthony for the positive press release.