Drudge Report - Scientists Say Sunshine May Prevent Cancer...

[stan@sunsys]

The link goes to http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050521/D8A7MPFG0.html

It's not just Holick's word anymore. Three or four MD's are quoted supporting his statements, and the anti-sun money trail to Coppertone is noted.

[stan@sunsys]

Hmmm... I guess since it's and AP release, then it shouldn't be surprising that this article is popping up all over.

Currently it's on the Yahoo News "Most Popular" list, and "Health" headlines with their own link at

http://dailynews.yahoo.com/s/ap/sunshine___cancer

Look for it in your hometown newspaper over the next few weeks.

Then cut it out, laminate it, and post it in your salon.

[sparky]

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050521/D8A7MO580.html

Q&A on Scientists' Sunshine Findings


May 21, 1:12 PM (ET)

By MARILYNN MARCHIONE



A growing body of research suggests that vitamin D, which the skin makes from sunshine, might help prevent and possibly treat many kinds of cancer.

Some scientists believe that people should spend a little more time in the sun - without sunscreen - so that their skin can absorb this helpful vitamin. Obviously, that's a controversial notion, given all the warnings about the risk of skin cancer. Here are some answers about this confusing topic:

Q: For years, we've been told to use sunscreen. Shouldn't we be worried about skin cancer?

A: Cancer experts say the risks posed by other cancers is far greater than that of skin cancer, which is rarely fatal. Melanoma, the deadliest kind, is expected to account for just 1.4 percent of the 570,000 cancer deaths in the United States this year.

Q: How much sun should I get?

A: Recommending sun is controversial, and no major health agencies do it outright. But scientists think modest amounts, such as 15 minutes a few times a week without sunscreen, are enough to let light-skinned people absorb the ultraviolet rays needed to produce vitamin D. They are not encouraging long periods in the sun without sunscreen.

Q: Why can't I just take a vitamin pill?

A: The form of D in most vitamin pills and multivitamins isn't that potent. It's also possible to overdose on vitamin D from pills, but not from sunshine.

Q. Don't foods contain vitamin D?

A. Oily fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna do, and milk is fortified with it. But diet accounts for little of the vitamin D that circulates in the blood.

Q: I'm black. Does my skin absorb enough UV rays to produce sufficient vitamin D?

A: In most cases, no. And some experts believe this may be one reason blacks have higher rates of cancer than whites. Nutrition specialists think vitamin D-3 supplements may be especially helpful for dark-skinned people.

Q: How much do I need? A: Scientists think adults may need 1,000 international units (IUs) a day, possibly 1,500 for cancer prevention. The government says 2,000 IUs is the upper daily limit for anyone over a year old. Any more can cause the body to retain dangerous amounts of calcium.

[solarmeter®]

Even if sunshine were to be recommended, the amount needed would depend on the season, time of day, where a person lives, skin color and other factors. Thun and others worry that folks might overdo it.

NOT if they have a vitamin D meter. Enter reading on the below utility software and then set skin type "and other factors" to see how many IU can be had without sunburning:

[imported_Suntanz]

I know it varies with lamp/equipment and etc, but using meters how could we determine what "15-minutes" would equate to in tanning equipment? In other words how much sunshine are they suggesting?

[sparky]

That's what the SolarMeter 6.4 does. Correlates the exposure and other factors as shown in the spreadsheet to Vit D IU


On another vein, has anybody found video/mpeg of this story circulating the globe lately ???

now THAT could have a nice impact vs. just the printed word, and could be run interlooped with other info at the salon.

[imported_Suntanz]

Thanks for the info Sparky. Just checked at google news and it's front page 2nd story in Health -- hopefully video will come soon.

[solarmeter®]

Generally "15 minutes" of summer sun would equate to about 4-5 minutes in a typical tanning bed. Less than a full session but more than a 3/4 MED initial session. That's for the basic 1000 IU of vitamin D.

Going longer would just make more D. But a customer who didn't necessarily "want" a tan could get their 1000 IU in partial sessions. There may not be many such customers NOW.... but as time goes on and more people become concerned about needing D there should be increased demand. Who knows?

[Editor-in-Chief]

When Matt Drudge speaks, everyone listens!

We couldn't have paid for better positive exposure. Drudge sure did pick the right article to run up the flagpole. This was, no doubt, a bombshell in the back offices of the AAD.

Celebrate! This was a good day for news and a good news day.

[solarmeter®]

Even Rush Limbaugh discussed this at the start of his last half hour. He ended the segment saying maybe there should be a class action against big sunscreen for depriving us of needed vitamin D!