Illinois Dermatologists visited the state capitol last week to offer free screenings for skin cancer and to urge Illinois lawmakers to ban minors (under age 18) from using tanning beds. Among them was Dr. Amanda Friedrichs of DeKalb.
While current Illinois law allows teens as young as 14 to use tanning salons with parental consent, legislation currently pending in the Illinois House (HB 1666) would ban anyone under the age of 18 from using tanning beds. Recent studies by the American Dermatological Association have shown a 69-percent increased risk of skin cancer among tanning-bed users.
Dr. Friedrichs said warnings about the high incidents of skin cancer among youth frequenting tanning beds, does not deter their use. She advises use of color sprays to get that golden tan instead.
For outdoor enthusiasts, dermatologists recommend wearing sun protective clothing and applying a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. They advise to re-apply the sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days.
Observations and comments about state government by State Representative Robert W. Pritchard.
District Office 815-748-3494 or E-Mail to bob@pritchardstaterep.com
Click Here To Submit A News Tip Or Story