Elle's Bells and Whistles: 2007

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

The Benefits of Tanning

There seems to be this ongoing argument about tanning: sun-bathing, tanning salons, etc. So I decided to do my own research, as I myself love to go to the salon tanning beds, and here's what I found...

Some of us know we get a vitamin from the sun: vitamin D.

An author of an article on Helium.com says, "Vitamin D is an essential vitamin which is required for normal growth and development of bones and teeth. Deficiency of vitamin D can be associated with painful bones and joints. Deficiency of vitamin D also leads to weak bones which can easily get fractured." In regards to actual tanning, the writer goes on to say, "A lot of heat is also generated during the procedure, which helps in providing relief against body ache, painful joints etc. Research has shown that process of tanning causes release of substances called endorphins which are responsible for producing a feeling of well being" (2007).

Another author on Helium.com, Amy Bass, says, "When deciding if Tanning Beds are a healthy

source of UV rays, one must understand the difference between UVA and UVB rays.
UVA rays reach deeper into the skin and cause it to tan, while UVB rays work more on the surface and cause it to burn. Tanning beds usually give off 93%-99% UVA (tanning) rays, while having very little of the UVB (burning) rays coming down on your skin.
This means you can get a better tan with less time and with less chance of burning than you would from the actual sun. Tanning bed experts claim that tanning beds are actually safer than the sun itself. This is because tanning beds can be controlled to give the most beneficial rays while limiting the bad ones" (2007).

Getting some UV rays on a regular basis is very important to our health.

According to Michael Stepp, a widely-published UV light researcher who is also CEO of Wolff System Technology said, "Instead of tanning just for cosmetic reasons, an increasing number of regular tanning bed users have learned that regular, responsible and moderate exposure to UV light from natural or artificial sources, is important to well-being, natural vitamin D production and disease prevention" (year unknown).

Statistics done by Danish scientist, Thorwald Madsen, show that disease, particularly infectious disease, occurs most frequently during the seasons in which the people get the least amount of sunshine. He concluded: "The prevalence of disease corresponds to the amount and intensity of the sunshine. The more sunshine, the greater the resistance to disease; the less sunshine, the lower resistance to disease" (year unknown).

Tanning can also help treat skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, so long as it's not extended exposure which may cause dryness or further irritation. Everything in moderation, dearies.

All in all, the real sunlight is probably the best source to receive the healing rays from the sun, but for people who do not have the time or ability to sunbathe, tanning beds are a great option. Some people are afraid of these coffin-looking beds, but I assure you as someone who's been there, it is one fear worth getting over. The warm air gives off a similar relaxing response to a sauna and I can just feel my stress melt away. You have complete control of how far the lid closes, how long you stay in there, and you're guarnteed total privacy. And no, you don't have to go nude if you don't want to. I myself prefer to leave my bikini bottom on.

Now just remember, I've only mentioned some of the benefits of sun exposure and tanning.

As your authoress, I feel obligated to you to tell you the whole truth.

There are risks as well and before you decide this is the route for you,

do your homework!

And my advice to you is...

always wear protective eyewear
use tanning lotion for added hydration and to get better results
exfoliate before exposure or use tanning lotion that does this for you
moisturize with regular lotion/moisturizer (especially before bed as your skin is more susceptible to moisture at night)
DRINK H2O!

works cited

Pipp, Bill. (2007). Ets Tan. Online business site. http://www.etstan.com/healthbenefits.htm

Bass, Amy and Va, R. (2007). Style & Beauty. Tanning and Sunscreen: "Tanning Salons: The Benefits and Risks." Informational website. Non-professional articles. http://www.helium.com/channels/344-Tanning-Sunscreen/knowledge/9986-tanning-salons-benefits-risks

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=7578

http://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/health_psychology/Tanning.html

Monday, July 23, 2007

You'll Flip For Our Flops!

I love going around barefoot and do so any opportunity I get. There's something about feeling the blades of grass between your toes or the carpet beneath your feet or the cool ceramic tile that tingles your sole (and soul!) that makes you feel...alive. However, it isn't always the best idea to run around barefoot nor is it always sanitary (ahem, Brittany). That's why I love flip flops. It's the next best thing!

Who can't love flip fops? They are fun, fashionable, colorful and very convenient. They're multipurpose footwear from the beach, as house slipper, to the pool, and just a warm weather alternative.

An article at Sun-Sentinel.com called, "Sole Searching: The history of flip-flops" was written by staff writer, John Tanasychuk, July 8, 2003. He interviewed Elizabeth Semmelhack, curator at the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto, a repository of some 12,000 artifacts including shoes, socks, laces, even images of shoes.
"I will tell you straight out that I cannot tell you the origins of flip-flops," says Semmelhack. "I've already been down this road with National Geographic."Best she can tell, flip-flops first appeared in the United States after World War II when returning soldiers stuffed souvenir flip-flops in their duffel bags. Geishas wear a version, but during the war, Japanese soldiers fashioned flip-flops from old car tires.
"The real early flip-flops were probably worn by the pharaohs," says Semmelhack, whose collection includes some 5,000-year-old sandals that might qualify. "But I don't know who copyrighted the flip-flop in hieroglyphics." (Tanasychuk, 2003).

And how does one distinguish or define a flip flop anyway? Duh! By the sound they make!
........flip.....flop.....flip....flop. This is most recognizable especially when one runs in flip flops. Something I don't recommend, by the way. Almost as bad as running in heels. Almost.

FlipFlopSandals.com says, "Originally, sandals were kept at a very basic design and function. They did not come in elaborate styles and designs and there were not a lot of options to consider when someone thought about wearing a pair of flip flops for the day" (2006).

But now there is so much more to do with them! They are so popular, there are flip flop socks! Huh?

But what about designer flip-flops? High-heeled? Leather? Jeweled? Do they qualify as the real thing?

My first cited article reads, "Fashion has always been about making some sort of wry statement, and I think that's what's going on," says Semmelhack.
"But once you start changing all the basics, I'm not sure. At what point does it stop being a flip-flop? Essentially when it stops being beachwear. You don't wear high heels to a sandy beach for a lot of practical reasons" (Tanasychuk, 2003).

The ones I love this summer are from American Eagle Outfitters for $19.50. They have a green and white stripe and online are called Nautical Stripe flip flop (see pic above). But if you're looking for a more inexpensive way to get 'em, I highly recommend Target or Wal-Mart where they have an wide assortment of colours for $1.94. Can't beat that! Or if you think you can't wear them because you fear they will hurt your feet, try Orthotic Sandal's Orthopedic Flip Flop.

Anyway, this is your authoress, Elle, highly recommending a pair of flip flops if you don't already own them. I must confess I didn't start wearing them myself until junior year in high school and I wish I had started sooner. Good luck! Have fun! And FLIP out!

WORKS CITED and LINKS