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Minnesota Becomes Eighth State to Ban Indoor Tanning for Teens

MN State Capitol - teen tanning ban

The months-long debate over teen tanning in Minnesota ended on May 23 when Governor Mark Dayton signed HF2402 into law. Effective August 1, 2014:

– No one under the age of 18 may use a commercial indoor tanning facility in Minnesota.

– All tanning facilities must prominently display a sign to that effect.

– Tanning facility owners/operators who violate the law are subject to a misdemeanor penalty as determined by a judge.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association commended the approval of the bill in Consumer Affairs, pointing out that “dermatologists contend the risk for developing melanoma increases by 59% in people who use indoor tanning devices, and the risks increase with each subsequent use.”

In March, Coolibar (based in Minneapolis, MN) visited the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul for a day of lobbying on behalf of the bill then known as the Minnesota Skin Cancer Prevention Act (SF 1901). This effort was in conjunction with the American Cancer Society – Cancer Action Network.

Here is an updated list of US states that either prohibit indoor tanning or are considering it:

  • Louisiana – just passed a law banning the use of tanning beds by anyone under 18
  • Pennsylvania – Just passed a law prohibiting tanning bed use by anyone under 16
  • Indiana – Just passed a law banning the use of tanning beds for those 16 & under
  • Nebraska – Prohibits tanning bed use by anyone under 16
  • Washington – Bans the use of tanning beds for anyone under 18
  • California – Bans tanning bed use for anyone under 18
  • Illinois – Bans tanning bed use for anyone under 18
  • Nevada – Bans tanning bed use for anyone under 18
  • Texas – Bans tanning bed use for anyone under 18
  • Oregon – Bans tanning bed use for anyone under 18
  • Connecticut – Bans tanning bed use for those under 17
  • New Jersey – Bans tanning bed use for those under 17
  • Vermont – Bans tanning bed use for those under 17
  • Wisconsin – Bans tanning bed use for those under 16
  • Hawaii – Bill recently passed in state legislature would prohibit tanning bed use by anyone under 18
  • Missouri – Law would prohibit tanning bed use by anyone under 17

About 15 other US states have some form of restriction, such as a parental consent requirement, for teens using indoor tanning equipment.

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Videos Wellness Warriors

Benefits of Travel

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us…”
– Anonymous

Travel is good for the soul. Immersed in new surroundings you learn, explore and experience the unknown, which broadens your mind and makes you grow as a human. Turns out, travel provides some additional benefits.

The US Travel Association launched a project this year called The Travel Effect, a multi-year, multimillion dollar research and marketing campaign to study and publicize the benefits of travel. “What we’ve long known anecdotally, we will now prove through authoritative research: travel has a positive effect on health, relationships, business performance and the well-being of communities,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.

Below are a few statistics revealed by The Travel Effect.

  • 57% of people who traveled as a children went to COLLEGE.
  • Adults who went on domestic education trips during their youth EARN $5000 MORE OR 12% GREATER INCOME than those who took no trips.
  • 85% of talent managers at “use it or lose it PTO” organizations agree that employees who take time off are “more productive in jobs.”
  • Family vacation memories last a lifetime, 62% of adults remember vacation from a young age.

And if that’s not enough motivation to book a ticket, check out this video from BuzzFeed.
You belong in the sun, Coolibar takes you there. Bon Voyage!

 

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Videos What's Hot

Stress Free Travel Tips

Flying soon? Whether you’re en route to Grandma’s or a family vacay in Hawaii, you’ll more than likely have to battle the airport during the holiday season, which happens to be the busiest time of the year. The long lines are inevitable, but a few shortcuts can help expedite the travel process. We’ve compiled a list of travel tips so you can relax and focus on the good stuff.

 

Packing

      • Travel light. It’s difficult to lug around a heavy suitcase, especially in holiday crowds.
      • Pack smart. Bring items that can do double duty. For example, the Coolibar Ruche Water Jacket can protect you while swimming and be a great throw on for touring around town.
      • Roll your clothing, don’t fold. Packing your clothing neat and efficiently will save room in your suitcase. Our friends at Momtrends offer up the “clothing sandwich” method.

Plan

  • Plan your travel day ahead of time to reduce stress and ensure you catch your flight.
  • Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours early. The holiday season is a busy time, which means long lines.
  • Watch the weather. Depending on where you live (or are going) weather will be a factor in what you bring.

Traveling with kids

  • Bring new toys and books, something that they have never seen before will hold their attention. Tablets are great to play games and watch favorite movies.
  • Don’t forget snacks! Use snacks they are familiar with, don’t rely on airport food.
  • More tips for traveling with kids.

Beat the heat

  • Drink fluids. Just because you aren’t thirsty, doesn’t mean your body doesn’t need water; by the time you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated.
  • Prevent sunburn. There are few better ways to ruin a vacation than painful burn! Wear sun protective clothing and a hat and remember to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
  • To beat the heat in style, choose from our new head-to-toe UPF 50+ travel outfits that will take you anywhere.

We want to hear your travel tips! Use #CoolibarVacay to share yours.

Sources:
http://www.wired.com/geekmom/2012/05/travel-tips/
http://www.weather.com/activities/travel/vacationplanner/destination/tips/traveltips_holiday.html

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Videos What our customers say

Meet Coolibar Customer: Carol

Last summer we invited customers to share a photo of themselves and tell us why they would make a great Coolibar model. You voted (lots of you, thanks!) and our creative team chose the winner. Meet Carol, perhaps our most passionate customer, who submitted not one, but five pictures. It was easy says Carol, because she lives in her Coolibar. Even at the office–paired with a set of fresh water pearls.

“As head of the chamber of commerce, I walk around the downtown area visiting businesses. Throwing on some fresh water pearls with a lovely Coolibar blouse goes from office, (roll down sleeves) to the sunny downtown sidewalks. When you need to be careful of sun exposure, this is an easy, stylish option,” said Carol. Carol was ecstatic to be picked as our winner.  She answered a few questions for us about her experience, her photo shoot and debut as a model.

Why did you apply for the Coolibar model contest? I’ve been very health conscious most of my life, I’m a registered dietitian, and write nutrition and wellness articles.  I advocate healthy eating with lots of fresh foods, and being physically active.  After melanoma surgery and reconstruction, it took a while to get back to my tennis, golf, kayaking etc….and once I was strong and flexible enough to enjoy them again, I found I spent too much time re-applying sun screen and not enough time having fun.  I was always concerned that even though the SPF lotion said “waterproof”….how much water or perspiration would affect the integrity of the protection.  The Coolibar clothing allows me to be outside with family and friends and enjoy water and sweat-inducing land fun.

What was your favorite part of the entire experience? It was fun including my husband in my kayaking photos and my Standard Poodle, Sophie in some of the shots.

How did it feel to be a model for a day? I had a basic idea of what would be happening as my neighbor friend & I organized a “Neighbor Hood Progressive Party” that was filmed for TV.  I knew shots would be repeated in order to get the best light/expression/position/ etc.

Was there any personal goal you had during this process? I am hoping that as I am more pro-active with sharing my enthusiasm for the Coolibar product, more people will take a bit of effort to protect their skin from sun damage.  

Is there anything else you wish to share? I presently write a blog called  NutritionFreshOnline, which I want to expand to include fitness and skin health.  I have personal experience with both (I’ve set 2 state swim records in AZ) so I have a wealth of personal anecdotes and insights that could be helpful and appreciated by many.

Look for more from Carol next season!

 

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SunAWARE Videos

Does a Tan Make you More Beautiful?

According to a recent survey by the American Academy of Dermatology, the answer is “yes” for many teens and young adults in the United States.  When asked if they think people look more attractive with a tan, a large percentage of respondents (66 percent) answered yes, especially indoor tanners (87 percent).

The survey found that a vast majority (86 percent) of Caucasian teen girls and young women who tan indoors do so for the sake of vanity despite knowing the health risks.  Young Australians, on the contrary, have begun to shift their perceptions on beauty and tanning.

The Aussie tan is officially no longer cool. At least not among the 12-17 year old age group who’ve grown up with the slip, slop, slap message.  New research by the Cancer Council has revealed young Australians are rapidly changing their attitude towards tanning, with fewer than ever seeking the bronzed look.  The council’s national sun protection survey conducted last summer shows the preference for a suntan among 12-17-year-olds has steadily dropped to 45%, proof that a public health campaign can be effective.

Below is the well-known Australian Slip!Slop!Slap! advertisement from the Cancer Council Victoria with Sid the Seagull, launched in the 1980’s. Just say these simple words – slip, slop, slap. Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat.

 

 

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Expert Rx Sun Protection Clothing Videos

“The Doctors” on Basal Cell Carcinoma and Prevention

On Tuesday, October 24, 2011, “The Doctors” TV show aired a segment nationwide about a new skin cancer treatment for basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. This treatment option uses low doses of radiation on a targeted area to kill the cancer cells, going no deeper than the skin. Only a few dermatologists are offering this non-surgical treatment for basal cell carcinoma opposed to micrographic surgery, the current standard for treatment, which can take hours to perform.

Seth Forman, M.D. practices dermatology in Tampa, FL and demonstrated the procedure on his patient Betty for the show. From patient Betty’s perspective, the treatment is like having an x-ray – it’s painless and over within 45 seconds. She will need multiple treatments to destroy her cancer – 12 times over a 4 week span.  There are no shots, no blades, no bleeding, no stitches, not even a band-aid.

Watch the “Low Dose Radiation Treatment” segment from “The Doctors.”

To find out more about low dose radiation and other treatment options for basal cell carcinoma, visit http://www.skincancer.org/bcc-treatment-options.html.

Dr. Drew Ordon, an expert on “The Doctors”, also took advantage of the opportunity to talk about prevention.  His advice:

1) Try to avoid daytime sunlight, between the hours of 10-4 avoid mid-day sun.

2) Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen – at least SPF 15, we recommend [broad-spectrum] SPF 30 and to be generous with application using a shot glass full and re-apply every two hours.

Finally what you can do is…

3) Wear protective clothing – UPF 50+, it blocks both UVA and UVB rays and is a great way to go because you can’t get sunscreen everywhere.

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SunAWARE Videos

Check Me Out! Jaguars and MRF Fight Melanoma

Melanoma is the fastest growing cancer in the United States and worldwide according to the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF). Raising awareness about melanoma can save lives, and catching it early is crucial. In an effort to get the word out to a massive audience, on October 9th the MRF teamed up with the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team to hold a Melanoma Awareness Day during the big game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Throughout the game, over 300 volunteers handed out 50,000 stadium cups with the phrase, “Make a Great Catch!  Spotting melanoma early can save a life!” The cups were filled with sunscreen and skin cancer prevention literature.  Print ads in the game-day book, electronic ads on all the videos in the stadium, and promotions on radio enforced the importance of checking skin regularly. The Jaguars also provided Jacksonville Melanoma, an affiliate of the MRF, $10 for each ticket sold through its website, www.jacksonvillemelanoma.org.

The efforts of all involved in the melanoma awareness event proved to be gratifying almost instantaneously as one father of a 20 year-old girl sought after the MRF team at the event for advice. He wanted to know how to approach his daughter regarding seeing a dermatologist to get a suspicious mole checked.  He believed the mole appeared after his daughter badly burned from using a tanning bed twice in one session, which he said has caused her to have negative skin reactions in the sun. A rep from the MRF told him, “Do whatever it takes to get your daughter to the doctor to get the spot checked out”.  More on this story can be found on the MRF blog.

While you may not have watched the game, you can still make a lifesaving catch. Check your skin and the skin of the ones you love.

MRF “Check Me Out!” Slideshow. Please note there is no sound.

The ABCDE’s of Melanoma

Provided by the MRF.

A – Asymmetrical Shape
Melanoma lesions are typically irregular, or not symmetrical, in shape. Benign moles are usually symmetrical.

B – Border
Typically, non-cancerous moles have smooth, even borders. Melanoma lesions usually have irregular borders that are difficult to define.

C – Color
The presence of more than one color (blue, black, brown, tan, etc.) or the uneven distribution of color can sometimes be a warning sign of melanoma. Benign moles are usually a single shade of brown or tan.

D – Diameter
Melanoma lesions are often greater than 6 millimeters in diameter (approximately the size of a pencil eraser).

E – Evolution
The evolution of your moles(s) has become the most important factor to consider when it comes to melanoma. Knowing what is normal for YOU could save your life. If a mole has gone through recent changes in color and or size, get it checked out by a dermatologist immediately.

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Expert Rx Videos

Medications and Sun Sensitivity (Video)

Hi, this is Dr. Davis for Coolibar Sun Protective Clothing.  I wanted to talk to you today about conditions of the skin that can make you more sensitive to the sun.  You might be surprised to hear that some of the things dermatologists prescribe to help improve your skin can actually make you more vulnerable to sunburns, such as medications for acne, tetracycline, doxycycycline while great for calming down other conditions; you might notice that you sunburn a lot easier when you’re taking those things.  When you are prescribed a medication by your doctor, and if you have any questions, certainly ask about sun sensitivity potential.  It might be something that is easily forgotten we don’t necessarily think about that, but in the summer especially when a doctor prescribes certain medications, for blood pressure… acne…it is something to be mindful of.  We’ve had people who started new medications, went out to a ball game and got a sunburn unexpectedly where they normally wouldn’t have, so it can make a big difference.  So, don’t forget to ask about sun sensitivity.

The other thing is there are certain medical conditions that can make you skin just intrinsically more sensitive.

Lupus – is actually triggered by sun exposure, ultraviolet light exposure, if your genetically prone to it

Vitiligo – which is a condition where you lose pigment in certain areas, those areas don’t have the ability to tan, they cannot protect themselves, so you have to do that for your skin.

…and there are several others, but just be sure that you ask those questions to your doctor.

What consequences could this medicine have?

What should I do if I have Lupus? And the basic things we’ve talked about in terms of sun protection are essential for those conditions.

Be SunAWARE and Be Safe!

Disclaimer: The information provided by Coolibar and its contributors is general skin care information and should not be a substitute for obtaining medical advice from your physician and is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific medical problem.

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Avoid UV & Seek Shade SunAWARE Videos

Brain Studies Show Tanning Could Be Addictive

Human Brain

Have you ever wondered why your loved one can’t get enough of the tanning bed?  They are, after all, very health conscious, they don’t smoke, they exercise and eat an organic diet.  Why then would they continue to use tanning beds knowing the potential risks?  Science can shed some new light on the subject.

According to a recent study, tanning beds may have people “hooked” for more than cosmetic reasons.  With risks such as premature aging, skin cancer or even death associated with tanning beds, the scientific community has long thought that tanning could possibly be addictive. Now, new research provides evidence to back-up this theory.

Dr. Bryon Adinoff, professor of psychiatry at the University of Texas South Medical Center and leader of the tanning addiction study featured in journal Addiction Biology, says the brain is responding to UV light. It’s triggering the areas that are linked with reward. The same areas that activate when someone takes a drag off a cigarette or eats a sweet treat.

To reach this conclusion, Dr. Adinoff and his team assembled a group of frequent tanning bed users and monitored their brain activity during tanning bed use. The users were split into two groups: group one used beds with real UV rays; and group two, without being told, used tanning beds with fake UV light. The results were clear. The subjects in the real UV tanning beds showed brain activity in the reward and addiction areas.

So now, just like in the 80’s, we can repeat the slogan “Just Say No.”

Just Say No – To Tanning!

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Expert Rx Videos

Packing for a Day at the Beach (Video)

Hi, this is Dr. Davis for Coolibar Sun Protective Clothing.

I wanted to give you some pointes on getting ready for a day at the beach or pool.  You know you are going to be outside, you’ve got the kids in tow, and you’re wondering – What do I put in my beach bag?

Sunscreen

The basics to keep you Sun Safe the whole day include sunscreen, what you choose depends on your preference, but a nice high SPF sunscreen, such as Vanicream 60, or the kid’s love the Blue Lizard sunscreen which is a combination of chemical and physical, plus the bottle will also tell you when to put it on, it turns blue in ultraviolet light. 

Sunglasses and Sun Hat

The other thing – sunglasses.  Even for the kids, eye protection is important.  For the kids, Coolibar makes an excellent UV protective lens, but also this nice strap so that it stays on in the water.  And I do recommend leaving the sunglasses on in the water as well as the hat, which might be a surprise.  But Coolibar makes some chlorine and salt water resistant fabrics that the kids put on and just leave on all day.  They can be simply washed, but they are resistant to those chemicals that otherwise might harm fabrics.

Sun Protective Clothing

Last but not least, the sun protective clothing.  There are some absolutely adorable outfits for kids you put on and you don’t have to worry about re-applying the sunscreen except for those little parts that are showing, like the tops of their feet, tops of their hands. 

Hat
Sunscreen
Sun Protective Clothing
Sunglasses

…keep your family sun safe for the whole day. 

So teach your family to be SunAWARE and you’ll keep them safe!

Disclaimer: The information provided by Coolibar and its contributors is general skin care information and should not be a substitute for obtaining medical advice from your physician and is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific medical problem.

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