Tanning Beds vs. Natural Sunlight

For years, scientists have published research regarding the dangers of tanning beds.  They have concluded that the use of tanning beds can increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer by as much as 50%.  On the other side of the coin, we have published research which concludes that a lack of UV radiation decreases Vitamin D levels, therefore increasing the likelihood for breast, lung, prostate and colon cancers.  Then there is the question regarding EMF (Electro-Magnetic Frequency) exposure and whether tanning beds increase EMF exposure based on whether they are fitted with Magnetic ballasts or Electric ballasts.  The Electric ballasts offer much less EMF exposure when compared to Magnetic ballasts.  For the record, most tanning beds use Magnetic ballasts.  Fitting a tanning bed with electric ballasts cost significantly more $$$.  Here is my take on the subject. God created the sun for several reasons.  Saying that the sun is bad for you is really no different than thinking that because people drown, water is bad for you.  Sounds silly right.  Getting 15 minutes of daily sunshine to increase Vitamin D levels will decrease your chances of developing certain cancers.  Does that mean that you should spend 4 hours baking in the sun?  Of course not.  A glass of red wine daily has been proven to offer cardiac protection…does that mean drinking 4 bottles daily offers the same protection???  God didn’t create tanning beds.  Business owners did.  We must use common sense, combined with logic and reason when we choose to improve upon mother nature.  A tanning bed is a tool just like a hammer.  A hammer can be used to create something beautiful or it can be used as an instrument to create damage.  The difference is the “intention” of the individual wielding it.  The fact is, the jury is still out on tanning beds.  Certain tanning companies have chosen to invest in beds which have been shown to offer the benefits of natural sunshine while addressing the health concerns of a suspecting public.  Remember, there is no patent for natural sunshine.  If there was, we wouldn’t need tanning beds, would we?