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Article Exaggerated Dangers, Exposure

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 22, 2008

Indoor Has Benefits

Regarding "What Are The Hazards Of Indoor Tanning?" (4YOU, March 15):

Floridians have been misled to believe that indoor tanning is something to avoid at all costs, but that could not be further from the truth.

The benefits of moderate UV exposure outweigh the potential risks, according to recent research from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. That's because getting a tan - either indoors or out - is the best way to get our daily dose of vitamin D. The latest studies even highlight the "sunshine" vitamin's vital role in fighting cancer, multiple sclerosis, heart disease and many other illnesses. In fact, Time magazine named the "benefits of vitamin D" as one of the top 10 medical breakthroughs of 2007.

The National Institutes of Health lists sun exposure as "the most important source of vitamin D." So disregard the hype. Instead, take this spring as an opportunity to catch up on your vitamins by catching a few rays.

TIM MILLER

Washington, D.C.

Can't Escape UV Rays

Regarding "What Are The Hazards Of Indoor Tanning?" (4YOU, March 15):

This article is yet again a one-sided assault on the indoor tanning industry. The article closes with:

"It's up to health professionals, government and advocacy groups to lead the charge to educate consumers about the risk of tanning and, when feasible, try to eliminate them."

If Dr. Fenske, health professionals, government and advocacy groups truly want to protect children from the risk of UV exposure, I suggest that they propose laws that ban children from visiting Florida's beaches, pools, theme parks and other outdoor activities during daytime hours.

In addition, they should work to outlaw the bikini, short pants, tank tops and wearing of other "non-UV protective" total body clothing by children in Florida. Most overexposure to UV rays of children occurs outdoors and not in tanning beds.

The Tampa Tribune should spend the time to get real facts on the indoor tanning industry, with its limited and controlled UV exposure, instead of publishing a completely one-sided hit piece by authors who have a clear profit motivation to attack the indoor tanning industry.

GREG KLESIUS

Tampa

The writer is communications director of The UV Foundation.

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