What Are The Health Risks Associated With Tattoos?

Tattoos are quite popular with people of all ages. From small designs to those that take up large parts of the body, they are an expression of your personality. Some choose to have them for memorial reasons or to honor someone special in their life. Others choose them due to their love of art. Whatever the reason, there are some associated risks with having a tattoo placed on your body. It is important that you are aware of the risks you could face and how you can avoid them if possible. From choosing your tattoo shop to the tattoo location, these tips can help you to be informed of the risks and avoid being a victim yourself.

Tattoo Parlor Choice

You want to make sure that you are familiar with your tattoo parlor. You want to ask questions about their processes, sterilization procedures and for any licenses that need to be had by parlors in your area. You run the risk of infection if you do not know where you are getting your tattoo. Make sure the place is clean and is a reputable tattoo parlor.

Infection

If you have chosen your parlor well, you reduce the risk of infection but there's still a risk. This comes after the tattoo is actually placed on your body. You must take care of the area well and clean it properly. Ask questions of the tattoo shop and find out what precautions you should take. You can also get an infection because of unclean needles in the store. This is why you must know your tattoo artist and location.

Excessive Bleeding

Getting a tattoo is basically little needles poking holes into your skin to apply the ink. There will be bleeding when this happens. There is a risk of excessive bleeding when you have a tattoo applied. If you have a condition where bleeding is a problem you need to tell your artist this. There are also medicines that you may be on that could cause problems with bleeding as well. Be sure you address these concerns with your tattoo artist to insure precautions are taken.

Transmitted Disease

This is another reason you want to know who is doing your tattoo. When you go to a seedy shop to have one done you risk getting a transmitted disease from the tools used on your body. You want to know that the store is clean and has sterilization processes to keep this from happening. When needles are not cleaned or changed from person to person you run a high risk of getting a communicable disease that way. Be sure you ask questions and use a reputable parlor for all your tattoos.

Whether you have kits de tatuaje or you have a parlor do all the work, being safe while getting your tattoo is important. From start to finish do not be afraid to ask questions. Be sure you know who your artist is and that the parlor has all the proper licenses to do what they are doing. You can never be too safe when it comes to protecting yourself from disease and infection!

Author Bio:
The author of this post is a freelance writer and blogger. He writes on a number of subjects. These include Fashion, style, lifestyle and travel. If you are interested have a tattoo and looking for the tattoo shop, I think you don't need to go anywhere. Don't forget to stop by Kits de tatuaje for the tattoo kit.

Reduce Risk Of Skin Cancer By 50 Percent

Taking supplements can do a lot of great things for your health; from improve the way you feel to improve the way your body functions. But, did you know that taking vitamin D and calcium can also reduce your risk of skin cancer? Recent studies done have shown that these two supplements can make a big difference with your health and can even mean avoiding skin cancer, which any person can appreciate.

What Study Was Done?

Researchers from Stanford University School of Medicine recently went through data of a large clinical trial that involved women who had a history of non-melanoma skin cancer. Through their research of the results of this study, they found that a combination of vitamin D and calcium had a huge impact on women who had melanomas in their body. In fact, 57% fewer melanomas were found in women who were taking these supplements. More research does need to be done, but the examples they have are promising.

How much Calcium and Vitamin D to take?

The amount of calcium you should take is 1,000 mg per day. The amount of vitamin D you should be taking is 400 IU. These doses are the best when it comes to reducing the risk in women most effectively. Of course these amounts are not guaranteed to prevent skin cancer in anyone. Some people will benefit from these and their abilities to fight skin cancer while others will not. The good news is that both supplements are good for you anyways, so there is no harm in taking them.

Why do These Supplements Work?

Vitamin D is essential when it comes to bone growth. In addition to this, it helps control the rate at which cells replicate. Because cell replication is something that goes wrong with cancer, an increased level of this vitamin can help prevent the problems from happening. This vitamin also supports colon and prostate health, which means it's great to take for many different reasons.

Calcium also helps support bone health and is something that most women don't get enough of. When combined with vitamin D the benefits of it are actually increased. Both of these can help support better health in a number of different ways.

Should You Take These Supplements?

More studies are being done by researchers to determine just how much of an effect these two supplements have on decreasing cancer risk. While a lot of women did benefit from the combination of them, they are not going to work 100% of the time. Once the results of studies come out it will be better known how much of a dosage should be taken and the frequency of the dosage necessary.

Taking both of these supplements can help support your health, so taking them is not dangerous. If you are taking medications or have certain health conditions, make sure to talk to your doctor about taking these. They will be able to provide you with advice based on your individual medical and health history. The best part about taking supplements is increasing your health through natural aids that are good for you!

This post was writen by David Taylor, journalist and health expert who has more than 7 years experience in this niche. He writes for BeHealthy24 and many other websites.

Do Tattoos Increase Your Risk Of Cancer?

Tattoos have become increasingly popular over the last decade, as more and more people choose to have important symbols or meaningful images or words tattooed on them, but do they increase the risk of health problems, including cancer?

Tattoos and skin cancer

The case for

Tattoos have been linked to an increased risk of infection as a result of breaking the skin, but some health experts believe that they also increase the risk of skin cancer. Dr DJS Tula, a consultant cosmetic surgeon at the BLK Hospital in Delhi, India, said that tattoos can increase the risk of blood-borne infections, including hepatitis B and C and HIV, as well as types of skin cancer including squamous cell, melanoma and carcinoma. Dr Tula added that having a tattoo does not mean that you are going to get skin cancer, but the risk is elevated because of the ink used to create the design.

Dr Tula also added that tattoos should never been done close to moles because they make it difficult for people to spot changes in the appearance of the mole, which are a common symptom of skin cancer.

Studies published in the USA have also prompted an investigation into the chemical make-up of tattoo ink by the US Food and Drug Administration. Studies showed that some of the chemicals, including black ink benzo(a)pyrene, have been found to cause skin cancer during animal testing.

The case against

In contrast, Dr Ariel Ostad, a dermatologist and surgeon from New York, said that skin experts have been researching the impact of tattoos on the skin for several years and there is no evidence to suggest that tattoos increase the risk of skin cancer. Research involving people who have the condition has not uncovered greater prevalence of skin cancer among people with tattoos and there is also no evidence to suggest that having a tattoo after receiving treatment for skin cancer increase the risk of relapse.

Dr Ostad did support Dr Tula's comments about avoiding tattoos close to moles, stating that tattoos can mask the visible changes in the skin, which may prevent skin cancer from being diagnosed early. Early diagnosis increases survival rates significantly. Dr Ostad's advice was to leave a suitable gap around any moles to ensure that any changes are clearly visible and can be identified without any trouble.

Risk factors for skin cancer

The most important risk factor for skin cancer is sun exposure. Research also suggests that people who have fair skin have a higher risk. If you are going outside, apply sun cream (if you have fair skin that burns easily use a high factor), wear a sun hat and avoid the hottest part of the day (between 11am and 3pm). Avoid using sun beds and tanning lamps, as these use powerful UV rays and increase your risk. If you want a healthy golden glow, use self-tanning products.

Caring for tattooed skin

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, newly tattooed skin is very sensitive and you should take extra care when bathing and going out in the sun. It is also important to keep an eye on your skin and to seek medical help if you notice irritation and rashes around the tattoo. The AAD also recommended avoiding moles when choosing a location for the new tattoo and seeing a dermatologist if you notice any changes in the skin around the tattoo.

The relationship between tattoos and skin cancer is unclear. Some experts believe that tattoo ink can increase one’s risk of the condition but then others say that there is no link Further research in this area is being carried out and new evidence may become available in the coming months or years to either refute or support the claim that tattoos increase the risk of cancer.

By Richard Keane

Skin cancer vs vitamin D

REMEMBER when we used to lie out in the sun for hours covered in coconut oil?

If you can, you're pre-skin cancer warnings now appear regularly on our TV and billboards.

Slip, slop, slap is the message we've being given.

But, with vitamin D deficiency more common, many people are also wondering if the sun protection message is affecting their health in other ways.

The sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation is both the major cause of skin cancer and the best source of vitamin D, according to the Cancer Council Australia.

"We need to balance the risk of skin cancer from too much sun exposure with maintaining adequate vitamin D levels," it says.

"Sensible sun protection does not put people at risk of vitamin D deficiency."

Why we need vitamin D and how we get it

Vitamin D keeps bones and muscles strong, as well as keep our immune system robust.

Low blood levels of the vitamin have been associated increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment in older adults, severe asthma in children and cancer.

Research suggests that vitamin D could play a role in the prevention and treatment of a number of different conditions, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, glucose intolerance, and multiple sclerosis.

Vitamin D forms in the skin when it is exposed to UV from sunlight.

It can also be obtained from some foods such as fish, egg yolks and fortified dairy and grain products.

Who's most at risk from vitamin D deficiency

Naturally dark skinned people, people who cover their skin for religious or cultural reasons, the elderly and people who are housebound or in institutional care, babies and infants of vitamin D deficient mothers, people with osteoporosis and those who suffer from milk allergies or adhere to a strict vegetarian diet may all be short on vitamin D.

Certain medical problems, including Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, and celiac disease, can also affect your ability to absorb vitamin D from the food you eat.

GET THE FACTS

Measuring Vitamin DThe most accurate way to measure how much vitamin D is in your body is the 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood test.  

How much sun is enough?

A study by St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney; the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, and the University of NSW suggests that exposure of 5 to 15 minutes of sunlight four to six times a week, outside of the hours of 10am - 2pm, is the best way to boost vitamin D.

By Helen Hawkes

Parents should talk to kids about dangers of tanning beds

With teens expected to turn to tanning beds in the fall to keep their bronzy summer glow, parents are encouraged to talk about the dangers of "fake baking."

"Using tanning beds before age 30 increases a person's risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 75 percent, research shows," said Dennis Hughes, assistant professor of pediatrics at M.D. Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital in Houston. "So, it's important to talk to your kids about tanning beds just like you'd discuss smoking, sex, drugs and alcohol."

Research-reporting service Newswise says 35 percent of 17-year-old girls have used tanning beds. One study showed tanning beds are addictive, with 80 percent of college kids who habitually tan saying they could not stop. Access to the facilities is easy, with an analysis of 116 American cities showing that tanning salons outnumber Starbucks or McDonald's.

Parent should talk to their children before they start frequenting tanning facilities, Hughes said. Children should know tanning beds emit the same harmful ultraviolet light as the sun and, consequently, are not safe. Rather than making them look attractive, "explain that tanning will actually make them look worse" in the long run, Hughes advised. (Read more)

Slap on sunscreen, avoid UV rays this Memorial Day Weekend

This Friday has been designated "Don't Fry Day," a reminder to sun worshippers to be mindful of the dangers of skin cancer on Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the summer recreation season.

The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention strongly urges the use of sunscreen if in the sun, but also recommends seeking shade, wearing sun-protective clothing and avoiding getting a suntan or sunburn altogether. It also recommends extra caution if near the water or sand. "While most everyone enjoys a sunny day, keeping your skin safe from overexposure to UV radiation can be easy by practicing simple sun-safety tips," said Dr. Sandra I. Read, Council co-chair.

The Council also recommends consulting the UV Index forecast, which assess the strength of solar UV radiation on a scale from 1 (low) to 11+ (extremely high).

Skin cancer is by far the most common type of cancer in the United States, research-reporting news service Newswise reports. More than 2 million new cases are diagnosed each year, more than new cases of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined. Though the incidence of many common cancers is falling, the incidence of melanoma, which can be deadly, continues to rise. It is one of the most common cancers in young adults ages 15 to 29. (Read more)

Teens are misinformed about risks of tanning beds, and are not being warned at salons

With swimsuit season just around the corner, the American Academy of Dermatology has found that more than 40 percent of people who tan have never heard from tanning salon employees about the dangers of tanning beds. This comes days after the Tanning Bed Cancer Control Act was introduced by U.S. Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) and Charlie Dent (R-Pa.). It calls on the Food and Drug Administration to reclassify indoor tanning beds and require warning labels on the equipment about the dangers of ultraviolet light.

"Studies have found that UV radiation from indoor tanning beds increases a person's risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent," said dermatologist Dr. Ronald L. Moy, president of the dermatology academy. "Contributing to this problem is the fact that tanning bed facilities currently are not required to verbally warn patrons of the known health risks of ultraviolet radiation and, in some cases, they may be misleading the public by falsely promoting artificial UV light as safer than natural sunlight."

The report found tanning bed users from 14 to 17 are "more than twice as likely to think tanning beds are safer than the sun than older tanners age 18 to 22 ... and more than three times as likely to think that tanning beds do not cause skin cancer," the research-reporting service Newswise reports.

"The FDA currently ranks tanning beds as a Class I medical device, which provides a minimal level of regulation and oversight similar to bandages, tongue depressors, gauze and crutches," Moy said. "That is why it's important that the FDA change the classification of indoor tanning devices to reflect the significant health risks that they pose." (Read more)

Earlier this year in the Kentucky General Assembly, state Rep. David Watkins of Henderson introduced a bill that would prevent children under 14 from using tanning booths. The bill, which was backed by the Kentucky Medical Association and the American Cancer Society, cleared the House's Health and Welfare Committee but went no further.

Panel OKs bill to ban children under 14 from tanning booths

A bill that would prevent children under the age of 14 from bronzing their skin at tanning booths cleared the House's Health and Welfare Committee Tuesday. House Bill 338 will now move to the full House for consideration.

The bill is sponsored by Henderson Democratic Rep. David Watkins, who is a physician. "This is simply trying to protect our children and trying to protect our young people," Watkins, right, told WTVQ-TV. "They are utilizing tanning booths to an excess amount and I think parents need to be aware of this."

The bill is backed by the Kentucky Medical Association and the American Cancer Society. If it passes, a parent or business that allows a child under 14 would not face any penalties, though the bill's sponsors would eventually like to see penalties added. (Read more)