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British Columbia Minors Can’t Use Tanning Beds, New Rule Says

The great sun debate rages on. Canadian government officials announced a ban preventing those under the age of 18 in Victoria, B.C., Canada from using tanning beds.

The bylaw makes Victoria the third Canadian territory to ban the use of such beds to minors.

Salons across the area protested the action, citing already-industry standard or higher sanitation practices and requirements that those using tanning beds sign waivers.

But that’s not good enough, anti-skin cancer educators insisted.

“(Commercial tanning is) on the same level as tobacco,” said Andy Orr, spokesperson for the Capital Regional district. “It’s known to cause skin cancer.”

On the other hand, Vitamin D – or rather, a lack of it – has been making news lately as well, with sun proponents insisting 10-15 minutes of non-maximum-intensity sunlight (for instance, in the early to late morning) are not only beneficial, but are essential to good health. These experts point out that in areas that don’t receive a high sun index year-round, individuals may be more likely to suffer from too little sun exposure than too much UV radiation, particularly in the wintertime.

Of course, a tanning bed isn’t actually the sun – and that’s part of the problem. The concentration of UV rays in a tanning bed, as well as the direct placement above or all around the body, marks the experience apart from a day in the sun, though many experts postulate that in the end, the cumulative effects are the same.

Our take? Like anything else in life, it’s a matter of moderation…something teens aren’t historically known for. Then again, in matters like this one, neither are health officials – or government in general (wink). It’s possible such measures are the perfect compromise if limited to minors, but we’ll see what happens in the future and whether other areas of Canada other nations will follow. Stay tuned!

One thing that all minors do need is a good night’s sleep, and we would recommend one of our Relaxsan mattresses as offering great value for money and with their orthopedic properties great support for a growing body.

Technology is Keeping Brits Up at Night, PC World Says

A survey from PC World magazine reveals what may not be news to those of us guilty of the activity: More Brits than ever are taking computers and smart phones to bed to surf the net rather than sleep.

The survey showed that a significant number of people in the UK spend approximately two hours pre-bedtime propped up and surfing the net.

Other statistics included cell phone usage in the bathroom (up to ½ hour per day according to respondents). And approximately 50% of those surveyed admitted they take the mobile phone with them when bathing.

“The survey shows that technology has become such an important focus in our lives that we now spend more time using it at home than we do anything else, even ahead of eating, sleeping and working,” said PC World spokesperson Anina Castle.

Technology is fantastic (and fun), but experts generally advise that one spend less time surfing and more sleeping once tucked away in the bed. Block out time for your laptop or smartphone (say, one-half hour to an hour right after dinner) and make sure this time doesn’t coincide with bedtime. Instead, establish a night routine that excludes any activity – even reading or television watching – from happening under the covers.

You’ll experience not only an easier time falling asleep, but most likely better quality sleep as you won’t be overloading your brain right before putting your head down for the night and we would recommend in order that your rest is assured, one of our Rest Assured mattresses. Night night!