All about you
Friday 19 April 2013
It's all ABOUT YOU!
Cancer Council renew call for solarium ban
Major misconceptions following the introduction of new regulations have renewed Cancer Council Queensland’s call for a state wide ban on solariums.
A national survey, featured in the Medical Journal of Australia recently, has revealed both adults and adolescents consider solariums safer under new legislation.
The regulations, introduced in most states and territories from 2008 to 2011, require solarium operators to be licensed, display health warnings and ban people at high risk of skin cancer from use.
The Cancer Council Australia-funded survey revealed 31 per cent of adults and 39 per cent of adolescents nationally believed solariums were safer to use under these conditions.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said there was no such thing as a safe way to use a solarium.
“It is concerning that nearly half of all adolescents believe solariums are still safe to use under health industry regulations,” Ms Clift said.
“Research shows using a solarium before 35 years of age increases a person’s risk of developing melanoma by 59 per cent.
“Solarium use can be lethal and all users are at significantly increased risk of dying prematurely from a preventable disease.”
Queensland has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. More than 2600 people are diagnosed with melanoma state wide each year, yet it remains one of the most preventable cancers.
Cancer Council Queensland commended the state government’s ban of the possession, use and supply of all new commercial solaria as of 1 January 2013, and their commitment toward a full ban.
“We have asked the state government to phase in a total ban on solariums in Queensland by 2015. The ban on all new commercial solaria is the first step in achieving this.
“This research reveals misconceptions that are still putting young Australians at risk of skin cancer linked to sunbed use.
“There is also a concern that the industry is failing to comply with age and skin type restrictions.
“A full ban on solariums will eliminate potentially deadly skin cancers – no doubt saving the lives of thousands of Queenslanders.”
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available at www.cancerqld.org.au.
How to make a great Chai Tea Latte
The nights are getting cooler, and there's nothing like a nice cuppa chai to help you relax after a hard day's work. Here's a short video that'll teach you how to make your very own.
Are thongs damaging our health? 
by Kerry Larsen
Thongs – the footwear type, that is. They’re almost a tropical dress code and come in all colours and varieties, but they could also be doing damage to our health.
Chiropractors and podiatrists have admitted the current trend of wearing thongs is putting pressure on our spines, causing pressure on adjoining muscles of the middle and upper back, legs and hips, potentially leading to myriad health problems and possibly melanoma.
Thongs and flat shoes also prevent the natural arch of the foot from being supported, causing arch problems over time and throwing the whole body’s posture into turmoil.
Port Douglas chiropractor, Doug Freeman, said while thongs were almost the uniform of the day in the tropics, wearing them on a daily basis was detrimental to the body’s posture.
“Wearing thongs changes your gait, as your toes grip onto the sole, which affects the muscles of the leg, right up the body to the back and neck,” he said.
“Just like you wouldn’t eat the same breakfast every day, you need time out of thongs and wear different types of shoes each day to change it up and protect your posture.”
Podiatrist, Daniel Finn of Finn Podiatry, said thongs could also contribute to foot pain.
“Thongs provide no support which can be an issue for people with certain foot types, particular low or high arched feet,” Dr Finn said.
“The toes also tend to grip the thong to prevent it from slipping off and this can also lead to musculoskeletal issues.
“Complications can include heel or arch pain, pain in the ball of the foot, susceptibility to ankle sprains and heel cracks, as well as the increased risk of melanoma developing in the feet due to increased sun exposure.”
Dr Freeman said that while popular thong manufacturers had developed their technology to provide options with added heel support, a good quality shoe was highly recommended.
“A shoe with a good heel and good support – even with a heel strap - can be very beneficial to stabilising the foot,” he said.
“And keep an eye on how your thongs are wearing. About 30 per cent of clientele who walk into my office should have thrown their thongs out a long time ago.”