UNITED STATES NEWS: FDA Proposes Universal Bans on Minors Using Tanning Beds

The Food and Drug Administration proposed a ban on the use of sunbeds for under 18’s,
universally across America. With the regular use of tanning beds increasing a person risk of getting cancer by 75%, Federal health officials agree it is the effective way to reduce skin cancer in teenagers.

 

The proposal would mean tanning bed users’ sign a consent form prior to using the beds, acknowledging the risks of the radiation they emit. 23 of America’s 50 states have already banned sunbeds for under 18’s but with almost 74,000 new cases of melanoma (known as the deadliest skin cancer) predicted to be diagnosed this year in America, many health organisations agree the ban needs to be implemented.

The acting FDA Commissioner Stephen Ostroff commented that the proposal "is intended to help protect young people from a known and preventable cause of skin cancer and other harms."

The UK’s strict regulations on sunbeds for under 18’s, implemented in 2011 unfortunately is not reflected in the number of diagnoses. In 2011, almost 13,400 people were diagnosed with melanoma, however, in 2012 a reported 13,500 were diagnosed with the disease.

However, the importance of preventing children from being at risk to skin cancer is still as pivotal as ever. The problem in the US appears to be much larger, with 1.6 million teenagers using sunbeds across the country and 59% of college students admitting to using tanning beds.

In order for the new law to work effectively civil penalties and fines would be imposed on tanning facilities, which do not act in accordance with the regulations. Therefore, making it harder for underage tan-lovers to have access to the tanning beds.

The website Doctor Wellgood, is dedicated to teaching young adults about managing their health, it highlights the dangers of sunbeds. Doctor Wellgood claimed 'skin cancer is the

 highest rising cancer in the UK and it is on the whole preventable. And sunbeds are classified as the same cariogenic level as tobacco.’ As it stands, there are already concerns about the standards of tanning beds.

One significant skin cancer survivor that has spoken openly about the tanning addiction she suffered from the age of 13 is 22 year old Megan Worrall.  After six years of tanning Megan noticed two moles on her leg and stomach. Now she urges everyone to choose fake tan alternatives.

It is of the upmost importance to be able to detect the symptoms of skin cancer. A spot, mole or sore that does not heal within four weeks and is itchy or painful should be checked by a GP. For more information visit http://www.bad.org.uk/for-the-public/skin-cancer

ISIS Executing Children with Down Syndrome. Is History Repeating Itself?

Just yesterday we celebrated my cousins 18^th birthday it was such a milestone  for us all as he was born with Down Syndrome and I couldn’t help but have a dampener on my day when I read that ISIS have issued a fatwa (indicates a death sentence has been dealt to someone or some group of people,) which orders children with Down Syndrome and other disabilities to be killed.

 

 

More than 38 children born with deformities mentally and physically have already been murdered by lethal injection or suffocation.

 

This information was revealed by Iraqi activist group Mosul Eye, who claimed to have been monitoring the deaths of children with Down syndrome and congenital deformities, learnt of the ‘Oral Fatwa’ issued by the Shar’i Board of ISIL. The fatwa authorised its members to 'kill newborn babies with Down's Syndrome and congenital deformities and disabled children.'

 

This shocking treatment emulates that of Nazi torture practiced on those with disabilities during the Second World War. This is otherwise known as ‘Action T4.’  From August 1939 the Interior Ministry requested children and newborns with severe disabilities (i.e. Down Syndrome) must be reported and then killed by medical experts. Parents were told their children were being sent to ‘Special Sections’ where they would receive treatment. The deaths were recorded as pneumonia however; the children were murdered by an injection of toxic chemicals.

 

The history of the treatment of people with Down syndrome is just as shocking.

 

From 1CE to 1700’s society saw people with disabilities were lunatics and stupid which were possessed by the devil. Consequently, they were tortured and burnt at the stake

 

From 1800 to 1920 people with Down Syndrome were considered to be inferior and were therefore sent to insane asylums that had a reputation for physically abusing, neglecting and ridiculing their patients.

 

From the 1930’s to 1940’s it was believed that those with disabilities were polluting the human race.

 

From 1940 to 1970 publically, a German bishop delivered a sermon stating that the Nazi euthanasia was ‘plain murder.’ People with Down Syndrome were seen as unfortunate and thus institutionalized.

 

From 1970 to 2000’s showed a radically turn around for the social acceptance of disabled people. The Disability Rights Movement told society the problem was not with the individual but the environment.

 

This treatment is not only radically barbaric but utterly ridiculous considering 1 in 920 babies born today have Down Syndrome. It is sad to think that society is yet to completely accept minorities in society.

 

However, due to excellent scientific research and medical advances those with Down Syndromes’ life expectancy has risen and doubled by since 1970. Now people with Down Syndrome are expected to live beyond 60 years old.

 

Down Syndrome is categorized as a disability however this does not mean that those who have it cannot be independent and successful.

 

Angela Bachiller became the first person with Down Syndrome to be elected as councilwoman in 2013.

 

 

Melissa Reilly is known for being a gold medal winning skier, cyclist and swimmer, as well as having experience interning for a state senator. She also makes public appearances, speaking about how her disability hasn’t limited her.

 

 

 

Eli Reimer was the first person with Down Syndrome to hike to the Base Camp of Mount Everest in 2012.   

 

The most important aspect of Down Syndrome for not only myself but many others is society’s acceptance and understanding of people with not only Down Syndrome but all disabilities. Please share this with whoever you can, in order to further create awareness.