Vitamin D Testing

Made Easy

If you want to get a Vitamin D Blood Test you can do at home and participate in an international study, join the D*action Campaign and get your Vitamin D Blood levels tested: JoinDAction.org

Find out why optimum Vitamin D blood levels are so important.
Click Here

Welcome to the JCTA's Tan Awareness Week web site

Our goal is to increase awareness of responsible sun exposure and vitamin D production. It is our goal to educate the public in how to achieve a balance between sunburn avoidance and vitamin D production. This is our third year of advancing this message.

This year we have added a section on Melanoma Risk, the section will cover what the possible causes of melanoma skin cancer are – genetics, Skin Type, sunlight/sunbeds. Knowing your risks could save you from getting melanoma. On our main review found just below, this year we thought the Canadian public should compare a base tan to sunscreens. Each year we also encourage Canadians to have their vitamin D (Sunshine Vitamin) levels checked to ensure they are maintaining healthy levels. The Canadian Cancer Society recommends taking 1000 international units (IUs) per day. A typical indoor tanning session in a tanning bed emitting UVB will produce up to 10,000 IUs.

Order a vitamin D testing kit from GrassRoots Health NOW

Take the Tan Awareness Quiz

Chemical Sunscreen vs. Base Tans

In its third year, Tan Awareness Week looks to spread the truth about sunlight exposure and sunbeds. As summer approaches we will be bombarded with advertising to SLOP on chemical sunscreen and essentially abstain from UV exposure. Not good for your vitamin D levels!! The chemicals in chemical sunscreens may not be good for your skin either. For further information on chemical sunscreen check out:

http://www.ewg.org/news/does-your-sunscreen-really-work-online-database-rates-sunscreen-safety-and-effectiveness

We ask you now to compare chemical sunscreen to building a natural base tan to protect you from overexposure from the sun. Then make up your own mind which way works for you; the chemical way or the natural way.

DOES A BASE TAN CREATE PROTECTION THE ANSWER IS YES

Pre-tanning for a holiday/summer creates a Base Tan of at least 2 to 4. That means you can stay outside for up to 4 times longer.

A Base Tan does not wash off.

A Base Tan does not need to be reapplied every 2 hours.

A Base Tan is the natural way of protecting yourself called photoprotection.

A Base Tan is a multiplier for chemical sunscreen.

A Base Tan does not come with chemicals, like Oxybenzone, that can harm you.

If you don't apply a chemical sunscreen correctly, you don't know what rating you have on.

To apply a chemical sunscreen correctly you would need to apply 1 ½ to 2 ounces (shot glass full) per application, for full body coverage, every 2 hours to get the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating listed on the bottle. THAT'S APPROXIMATELY 1 BOTTLE OF CHEMCIAL SUNSCREEN PER DAY PER PERSON. Research has shown that the average person applies approximately 1/3 of what is required; that creates only a SPF rating of 1 to 4 for a chemical sunscreen which has a rating of 15 listed on the bottle. THIS COULD MAKE A CHEMCIAL SUNSCREEN LESS EFFECTIVE THAN A BASE TAN. Dr Gilchrest, in an article in the May 2011 issue of Dermatology World put out by the America Academy of Dermatology, admits that a chemical sunscreen rated at SPF100 would only give an actual rating of a sun protection factor (SPF) of 5 to 7 based on what the average person applies. This is almost the same as a base tan, but a base tan doesn't wash off.

What is better, going white or having some protection (base tan) on a sunny day?

Is your risk higher to sunburn with a base tan or lower?

The major risk factors for skin cancer includes; genetics, intermitted excessive exposure and not knowing your skin type. Go to www.SkinType.ca to find out your skin type.

Chemical Sunscreen should be used when you're going to be outside for long periods of time and you're at a higher risk of sunburning. The JCTA believes that combining both a base tan and sunscreen use in moderation is the best way for sunburn prevention.

Grass Roots Health, which is an organization made up of over 40 vitamin D researchers, recommends;

"Sunscreen blocks UV-B radiation and prevents the manufacture of vitamin D. The brief exposure needed to produce adequate vitamin D is not enough to cause skin cancer. However, if you are worried about that risk, apply sunscreen after the first 15 minutes of exposure."

In the UK, 7 medical organizations, including: British Association of Dermatologists, Cancer Research UK, Diabetes UK, Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Heart Forum, National Osteoporosis Society and Primary Dermatology Society have urged people to enjoy the sun safely and take care not to burn, helping to ensure the benefits of vitamin D can be enjoyed without the risk of skin cancer being raised unnecessarily.

MAKE UP YOUR OWN MIND CANADA – Natural or Chemical Protection?