Are You Visiting the Tanning Booth this Fall/Winter???

[dustybrown]

I just thought I'd pass along some info that my Rheumatologist is always talking about. She says to me that Fall and Winter are particularly bad months for pain and fatigue flares for people who have FMS/CFS. There have been some studies that suggest that some people with FMS/CFS also suffer from "Seasonal Affective Disorder" (SAD) as well. She told me I should either go out and buy a light box (which are very expensive), or go visit my local tanning booth.

YES, in the middle of fall or winter!!!! I said NO WAY! I don't want to get skin cancer! She said, well duh, Dusty- wear your swimsuit and put on the STRONGEST SUNSCREEN you can find. She claims visits to the tanning salon now that daylight savings time is in effect helps people's moods and energy, which in turn may help with sleep and pain levels. I thought I pass this information along, because I am seriously considering doing this myself! Take care everyone.
-Dusty

[dustybrown]

My thought, and I think my doctors idea, is to put a lot of sunscreen on so that you can protect your skin, but still benefit from the light in the tanning bed. Just curious: I've never been in a tanning bed, so I am not sure how much clothing you could actually wear. Does anyone know?

[concerned621]

It does help. Both the pain and you look better so you feel better.

[kmil1999]

Dusty, I am with you.  I would never use a tanning bed.  Not too long ago there was an advisory that the tanning beds risks of CA is worse than being out in the sun.  

The light boxes are expensive. However, the new full spectrum lights that you can buy at big box stores like Menards, Home Depot etc. work very well and you can get them under $50.  (I got one floor lamp on sale for 19.99)  They work as well as the light boxes for me.  (don't use the lamp in the afternoon or it can delay your sleep cycle)

There is no safe exposure in the tanning beds!

Take care,
Karen

[selmaS]

HI I never would have thought of this..great idea.My mom has fibro and has a light she uses next to her chair and it is some kind of natural sunlight lamp she purchased yrs ago....I guess she had a good idea!!

Thanks for posting this : )

"selma"