Indoor Tanning: Spray Tanning vs. Tanning Bed
October 26, 2009 by Alissa Fiset
Everyone loves that bronze color we get during summer vacation, but many of us go to great lengths to keep the golden-glow year-round. As the trend of indoor tanning has risen within the last few years, more experts have been coming out with conflicting opinions of the harms of hitting the tanning salon. Here is a comparison of the two different forms of indoor tanning:
Spray tanning: Spray tanning (also known as Mystic tanning) is the application of a colorless chemical called dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in the form of a mist or a spray. DHA interacts with the amino acids in dead skin cells to produce a brown color change. There is no evidence that DHA is toxic and it is not absorbed through the skin. However, you need to follow directions exactly when getting a spray tan: wear the hair net, put on the nail stickers and apply the tan-resistant lotion just as the tan technician tells you! If you don’t follow the rules, you’ll come out looking streaking and splotchy. It takes a few hours for the skin to darken, and the tan usually lasts for about a week.
Image courtesy of GoogleImages
Tanning bed: Tanning in indoor beds carries many of the same risks as tanning outdoors in natural sunlight. A tanning bed contains a concentrated form of UV rays that could increase the risk of skin cancer. You also run the risk of damaging your eyes if you do not wear the proper eyewear. However, the tan you get in a tanning bed generally lasts longer and looks more natural.
Image courtesy of GoogleImages
How to Read Someone Based on Their Star Sign
November 10, 2008 by CollegeAffairMagazine.com
By April Stolarz
Sophomore, Journalism Major
Trying to understand a person’s mind and read their personality can be awfully confusing. Sometimes body language and words just don’t give away enough information about someone. But, interestingly, an easy way to better understand someone is by understanding his or her zodiac sign.
Aries (March 21-April 19):
People born under this sign are most likely adventurous, outgoing, active, competitive, independent, and confident. However, they can be stubborn, opinionated, impatient, insecure and selfish. Instead of sitting around and talking about what they want to do, an Aries will just go out and do it.
Taurus (April 20 to May 20):
These people are happiest when surrounded by things that are familiar to them. Stability is a constant in their lives. They don’t like to be hurried or pushed into something new. An appreciation for art and beauty comes swiftly to them. When something interests them, they can be very determined and dedicated. However, Taureans are sometimes regarded as snobby, boring, or sulky—they tend to keep their feelings and desires hidden.
Gemini (May 21- June 20):
One of their favorite things to do is talk. Gemini’s love communication, and enjoy making connections between things. They are said to love new experiences and always be on the move. They are optimistic and quick-witted. On the negative side, they are fickle, restless, and impatient.
Cancer (June 21-July 22):
A typical cancer is a moody person with a bundle of contradictions. With family and friends they can be compassionate and loving, but they have a strong jealous side. They tend to be romantic and sensitive with a deep need for security.
Leo (July 23-August 22):
Leos are all about self-expression, which can make them seem egocentric. They are positive thinkers with a charismatic charm. When it comes to relationships, they are very devoted and faithful. They are determined, but they can be too stubborn at times.
Virgo (August 23-September 22):
No matter what they’ve been through, they manage to maintain faith in others. Virgo’s are compassionate and caring, but can be narrow-minded. When they’re confident, nothing can stand in their way. They are eager to help friends out and give advice.
Libra (September 23-October 22):
Above everything else, a Libra needs to have balance and harmony in his or her life. They like things to be in order. If something needs to be accomplished, a Libra will most likely have a to-do list for it – they’re always planning ahead. Libras are charismatic and charming, but sometimes prefer to be alone rather than join the crowd. They can also be slight perfectionists.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21):
The intenseness wrapped around a Scorpio is hard to miss. This is one of the most powerful signs of the zodiac. Scorpios are very dominant and controlling. Their personality is so strong that it’s often mysterious. They’re independent yet clingy, passionate yet possessive. They can seem cold on the surface, but they have a need to get close to people.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
“Anything is possible” is the attitude of a Sagittarius. They are big-hearted, full of life and very optimistic. Their love for traveling pushes a Sagittarius to always be exploring new places. Whatever they go through, they seem to remain calm and keep a free spirit.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19):
Capricorns like to have a control over everything. Because they are so practical and organized, they can be borderline workaholics. In terms of relationships, they are cautious about starting new and giving away their hearts.
Aquarius (January 20-February 18):
Listening comes natural for Aquarians, which makes friendship very important to them. However, they can seem detached and unemotional to outsiders. Strong-willed, they’ll be the first ones to stand up for what they believe in and push for change. Through thick and thin they’ll remain loyal to their cause.
Pisces (February 19-March 20):
A typical Pisces is shy, romantic, sensitive, kind, and generous. They are very imaginative and tend to live in a dream world. A Pisces will always be there for someone who’s upset, regardless if they know them or not. They would be willing to help someone out no matter what the circumstances.
Health Fair at ASU
October 22, 2008 by April Stolarz
This afternoon, I had a chance to swing by Hayden Lawn to see what the Health Fair was all about. There were around 12 booths were set up with information about their organizations. At the Campus Health booth, they were advertising for the Pac-10 Challenge. I remember hearing about that last year but never really knew what it was. Turns out, it’sa pretty cool way to be active and compete with other Pac-10 schools in physical activity. You simply register online at http://src.asu.edu/PAC10 and then record your physical activity for a week. No, eating doesn’t count. Neither does rolling around in your sleep. The official challenge actually starts next week on the 27th. Last year ASU came in 7th place, but we still beat U of A! Even though my schedule is pretty packed, I’m thinking of registering and tracking my progress on here as well. I miss having the time to go to the gym, and this will give me an extra reason to. If you end up registering, feel free to post comments on here about your progress.
The Campus Health Services will soon be offering acupuncture, chiropractic therapy, and massage therapy. All ASU students can recieve these services for a fee around $40, depending on their insurance policies. I think these services will be beneficial to students. I’m guessing that the average student has no idea where to go to recieve any of these treatments. Especially if they’re out of state. Everyone needs a nice back rub now and then. But, these treatments don’t all necessarily involve a smooth, rub-down.
Take acupuncture for instance. Acupuncture is a form of Oriental Medicine that involves inserting needles into the skin to stimulate certain parts of the body. It’s used to promote the flow of energy and alleviate pain. When I think of needles, I know I think of the doctor’s office and getting my finger pricked when I was little. Not a very energy enriching experience. However, most patients say acupuncture doesn’t hurt and feels relaxing. Hmmmm…maybe this is my solution for no more stress! Common reasons to get acupuncture treatments are: sinus headaches, migranes, neck and lower back pain, asthma, allergies, and anxiety.
Another booth at the Health Fair was Colleges Against Cancer. In lieu of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they were selling sugar cookies and t-shirts that said “I love boobs.” I’ll have to admit, the sugar cookies looked delicious, but I had to resist (I was at a Health Fair after all). I picked up a flyer for the 10th Anniversary Walk to make strides agaisnt breast cancer. It’s Saturday, November 8th at Tempe Beach Park. For more information or to sign up go to http://www.cancer.org/stridesonline.
For the rest of the half hour that I was at the Health Fair, I talked to some other organizations and learned about some different clubs on campus. I also got a bunch of free pens, which I always love. I’ll share more information as the days go on.
