I think every one of us already knows how bad tanning beds really are, yet even in my circle of friends I still know women who use them! We know they have been linked to an increased risk of the deadliest type of skin cancer, and a new study by Yale reveals they ALSO raise the odds of developing the most common forms of skin cancer.

Scientists at the Yale School of Public Health in New Haven, Connecticut found that young people who tanned on the indoor beds had a 69 per cent increased chance of suffering from early-onset basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

“Indoor tanning was strikingly common in our study of young skin cancer patients, especially in the women, which may partially explain why 70 per cent of early-onset BCCs are in females,” Susan T. Mayne, the senior author of the study and a professor at the School of Public Health, said in a statement.

The findings, which are reported in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, support earlier research from the University of Minnesota, where scientists discovered that people who used tanning beds, regardless of the type or for how long, were 74 per cent more likely to develop melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.

Mayne and her colleagues interviewed 750 people younger than 40 years old. They analyzed the type of tanning beds used, for how long and how often, any burns that resulted and the age when the beds were first used.

They noted that the risks increased with the number of years the tanning beds had been used.

“We were also surprised to find that one-third of our study participants with BCC had already had at least one additional BCC before age 40, which is very alarming as skin cancers increase in frequency in age,” Mayne added.

About 30 million people in the United State use indoor tanning beds, which the World Health Organization classifies as a human carcinogen. In the United States tanning beds are considered a medical device.

Medical experts in the United States have called for stronger regulations on the use of tanning beds.

Cases of melanoma have been rising for the past three decades. Although it only accounts for about for five per cent of skin cancer cases it causes the majority of death from the disease. About 70,230 new cases will be diagnosed this year, according to the American Cancer Society.

Cases of basal cell cancers are also on the rise but they are likely to be cured if detected and treated early.

“Importantly, indoor tanning is a behavior that individuals can change,” said Leah M. Ferrucci, a postdoctoral fellow at the Yale School of Public Health and a co-author of the research.

“In conjunction with the findings on melanoma, our results for BCC indicate that reducing indoor tanning could translate to a meaningful reduction in the incidence of these two types of skin cancer,” she added.

So I gotta ask…. do you use a tanning bed? If so – what would it take to convince you NOT to use one? Why is a tanning bed worth the risk?

Speak up in the comments below!

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Your breasts are pretty low-maintenance, and you can keep them healthy and sexy just by leaving them alone. Still, there’s one move that will mess them up: repeat dieting, which causes your boobs to sag prematurely. Here, how and why plus the right way to keep your set gorgeous and firm.

Don’t Miss: 50 Great Things to Do with Your Breasts

How Sag Strikes

Some sag is inevitable. Gravity, breast growth spurts in your teens and early 20s, pregnancy, and breast-feeding all cause your boobs to change shape. Any change in the shape of your breasts stretches your skin’s collagen and elastin, two components that make skin firm. This leaves your twins less perky over time, says Jill Weinstein, a dermatologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, in Illinois.

But you’ll stretch out the collagen and elastin even more by constantly dieting. In fact, cycling back and forth between the same 10 pounds in your 20s, for example, can lead to premature sag by the time you hit 30. “If you keep stretching and shrinking something, it will wear out, like a sweater,” says NYC nutritionist Stephanie Middleberg, RD.

The faster you gain and lose the weight via a crash diet, the worse the sag will be, because elastin and collagen endure more stress when they break down rapidly, says Mary Jane Minkin, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale University School of Medicine. Another way crash-dieting sends your boobs south: Weight that’s lost in a short period of time is almost impossible to keep off. You’ll add it back, try to diet it away again…and cause more droopage. 

Related: Are Your Boobs Normal? Find Out Now

Why Your Boobs Are Hit Hardest

Breasts are very sensitive to weight changes. “When you gain weight, fat tends to go to your female parts first, like your breasts,” Dr. Minkin says. “They’re also one of the first places most women lose weight from when they diet.” The thinner and heavier you get, the thinner and heavier your boobs will be, and the more droopy you’ll be.

Related: The Secret to Sexy Cleavage

Lose Weight Without Sagging

Here’s how to diet the right way so you keep sag at bay. First, forgo crash diets, i.e., any plan that cuts your intake to less than 1,200 calories a day and/or promises more than 1 to 2 lost pounds a week, says Los Angeles nutritionist Natalie Rosenstock, RD. Losing more pounds than this per week breaks down more collagen and elastin.

Stick to tactics like piling more on your plate — fruits, veggies, and lean meats, that is — since consuming healthy grub keeps you from bingeing later. And don’t skip meals. It slows your metabolism and makes you hungry so you gain back any weight lost.

A final benefit of the slow-and-steady route: The longer it takes to lose weight, the more likely you are to keep it off — which halts the cycle.

Check out more here.

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With fertility treatments on the rise, it’s natural to wonder if eating certain foods can boost one’s baby-making odds. In fact, recent studies have revealed that foods and specific nutrients can enhance a man’s virility. Find out which foods can amp—or dampen—virility.

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES:
Consuming more of certain nutrients found in fruits and vegetables, including folate, vitamin C and lycopene, was linked with healthier sperm counts in a 2009 study of 61 men published in the Fertility and Sterility journal. Researchers speculate that the antioxidants improve sperm quality.

COLA:
Attention wanna-be daddies: Dump your soda! A 2010 Danish study found a link between cola consumption and reduced sperm quality. After tracking the cola intake of 2,554 men, scientists found that those who consumed more than 20 (12-ounce) cans of soda a week (that’s nearly three each day) were more likely to have reduced sperm count, reports a study in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Scientists are not sure what in cola may harm sperm, but it does not appear to be caffeine.

TWO MORE AFTER THE JUMP! More »

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Brooke Hogan is on the beach with a hot new bikini body thanks to stepping up her workout regimen.

“Good morning! Going for a run! back on my 2x a day! woooaaahh!” she tweeted last week.

Brooke has spoken with OK! about struggling with her weight.

“I feel great at this weight, but I’ve started sticking to a diet again,” she said. “I’m trying hard to get down even more. You need to keep to the old-school bodybuilder diet of eggs, fish, chicken, meat and broccoli.”

More power to her she looks great!

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What If He’s Not Marriage Material Now, But I Can See The Potential?

Forget it, ladies! Find a man who already has the qualities you are looking for. Don’t think that with your encouragement or advice that he will change into what you want him to be. So many women are so eager to fall in love and get married that they give a guy credit for qualities that he doesn’t have and won’t ever develop. Don’t fall for a guy until you know all that you need to about him. You want a man with good character and the qualities that are important to you now, not possibly someday.

The Guy I’m Dating Hasn’t Said, “I Love You” Yet. Should I Tell Him First?

No, don’t be the one to say those words first. Once you say it, it’s “out there,” and if he doesn’t return the sentiment, oh boy, will things be awkward from then on. If it has been more than six months and he can’t say, “I love you” then consider moving on. Don’t waste your time. Chances are, if he can’t tell you he loves you, he won’t marry you either.

He Says He Doesn’t Want More Kids. I Think I Can Change His Mind, Though. Should I Risk It?

Don’t ever think that you are going to change someone. Having children is a huge commitment, and if the person you are thinking of getting involved with is not on the same page as you are, then either accept it or move on. I have heard of women getting pregnant even though the man told her that he does not want more kids, or trying to trap a man into getting married because they are pregnant. What a disaster that is. The man feels betrayed and resentful, the relationship will most likely end, and our society has another child from a broken home.

Is It A Good Idea To Ask A Man Out? Is It True That Men Like To Be The One To Pursue?

Conventional wisdom says “No, its the man’s job to do the pursuing,” but in the modern world we can nudge them along a little bit. Guys have of tough deal: always having to pursue and getting rejected a good deal of the time. If a man is showing some interest you can go ahead and try one of these techniques. Don’t actually use the word “date” or “go out with me.” You don’t want to sound too serious. You can always say something like “I’m going to be in your area for a meeting, would you like to meet for a drink?” A drink can turn into a dinner or a whole evening if things are going well.

You can also ask him for advice. If he is a computer whiz, for example, or knows a lot about cars and you are in the market to buy one, then you can always offer to buy him a drink for his help. Subtlety is the key. You can suggest doing something together without seeming like you are the aggressor or chasing him. The man likes the challenge and the hunt and if it comes too easy, he might lose interest quickly. A man is biologically hardwired to do the chasing. And as far as who pays for what, if the man asked you out, then let him pay. If you suggest an outing, then you should pay.

I’ve Been Told I Am Too Honest. Isn’t It Good To Speak Your Mind And Let A Man Know What Your Opinion Is On Things?

These days women are more educated, independent and opinionated than any other time in history. We love to speak our minds. Men appreciate an intelligent lady, but they also still enjoy being the man and giving advice and help to their woman. My husband loves the fact that I am intelligent and successful, but he still loves to play the traditional role of the man in our relationship. “I’m the man of the house,” he proudly tells me. That means he wants to watch out for me, make important decisions and give me advice — not so much the other way around.. It is important for a man to know that his advice and opinion is respected and listened to. As for women, it’s okay to not sound off on everything that comes to our mind.

I Think I’m Too Old To Get Out There And Date Again, But I Don’t Want To Be Alone Forever, What Can I Do?

Some people subscribe to the idea that dating is for young people. Let me assure you that could not be further from the truth. Love has no age limit! My own aunt met her finance at the age of 57. She had been married for 30 years, and then my uncle died. She eventually decided that she didn’t want to be alone, so she went on match.com and met a great guy while in her early 50’s. They had a 3-year relationship with him, and then when that didn’t work out, she went back online and met her current fiancé. He is a wonderful man and they couldn’t be happier together.

I have also matched an 86-year-old male client after his wife passed away to a wonderful woman, and they are happy as clams. He is quite wealthy and they enjoy an amazing lifestyle of travel and enjoying life. Sure, it’s more challenging to find someone with whom you can really get along with after a certain age, but there is no reason to believe that there is an age limit on love or companionship. Stay active, curious, keep your look current, try to stay out of the larger sizes and you can catch a man’s eye at any age!

How Do I Tell A Guy That I Don’t Want To See Him Again?

Unfortunately, chemistry is not negotiable. Even if he seems perfect on paper and your mother would love him, if you don’t feel the chemistry for romance it’s not going to work. If he is a really great guy and you enjoy spending time with him, you can always turn him into a friend. Be diplomatic about telling him — you don’t want to hurt his feelings or bruise his ego. You can just tell him that you realize that since there aren’t a lot of romantic sparks, you two will probably end up being great friends. Help him to understand that you are not rejecting him, but be clear and firm about the way you feel. I think it’s charming to say, “Chuck, I wish that I could sprinkle some chemistry dust over us because you are such a great guy, but I would love to be friends!”

I Have Been Dating A Guy For Two Months, We Get Along Great, But He Has Never Introduced Me To Any Of His Friends Or Family.. When I asked Him About It He Changes The Subject. Should I Be Concerned?

You should absolutely be concerned. If a man refuses to include you in his personal life in this way, it is a huge red flag. Either he is seeing another woman as well, is married, gay, ashamed of dating you, or some other reason that you might never find out. None of these scenarios are acceptable, so if he doesn’t come clean on why he is avoiding it, my advice is to move on.

I Went Out With A Guy Twice And We Had An Amazing Time But Now He Is Not Calling Me. Should I Call Him?

The calling game is the most frustrating thing about dating. You had such a great time, but then don’t hear anything, so your mind starts wandering and you think of all sorts of scenarios. Maybe he lost your number, maybe he had to go out of town on an emergency, maybe he got in a car crash and is in a coma somewhere (my personal favorite!). But alas, the guy always turns out to be alive and well. Absolutely do not call him. If a guy wants to see you again, he will call you. If he is not calling that means that he is not interested. You might have had an amazing time together, but for some reason he doesn’t feel that you two are suited for each other for long-term. He might have been dating someone else as well and decided to see her exclusively. Whatever the reason, he isn’t calling, so leave it at that. Keep your options open and see what’s out there. Enjoy the dating process.

Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker

By Marla Martenson

List $ 14.95 272 pages trade softcover Bettie Youngs Books ISBN-10: 0984308105 ISBN-13: 978-0984308101 Available in bookstores nationwide and online.

For more information visit www.marlamartenson.com

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Every October the vivid reds, bright oranges and mellow yellows – quintessential for a picturesque autumn – make way for one delicate color, Pink, in support of breast cancer awareness. This fall iconic Italian winemaker MARTINI & ROSSI will continue its longstanding partnership with The Pink Agenda organization to honor its philanthropic “pink” initiatives.

First launched in spring 2009 with Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner toasting, MARTINI Sparkling Rose will be promoting drinking pink this October with its fabulously fun, light and flirty bubbly. Encouraging consumer donations to The Pink Agenda, in support of the fight against breast cancer, MARTINI will match every $5 donation made (up to $35k). Consumers can look for more information and details on the partnership in local wine and liquor stores where Martini Sparkling Rose (SRP: $13.99) is sold. So, Drink Pink, support the Pink Agenda, raise awareness and give back by logging on to facebook.com/drinkmartini for more details.

ABOUT THE PINK AGENDA

The Pink Agenda is a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization committed to raising money for breast cancer care and research and awareness of the disease among young professionals. For more information please visit http://www.thepinkagenda.org/

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Janice Hurley-Trailor, a renowned image consultant, says that there’s something missing from most makeovers. How you communicate is as important to your image as how you dress and carry yourself, she says.

Oakland, CA, Oakland 19, 2010-We see makeovers all the time, and we’re often amazed at the transformation that comes with a new wardrobe and hairdo. Yet there’s one crucial piece missing, says image consultant Janice Hurley-Trailor, who has worked with everyone from Fortune 500 executives to recent college grads entering the workforce. How you communicate is essential to creating a professional, dynamic image. “Even the best dressed, best groomed people can compromise their image if they don’t communicate well,” says Hurley-Trailor. In her practice she’s given hundreds of clients a communication makeover.

Hurley-Trailor is available for interview. Here’s just some of what she has to say:

* “IN MY OPIN-” Interrupting is one of the most common communication flubs that erodes your image. Let someone else someone finish their sentence and their thoughts before you say anything. Insert a pregnant pause before you answer someone’s question and you’ll effectively communicate that you really listened to what was said and gave ample consideration to your response.

* LET THE FOCUS BE ON SOMEONE ELSE. It’s natural to want to talk about and express yourself, but give others the chance to do that too. When someone tells you about their experience resist responding with a story about yourself. Instead get truly interested and curious about what they are saying and ask questions. This helps to ensure that you will in turn be listened to and it will build goodwill among the people with whom you regularly communicate.

* RECOGNIZE THE THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS THAT DRIVE CONVERSATION. It’s tempting to go with your gut and react on impulse to what someone is saying, especially if you disagree. This can ratchet up the emotion, which can then hinder clear and honest communication. Hurley-Trailor advises that you think first about what thoughts and emotions might lie behind the statements. Taking just a few seconds to do this will allow you to answer calmly and maintain a professional demeanor, she says.

MORE ABOUT JANICE HURLEY-TRAILOR

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