Final Blog

Part 1: What kind of mind are you?

If I had to pick, I would say that I am a synthesizing mind. I would say this because I pick up on new things easily and learn quickly. I am also good at explaining an idea or a process to people around me who don't understand. I can come up with different ways to help myself and others remember information. I have good study habits and methods to help myself be successful in classes.

Part 2: Choose three below and explain how you exemplified each.

Ask provocative questions. I have asked provocative questions in numerous posts in my blog. These questions stimulate a thought process for the reader. By challenging the reader to carefully review their own decisions they have made in the past, these questions tie the reader to the topic and connect the topic to their own personal lives.

Exhibit respect for other viewpoints. In parts of my blog, I try to look at tanning from the point of view of those who are strongly in favor of tanning beds. I blogged about the positive aspects of tanning beds as well as why people are attracted to them. In doing this, I was able to better understand the viewpoints of those supporting tanning beds and those against tanning beds. I remained open to what each group had to say and how they defended their choices and beliefs in my posts.

Exhibit curiosity. I was able to exhibit curiosity when I began to research about tanning beds. I went in depth with my research by finding and posting the pros and cons of tanning, how tanning affects different people in good and bad ways, and how tanning has become such a controversial issue in today's society. Also, I found a specific case from my research of a pageant girl from Indiana who had been diagnosed with a form of melanoma skin cancer. I even researched a popular alternative to tanning beds, the spray tan, to compare how people see the good and bad in both trends. Overall, I exhibited curiosity throughout this entire new experience of blogging.

Part 3: What did I realize, or learn, that surprised me most after developing my blog?

After developing my blog, I realized how dangerous tanning beds can really be. I also learned that many people will deny that they are really making bad choices for themselves until it is too late. I learned that even though people are somewhat aware of these possible dangerous consequences that come with their decisions, they still place their appearance before their health. They don't pay enough attention to the warnings all around them, and they don't think that anything bad can happen to them. I realized that I can also relate to these people. Being a teenager, I am also very concerned about my self-esteem and my self image. But now that I have researched tanning beds and have a better understanding of the risks that come with tanning, I will certaintly think twice before making my next appointment at the tanning bed.

Why Do Tanning Beds Attract So Many People?

In the eyes of many people, tanning beds offer our society a way of maintaining beauty by having skin that has a beautiful and desired color to it. Think about it. Does anyone who has ever gone to the pool with pale, pasty white skin usually appear to be extremely confident? Tanning beds are also very fast and convenient for the busy people of today's society. Morning or evening, people can get a deep golden color almost any time that they would like.
For some people, taking the time to tan gives them amazing self confidence. Tanning, for many people, has been known to give them some time in their day to unwind and relax from the stress around them. This is time spent focusing on pampering themselves rather than taking care of someone else's problems. Tanning beds also are viewed as a way to help the body produce more Vitamin D that helps keep bones, teeth, and joints healthy.
No matter your age, from teenagers to adults, people have the desire to look good and feel good about themselves. Sometimes, this desire is so strong that they forget about the negative impact of their choices. The most important thing is that people are being educated about the choices that they make, so they can make the right decision for themselves in the end.

An Alternate To Fake and Bake?

A new alternative to indoor tanning has also become a popular and accepted route in order to get that young and refreshed look. The spray tan. Although people have started to change their ways and gravitate toward the spray tan method, some people are a bit apprehensive about making the switch to the safer way. Although it is a safe alternative to sunbathing, the spray tan also has some bad aspects to it.
A good spray tan can cost anywhere from $18 to $30 for each session. Many people don't like to spend that much money for one session of spray tanning when they can have one session in an indoor tanning bed for about $5. Consequently, the spray tan may also only last for a limited number of days. In addition, spray tans that are not a good quality can leave a person looking orange. Let's face it, no one wants to leave the salon looking like Anne Hathaway in the movie Bride Wars.
So which is the better choice? The spray tan or the indoor tanning beds? The answer is different for each individual person with different priorities. But for someone looking out for their health first, the spray tan would be the best option.

Miss Indiana Finally Understands the Dangers of Tanning

Katie Donnar, 18 year old pageant girl from Indiana, had been using tanning beds since she was in sixth grade. While preparing for the Miss Indiana pageant, she found a growth on her leg. This turned out to be an early-stage from of melanoma-the worst form of skin cancer. “It seemed somewhat of a myth that I was putting myself at risk,” says Donnar, of Bruceville, Ind., who found the melanoma before it spread.

For Katie, the warnings from doctors, studies, and even the labels on the tanning bed weren't enough to cause her to stop and think about what she was really doing to herself. An analysis of multiple studies on skin cancer has shown that tanning can increase melanoma by 75 percent for people who tan frequently while they are in their teenage years and in their 20s. Unfortunately, Katie Donnar is a testimony to this growing trend. Donnar, now referred to by her friends as "snow princess", has enough confidence and knowledge to feel comfortable being herself in her own skin.