Know any compulsive sun-worshippers? Don’t chalk up their hours of ultraviolet exposure solely to vanity: A Wake Forest medical study suggests that regular tanning might be rooted in addiction:
“The finding was unexpected and is consistent with the hypothesis that frequent tanning may be driven in part by a mild dependence on opioids, most likely endorphins,” said Steven Feldman, a professor of dermatology at the university. “The nausea and jitteriness induced by the medication are consistent with symptoms of mild opiate withdrawal.”
Perception-wise, I guess this makes the bronze tan the equivalent of trackmarks. Is that a step up from being a walking skin-cancer hazard lesson?
I knew more than a few everyday tanners while in Florida, particularly during my college years. It was routine to lay out for at least a half-hour daily, just to maintain the glow. I don’t recall anyone talking about getting a high out of the ritual. Personally, sun-baking leaves me drained, on the order of dehydration; if there’s any biochemical boost going on, it’s not enough to lift me from that.
I’m wondering if this helps or hinders the fledgling tanning salon industry consolidation effort.
Category: Science, Society
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The state of our media, from today’s “Get Fuzzy”:
“Books might as well be clay tablets… TVs are for old people… Computers are for nerds… Radio is for angry radicals… I’m really left with two mediums: iPods and Sticky Notes.”
As apt an assessment of the demographic linkages as any I’ve seen. I’ve already got my iPod; I guess I’ll have to load up on the Stickies.
Category: Comedy, Media, iPod
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