New research questions the safety of tanning beds.,

In 2009 the World Health Organization declared tanning beds to be carcinogens. The industry countered that the UVA1 wavelengths were safer. Research has now found that when small areas of the skin of healthy volunteers was irradiated with either UVB or UVA1 wavelengths, changes to the DNA occurred, strongly suggesting carcinogenic effects of both types of UV light. The UVB damage tends to occur in the upper epidermis and UVA1 tended to occur in the lower dermis.

PositiveTip: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVB and UVA wavelengths to effectively reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Largest study ever of cell phone use finds no additional risk for brain cancer.

The way Denmark tracks information about its citizens has made it a unique laboratory for long-term population studies. Taking advantage of this, researchers have found that after adjusting for things like age, years of cellphone use, and income there was no observed link between phone users and cancer. After 15 years of exposure, no dose effect was seen either. 

PositiveTip: While these findings are comforting, it is still probably prudent to avoid constant talking on your cellphone unless using some type of earphone.

Whole grain cereal foods lowers the risk of chronic disease and helps weight control.

There is consistent scientific evidence that whole grain foods substantially lower the risk of CHD, diabetes, and cancer and help in weight management and digestive health. Working together macro- and micronutrients and phytonutrients present in whole grains contribute to their beneficial effects.

PositiveTip: Regularly incorporate 3-4 whole grain foods into your diet every day.

Even small amounts of alcohol raise the risk of cancer.

A ten year study of eight European countries on alcohol consumption and cancer has lead researchers to conclude that "there is no sensible limit below which the risk of cancer is decreased. ... Thus, alcohol consumption should not be recommended to prevent cardiovascular disease or all-cause mortality." 

Representatives from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, wrote: "From a standpoint of cancer risk, the message of this report could not be clearer. There is no level of alcohol that can be considered safe".

PositiveTip: Skip the alcohol and choose healthy non-alcoholic, low-calorie drinks.

10% of cancers in men, and 3% in women are attributable to alcohol.

European investigators have determined the burden of cancer attributable to alcohol consumption in a 10 year study of 365,000 men and women living in eight Western European countries. In males, 10% of the total cancer incidence was attributable to current and former alcohol consumption, and in females it was 3%. Higher consumption (more than 2 drinks per day in men, and more than 1 drink per day in women) was associated with higher cancer incidence.

PositiveTip: To minimize your risk of cancer, leave even small amounts of alcohol alone!

Diabetics are 80% more likely to die from any cause than non-diabetics.

Researchers have analyzed a very large number of prospective studies, and concluded that diabetic patients had 2.32 times greater risk of death from vascular disease (heart disease and stroke) than non-diabetics. Analyzing data from 97 published studies, researchers found that a 50-year-old diabetic can expect to die six years earlier than a non-diabetic. In comparison, smoking shortens life expectancy by about seven years. Diabetes also increased the risk of cancer by about 25% compared to non-diabetics.

PositiveTip: Type 2 diabetes can largely be prevented by physical activity, a wholesome diet and maintaining an ideal weight.