'Binge tanning' increasing skin cancer in UK women

The number of UK women diagnosed with the most serious form of skin cancer is on the rise according to new figures released by Cancer Research UK.

The numbers show that nearly 350 women were diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2005, up from 220 in 2003. And the numbers are continuing to rise each year, with nearly one woman in her 20s diagnosed with this deadly form of skin cancer each day in the UK at present.

The researcher say that the use of sunbeds all year around and "binge tanning" on holidays were to blame for the spike in young UK woman and that around 50 women under the age of 40 die from melanoma each year.

The experts also warn that rates are likely to continue to rise by the year 2024, when it is expected that it will become the fourth most common cancer in both men and women with upward of 15,500 per year.

Read the full story here.

I say bring on the bronzer and throw me my bottle tan...I'm as happy as can be with my skin, thanks very much!

Surviving Mum's Day on a Budget

We all love our mums. If we could give them the world in a Chloe handbag, well, we would. Unfortunately for some of us *raises hand* the funds aren't exactly rolling in to allow us to splurge on our mum the way we would like to and thus, budget-friendly measures must be taken. Luckily for you, I've already done all the dirty work and am here to bring you all the best Mother's Day deals the city has to offer (and some that won't cost you a thing!). So go on, take your mum out for the kind of day she deserves after putting up with you for the other 364 days this year.

• Treat mum to a one hour hot stone back massage and foot unwinder for only €45 at Aromatherapy Health and Beauty Clinic in Eyre Square. Call 091 562 597 to book your appointment.
• Take mum window shopping at the Eyre Square Centre and be sure to fill out an entry form to win some brilliant Mothers Day prizes including giftcards and hair and beauty makeovers.
• Take a healthy initiative and sign you and your mum up for the Flora Women's Mini Marathon. Not only can you have the feel good factor covered by helping out one of the many great Galway based charities but you will also get to spend more quality time with mum while you guys train for the June 1 event.
  
• The Dáil Bar, in the heart of Galway City, is offering a gorgeous four course set menu with a complimentary glass of wine for only €22.95 from 12pm to 9pm on Mother's Day. By far the best value for your dinner buck in the city this year, and their food is great too! Book in advance on 091 563777.
• Make your mum feel as beautiful on the outside as you know she is on the inside. Drop into Brown Thomas and head to the plethora of makeup counters on offer. Many of them will offer a full makeup session for between €25-40 and that usually includes a gift voucher for the equivilant cost.
  
• Give your mum a healthy mother's day. Start her off with a yummy breakfast in bed, then take her for a long, leisurely walk as Galway's weather stays beautifully crisp. Whether it be along the prom in Salthill or just around the neighbourhood, you can guarantee she will love spending time catching up with you...and its free!
• Head to Xtra-Vision and grab newly released Changling on dvd. Then stock up on popcorn, wine and a big duvet and snuggle down with mum for a brilliant film that will bring a tear to both your eyes by reminding you the unconditional power of a mother's love.

Real Life Stories - "Starving on my honeymoon"

A frighteningly real story about the horrors of living with an eating disorder. Click here to read about Laura Wilson, the 24-year-old woman from Ballymena, Co Antrim who lived on a daily diet of four green beans and a teaspoon of salsa for seven months leading up to her wedding. (From Pick Me Up Magazine)

UK Doctor calls for chocolate to be taxed...excuse me, what?!?!

A Scottish madman...er, I mean, doctor...is calling for the introduction of tax on chocolate in an effort to curb the growing levels of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the UK.

Dr David Walker, a GP in Lanarkshire, told the BBC News the tax, which would be similar to those imposed on cigarettes and alcohol, should be introduced as a way to slow down the recent "explosion of obesity and medical related conditions, like type 2 diabetes". Dr Walker said that chocolate, which has lost its status as a "treat", had become a major factor in these problems with many people eating their entire daily caloric intake in chocolate alone.

"People have been lulled into a false sense of security about chocolate," said Dr Walker. "I had one patient recently who said to me she thought chocolate was good for you. People are being brainwashed into believing this."

Dr Walker is set to put his proposal forward to colleagues at the annual conference of Scottish Local Medical Committees in Clydebank. He will propose that revenue raised from taxing chocolate products would be used by the NHS to deal with the health problems caused by obesity, as well as increasing and improving sports facilities.

However, Julian Hunt, of the Food and Drink Federation, told the BBC that "while good for grabbing headlines, there is no evidence to suggest that such 'fat taxes' would actually work in reality."

Read the full article here