Many teenagers are either obsessed with tanning or addicted to a darker-complexion. According to psychologists, a cosmetic ideal obsession or an emotional addiction might be cause. “Younger, healthier, sexier, thinner” - is message a bronzed complexion is sure to send out. The medical community is trying to confront this trend by educating teenagers that too often and too intense tanning can be risky. It's nothing wrong to be tanned, on condition of:

* gradual and moderate indoor tanning session * using without exception proper sunscreen indoor or sunscreen/sunblock outdoor * avoiding childhood sunburns

Thus, skin cancer risks are avoided. Are kids complying to medical warnings? According to Associated Press, only a third of 10,079 preteens and adolescents surveyed in 2002 said they had regularly used sunscreen during former summer. About 10 percent admitted that they had used a tanning bed. And there is more. Most of those surveyed said they have suffered at least one sunburn during previous summer.

Having had rare, first-hand opportunity to observe cold laser therapy treatment in action, I am impressed at its remarkable ability to help in healing with rheumatoid arthritis.

As my dad suffers from various maladies, including having a heart defibrilator. He was sceptical on whether he wanted to try cold laser therapy. After a seemingly endless bout with ill health and failed conventional treatments, he simply didn't believe anything could help him.

I had mentioned cold laser therapy in past, but being that my dad is retired military and on Tricare Prime medical insurance, he was first referred to a Rheumatologist who promptly prescribed Prednisone to my diabetic father.

The Prednisone (a steroid) did more harm than good. He gained a tremendous amount of water weight, which further exerted his already problematic heart and certainly did not help his renal issues either. After just a few days of prednisone treatment, his overall health was deteriorating rapidly. He was just about ready to throw in towel.

Through research, I discovered a local, Chiropractic Physician who utilized cold laser therapy. Without further adieu, I scheduled an appointment for my dad. A bit apprehensive, and rightfully so, he was not as convinced as me about this so-called cold laser therapy.

I explained to him that cold laser therapy is FDA-Approved, non-invasive, didn't involve any needles and promised him that no harm would come to him. I also elaborated on extensive, scientific research that proved its healing capabilities.

"But what about Daddy's defibrilator?" my mom asked. Although, I had already questioned Dr. Schafer about this, I had my mom give her a phone call herself and reiterate same question. The fact that my dad has a defibrilator had no baring, and cold laser therapy would not interrupt its process.

On his Saturday appointment, my dad's hand and fingers were so swollen from rheumatoid arthritis that his hand not only appeared broken, but it was so stiff that he could not move his fingers a single centimeter.

Pulling up to Dr. Schafer's clinic, I told my father that I believed in this treatment and knew that even if it didn't completely cure arthritis, it would certainly help him.

When we walked in door, Dr. Schafer was very personable and made it a point to introduce herself as 'Virginia.' Not only this, she specifically greeted my dad by name without having to ask who he was. This, of course, helped my dad to be a bit more relaxed in quiet office.

Dr. Schafer called my dad into her office and had my mom and me accompany them to watch how cold laser therapy worked. Firstly, she reviewed my dad's medical records and began to explain how cold laser therapy worked.