SanTan Sun News; 3-7-15: STFF by Times Media Group

SanTan FAMILY FUN

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Tanning beds pose serious dangers for teens

By Alison Stanton

When Meghan Waugh was a teenager, she started using tanning beds weekly.

Then a Michigan resident, Waugh wanted to add color to her naturally fair skin so that it would contrast her white cheerleading outﬁt.

Waugh continued to use tanning beds when she moved to Arizona. Two years ago, during a routine visit to her dermatologist, Waugh got the news that a seemingly innocuous small pink growth on the back of her right knee was melanoma.

Although it was just the size of a pencil eraser, removing the cancer has left Waugh with a 3-inch scar and a devout promise to never use a tanning bed again.

“If someone paid me hundreds of dollars to go into a tanning bed there is no way I would do it,” Waugh says. “Getting melanoma was the scariest thing I have ever gone through.”

The risks of tanning beds

With spring just around the corner, local teens may be considering going to a local tanning bed to get a golden glow. Brittany Conklin, senior consultant and media relations manager from the American Cancer Society, hopes they think twice.

As Conklin notes, younger people are at a higher risk than the rest of the population of suffering from the harmful effects of indoor tanning devices later in life. In addition, she says melanoma, the most deadly form of cancer, is the fourth most common cancer among young men and women ages 15 to 29.

“In fact, using a tanning device before

the age of 35 increases the risk of melanoma by 59 percent,” she says.

Because a young person’s skin is still developing, it makes them even more susceptible to the harmful effects of UV rays,

Conklin says.

The dangers of tanning devices are so serious that the World Health Organization has put these in the same category as tobacco and asbestos, labeling them as “carcinogenic to humans.”

Eyes are also at risk

Tanning beds not only harm the skin, but eyes as well, says Dr. Arlynn Roper, an optometrist at Southwestern Eye Center in Tempe.

“The way tanning beds work is like the sun, so the UV rays that tan the skin can also burn it and affect the eyes,” he says.

Roper suggests that teens use self-tanners or spray-on tans instead of tanning beds. If teens insist on using a tanning bed, he says they need to understand the risks of doing so, ask if the provided goggles provide UV protection, and then use them every single time.

Waugh, who is cancer free and doing well, also hopes that teenagers think twice before using a tanning bed. For teens who are considering it, she offers this advice:

“Self-tanners or spray tans are deﬁnitely the way to go,” she says.

Dr. Arlynn Roper, an optometrist at Southwestern Eye Center, says tanning beds can lead to eye damage such as dryness, cataracts and cancer. Submitted photo

“UV light accelerates the formation of cataracts, which causes cloudiness in the eyes, and it can also cause melanoma to develop in the eye.”

While tanning bed businesses typically provide their customers with goggles, Roper says some teens and adults don’t want to wear them.

“They say they don’t want to look ‘raccoony’ so they say they will just close their eyes, but this is not enough to prevent UV damage,” Roper says.

Teens who use tanning beds may also notice that their eyes are drier than usual; if this happens Roper says they should use over-the-county artiﬁcial tears.

“If they come out of the tanning bed and notice that their eyes are red, they need to watch this closely, and get medical attention quickly if it does not go away,” he says.

“It’s just not worth it. What you do at this age can deﬁnitely affect you years from now, and just because you don’t burn in a tanning bed, it does not mean you won’t get cancer.”

Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at alison@santansun.com Resources Websites:

• http://bit.ly/UnEKWa

• http://bit.ly/17IcFPU

• http://1.usa.gov/1bbBePF

Meghan Waugh used tanning beds regularly as a teenager and was diagnosed with melanoma two years ago. Submitted photo

7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29

Renaissance Festival and Artisan Marketplace, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Spend a day in 16th century Europe cheering on jousting competitions and eating a feast. Almost 2,000 costumed characters create a realistic environment including performances and craft shops. Renaissance Festival and Artisan Marketplace’s grounds, 12601 E. U.S. Highway 60, Gold Canyon. Prices vary. (520) 463-2700, www.royalfaires.com/Arizona/.

7, 8

Maricopa County Home & Garden Show, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 7; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The largest home show in the Southwest is back. Come get free advice on how to grow ﬂowers, install wood ﬂooring and more. University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale. $2 to $5. (602) 485-1691, www.mchomeshows.com.

7, 8

Repticon Phoenix Reptile & Exotic Animal Show, 10 a.m. Everything you could ever need for a reptile is offered at this expo—including the reptiles. Vendors sell supplies, feeders, cages and reptile pets alongside live animal seminars. Arizona State Fairground Wesley Bolin Building, 1826 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix. $5 to $12. www.repticon.com/phoenix.html.

7 Run for Ryan House at DC Ranch, 7 a.m. There’s a run for everyone at this event including a half marathon, 10K, 5K and a 1-mile family fun run. Following the races there will be a runners’ expo featuring food, music, and a kids’ zone. DC Ranch, southeast corner of Thompson Peak Parkway and Pima Road, Scottsdale. Prices vary. (480) 538-3540, www.runforryanhouse.org.

7 Cesar Millan Live, 7:30 p.m. Cesar Millan will reveal the secrets of happier, healthier relationships between humans and their canine companions in his exciting live show. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. $48 to $125. (480) 782-2680, www.chandlercenter.org.

8 AZ Aloha Festival, 10 a.m. Enjoy the relaxing island environment at this festival celebrating Hawaii and the Polynesian Islands. Learn to hula or play a ukulele while you listen to live music and eat authentic island food. Tempe Beach Park, Tempe Town Lake, 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe. Free. (602) 697-1824, www.azalohafest.org.

9 High Five Read & Play Group, 10 a.m. Storytime just got better because now it comes with book and toys. Come play and read with your children while you connect with other parents in the area. Chandler Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

9, 16, 23, 30

Minecraft Mondays, 3 p.m. Get together with other kids who like to play Minecraft. Space is limited. Cactus Room in Chandler Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

9, 16, 23, 30

Girls Who Code, 6 p.m. A great learning environment for girls who want to learn to design a video game or build apps using code. Volunteers from Intel teach a weekly program to girls in sixth through eighth grades. Chandler Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

9, 16, 23

Baby Brain Time, 11:15 a.m. This three-part series for parents with infants up to 18 months. Sessions are designed to help encourage brain development with books and toys. Monsoon Room at Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2840, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

10, 17, 24, 31

Family Storytime, 10 a.m. Come read stories with your toddlers and pre-schoolers for this all-ages, 30-minute storytime. Cloud Room at Chandler Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

10, 17, 24, 31

Bilingual Storytime, 11 a.m. Enjoy stories and songs in Spanish and English for children up to age 5. Cloud Room at Chandler Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.www.chandlerlibrary.org.

10, 17, 24, 31

Family Storytime, 10 a.m. Come read stories with your toddlers and pre-schoolers for this all-ages 30 minute storytime. Cloud Room at Chandler Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

11, 18, 25

Lapsit Babytime, 10 a.m. Bring your baby up to 18 months for this 40-minute storytime complete with books, puppets and group playtime. Cloud Room in Chandler Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

VERTEX—Maker Day, 4 p.m. Interactive centers and hands-on activities for children of all ages. Explore art, technology, science and more. Monsoon Room at Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2840, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

12, 19, 26

Toddlertime, 10 a.m. A 20-minute program with puppets, action songs and books. The activities are de-

signed to enhance the development of your child ages 14 to 36 months. Cloud Room in Chandler Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 7822800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

12, 19, 26

Preschool Storytime, 11 a.m. Bring your children ages 3-5 for this 30-minute storytime program including ﬂannel board, books, songs and more. Cloud Room at Chandler Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

12, 19, 26

LEGO Club, 3:30 p.m. Come hang out with other kids who love to build with LEGOs. The library provides the LEGOs so all you need is your imagination. Ages 6-11. Cloud Room in Chandler Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

13, 14, 15

Ostrich Festival, 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. March 13; 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. March 14; and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. March 15. The Ostrich Festival celebrates the history of ostrich farms in Chandler. Featuring midway rides, musical performances, and fair food including ostrich burgers. Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Rd., Chandler. Prices vary. www.ostrichfestival.com.

Family Book Club, 10 a.m. Bring the entire family to have fun playing games and winning prizes with free books and snacks. Registration is limited to 20 families. Cloud Room at Chandler Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

Los Suns Night Powered by APS, 6 p.m. Come cheer on the Phoenix Suns as they take on the New York Knicks in their annual Los Suns night. APS will provide Los Suns maracas for 5,000 fans. US Airways Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. $25.75 to $2,029.75. (602) 279-7867, www.suns.com/tickets.

The Teen Scene, 3 p.m. Come play games, eat snacks, study or hang out with your friends. Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2840, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

C-Town Suitcase Club—Trains, Go back in time and discover the history of everyday objects. Chandler Museum, 300 Chandler Village Dr. S. Free. (480) 782-2717, www.chandleraz.gov/museum.

Garibaldi, 7:30 p.m. Bring the entire family to watch as Garibaldi creates paintings of famous musicians to music in a matter of minutes. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. $28 to $38. (480) 782-2683, www.chandlercenter.org.

Downtown Chandler Artwalk, 6 p.m. A colorful showcase from local artists for the entire family to enjoy. Displayed artwork includes jewelry, oil paintings, photography and more. During the evening musicians will perform live music and select artists will give live demonstrations of their artwork. Chandler Historic Square, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. (480) 855-3539, www.chandlerartwork.com.

Arizona’s Got Talent, 6:30 p.m. Top talented youth and young adults showcase their talents. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. $15 to $25. (480) 782-2683, www.chandlercenter.org.

21, 22

The Great American Barbecue and Beer Festival, 12 p.m. Downtown Chandler will be ﬁlled to the brim with good food and music for this festival. More than 60 pit masters will be cooking up a variety of pork ribs, chicken, pulled pork and brisket. Bring the family to enjoy a day of music, food and fun. Chandler Historic Square, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. $10 to $15. www.chandlerbbq.com.

Create-Play-Learn, 11 a.m. The perfect class for miniSTEAMers. Explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math like the older STEAM club but with kids their age. Ages 2-5. Community Center Room 111 at Chandler Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

Read to Dogs, 10 a.m. Come try your hand at reading books to a dog. Who knows, they might really dig it. Ages 3 and older. Cloud Room in Chandler Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free; registration required. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

Snow Day, 2 p.m. Spring is here, but there’s still snow. Kids can celebrate with fellow youngsters, while they get their faces painted, eat food and make crafts. Chandler Presbyterian Church, 1900 S. Arrowhead Dr., Chandler. Free. (480) 215-5013, www.chandlerpres.org.

28, 29

Trains in the Garden, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This spring tour features private homes—plus Cardon Children’s Medical Center in Mesa—with G-Scale garden railroads in their backyards. Home are located in Mesa, Glendale, Sun Lakes, Chandler and San Tan Valley. Donations accepted. www. azbigtrains.org.

Driver education classes scheduled for teens this month

Tempe Community Education and Tempe Union High School District, in partnership with Chandler Community Education Program and the Chandler Uniﬁed School District, are hosting driver education classes for teens at Basha and Hamilton high schools in March.

The classes at Basha are scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, March 9, through Friday, March 13. The Hamilton courses are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 20.

The program includes a guest appearance by a Chandler Police Department traffic officer, who will focus safety and crash prevention. There will also be a fieldtrip to Tempe Union High School District to practice on driving simulators.

Coursework also includes textbook reading, workbook assignments, group discussions, problemsolving scenarios and at least three hours practice time on driving simulators.

Upon successful completion of the course, teens will receive a certiﬁcate of completion, which can be taken to the MVD and submitted for an Arizona learner’s permit. Register online at www. cusdcommunity.com.

The search begins for the next Miss Teen Arizona International

Applications are being accepted for the title of Miss Teen Arizona International 2015. The Miss Teen International Pageant will be held at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts in Jacksonville, Florida, July 27 through Aug. 2.

The women selected as Miss Teen Arizona International 2015 will serve as an ambassador for Arizona and will receive an ofﬁcial crown and sash.

There is no talent or swimsuit competition, and previous pageant experience is not required. Miss Teen contestants compete in interview, ﬁtness wear, evening gown and “fun fashion” to show off their own style in an age-appropriate outﬁt of their choice.

Mary Richardson, the national executive director of International Pageants, states they are looking for women “who could grace the crown, the system and their communities.”

The winner of the Miss Teen International Pageant will receive a three-year modeling contract along with cash and prizes.

Applicants must be unmarried and between the ages of 13 and 18. To apply, contact Richardson at (540) 989-5992 or email at director@missinternational.us.

347 Grill

Ak-Chin

16000 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa (520) 233-2426, www.ultrastarakchin.com

Children ages 6 and under eat free with paid adult during Sunday brunch. Tuesdays are family nights, where all kids 12 and younger eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée. Ice cream scoops are $1 in the Cones Café.

Apple Dumpling Café

3076 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Suite 101, Gilbert (480) 279-3879, www. appledumplingcafe.com

Mondays are family value night, where kids eat free with each adult meal purchase of $6.95 or more. On family fun night, kids receive free ice cream with a meal. Ice cream happy hour is 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, where kids buy one ice cream or dessert and get one free.

Chompie’s

3481 W. Frye Rd., Chandler (480) 398-3008, www.chompies.com

Children 10 and younger receive one free item from the kids’ meal menu with an adult meal purchase of $8 or more on Tuesdays. Dine-in only.

Connect5 Family Centers Corp.

222 E. Warner Rd., Chandler (480) 699-2122

Receive a free kids’ meal with an adult purchase for Munchie Monday,

WHERE KIDS EAT FREE

free lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Freebie Friday Free Dinner from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Copper Still Moonshine Grill

2531 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 101, Gilbert (480) 656-1476, www.CopperStillMoonshineGrill.com

Kids ages 10 and younger eat for free on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult meal.

Dilly’s Deli

2895 S. Alma School Rd., Suite 5, Chandler (480) 722-0645, www.dillysdeli.com

Get one free kids’ meal for each adult meal purchased at $6 or more on weekends.

El Palacio Restaurant & Cantina

2950 E. Germann Rd., Chandler (480) 802-5770, www.epfamilyrestaurants.com

Kids 12 and younger eat free when adult meals are purchased on Wednesdays.

Fat Willy’s

4850 S. Gilbert Rd., Chandler (480) 883-1356, www.fatwillysaz.com/Chandler

From 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, dine-in and get a free kids’ meal with every adult entrée purchased. Kids can select from the Little Leaguers menu only and must be 12 and younger.

Floridino’s Pizza & Pasta

590 N. Alma School Rd., Suite 35, Chandler (480) 812-8433, www.ﬂoridinos.net

Kids eat free from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays. Receive one free kids meal per $8 adult purchase when customers dine-in only.

Nabers Music Bar & Eats

825 N. 54th St., Chandler (480) 705-0288, www.nabersaz.com

Kids eat free on Mondays and Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult meal and two beverages. Dine-in only.

NYPD Pizza

2580 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler (480) 722-0898, www.aznypdpizza.com

Kids eat for free on Wednesday and Sunday after 4 p.m. with the purchase of a small or medium pizza. Dine-in only.

Pittsburgh Willy’s

48 S. San Marcos Pl., Chandler (480) 821-3197

Everyday, except Sunday breakfast, one child aged 10 and under eats free with each paying adult, while additional kids eat for 50 percent off, when they order from the Wee Willy menu only.

Planet Sub

1920 W. Germann Rd., Chandler (480) 245-6503, www.planetsub.com

Kids eat free with a paying adult on Mondays.

Sidelines Grill

2980 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler (480) 792-6965, www.sidelinesaz.com

Kids eat free from the kids’ menu after 4 p.m. on Thursdays with the purchase of an adult entree. Dine-in only.

Someburros Great Mexican Food

3461 W. Frye Rd., Chandler (480) 726-8226

2597 S. Market St., Gilbert (480) 497-8226

1335 E. Baseline Rd., Gilbert (480) 755-8226

www.someburros.com

From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, kids 12 and younger eat free with the purchase of a combo or specialty meal. Dine-in only.

The Cove Grill

5070 S. Gilbert Rd., Suite 400, Chandler (480) 802-9070, www.thecovegrill.com

Kids younger than 12 receive one free meal per adult entrée purchased on Tuesdays. Dine-in only.

Whiskey Rose Bar and Grill

135 W. Ocotillo Rd., Chandler (480) 895-ROSE (7673)

Kids eat free on Tuesdays and Sundays with purchase of an adult entree.

WHERE KIDS EAT FREE

The SanTan Sun News now has a regular “Where kids eat free” section.

Restaurant owners, please email us details such as days of the week kids can eat free at your establishment, and what conditions apply, such as purchase of an adult meal, certain hours, etc., Include your restaurant name, address, phone and website and a contact name for veriﬁcation.

Readers, if you know of a location that has a kidseat-free program, email us with the restaurant name, a phone and / or email for conﬁrmation and details. Email information to KidsEatFree@santansun. com.

Come enjoy SPRING ACTIVITIES with THE CITY OF CHANDLE R

FRIDAY, MARCH 27 | 4 :30- 9 :30 P.M. and SATURDAY, MARCH 28 | NOON -9 :30 P.M.

DR. A.J. CHANDLER PARK • DOWNTOWN CHANDLER

Come and enjoy a spectacular weekend of great Jazz music in a variety of outdoor and indoor venues. We are featuring four great Blues bands on Friday evening. Our headliners will perform at 8 p.m. each night and they include – Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns on Friday and Sean Jones Quartet on Saturday. These are shows that shouldn’t be missed!

While you enjoy many of the free performances you can also visit the galleries, restaurants and shops that make Downtown Chandler a great place to visit. The downtown area has plenty of free parking available. And you may want to bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the outdoor performances.