- Myth No. 5: Tanning beds are safer than tanning under the sun.

Reality: Tanning beds use ultraviolet light, similar to the UVA and UVB rays emitted by the sun. In fact, the effects of UV exposure are intensified in a tanning bed. Spending an hour in a tanning bed is easily equivalent to spending several hours outside in the sun.

- Myth No. 6: Exposure to sunlight helps your skin look young and healthy.

Reality: Too much sun actually ages you prematurely. Compare skin on your face and hands with skin on a part of your body that is not regularly exposed to the sun and see the difference. While this is not a recommendation for you to hide from the world, it does offer a compelling reason (if the thought of skin cancer is not enough) to protect your skin from the damaging effects of sunlight.

- Dr. Jack Lesher

Chief of Dermatology

MCG Health System

MCG Health System is composed of three separate organizations: MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. The physicians of MCG Health System are community physicians and faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the Physicians Practice Group, not employees of MCG Health Inc. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Medical Center, MCG Children's Medical Center, the MCG Sports Medicine Center, MCG Ambulatory Care Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by providing an environment for faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the Physicians Practice Group and community physicians to deliver the highest level of primary and specialty health care. For more information, visit www.MCGHealth.org.