Illinois, U.S.A. – The state of New York took a positive step to protect youth from the dangers of skin cancer by prohibiting the use of indoor tanning beds by those 16 and younger, and requiring 17-year-olds to obtain parental consent. This law is based on significant scientific evidence that indoor tanning is undeniably linked to increased risk of developing melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.

“The American Academy of Dermatology Association commends New York for joining in the fight against melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, and non-melanoma skin cancers. This law will help prevent skin cancer and reduce our country’s health care costs,” said Daniel M. Siegel, MD, FAAD, president of the American Academy of Dermatology Association and a New York-based dermatologist. “Melanoma rates have been increasing for the last 30 years, with the most rapid increases occurring among young women, the primary users of indoor tanning. Prohibiting access to indoor tanning for young people helps limit this risky behavior before it can become a habit that continues through adolescence into adulthood.”

Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the bill Monday, July 16, and it will go into effect in 30 days. In a statement, Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg, a bill sponsor, said indoor tanning at an early age is one of those things people live to regret.

Additional support for the ban was provided by The Medical Society of the State of New York, American Cancer Society, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association, AIM at Melanoma, and the New York State Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery.

More than 3.5 million skin cancers in more than 2 million people are diagnosed annually. It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. In fact, it is estimated that more than 4,700 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in New York in 2012.

“Prevention is one of the most valuable tools that we have as dermatologists. We need to continue educating patients about the risks of indoor tanning and encouraging healthy decisions to help prevent skin cancer,” said Dr. Siegel. “This law will protect children and adolescents from the health hazards of indoor tanning and send a strong message from the state that tanning is a dangerous behavior and should be avoided.”

New York is the latest state to pass legislation that limits the use of indoor tanning by young people. California and Vermont have passed laws prohibiting use by minors.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services proclaimed in 2002 that ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds and sun lamps, is a known carcinogen. Yet, nearly 30 million people tan indoors in the United States annually. Of these, 2.3 million are teens.

In an effort to increase the public’s understanding of skin cancer and motivate people to change their behavior to prevent and detect skin cancer, the Academy launched the SPOT Skin Cancer public awareness initiative. Visit the SPOT Skin Cancer website — www.SpotSkinCancer.org — to learn how to perform a skin self-exam, download a body mole map for tracking changes on your skin, and find free skin cancer screenings in your area. Those affected by skin cancer also can share their story via the website and download free materials to educate others in their community.

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New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is all about talking the talk, but does not follow his own advice. After the Associated Press obtained state records under the Freedom of Information Act, it was discovered that Cuomo used the state aircraft for personal travels.

Although Cuomo may be entitled to use the state plane, it doesn’t sit well in the state that is threatened by his office to be decimated by budget cuts. While the governor was advocating massive state cuts that would destroy education and the infrastructure, Cuomo was traveling to Westchester County to visit his girlfriend on the state’s dime.

The records show Cuomo used a state plane and helicopter to return to Westchester County at the end of statewide tours more than a dozen times from when he took office in January through June, the end of his first legislative session. The state plane was then flown from Westchester, where Cuomo lives with his girlfriend, to the capital of Albany to return the aircraft to its hangar as required.

Even though Cuomo used state aircraft far less than his predecessors, there is no record of any politicking or fundraising in the trips.  According to state law, the governor is allowed to use the aircraft  only for “official events.” This includes his trips Westchester home, which the Democrat lists as his official address, Cuomo spokesman Josh Vlasto said Saturday.

Cuomo’s girlfriend Sandra Lee owns the home, and Cuomo’s daughters live there much of the time. Cuomo himself spends far more time at the executive mansion in Albany than other recent governors.

“The governor uses the plane in furtherance of state business,” Vlasto said. “Every trip is approved by the counsel’s office and the secretary to the governor and to the extent Governor Cuomo’s use of the plane is noteworthy, it’s for its limited use and anyone familiar with the relevant law or practice would know that.It’s outrageous that due to an apparent lack of news, The Associated Press has now decided to fabricate stories.”

Even though this may be a normal and common practice, it seems to be hypocritical. At a time when politicians keep talking about “sacrifice” and “budget cuts,” it appears the only people they are talking about is the middle and lower class.

Apparently, the rich or politicians do not have to sacrifice at all. Cuomo could make the two hour drive from Westchester to Albany and it would not disrupt his life too much.

lev radin / Shutterstock.com

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In a dramatic late night vote, New York State became the sixth state in the nation to legalize same-sex marriages. The state senate waited until around 10:30 p.m. on Friday night to hold the much anticipated vote. Governor Andrew Cuomo, a staunch supporter of the bill, signed the legislation into law just before midnight on June 24^th.

The timing could not be any better as New York City hosts gay pride weekend following the signing. With the new legislation in New York, the number of gays and lesbians that can legally marry in the United States has doubled. In addition, New York State has no residency laws to marry and gay couples from across the nation will be flocking to the state to marry in late July when the law takes effect.

A religious exemption was also built into the bill to assuage some opponents. “Whoever opposes the rights of gays and lesbians to marry – whatever religious institution, whether it’s the Catholic Church, Orthodox Jews, anyone else – they are not required to marry any couple they do not want to marry,” Elizabeth Cooper of Fordham University Law School explained.

Why this was so important to opponents is unclear to me. Can’t churches already decide who to marry? Catholics do not let non-Catholics marry in their church. But this sticking point delayed the vote while senators met in backrooms to negotiate the deal. Republican State Senator Stephen Saland was one of those that negotiated the deal and was also one of the last senators to support the bill. He reported that he agonized over the decision. “I have defined doing the right thing as treating all persons with equality, and that equality includes the definition of marriage, and I fear that to do otherwise would fly in the face of my upbringing.”

Both sides of the debate expressed their feelings regarding the monumental vote. Many gay rights proponents believe that the vote will build momentum toward same-sex marriage across the country. Gov. Cuomo talked about the important vote while signing the bill. “We made a powerful statement,” Cuomo said. “This state is at its finest when it is a beacon of social justice.”

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The bill to permit same sex marriage was formally introduced by Governor Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday June 15, 2011 and passed by the State Assembly a day later. The bill provides the same legal rights for same-sex couples who marry as heterosexual couples. It also prohibits local clerks from nixing marriage license applications from gay couples.

Thirty one members of the Senate, including two Republicans, have already voted in favor of the bill. In order to officially be approved, there is only one more vote needed. This is the closest New York has come to making same sex marriage legal because of its failure to pass the Senate in recent years. Passing of the bill will make New York the 6^th largest state in the United States to legalize gay marriage and add fuel to the ongoing debate.

While many religious leaders including Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York have continued to speak out against gay marriage and campaign against legislation, Cuomo is working to find a balance between the principles of the state and those of religious institutions.

Republicans are reversing their opposition but have asked that Mr. Cuomo agree to amend the proposal and give greater protection to religious organizations. The bill will exempt religious institutions from any obligation to sanctify or provide facilities for same-sex weddings. It will also protect them from any repercussions from state agencies.

Governor Cuomo recently stated “This state has a proud tradition and a proud legacy as the progressive capital of the nation. We led the way, and it’s time for New York to lead the way once again.” This year more celebrities, renowned business and political leaders are showing support and advocating gay marriage. The governor and the Republicans described negotiations as cordial and productive and expect to extend the duration of the regular legislative session.

Image Courtesy of  http://www.flickr.com/photos/seeminglee/

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The critical gay marriage bill in New York State is not any closer to becoming law despite plenty of back room dealings on Monday. A three hour conference seemingly produced no results in Albany and the push to vote on the bill was delayed for another day.

Protesters from both side of the issue descended on Albany in relatively peaceful protests. The demonstrations Monday included a group saying the Rosary in the nearby Capitol Park. Inside the building’s marble halls, opponents chanted “God says no!” while supporters countered with “God is love!” They sang hymns such as “Victory is Mine” and songs like “God Bless America” and “This Little Light of Mine.” Religion was used on both sides but more often than not clergy opposed the bill. However, not all religious leaders believe that gay marriage should remain illegal.

“All of our faith traditions teach that all people are children of God, deserving of love, dignity and equal protection under the law,” said the Rev. Tom Goodhue, president of the Long Island Council of Churches. He was working with the New Yorkers United for Marriage, an advocacy group allied with the Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo. “The governor’s bill specifically provides broad protection for religious freedom.”

Gov. Cuomo has been an outspoken supporter of gay marriage and some Republicans have also thrown their support behind the measure. If New York approves gay marriage, many believe that it could be the turning point for the entire nation. New York tried two years ago and the Senate voted it down.  Since then, efforts have failed in New Jersey, Rhode Island and Maryland. Advocates hope a “yes” vote in the nation’s third-most populous state will jumpstart the effort.

Democratic Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr., a Bronx minister who has led the opposition, said he now considers the legalization of same-sex marriage inevitable in New York, but he’s unsure how the Senate will vote. He said Cuomo is exerting unprecedented pressure to get Republicans to approve his bill.

The measure passed overwhelmingly in the state Assembly last week. It appears that it is one vote short of passing the Senate at this point. Republican State Senator Greg Ball asked on Twitter how he should vote on the bill. He posed the question to his followers Friday, saying, “Opening up the discussion! So, if you were me, how would you vote on gay marriage? Yes or No?”  On Monday, the Putnam County lawmaker said the feedback trended toward voting yes.  Ball has stated he refuses to budge until more religious exemptions are included.

Lawmakers will continue to scramble to pass the measure before the end of the legislative session. More debate is expected on Tuesday before a Senate vote.

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