Explaining the New Testament Church

June 14, 2009 Leave a Comment

stw1Having explained to our friends God’s plan of salvation, soon the subject of “the church” will, and should, come up. We need to be able to explain to our friends the uniqueness of Christ’s church; His plea and purpose.

The question will often be asked, “Where do you go to church?” (or some similar question about church membership), and then, very often, remarks will follow such as, “Well, it really doesn’t matter what church you go to…no church saves you…one church is as good as another…just join the church of your choice….” These sentiments, and others like them, are popular and commonly repeated, but they reveal a lack of understanding regarding what the Bible teaches about the church. Many, though very sincere, simply do not know what the New Testament teaches about the Lord’s body, which is the Lord’s church.

What is “the church”?

Let us first begin with defining what the church is. Many think of “building” when they think of “church.” But that is not what the New Testament means. Help your friends see that the “church” in the Bible (from the original word ekklesia) means the “called out body”; the word means “saved people.” The church is not a physical building, but the saved people of God – those who spiritually belong to God the Father through His Son Jesus Christ.

Who built the church?

Let us stress that the builder of the New Testament church is Jesus Christ Himself! He is the one who promised to build the church (Matthew 16:18). He is the head of the church, and the church is His body (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18).

Throughout history many men have built “their own” churches; but the church of the Bible was built in the first century by the Son of God. It began on the day of Pentecost in the city of Jerusalem in Acts 2. As believers, we mean the church which Jesus built – nothing more, nothing less, and nothing besides.

Is the church important?

stw2Contrary to popular opinion that “the church” is unimportant, the Bible not only teaches that the church Jesus built is important, but that it is essential!

The Bible teaches that Jesus is “the savior of the body” (the church, Ephesians 5:23). What Jesus is going to save is His church – for the church is the saved, and those who are saved are the church! It is completely contrary to Scripture to speak of “saved” and “church” as separate things, for in the Bible they are the same thing!

It is the Lord’s church that will be saved, and it is through the Lord’s church that God is glorified (Ephesians 3:20-21).

What about the church?

Having explained to our friends what the New Testament church is and why it is important, we need to set forth the uniqueness of what Christ wants for His church.

We live in a religiously confused and divided world. There are numerous religious denominations, and they continue to multiply; but no modern denomination existed in the first century – none! Christ is pleading for undenominational, New Testament Christianity. He is calling for men and women to abandon all man-made denominations, and be simply Christians, members of the church He built.

Conclusion

Let us carefully explain that we are not pleading for “his church” or “her church” or “your church” or “my church,” but rather we are pleading for Jesus’ church: the New Testament church that Jesus promised and purchased, built and bought.

When men and women heard the simple message of the gospel – the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ – and when they believed and obeyed it, the Lord added them to the one church that Jesus built (Acts 2:47). The same word received in the same way today yields the same result: forgiveness of sin and addition to the Lord’s body.

Ours is a Scriptural, winning, successful plea when properly understood. May God help us adequately explain the beauty of the New Testament church!

By John Brown

Filed Under: Spread the Word

Flirting: Innocent or Not?

June 13, 2009 Leave a Comment

dating1A recent Ask A Guy article briefly discussed the topic of flirting. Since this is a struggle many young women have, I thought it’d be appropriate to talk about flirting in more detail. Many of us do things completely unaware of how we make other people feel, but we need to choose to be aware and to consider the thoughts and feelings of others before we act.

After researching by asking some of the guys I know, I’ll share with you the things guys specifically view as flirting and temptation, and I’ll give you some suggestions for alternative, pure ways to act.

Physical touch

Guys are tempted by touching. For example, if you give one of your guy friends a back massage, he could be thinking about other ways he’d like to be touched, even if your intentions are innocent, and even if he doesn’t admit it. Instead, give him a high five or a friendly pat on the upper back. Sitting in his lap is also a turn-on, so sit in the chair next to him, or, if there isn’t an available seat, sit on the floor or remain standing (hopefully he is gentlemanly enough to offer his seat!). Full frontal hugs are also tempting to guys. You may simply be hugging a friend, but he definitely notices every inch of your body that’s touching his. If you want to hug him, give him a quick, one-armed side hug.

1 Corinthians 7:1 says that “…it is good for a man not to touch a woman.” It’s important to keep our bodies completely pure for marriage, even when it means going against a desire to touch guys.

Visual Senses

A girl can easily put off a flirtatious air just by what she’s wearing. Guys are very visual and are often tempted when they see a girl dressed in clothes that don’t cover a lot of skin, so respect them, and obey God, by following I Corinthians 10:32: “Do not cause anyone to stumble…” This includes the clothes you wear each day. See our other articles on modesty for some specifics about acceptable and unacceptable clothing.

Speech matters

dating2Sometimes girls aren’t touchy with guys, and they dress modestly, but they lead guys on by the things they say. Basically, if you don’t mean it, don’t say it (and, sometimes, if you do mean it, still don’t say it)! Even if you think you’re just friends with a guy, he may have more feelings for you, and saying flirtatious things could be leading him on. Girls often think this is innocent fun, when really, it can severely bruise a guy’s feelings, and once he realizes you have no intentions of a relationship with him, it could also harm your friendship.

Proverbs 9:13 tells us that “The woman of folly is boisterous, She is naive and knows nothing.” Folly means unrestrained or uncontrolled, boisterous means loud, and naive means lacking experience or judgment, so you could look at it like this: “The uncontrolled woman is loud; she lacks judgment and knows nothing.” You may not mean to come across as uncontrolled or lacking good judgment, but that’s often the way the spontaneous act of flirting is perceived, either by the person you’re flirting with or by other people who are watching your behavior.

Instead, think before you speak, and follow the advice given in I Corinthians 4:6: “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” That verse describes how to be seen in a much more positive light than the woman in Proverbs 9:13, and good guys will respect you more because of it.

God first

Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” If you’re seen flirting with and teasing the guys around you, other people are going to have a negative impression of you. We need to make sure that we’re always striving to portray godliness and to be an example to others, so choose to act in ways that are pleasing to God, instead of teasing to men.

By Davonne Parks

Filed Under: Dating

Choosing a Career

June 12, 2009 Leave a Comment

jft8Choosing a career path is among the toughest decisions we’ll ever make. A lot of thought goes into it…or not. If you just go where the wind blows, you’ll probably end up in a job that you don’t like, that you aren’t really suited for, and that doesn’t enhance your talents.

To find a career path that’s right for you, analyze the things you do best or like the most. Monster.com has a questionnaire to help you discover your interests, and discusses how to assess them into choosing a career that suits you best.

Now, Discover Your Strengths is an excellent book to read. That book will direct you to a free on-line test which will assess your strengths. I recommend reading the book and taking the test. It claims that no matter what your current age, the results will come out very close to who you will be at any age. I was amazed at how accurate the assessment was!

No matter which career path we choose, we need to always remember to choose one that won’t compromise our Christian principles. We need to be confident in who we are, and in “Whose” we are. Whichever career we choose, it needs to, above all, glorify God (Colossians 3:17).

By Carol Gartman

Filed Under: Just for Today

I Don’t Care!

June 11, 2009 1 Comment

jft9aThat statement is often heard from us teenagers, is it not? We all say it from time to time, at least––most commonly, when we don’t really mean it. Someone forgets our birthday? I don’t care! We fail a test? I don’t care! A relationship ends? I don’t care! But often, we do care!

People may say they don’t care to avoid dealing with problems, to look tough and resilient, to keep others from asking uncomfortable questions, or to avoid confrontation. You know the excuses. You’ve said it. The honest truth is, we are human and we care!

The only times, perhaps, we may really not care are when a friend offers a peanut butter and banana sandwich or cereal (two terrific choices!), someone spills something on our old paint-ball tee (it’s already stained anyways), or someone calls you and really needs to talk. Besides instances like these, yes…you probably do care.

Go ahead … don’t care!

There is, however, definitely one never-changing, major important reason to honestly and completely say the words I don’t care: when someone criticizes you for serving and pleasing God. We as Christians know that Christ died for us, and we owe our lives to Him (2 Corinthians 5:15), and there is a place for us in eternity with Him (John 14:1-3).

That’s enough reason right there to tell someone who tells us we are strange, “I don’t care!” We are told plainly that we’ll suffer at times (2 Timothy 3:12). (Read about some of Paul’s sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11.) When we look at the big picture, though, we don’t know suffering like Christ did. At any rate, all of us go through times of strengthening; we are presented with situations in which we can make an impact for Christ, or we can follow the world.

So then, what if:

Your classmate laughs at you when you leave an activity to attend Bible class? Say it then. You don’t have to be mean or rude, just simply say, “I don’t care if you laugh.” In fact, invite them to come with you!

Some kids tell you that you are too uptight, and say you need to loosen up and have some fun? You explain to them why you abstain from those harmful, worldly lusts, but they think you “need to grow up,” and “stop being a baby.” Who cares!? If you are following God’s Word, and striving to be “blameless and harmless” in a “crooked and perverse generation” (Phil. 2:15), then you are obeying Him, and that’s all that matters.

jft9bYou ask to leave work early to go with the youth group to a singing? Your boss says he will cut your pay that day. (Well, you might not want to say, “I don’t care,” out loud…but think it.) Tell him you will take the consequences, because God comes first in your life no matter what!

Now, care!

Girls, when we show the world that we don’t care what they think as long as we are giving it our all to please and serve Him, they notice! We have to take our trials, and allow God to help us turn them into opportunities to take a stand for our Lord. We need to realize that we can’t care if others think negative things about us when we’re obeying His Word. “Count it joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:3–4).

The next time someone makes fun of you or hurts your feelings because you are trying to please Him, remember––this is your chance to stand for Christ and to shine as a light for Him! The following is a well-known verse that we must never forget: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Now that’s something to care about!

By Hannah Smith

Filed Under: Just for Today

Sunless Tanning

June 10, 2009 Leave a Comment

bb1We’ve recently had a two-part article about sun safety, and while we all know how important it is to protect ourselves, many of us still want to look tan. The good news is that we can look tan without compromising on safety.

Spray-on tan

Spray-on tans are generally more expensive than a bottle from the drug store, but last longer (up to two weeks), and they’re much safer and cheaper than going to an actual tanning bed.

If you want to try out a spray-on tan, call around to your local tanning salons to find out rates and ask for any specific instructions. You may need to take your sister or mom with you to help you evenly rub the tan into hard-to-reach places.

Drugstore tan

You may want to do a little online research before deciding on the best type of tan for you, but I’ll share my top three choices.

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer. This is a lotion-based formula that has sunless tanner in it, which helps prevent streaking. The smell is fairly strong, so I suggest applying this at night, then showering to wash the smell away in the morning. It tans gradually, with the deepest color appearing after about a week with daily use, so if some body parts do start to get too dark or streaky, it’s not very noticeable and all you have to do is stop using it for a couple of days.

Olay Touch of Sun Overnight. While the name suggests that this needs to be used at night, this sunless tanning lotion is fine to use during the day. The color starts to develop within an hour or so, similar to the Jergens moisturizer, but the smell is very mild, which makes it perfect for applying after a morning shower and wearing all day. This is my personal favorite.

bb2Banana Boat Summer Color. I haven’t actually tried this product, but a friend recently walked into church and her tan looked so real that I asked her what she’s been doing. She told me she picked up the cheapest tanning bottle at the store and tried it out. The best part is it only needs to be applied once or twice a week, so it’s less time consuming than the other moisturizers. This is definitely top on my list of the next tanning product to try out!

General sunless tanning tips

Wear loose-fitting clothes. If you put jeans on right after applying sunless tanner, whether in a booth or at home, some of it may rub off on your clothes. Instead, wear loose gym shorts and a baggy t-shirt until the tanner is completely dry.

Always shower, shave, exfoliate, and lotion up before “tanning.” If you plan on keeping the tan, you won’t be able to shower for several hours afterward in order to allow the solution time to set on your skin. Shaving and exfoliating will help the tanner to stay on longer, because it will get rid of dead skin cells and allow the tanner to penetrate deeper into healthy skin. The lotion will help the tanner to go on smoothly, and keep it from getting too dark in one area.

Follow instructions. Read all labels and instructions completely and carefully, taking special note of their ingredients if you have allergies.

Healthy glow without the risk

If you want that “healthy” summer glow (which actually isn’t healthy), try using a sunless tanner to achieve the look, then slather up with sunscreen to protect yourself when you’re in the sun. In cases like this, you really can have the best of both worlds.

Ecclesiastes 11:7 “The light is pleasant, and it is good for the eyes to see the sun.”

By Davonne Parks

Filed Under: Beauty Buzz

The Ultimate Staycation

June 9, 2009 Leave a Comment

fam1It’s summertime, and that means vacation time! However, many families may either be too busy to take a full vacation away from home, or they are not financially able to do so this year. So, why not recommend a family staycation this summer! In case you’re not familiar with one, a staycation is a fairly new term for a vacation that’s done at home. Many families are now choosing to stay home––or close to home––rather than taking big, extended trips out of town.

The Plan

Planning a staycation can be a lot of fun, and fairly simple. First, come up with a budget and date. You may choose to spend a solid weekend for your staycation, or spread it out over a week or two. Or, if your parents can’t take time off work, plan on doing a different, and simple, activity each night when everyone is home. That’s the great thing about it––it’s totally flexible. Next, discuss with your family what you’d all like to do. You may choose to do one big thing that you’d all enjoy, such as a camping trip to a nearby state park. Or, you could decide on a time frame and let each person choose an activity he or she would like the family to do together (keeping the budget in mind). Below are some fun family staycation ideas, but be creative and come up with some of your own also!

Backyard Campout

No state or local park nearby? Camp out in your own backyard! One benefit? You have your own bathrooms. Grab your camping gear and head out to the great outdoors. Pitch a tent together, make a fire (just check with your local fire codes first), and roast some hotdogs for dinner. Then spend the evening playing cards or talking and looking at the stars. If you don’t have the yard for a campout, pull out some sleeping bags and camp out in your family room. Just the variation alone will make it a special time. And don’t forget the s’mores!

Zoo/Aquarium

fam2The zoo is an easy idea that the entire family can enjoy. Pack your own snacks and lunches to save money, and head out to see some of the amazing animals that God created. Or try out an aquarium if you live near one. Some great zoos around the country (if you live within driving distance) are the San Diego Zoo, the Columbus Zoo, the Cincinnati Zoo, the Memphis Zoo, and the St. Louis Zoo.

Whitewater Rafting/Canoeing

If you live near a river (and have an adventurous family), you may have the exciting option of spending a day on the water. Check your area for whitewater rafting or canoeing guides and availability. Bring a picnic lunch (use waterproof packaging!) and spend the day with your family braving the rapids.

Museum

Many cities have a great selection of museums and science and art centers. If someone in your family enjoys science, history, or art, he or she may choose for the family to spend an afternoon touring a museum or historical site. Bring a lunch to eat nearby at a local park, or find a new, fun restaurant you haven’t tried yet.

Amusement park

If your family lives near an amusement park, this might be the staycation idea for you! Get there early (and on a weekday, if possible) to beat some of the crowds, and bring your own snacks and lunches, since park prices are usually very high. Remember to consider younger siblings who may not be old enough or tall enough to ride some of the rides. Research your amusement park to find activities the entire family can enjoy.

Pizza/movie night, homemade ice cream

A great staycation doesn’t mean you have to even leave your house. One person in your family may opt for the enjoyable idea of some time spent at home with the family, doing something you’re all often too busy to do. Have a pizza and movie night, or cookout and make some homemade ice cream to kick off the start of summer. (No ice cream maker? Check out this super-easy recipe.) Pull out a fun family game, or set up the croquet set or volleyball net.

Ready, Set, Go!

fam4Enough ideas! It’s your turn. God has given us our families (Ephesians 3:14-15), so let’s take the time to appreciate them and have fun with them! Get your family together and discuss some fun options for this latest trend––the family staycation. I’ve given you just a few suggestions, but every family is different. Come up with some unique and creative ideas that your family can enjoy, close to home and much cheaper than the typical family retreat. And don’t forget to take pictures!

By Lisa Grimenstein

Filed Under: Generation Gap

Top Career Fields

June 8, 2009 Leave a Comment

itw2Choosing a career is not easy. There are so many choices and specialties out there that the possibilities are seemingly endless. From healthcare to accounting, business to law, there are many jobs, each claiming to be the best.

I wanted this list to be about more than the job salary. Actually, I didn’t want that to be a factor at all. Choosing a career is important because it is something that we plan on doing every day for about 30 years (or more). It needs to be something you enjoy doing and something that you will not be apt to get bored with quickly. This is a list of the careers that are projected to be the fastest growing in the United States. With growing fields it can make it easier to find work within that job market once you are able to meet the qualifications.

1.Physician’s Assistant (P.A.)––Believe it or not, being a P.A. is really becoming popular. Physician’s assistants are able to see patients without supervision (their charts are usually looked over and signed off on by a physician after treatment, however), and they can write prescriptions (for certain medications). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, a physician’s assistant is the fastest growing career field.

2.Physical Therapist––Those in this career field work with the elderly and disabled/injured to help them move and keep their bodies physically able to move.

3.Manicurists and Pedicurists––Even through the hard economic times our country has faced it seems as though those in this career stay busy.

4.Environmental Scientist––Examining and cleaning up waste, protecting the environment from harm, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

5.Computer Software Engineers––Two words: Bill Gates. While there is no guarantee to be as big in the business as he is, this industry is quickly growing. There is room for imagination and there always seems to be something new available.

itw36.Database Administrators––These are the people who manage stored information (customer information or inventories). One part of this career field that is especially significant is patient data. It has to be secure and stored accurately or it could cost people their lives.

7.Dental Assistants––This field provides much preventative care to older patients and usually does the cleaning that you receive as well.

8.Social Workers––Whether you would be a child’s advocate or work with mentally disabled individuals or substance abuse patients, this is a growing field.

9.Veterinary Technologist––If you love animals, this may be a good field to consider.

10.Personal and Home Care Aids––These are people that go into people’s homes and assist them when they are ill. From helping them to the restroom to making sure they take the correct medication, this is a field that really helps others be able to stay at their home rather than go to a nursing home or hospital.

With the job market being so competitive these days, it can be tough to make a decision of this caliber. What if you make a decision and get into a field that has few jobs? That is always a risk. However, try to keep your mind open to other possibilities. If you say you are going to be a nurse and then have a hard time finding a job, be willing to try other jobs (such as a personal or homecare aid). Sometimes it is even necessary to step outside your comfort zone and try something completely different. You may not realize the array of talent God has given you unless you try something. No matter what career choice you make, remember that being a Christian should be your first priority above all else.

By Sarah Ancheta

Filed Under: In the World

Your Way, Right Away

June 7, 2009 Leave a Comment

jft1Ever notice how convenient our culture has become? This seems to be a great thing; however, if we really think about it, it encourages our impatience. The Bible tells us to be patient and wait upon the Lord. Psalm 37:7: “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.”

In today’s culture, we can easily get caught up in getting what we want, when we want it. One popular car commercial states, “I want it all, and I want it now.” As if that’s okay. If that’s what we want, then it’s normal and we should get it. Yes, it’s nice that we don’t have to wait days for the mail to come to hear from a dear friend––we have email. We don’t have to wait for a late friend to show up for a date––she can call or text us and tell us she’s on her way. We don’t even have to wait long for dinner, since everything can be pre-packaged, and if we really want to, we can just zip through a drive-thru on the way home. No waiting.

But how patient does that make us? How impatient does that make us when God doesn’t do what we want right away? His timing is perfect. “For He says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you’” (2 Corinthians 6:2). In this busy world, where we are tempted to think that we deserve whatever we want, and we should get it the second we want it, we need to remember that only God can see the big picture, and that many times, by our waiting, He is growing us and preparing us for His work.

By Lisa Grimenstein

Filed Under: Just for Today

Sun Safety: Prevention and After-Care

June 6, 2009 Leave a Comment

haf11We recently discussed how to protect against sun exposure by using sunscreen and protective layers, so please read that article, then come back here.

Tanning beds

Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the most intense times (10am-4pm). It’s also important to avoid tanning beds. These beds have lamps that use the same light as the sun, only instead of the sun’s rays which are bouncing off of the trees, pavement, buildings, and you, the lamps are focused only on you. Some medications make you more sensitive to sun exposure, causing you to burn more easily. Check your prescription and over-the-counter medication labels, as sun sensitivity will be listed if it is a side effect.

Self exam

Conduct skin exams over your entire body once a month, standing in front of a full-length mirror. Be sure to use a smaller, hand-held mirror to examine all hard-to-see places, and lift up your hair around your neck, ears, and forehead. Become familiar with the pattern of moles, freckles, and any other marks on your skin so that you will notice any changes in them. Watch any bumps or moles to make sure they are not changing in shape, color, or size, and watch for any new growths or any sores that won’t heal. Show your doctor anything that concerns you. People with moles, freckles, fair skin/hair, and a personal or family history of skin cancer need to be more careful and aware of their sun exposure (but don’t assume you’re exempt if you don’t have these characteristics).

Sunburns

haf3If you do get a sunburn, stay in the shade, as any additional sun exposure will increase pain and the severity of the burn. Take a cool bath or shower or apply cool compresses to alleviate the heat and pain of the burn. Apply aloe vera gel, which is excellent for soothing the burn and quickening healing. You can take a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (aspirin), or use the spray-on “after burn” pain relievers (remember to always talk to your doctor before taking any medicine). If the sunburn is severe, looks infected, or blisters begin to develop, call your doctor. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are also a possibility in warmer weather when one becomes sunburned, dehydrated, or overheated. Call your doctor if you experience an unexplained fever, trouble looking at light, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, or mental confusion.

Safe fun

Get outside and enjoy that beautiful weather that God has given us. “…you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near” (Luke 21:30 NKJV). Do not be afraid to take your activities outside; just be aware of what your body is telling you. Learn as much as you can to protect yourself and your family, keeping your bodies healthy so that you can continue to serve and praise God to your full ability. As with all activities, make sure you drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. By the way, have you reapplied that sunscreen lately?

By Sherri Houmard

Filed Under: Health and Fitness

Sun Safety: Protection

June 5, 2009 Leave a Comment

haf11Summer has arrived. It’s beautiful out and the sun is shining, which means more outdoor activities . Getting some sun is good for us. The sun provides us with vitamin D, which allows our bodies to absorb and use calcium. Not to mention, the sun is one of God’s most beautiful creations. “Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:16-18, NKJV).

Being out in the sun can make us feel great, but over-exposure to the sun’s harmful rays can cause premature aging and skin cancer. The damage may not be visible now, but the sun damage appears over time with slowly sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration, freckles, and age spots. Nothing can undo the damage that has already been done to your skin, but it’s never too late to begin caring for your skin now, to prevent additional damage.

Protect with Sunscreen

Sunscreen should be a part of your everyday skincare routine. Many skincare products, such as lotions, moisturizers, foundations, and lip balms/lipsticks now contain an SPF. When choosing a sunscreen, an SPF of 15 or higher is recommended for protecting against both UVA and UVB rays. Read the label to see how long before sun exposure you should apply the sunscreen and how often to reapply. Typically, you should apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours, if the label does not specify certain times. Remember that the SPF tells how long a sunscreen will last, not how powerful it is, so choose a sunscreen with a high SPF to keep from having to constantly reapply. Make sure to reapply sunscreen after swimming and after activities where you are sweating.

haf2The term “waterproof” on a sunscreen bottle is deceiving. No sunscreen can be kept from washing off. Some of the ingredients may help certain sunscreens to be more water resistant than others, but all sunscreen eventually washes off and must be reapplied. Remember to apply sunscreen liberally! An average-sized adult needs approximately 2 tablespoons of sunscreen for skin to be appropriately covered. Make sure you remember your lips, ears, neck, and underneath the shoulders of sleeveless shirts (most tops will shift at some point).

Protect with layers

If you are not swimming, cover up with long sleeves, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Make sure your sunglasses aren’t just making a fashion statement. Sunglasses should have protection from UVA and UVB light, and should be labeled as such. Alternate your time in the sun with time in the shade. Remember that even on an overcast or windy day, you can still become sunburned. The sun’s rays are able to penetrate through the clouds and reflect off of sand, water, and pavement. A windy day can be deceiving, as you can be unaware that your skin is burning since the wind keeps your skin feeling cool.

Coming up

In a future article, we’ll discuss tanning beds, self skin exams, and sunburn care, so check back soon!

By Sherri Houmard

Filed Under: Health and Fitness
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