WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
July and August are usually the hottest months of the year in Michigan. The sun might not always be shining, but the heat and humidity are still present. As far as the sun goes, the sun does not always have to be directly on you to get sunburned. Many folks are proud to be called sun-worshipers. This is great as long as you protect yourself from those UV rays. These harmful rays are strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. If you don’t enjoy lying in the sun, but must be outside, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing. Here are some tips on how to protect yourself and your skin:
Use Sunscreen. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher before you go outside. SPF is a measure of how a sunscreen protects skin from UVB rays, These are the rays which can cause sunburn, damage skin, and also contribute to skin cancer.
Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens. A mineral sunscreen uses minerals as active ingredients, most often zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It sits on top of your skin and reflects UV rays away from your body. Chemical sunscreens are effective because they absorb the sun’s UV rays. Through a chemical reaction, the sunscreen dissipates the UV rays. The UV rays never hit your body.
Protective Clothing. When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants or skirts. These provide protection from UV rays. Clothes made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection. Look for clothing certified as offering UV protection.
Sunglasses. Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure.
This information was provided by Army veteran Jennifer Campbell, a certified personal trainer with a master’s degree in nutrition education.
Life happens and coffee helps.
The need for fresh blood is never-ending. This is why the American Red Cross continues to have blood drives here in St. Joseph County. There are two drives scheduled for this week in two locations. Moorepark Community Church, 55701 Wilbur Road, just north of Three Rivers, will host a drive this Friday, from noon until 5:45PM. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 16603 US-12, will also host a blood drive on Friday from noon until 5:15 PM. You can travel north or south and there is a blood drive waiting just for you. Stop by either location and let them poke a little fun at you. Those in need will greatly appreciate your generous donation.
Why is a frankfurter called a hot dog? Around the turn of the twentieth century, it was thought that frankfurters were actually made from dog parts. Not a pleasant thought. A concessionaire at New York’s Polo Grounds named Harry Stevens had his vendors yell “Get your red-hot dachshund sausages!” A famous cartoonist T.A. Dorgan liked this expression and started calling them hot dogs. He drew a frankfurter shaped like a dachshund inside a bun. Alas, a new expression was born.
“Every day we do our part, to make your face a work of art.” – BURMA SHAVE
See you Out and About!
Submitted by Norm Stutesman
