Problem: Article: It can be very difficult to adopt a puppy who becomes ill soon after you get it. Sickness, especially at a young age, can cause many lasting health problems for your puppy, such as stunted growth and diseases that can take continual care. This is not only hard on your puppy, it is hard on your family as well. This can be very expensive for you if you don't notice these health issues before you adopt the puppy. For example, the first year of a healthy puppy's life can cost between $700 and $2,000 in veterinary costs. If your puppy is sick, this amount may double or triple. A great place to look for a puppy is a shelter. Check with your local Humane Society or animal rescue society to see what kinds of puppies they have available. These organizations take very good care of the animals they shelter, so the puppies you see from them will likely be in the best of health. The puppies in these places undergo a full exam and are given their vaccinations by a veterinarian. These organizations will also not knowingly offer you a sick puppy, but it is always good to be on the lookout for sickly behavior. If you know you want a particular type of puppy, you may want to look into a breeder instead of a shelter. Before you adopt, plan a visit to the breeder's facility to meet the breeder, the parents of the puppies, and the puppies. It is important to assess the kind of environment the breeder has. You will also want to play with the puppy and determine its general temperament as well as the temperament of the parents. This will help you determine if the puppy is a good fit for you and your family. The Humane Society of the United States has a checklist available online that you can use to assess the breeder. This checklist tells you what to look for, such as the number of dog types the breeder breeds and the state of the conditions where the dogs are kept. The breeder should also have a strong relationship to local veterinarians and should instruct you in how to take care of the puppy once you take it home. When you go to meet the breeder, take the checklist with you so you can make sure you are buying a puppy from a reputable source. Feel free to ask as many questions as you want. Responsible breeders understand since they want to connect with responsible owners as well. You may still consider a shelter for a purebred animal. About 25% of animals in shelters are purebred animals. Puppy mills are businesses that breed large amounts of puppies and house them in kennels. These puppies are often sick and poorly socialized. When the dogs are housed in kennels they miss out on a critical socialization period that allows them to become mentally healthy dogs. Not only that, the puppies and their parents are often housed in unsanitary and crowded conditions, are not given proper veterinary care, and the dogs being bred may have behavioral or health problems. Reputable breeders do not sell to pet shops. Avoid buying a puppy online, as there is absolutely no regulation as to where the puppy has come from, and you will be unable to check the puppy or his parents before you buy.
Summary: Learn why health is important. Look into shelters. Check into a breeder. Be aware of the dangers of puppy mills.

Problem: Article: "SPF" refers to a sunscreen's "sun protective factor," or how effectively it blocks UVB rays. The SPF number reflects the amount of time it takes to sunburn wearing the sunscreen vs. not wearing the sunscreen. For example, an SPF of 30 means that you can spend 30 times as long in the sun before burning compared to not wearing any sunscreen at all. So, if you would usually begin to burn after 5 minutes in the sun, an SPF of 30 would theoretically allow you to spend time outside for 150 minutes (30 x 5) before you burn. However, your unique skin, your activities, and the sun's intensity all cause variation in how effective sunscreen is, so you may need to use more than other people. The SPF number can be tricky, because its protection doesn't increase proportionally. Thus, SPF 60 is not twice as good as SPF 30. SPF 15 blocks about 94% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks about 97%, and SPF 45 blocks about 98%. No sunscreen blocks 100% of UVB rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF of 30 or higher. The difference between extremely high SPFs is often negligible and not worth the extra money. SPF refers only to the ability to block UVB rays, which cause sunburn. However, the sun also emits UVA rays. UVA rays cause skin damage, such as signs of aging, wrinkles and dark or light spots. Both increase your risk of skin cancer. A broad-spectrum sunscreen provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Some sunscreens may not say "broad-spectrum" on the packaging. However, they should always state whether they protect against UVB and UVA rays. Most broad-spectrum sunscreens contain "inorganic" components such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, as well as "organic" sunscreen components such as avobenzone, Cinoxate, oxybenzone, or octyl methoxycinnamate. Because your body expels water through sweat, you should look for a water-resistant sunscreen. This is especially important if you are going to be very active, such as running or hiking, or if you'll be in the water. No sunscreen is "waterproof" or "sweat proof." In the US, sunscreens cannot market themselves as "waterproof." Even with water-resistant sunscreen, reapply every 40-80 minutes or as directed on the label. Some people prefer spray sunscreens, while others prefer thick creams or gels. Whatever you decide, make sure you apply a thick, even coating. The application is as important as the SPF and other factors: if you don't apply it properly, the sunscreen won't do its job. Sprays may be best for hairy areas, while creams are usually best for dry skin. Alcohol or gel sunscreens are good for oily skin. You can also purchase wax sunscreen sticks, which are good for applying near the eyes. This is often a good choice for children, as it avoids getting the sunscreen in the eyes. They also have the benefit of not spilling (such as in a purse) and can be applied without getting lotion on your hands. Water resistant "sports type" sunscreens are often sticky, so they are not good choices for applying under makeup. For acne-prone individual, take care in selecting your sunscreen. Look for those that are designed specifically for your face and will not clog pores. These often have higher SPF (15 or higher), and are less likely to clog pores or increase acne breakouts. Many acne-prone individuals find that zinc oxide-based sunscreens tend to work best. Look for "non-comedogenic", "will not clog pores", "for sensitive skin", or "for acne-prone skin" on the labels. If you see any allergic reaction or skin problem, buy a different sunscreen. Repeat the process until you find the right sunscreen, or talk to your doctor about recommended brands if you have sensitive skin or allergies. Itching, redness, burning, or blisters are all signs of an allergic reaction. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are less likely to cause allergic skin reactions.
Summary:
Look at the SPF number. Choose a "broad-spectrum" sunscreen. Look for a water-resistant sunscreen. Decide what you like. Go home and try a small portion around your wrist.