Problem: Article: It is recommended that women wear one-piece swimsuits and men wear swim trunks. In addition to getting wet during the raft excursion, many whitewater rafting trips include an opportunity to take a dip at some point during the trip. Wet suits are also often available to rent at the outfitter’s in cooler weather. Over your swimsuit, wear a lightweight shirt with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating of 30 or higher. When packing, choose loose, woven materials such as wool, polypro, fleece, micro fleece, polyester or any other outdoor material that dries quickly.  Avoid any cotton clothing, especially in cooler weather. It will weigh you down and increase the release of body heat.   Do not wear anything with a hood, including ponchos and rain jackets. These are unsafe on the river.   In cooler weather, opt for a synthetic base layer, such as Capilene or polypropylene, a middle layer of fleece, and an outer waterproof jacket. If the weather is very cold, add wool socks and fleece hat that can be worn under a helmet. It's not worth the risk of losing them in the water. Cash, wallets and phones can also be left in the car. Seasoned guides will tell you sunglasses are absolutely necessary to protect your eyes from the continuous glare on the water. Bring or buy a strap for your sunglasses to keep them snugly fitted. Comfortable, well-broken-in sneakers are the best choice for your river trip. Velcro-strap sandals with a thick, rigid sole may also be worn with or without socks, however, socks are recommended as they prevent your feet from getting a sunburn. Do not pack a new pair of shoes, which will leave you sore and cause blisters. Waterproof hiking boots are also not recommended, since they fill with water and weigh you down. Water shoes are often too thin and slippery.  Avoid crocs and flip flops, which are easily lost. If a rafter shows up wearing only flip flops, a guide might offer to secure them with duct tape. Even if you do not swim, you will be very wet at the end of the day and will welcome a change of clothing. Be sure to leave your dry clothes in the car when you arrive. For longer trips, a wide-brimmed hat is necessary to keep from getting a sunburn. The wider, the better. A hat with a built-in Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is best. Many rafts are equipped with d-rings to hook your water bottle to, so bring a carabiner for your water bottle. A carabiner will allow you to attach the bottle to the raft so it’s secure and easily within reach. With your water bottle in view, you can better stay hydrated. When rafting, you will be applying 50 SPF continually---when you wake up, before you board the boat, when your raft docks for a quick break, after rapids, and after you swim. The Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), recommends reapplying any sunscreen every two hours, regardless of its SPF.  Even "waterproof" sunscreen is only water resistant for 40-80 minutes. Make sure to apply a heavy layer of sunscreen to the tops of your thighs, over your kneecaps, and to the back and front of your neck.
Summary: Bring a swimsuit. Pack waterproof layers. Leave jewelry, watches and accessories at home. Wear sunglasses. Wear old tennis shoes or close-toed heel-strap sandals. Pack dry clothes and a towel. Pack a wide-brimmed sun hat. Buy a large 32-oz water bottle---or even two. Bring sunscreen.

Problem: Article: Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient in acne washes and lotions. It works by killing bacteria that may otherwise clog pores to form new pimples. It also helps clear away excess oil and dead skin cells from the affected area. Benzoyl peroxide is usually found in strengths varying between 2.5 percent to 10 percent in over-the-counter products.  Possible side effects of benzoyl peroxide include bleached hair and clothing if using a product containing too much benzoyl peroxide. Caution should be used when applying this product to your hair or scalp.  Other side effects include dry skin, redness, a burning sensation, and possible scaling of skin. Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used topical acne ingredients, found in most facial washes and medicated wipes. It helps prevent pores from clogging and can even unclog pores that have already become plugged, shrinking existing pimples on the scalp or elsewhere on the body. It is usually found between 0.5 percent and five percent strengths in most over-the-counter topicals. Possible side effects include skin irritation and a mild stinging sensation. There are two types of alpha hydroxy acids: glycolic acid and lactic acid. Both forms of alpha hydroxy acids are often used in over-the-counter acne treatments, as they can help clear away dead skin cells and reduce inflammation. Some studies suggest that alpha hydroxy acids can also promote new, smoother skin growth. Some people with acne find that sulfur is a useful treatment option. It can help clear away dead skin cells and excess oil from the body, and is usually combined with other topical over-the-counter ingredients when found in a skin wash or medicated topical. Be aware that some products containing sulfur may have an unpleasant smell.
Summary: Use benzoyl peroxide. Apply salicylic acid. Use an alpha hydroxy acid. Try sulfur.

Problem: Article: Observe that the straw is divided into two sections by the "bendy" part. One section is longer than the other. Cut the longer section halfway between the end and the bend. Cut it lengthwise, keeping your cut as straight as possible. You may want to trace the cut with a marker before cutting. Place the cut piece on a folded towel or hard surface, and flatten it with the edge of a spoon. See the photo for more help. Make sure they stay connected in the middle. Set aside the wings for now. As you did with the other piece, use the edge of a spoon to flatten the rest of the straw, except for the bend. Once the straw has been flattened, position your scissors so that they cut through both layers, just slightly inward from one of the edges created by the fold.  Cut all the way up to the bend.  This will be the "tail" of the bird. On the portion of the straw you just cut, position your scissors so that they cut exactly along the other fold, stopping at the bend.  You should end up with three pieces on this portion of the straw - two thick "legs" and one slim "tail." They should resemble the legs of a tripod.  You should end up with what looks like the bill of a bird. Position the straw so that the tail is on top and pointing back toward you.  Grab one of the legs, and fold it under the tail.  Then, take the end of that leg and pull it over the tail and through the loop you created.  Don't pull it tight just yet, though; repeat the same process with the other leg. Once both of the legs are in position, tighten them slowly and symmetrically so that they make a knot where the tail meets the bend. They should be at a 90-degree angle from the tail.   Flatten it with the edge of a spoon for better effect.
Summary:
Cut the straw. Cut the short piece open. Flatten the piece. Fold the piece in half, hamburger-style. Cut symmetrical wings on both sides of the fold. Cut small slits around the edges of the wings to make the feather tips. Flatten the other parts of the straw. Cut out the tail. Cut the legs. Bend the legs and tail outward. Position the bend in the straw so that it resembles the neck of a bird. Make two cuts just above the bend of the straw, angled toward the center. Wrap the legs around the tail. Tighten both legs at the same time. Make sure the legs point downward. Push the tail toward the bend to loosen it a bit, and slip the wings through the opening. Tighten the tail into place again. Make small feather cuts in the tail. Display the bird on a glass by putting the rim between the two legs.