by Dr. Marjori Baldwin, M.D.
Strange isn't it? The things people in some cultures will do, to make themselves attractive. I'm told that men in some countries want their wives to be very fat because this indicates that the husbands are wealthy and that their families are well fed.
In China, many years ago, wealthy women's toes were bound backward beneath their feet , thus making their feet very small and impossible to walk on.
Not too many years ago a woman's “wasp-waist” was considered beautiful. Stylish women wore corsets that constricted their waists , making them so small that their husbands could reach around with their thumbs in back and fingers in front. This forced the ladies' livers higher into their chests and lower into their abdomens. Where would food go? Where would a developing baby go? Its life itself might be sacrificed to style.
Then there are those, even among enlightened Americans , who consider piercing not only their ears , but also their noses and tongues beautiful!
Remember what you wear , and don't wear , can increase or damage your health.
Spike heels distort one's body posture , causing pain and deficient balance and spinal deformity—all in the name of fashion.
Unhealthful, even weird things like orange, blue, and green hair, have been adopted by some teenagers. My take on these things is that in the first blush of adolescence they do such things to gain attention. How about giving them attention of different kind—hire them to build your new garage, plant an orchard, fix your car. Trust them like adults. Love them in an acceptable way. Take them on hikes with you. Then they will not sense a need for attention—you have supplied it in a healthful way. Just ignore the crazy jewelry and the peculiar hairstyle—they will disappear. Treat them like men. Help them dress for respect, health and a good appearance. Watch them develop.
Especially needy of your companionship and approval are street children and those of single parents who never have funds to provide for the necessities of life. Be a buddy, be a dad, take them on hikes and nature walks , also go boating with them. Take them out of the box that has imprisoned them. You will find a return to or acceptance of healthful attractive appearance, and lifestyle activities.
And you older men—you would be much more healthy and attractive if you would walk off those extra pounds—those 25 pounds that hang out over your belt. Then you can stand straight and tall when you walk. You want your wife to be proud of you as you walk together hand in hand.
A woman wants to appear in beautiful becoming modest clothes which fit well and reflect the beauty of God rather than of herself.
Down to some basics
What you wear or don't wear can increase or damage your health.
• Fabric.
Nylon or other impermeable membranes cannot absorb sweat.
This increases total body heat, and can elevate your body temperature,
then when you go into cold, air - conditioned rooms you are chilled. This can contribute to catching cold and getting the flu during the flu season.
• Warmth causes blood vessels to dilate , especially in the skin. But most of us wear more clothing on our torso, and less on our lower extremity. This unbalances the circulation , especially in cold weather. Shoes and stockings, especially in colder climates , should be worn to help equalize the circulation. Bare legs and feet are an absolute “no-no” in cold weather , if you want to be healthy.
• Shoes should have plenty of toe room—no pointed toes or high heels. Pointed toes create bunions, which by the way can be very painful. High heels create trouble making a curve in the spine .
• Keeping one's ears warm in very cold weather can prevent earache and even a blockage in the ears
Then there is the effect of one's clothing on the character and morale of observers, especially men. What do you suppose a thin, tight, one layered blouse, only a shoulder strap, and bare mid-rif, which also tightly reveals the contour of womens' breasts might do to men? Wouldn't one want to protect rather than to tempt them?
And , men, have you ever looked at yourself sideways in a full length mirror? Do you realize that your overweight makes you not only you look bad , but also impacts your health. Twenty to 50 pounds off would greatly improve your health and appearance.
Now the good, side.
All things considered, don't all of us want to dress for beauty and for health, and to glorify our Creator?
Solomon said it well in Ecclesiatics: “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands… She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff… She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” Proverbs 31: 2-31
To wrap it up—a woman who dresses for health and beauty always appears in beautiful, becoming, and modest clothes which fit well, and reflect the beauty of God rather than of herself. A woman whose husband is proud of her and of being seen in company with her.
This queenly vibrant woman is not only beautiful--she wears beautiful garments and keeps a trim household. She is a model of health. No doubt her food is delicious and healthful. Certainly, she knows how to cook. She may even conduct cooking classes, teaching other people how to cook.
But—wait a minute! What about our children? We do quite well with our little boys, but how about our cute little daughters? How precious they look in their pretty, ruffled skirts, not even reaching their knees, short sleeves, barely covering their arms. Matching ribbons on their curls. Pretty, yes. Cute? Yes. Healthful? No!!! This prepares the way for colds, flu and even being kidnapped for sexual purposes. You can dress them neatly and healthfully and thus prevent making them look tempting to pedophiles. Dresses should reach below the knees. Warm full--length stockings or stocking panties, and warm, pretty shoes.
Yes, our children maybe dressed “health and beauty”
