The summer is halfway through. Back-to-school displays are already up. Can Halloween be far behind?

Dog Days

Wait! We still have the dog days of August ahead.

What does that phrase really mean? According to Wikipedia, it refers to the rise of the “dog star” (Sirius) in Greek astrology. For many of us, especially in this summer of rising heat numbers, it brings up the picture of a dog hanging its tongue out, trying to keep cool.

Stay Cool and Read

Many of my readers are older, so I want to repeat what I’ve been reading in the news. Heat can kill. Be aware. I’ve been traveling the humid eastern part of the United States. I notice how my body starts dragging when I get overheated. It’s really curtailed my activities this summer, but better safe than sorry.

Here a few tips I’ve read:

• Drink water.
• Avoid outside during the hottest parts of the day. Do your activities in the morning or late at night.
• If you feel “off” (nausea, headaches, lethargic, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, red skin, and the like), get where it’s cool immediately. Those are signs you’re already in trouble.

If you can’t exercise, what can you do?

Why, pick up a book and read, of course!

Stay safe and cool.

Disclaimer: The above does not constitute medical advice.