Be a Cool Cat in the Dog Days of Summer

According to weather.com, yesterday’s temperature reached 97 but it felt like 103.   To me, it just felt hot.  My flowers are wilting, my grass stopped growing, and my garden needs to be watered nightly.  Over the years I have learned that the heat is just part of the joy of living in Arlington, but this week, I am not alone.  Much of the country is facing record temperatures and uncomfortable heat. 

As you brave the weather in the days ahead, please be sure to keep yourself safe.  Dehydration, heat stroke, and hyperthermia are very real threats.  One of the first steps to protection is to stay hydrated.  Carry a water bottle with you and sip on decaffeinated drinks throughout the day.   Drink more fluids even if you are not exercising; increasing your liquid intake will help you stay hydrated. 

If possible, spend time throughout the day in air conditioning.  If you do not have air conditioning try spending some time at an air conditioned public place like the mall or the library.  At home, you can also cool down by taking a tepid bath or shower.  For a quick, temporary fix, keep a spray bottle in the refrigerator and spray your wrists, face, and feet from time to time. 

When you must venture outside, dress for the weather.  The clothing you wear can impact your health and comfort.  The general hot weather dressing rule is to wear loose fitting clothing that is a light color.  Remember, dark colors absorb heat.  You should also keep your head cool by wearing a wide brimmed hat or carrying an umbrella.  Most importantly, do not forget the sunscreen.  You should wear at least an SPF 30 and use a generous amount of lotion.  Remember that each time you apply sunscreen you should use enough lotion to fill a shot glass!  For more information on how to apply sunscreen, visit the American Academy of Dermatology. 

If you have tasks to do outside, tackle them in the early morning or the evening hours when the temperature is cooler.  If your job requires that you work outside, this is the time of the year when it pays to take extra precaution.   When possible, work in the shade and take plenty of breaks throughout the day.  As mentioned above, drink lots of fluids, dress comfortably, and wear sunscreen.  If you start to feel dizzy or have cramps, stop what you are doing, take a break and let your coworkers know how you are feeling. 

When the temperatures are high, it is not only important to take care of yourself, spend a little time thinking about your pets too.  Like humans, animals can be affected by the heat.  Make sure your pets have a cool place to rest and plenty of fresh water.  When the temperature is high, never leave your pets (or CHILDREN) in an enclosed vehicle.

I hope these tips will help you to thrive in the days and the weeks ahead.   

Written by Kate Schweigart

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Stay Connected When the Power Goes Out

My 3-year-old daughter started to cry this weekend because she missed the sunshine.  My husband sat with her at the window and together they watched the dark clouds roll in and the lightening flash in the distance.    Minutes later, the skies opened and the rain soaked our neighborhood.  We were in the middle of another severe thunderstorm warning, it is the season.

Having lost our electricity twice this year, my husband and I have taken steps to ensure that we are prepared to handle a day without power in our hyperconnected house.  One of the most important steps we took was to invest in a corded phone.  Our simple $10 investment provides us with peace of mind knowing that we can reach the outside world in an emergency. 

A corded phone does not rely on household electricity to work and it will continue to operate if the power in your house goes out.  A cordless phone will not work because it uses household electricity to power its base station.  A cell phone will last until its battery is drained and then it will moonlight as an overpriced paperweight.  A corded landline phone is the most reliable source of communication during a long-term power outage.  I recommend having at least one in your home. 

The storm this weekend did not take our electricity.  Less than an hour after the storm clouds rolled in, the sun once again emerged.  My daughter danced through the kitchen as she celebrated its triumphant return.  Although the crisis was adverted, our corded phone stands ready for the next power outage. 

Written by Kate Schweigart

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