Sweat-er Weather

It’s Hot. Here in the northeast our summers are short and our patience is long but…like I said…it’s Hot. We’re not talking “warm” or “toasty”. We’re talking about the type of Heat most often referenced in the bible; earth-scorching, fires of hell-type Heat. And to make matters worse, Heat has brought with him his BFF: Humidity. What a pair, those two. They sneak in the back gate, turn the grass yellow, cast a sticky sheen on every conceivable surface, and render a good hair day nothing more than a pipe dream.

You’d think after surviving one of the coldest, snowiest winters on record we’d be a bit more tolerant of this Heat Wave. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned about human nature then it’s our need to grouse, complain, mutter…about the weather. Just as we curse the endless flakes that fall from the sky in January, so too do we shake our fists at the unrelenting sun in July.

It’s important to be sun-safe. Remember to hydrate with non-caffeinated beverages. And since we usually don’t feel thirsty until we are dehydrated, drink enough and drink often. A chilled herbal tea made with FoYO’s organic blends (White Tea & Pomegranate is especially nice) is perfect for a sultry afternoon. Other ways to stay cool when the thermometer is climbing:
Wear cool, loose clothing (like cotton or linen);
Carry a battery-powered, hand-held fan;
Exercise in the early morning or later in the evening;
Keep lotions in the refrigerator! They’re a perfect tonic for hot, tired feet;
Eat smaller meals and avoid hot, spicy foods;
Don’t forget Fido! Make sure your pets have water readily available;
And please – check on elderly family, friends, and neighbors! They are particularly sensitive to the heat.

The best way I know to beat the heat? I suggest you head down to the nearest air-conditioned, local library and embrace your inner Harper Lee. While away the afternoon and take a second peek (or a first crack if it wasn’t required reading as a teenager) at To Kill a Mockingbird:

“Maycomb was a tired old town, even in 1932 when I first knew it. Somehow, it was hotter then. Men’s stiff collars wilted by nine in the morning. Ladies bathed before noon, after their three o’clock naps. And by nightfall were like soft teacakes with frosting from sweating and sweet talcum.”

Now that’s hot! Happy Summer!

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