Any hope of a cooler summer has quickly burned and melted away during the past week or so. Based on the soggy spring and early weeks of summer, we were thinking that maybe, just maybe, life this season wouldn’t become miserable. We live in hope…and heat.

Meanwhile, with approximately eight more weeks left of summer, the only thing to be done is to find ways to stay comfortable.

These reminders always bear repeating:

• Stay indoors as often as you can when temperatures are especially high.
• Whether outdoors or inside, drink plenty of water – not sodas or juices – to replenish what’s lost from sweating.
• Use sun block regularly when working or playing outside. Don’t forget to wear hats and sunglasses as added protection.
• Do not. Do not. Do not leave children, the elderly or pets inside cars while you shop, even for a few minutes. Ventilating windows are not enough to keep them cool, and temperatures can quickly become hotter inside than out.
• Check frequently on your elderly relatives, parents or neighbors. Also, when possible, donate fans or air conditioners. The older a person gets, the more of a challenge it becomes to stay cool during the summer.

Did we already mention drinking water?

Summer can be a great time for fun, so following these guidelines can keep you enjoying the season.

Be cool.