BY DR. GLENN MOLLETTE
Summer arrives slowly and disappears quickly. This all depends on where you live, of course. If you are in Southern Florida, Texas, Arizona or California, then warm and very hot days are almost always a part of life. For those of us a little farther north, we know about long winters and the wet, chilly months of April and early May. The anticipation of summer is exciting and very welcome.
Sadly, it only takes about two or three really hot days for folks to start growling and complaining about the hot weather. In these parts, we really only have two seasons: very cold and very hot. We will have a few days of spring and sometimes two or three weeks of nice fall weather, but that is about it. After that, it is time for heavy coats or shorts and tank tops.
Summer is finally here and it will be hot for the next three to four months. Let us enjoy the season. Remember that big snowfall just a few months ago? You could not get out of the house on some days because it was dangerous. You can go outside now. On hot days, go early. Go for a walk, go to the grocery store, or do whatever outdoor activity you choose.
Stay hydrated. Dehydration is a risk, especially when mowing grass, playing sports or gardening. Take time to cool down and hydrate. Every summer brings tragic news of football players dying during summer camp due to the heat. Coaches and schools must take all precautions to protect their athletes. Parents must speak up about practices on extremely hot days. You have a voice. Speak up and let the coach know it is seriously too hot for practice.
Reacquaint yourself with neighbors and friends. Take time to visit with those who have been inside most of the year. Take walks and slow down enough to engage in a conversation.
Most Americans have spent a lot of time this year watching television or staring at their computers. You can do this when November rolls back around. Utilize this time to be outside as much as possible. Wash your car, mow grass, plant flowers, play sports, swim, take long drives or visit state parks. Most anything outside will do.
The nice long days of summer are now here. When December returns, it will be dark by 5:30 p.m., and even by 4:30 p.m., for most of the country. Currently, it stays daylight until 8, 9 or even later. Soak in every minute of doing safe outdoor activities.
When I was a child we would shoot basketball until 9 or 9:30 in the evening. We swam, camped out and played outside as much as possible. Those were great days, rarely boring.
Today, many Americans have a hundred different television stations, movie channels and numerous social media accounts and still end up depressed.
It is summertime. Do not miss this glorious season. Do what you can, all you can and do it when you can—which is now. You do not have the guarantee of next summer. We have this summer. Let us enjoy this season to the max.
Dr. Glenn Mollette is the author of a new book titled “Rambling Man With A Shaky Hand,” available via Kindle, Amazon Hard Back and other book sellers.