As we prepare our mid-year "State Of The Blog Address," one of the things we will be noting is the almost biblical weather extremes striking our nation {from Mississippi/Missouri River floods to Mid-West tornadoes to, inevitably, the start of what promises to be a vigorous hurricane season for those of us along the East and Gulf coasts}. It seems the Mid-Atlantic has no "spring time" anymore, and we go from cool rain immediately to record breaking heat. During the last week of May, records were broken, or challenged, all throughout the Baltimore/DC areas. The heat expected tomorrow through Friday will approach 100, not considering heat index readings when humidity is factored in.That being said, one has to prepare in advance, and take the heat we will see through the end of this week {and no doubt through Oktoberfest} very seriously. This is especially true if you are caring for infants/small children, the elderly, those with breathing challenges and pets with copious fur. We will try to find a link to a feature we presented a couple years back which shows how the temperature in a car with closed windows can go from room temperature to well over 120 degrees in about 15 minutes. That temperature is fatal.
Please make sure that you force yourself to drink water even if you feel thirsty. If you must drink alcohol, drink at least a cup of water for every alcoholic beverage you consume. This means if you are a "Jersey Shore" cast member, you will need approximately 47 gallons of water per day. Gatorade is more expensive, but contains the extra electrolytes to get you back into the game more efficiently. If you are stupid enough to jog/work out in the middle of the day, you should see a psychiatrist, and apply the hydration recommendations stated above. If they put you on crazy pills, do not take them with grapefruit or other citrus juices. Please resist the temptation to stab people who vex, and there are more of them out there each day, you in the forehead with a fork.
In addition, the ozone layer gets more fragile each year. Sunscreen is mandatory, as are a good pair of UV sunglasses. Obviously one does not want to dress in black unless they are Johnny Cash or attending a funeral/marriage {pretty much the same outcome for the guests of honor}. Fans, especially ceiling fans, used in the house are especially useful for circulating air even if you have an air conditioner. If you lose power, as parts of DC did during last weeks record heat, seek refuge outside in the shade, or even just fill the bathtub up with cold water and your hot body. Keep your house blinds closed during daylight hours-blackout shades are even better if you have them.
If you are still sweating you may be uncomfortable, but your body is still functioning. If you stop sweating and start to black out, you are in the early stages of sun stroke, which can kill you if you don't take steps to rehydrate. If you wait too long, you may be forced into a situation where IV re hydration will be necessary. If you know a friend with a pool, or a pond {the pond would be good for some of you...}, offer to do something nice to help them keep it clean and pay for lunch to stay in their good graces. Also, the roads are heating up literally and figuratively. Make sure your cars oil/other fluids are up to date, and try to resist the road rage that inevitably will become a factor as these Guadalcanal conditions persist through the next few months. Good luck-it is hoped more tolerable temperatures will be in place as the weekend begins.