August, the “Dog Days Of Summer!” I always wondered where this statement originated. Often as I relax in my “Comfy Chair,” I allow my mind to wander. On this occasion, on a hot August day, I began to wonder about the “Dog Days Of Summer.” To the Greeks and Romans, the “Dog Days” occur around the time Sirius appears to rise alongside the sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, that means summer. The phrase is used as an extended metaphor. It conjures up the hottest days of summer when a dog typically will lay in the shade and pant to stay cool in the hot, humid weather. The time frame consists of the 40 days beginning on July 3rd and ending on August 11th. In modern times, with the invention of Air-Conditioning, Humanity has managed to tame the “Dog Days Of Summer!” these hot days are celebrated in the movies! “Dog Days of Summer” 2007 release starring Will Patton. Also, the Al Pacino movie “Dog Day Afternoon.”
What is the relationship between heat and the human body? We all know that we need to keep hydrated in the hot weather as heat-related illness risks physical and mental well-being. This year, “Heat Emergencies” have already been declared in many parts of the world. Sweltering hot days may lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, kidney problems, and skin infections and affect our thinking and other mental processes.
Hot days increase emergency room visits, substance abuse, mood and anxiety disorders, and occupational injuries. During the ’60s, a seasonal pattern of riots may have been associated with urban unrest. I’m sure many of us have observed that hot human conditions with no air-conditioning can lead to people being in an irritated state of affairs. As temperatures rise, tempers may rise. When a Heat Emergency is declared, County Emergency Managers, Like Bob North: Gladwin county Emergency Manager will elect various Red Cross Shelters to open to the public and operate as a cooling center. This offers some assistance to those in need and at risk. Remember to bring your pets inside out of the sun and give them plenty of fresh water. Dogs love to be hosed down; it helps them cool off.
Please do not take this article as me complaining about the hot weather. Summer is one of my favorite seasons! I enjoy a nice pontoon ride on a calm summer’s eve. I love walking my dogs without the ice and snow, facilitating the risk of slipping. I love washing my car with a garden hose, the smell of fresh cut hay, the variety of fresh foods from the garden, local vegetable stands, and Farmer’s markets. Swimming in the lake, consuming ice cream on a hot, humid night.
As the “Dog Days Of Summer” slip by, take the time to enjoy them. Once gone, it will take a year for them to return. January and February’s freezing temperatures may bring memories of these hot, humid days. You can always sit in a sauna to help get thru the winter.
“Remember, every day is a gift! Some are just a little more fun to open than others. – © Joel M. Vernier 07/30/2022 Author of: “The Guinea Pig In The Freezer.” joelmvernier@aol.com.
