The Heat is On

Well, it’s happened. The heat has arrived in Phoenix. We always wonder when the first hot day will arrive. Some people make friendly bets on the day that it will first hit 100. We haven’t hit 100 degrees yet, but we are getting awfully close.

Suddenly, getting into the car is hot. The A/C takes some time to start working. You start thinking about swimming pools and making plans to go to the lake. You start to adjust your workout routines in order to still be able to hike, bike, run or walk outside. (I’m a morning person so a 6 a.m. bike ride is ok by me.)

Those of us that choose to live in Arizona do so in spite of the heat. We know how to take care of ourselves. We drink a lot of water. We wear lightweight clothing and stay indoors during the hottest part of the day. We spend a lot of money on sunscreen - and we use it. 

Some reminders to survive the impending heat:

·         Limit the amount of time you are outside.

·         Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head and face.

·         Drink plenty of water and limit alcoholic beverages.

·         Eat well-balanced, light meals.

·         Avoid hard physical work during the hottest part of the day.

·         Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.

·         Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning.

·         Check your A/C ducts for proper insulation. get your A/C checked out before it gets hot.

·         Weather-strip doors and sills.

·         Cover windows with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers.

·         Install window reflectors.

We are approaching the time of year where our relatives back east can finally get back at us for all the pool/shorts/golf pictures we send to them in January. We are approaching the time of year where we don’t have as many visitors.

It’s fine by me. I’d much rather find ways to keep cool vs. ways to stay worm. Besides, it’s not really that hot - certainly not yet.