Ready for this Summer’s H.E.A.T. ?
Despite the forecast of a wet summer, a heat wave has arrived; hot, scorching weather that is simply energy-draining. Prickly heat (bungang-araw in Tagalog), those localized red-and-pink rashes common during hot weather, are back in vogue. And of course, there’s the constant complaint, “It’s so hot!”
So what do we do during the long hot months of April and May? For those who are still thinking and planning, here is my list of must do’s during the summer heat!
1. Hydrate – Drink lots of liquids! Why? Up to 60% of the human body is water - the brain is 70% water, the lungs are nearly 90% water and blood is 83% water. For our continued existence and health each day, we must replace 2.4 litres of water through drinking and the foods we eat. If you do not drink enough, you will become like a wilted plant under the sun. Imagine fried brains and eyes! It will also help to take a dash of salt every so often to help retain the water in your body. And for added protection, take out those umbrellas (after 9am), sunglasses, caps, fans and sun block!
2. Educate – Learn new things! This is applicable to everyone - parents, singles and kids alike. Students with no summer classes should utilize those two precious months well. Parents must encourage their children to discover or hone talents and interests. Let them participate in art classes or send them to youth retreats or summer camps. They can buy them a lot of informative books. They can send their children to their family’s provinces and give them a chance to get to know their grandparents and other relatives better.
Adults can arrange their schedules and take off for a weekend or two and take time to discover the beauty of our country or experience new thrills. They can enjoy the luscious strawberries of Baguio or shoot the rapids in Pagsanjan. More adventurous types can swim with the whale sharks in Donsol. Or they can simply climb a mountain and watch a sunset or a sunrise.
3. Act – Move that body! The stifling heat can make us lazy. No age is exempted. Though ice cream and halo-halo (iced sweets) do bring a welcome respite from the heat, these, in fact, contribute to our lethargy. Fearing the summer sun? Go to the gym or walk all day in air-conditioned comfort of one of our country’s many malls. Join dance- or sports classes. For the brave souls who are unafraid of the skin-darkening rays of the sun, help build a house, join a medical mission, or be part of a vacation Bible school. Whatever you do, just move and enjoy the summer by helping yourself and others!
4. Time – Get alone with God! Too many vacation activities may tie up all our available time. The oppressive heat can make us unproductive or lose our temper. We need to be ready to fight against our natural inclinations and not let the sweltering heat be a hindrance to our personal time with God. In our homes, at work, inside the malls, on a boat to Boracay or Palawan, let us find time to thank the Lord for anything and everything. It is time worth spending. The best time, indeed!
The heat may be considered by many as unbearable. But, as in any battle, if we come prepared, then we are halfway to victory. And of course, we must look at these “trying” months as time for excursions, swimming, long hours of sleep (for students with no summer classes), and of course, fun time under the sun… with others and with God!
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Excellent article, congrats on it, Great tips and well written english, stumbled up and of course digg it !Andy, Chicago City