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In the August 2015 issue

Jul 30, 2015 09:00AM ● By Pamela Johnson
The dog days of summer are upon us and you might think that they have something to do with hot and humid weather. Well, we “Googled*” it, and at http://wxbrad.com/where-did-the-%E2%80%9Cdog-days-of-summer%E2%80%9D-term-come-from-other-celestial-..., we found that that isn’t exactly where the term originated from; the dog days of summer are actually July 3 through August 11. Those days are the 20 days before and 20 days after the “Dog” star Sirius rises and falls in conjunction with sun. Sirius is the brightest star in the constellations Canis Major. The ancients Romans believed that its heat added to the heat of the sun, creating a stretch of hot and sultry weather. During the time between July and August the “dog” star rising with our sun made the ancients think the heat of two stars where making us hotter. In modern times we know that there is no heat generated from this very distant start, but the term stuck. So even in modern times we consider the hot and muggy time of the summer between late July and mid-August as the dog days of summer.

After the winter we just lived through, I’m not complaining, believe me. But too much head can cause damage, just as too much cold can.

Stay Cool:
According to the CDC’s website (http://www.cdc.gov/extremeheat), you should keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness. They suggest
    Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.
    Find an air-conditioned shelter.
    Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
    Avoid direct sunlight.
    Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
    Take cool showers or baths.
    Check on those most at-risk twice a day.

Stay Hydrated:
Because your body loses fluids through sweat, you can become dehydrated during times of extreme heat.

    Drink more water than usual.
    Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
    Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
    Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
    Remind others to drink enough water.

Stay Informed:
Stay updated on local weather forecasts so you can plan activities safely when it’s hot outside.

    Check local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips.
    Learn the symptoms of heat illness.
    For more information, please click here.

While you’re staying cool, why not take a look through the following articles from the August print edition of the Bellingham Bulletin, or if you prefer to page through the PDF, for the Bellingham Public Library (pg. 19) and Council on Aging (pg. 20) August news/listings, and more great information, simply scroll through the article thumbnails below and click on the newspaper icon below.
Shown L-R are Hailey Burnett Alivia Benedetti Emily Koulopoulos

“Hands-On Learning Week” Was Macy School’s Swan Song - Jul 31, 2015 06:00AM

Closing a beloved elementary school is a difficult endeavor, but keeping a positive attitude is key. Thanks to the generosity of the school's PTO, the last week of school was a celebration. Read More » 

Edwards Finishes Eighth at Nationals - Jul 31 2015 0600AM

Edwards Finishes Eighth at Nationals - Jul 31, 2015 06:00AM

Bellingham's Sarah Edwards is the fastest female high school runner in the state, as well as being the eighth fastest female high school in the nation--plus she's a straight-A student! Read More » 

BBA President John Orthman MCd the event

BBA Announces Its Annual Golf Tourney, Sponsorship Opportunities - Jul 31, 2015 06:00AM

A large portion of the two $1500 scholarships given away annually by the Bellingham Business Association is generated by their annual golf tournament, always a popular event. Read More » 

 

Volunteer Brad Swain with Casey Carle Bubbler Extraordinaire

Bellingham Library Kicks Off Summer Reading Program with "Bubblemania"! - Jul 31, 2015 06:00AM

Kicking off the Bellingham Public Library's annual themed summer-reading program, this year "Every Hero has a Story," was bubbler extraordinaire Casey Carle. Read More » 

 

Bellinghams Richard Guiliano being honored as Blood Donor of the Game at Fenway

Red Cross, Red Sox & Beth Israel Deaconess Honor Blood Donor - Jul 31, 2015 06:00AM

Bellingham resident Richard Guiliano recently had the experience of a lifetime when he was honored as Blood Donor of the Game on the field at Fenway Park prior to a Boston Red Sox game. Read More » 

 
Medical Savings Plan Used for Weight-Loss Program - Jul 31 2015 0600AM

Medical Savings Plan Used for Weight-Loss Program - Jul 31, 2015 06:00AM

Having the advantage of his medical savings plan to cover the costs for New England Fat Loss was a great bonus but the primary influence for John Ford’s joining was his first grandchild. Read More » 

 

 

View PDF of August 2015 print edition

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