Our Midwest windows dripped from humidity this morning calling to mind the phrase “Dog Days of Summer.” The traditional period of the Dog Days is the 40 days from July 3rd to August 11th. The name comes from the ancient belief that Sirius, also called the Dog Star, was somehow responsible for the hot weather. ¹
We’ve had a summer of scorching temperatures and sporadic storms. But that hasn’t slowed the usual activities such as camping, fairs and picnics. To avoid bites and potential disease from insects while spending time outdoors, change a few habits. Do not use scented deodorant, soap or lotions. Skip the perfume and hairspray and any other scented cosmetics. As for clothing, wear white or pale hues – not bright colors. Those clothes should be laundered with unscented detergent and softener, like adcoeco. When choosing a location for your summer fun, avoid tall grass and weeds, and areas of standing water, where mosquitoes breed. Don’t forget to explore the night sky for Sirius, the brightest star besides the sun. Lastly, have a great time – school supplies are in the stores and cooler weather is around the corner!
¹http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_Days