2 The Dog Days of Summer A fun fact about a not-so-fun time of the year The phrase “the dog days of summer” goes all the way back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who noticed that the star Sirius began to rise with the sun in the summer solstice. Because it happens at the same time the heat begins, the connection with hot, sultry weather was made. Sirius is the brightest star in a group that form the constellation Canis Major, which translates to “Greater Dog,” no doubt earning it its nickname, “Dog Star.” The Old Farmer’s Almanac tells us the dogs days occur between July 3 and August 11. Nowadays the rising of Sirius doesn’t directly coincide with heat of the summer, but we all know that those days are ahead of us very soon whether we’re ready or not. Even though the past few summers have given us some record high temperatures, the middle of the year will always be about spending time outside. Whether tending the garden, going for walks, or watching a little league game, staying cool in the summertime should be everyone’s top priority. Cherie Binns, MSCN and Outreach Volunteer Vincent Spoto sent us excellent tips about how to stay cool during the dog days of summer. • Before going out in the heat, pre-cool for 20 minutes with a cooling vest or neck wrap • Start an aquatic exercise routine – this is an excellent workout option for people with MS • Drink iced or slushy drinks to internally cool your core before venturing out • Gardening or walks should be during the very early morning or in the evening • Ice cubes on wrist pulse points may help if your cooling options are lacking • If you own a kiddie pool, it can double as a makeshift, cool foot bath • Running hands and wrists under cold water for 3-5 minutes • Take cold showers – start at a comfortable temp then gradually turn it down • If you do not have A/C, a bowl of ice cubes in front of a fan can be better than just a fan • Put a damp washcloth in the freezer for a few minutes and use it as a neck wrap • Invest in a mesh-bottom float for the pool – the mesh lets you stay partially submerged in the water, but you also can soak up some vitamin D from the sunshine Tips for Staying Cool