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Summer brings about the opportunity to have a lot of fun with friends and family. During these warmer months, it is important to find a way to balance out your life so that you are both enjoying yourself and at the same time maintaining a healthy life. The heat can prove a bit much for some people, and it may even cause someone to have a heat stroke or suffer from dehydration. Follow these tips to practice a practical lifestyle; this advice is for people of all walks of life.
Drink plenty of water
If there is one piece of advice that you should follow, above all else, it is to drink at least eight cups of water a day. You may want to consider drinking even more during these warmer months, especially if you are moving around more than average. Consider investing money into a water bottle so that you can fill it up while you’re on the go. Drinking water whenever you feel thirsty or too hot is a good way to keep your body hydrated. Failing to hydrate your body properly can cause serious health consequences; therefore, you must pay attention to your body and take care of it.
Get moving
How active are you? Do you exercise? Believe it or not, maintaining an active lifestyle can help your body remain healthy. You won’t feel the effects of the heat as much when you lose weight, and you will be able to function for longer periods of time without needing more water. Establish a healthy workout regime so that you are steadily increasing the quality of your life.
Early preparation
Prepare all of your trips and outings ahead of time. Bring enough water and snacks to help properly nourish everyone you are with. Share your drinks and snacks with the younger ones to help prevent them from facing dehydration. Do the same for the elderly as well as help them stay cool to lower the risk of heat stroke, which they are more prone to suffering from. Also let outdoor workers know they are more susceptible to dehydration than anyone else. Give them advice on how they should hydrate themselves regularly to limit heat related illnesses or incidents. Pay attention to everyone in your immediate life and monitor their status as the summer progresses.
Spread the word
Share with people about how to remain safe and secure this summer. You don’t need to impose your new found knowledge on how to live safely during summer, but you can make helpful suggestions on how people can practice proper habits as the heat increases. Consume fluids, stay active, and above all else remain cool. Eating healthy and regularly is also important. Have fun during this summer, and remember to build memories that will last a lifetime.
SUMMER ADVICE FOR PETS
One of my favorite things about living in Germany is how dog-friendly everything is. I take my Italian Greyhound just about everywhere I go. And now that the weather’s warm, I’m planning even more outdoor adventures together. Here are a few things to keep in mind for your four legged friend during the warmer months.
Don’t let Fido dehydrate in the summer sun. Most restaurants are more than willing to provide you with a bowl and tap water. Simply ask, “Haben Sie Wasser für meinen Hund, bitte?”
Bees
As I write, my small dog it sitting on my lap with her mouth swollen like a chipmunk after eating a bee. I wish I could say she learned a lesson from all of this. Seeing as this is the second time we’ve been through this, I doubt it.
One sting is generally not dangerous. But if you notice extreme swelling or trouble breathing, head to the vet ASAP (as soon as possible). If your dog has had multiple stings or had a bee in its mouth, call your vet. Bee stings in the mouth can be life threatening. It can cause swelling that can make it hard for the dog to breathe.
Ticks
We love to take hikes in the many wooded trails in the area. Ticks also love grassy trails, so it’s important to check your dog for them every day. You can buy inexpensive tick removal tools at the vet or online. One of our favorites is a tick removal pen.
We also chose to use an all natural tick treatment for our dog because she’s sensitive and we try to avoid harsh chemicals in the home. I put a drop of rose geranium essential oil between her shoulder blades every morning. Below are the PROS and CONS of geranium:
PROS
- No harsh chemicals
- My husband and I use it too! Before a walk in any wooded, grassy or shady area, I apply a drop of the oil to each of my ankles.
- We have never had a tick on the dog when we applied the oil. Before learning this trick, I removed up to 3 a day.
- A small bottle lasts forever and only costs $20! You only use one to two drops (for larger dogs: one between the shoulder blades and one at the base of the tail).
- It smells lovely! It smells like roses and geraniums (not stinky dog).
CONS
We have to remember to apply it every day.
Parasites
There have been many reported cases of Giardia (a microscopic parasite that causes a diarrheal disease) in Ramstein and Vogelweh. Parasites are commonly spread through fecal matter. (Look mom, I wrote about poop on the internet!) Signs that your dog may have a parasite are: diarrhea (I did it again!), loss of appetite, lethargy and vomiting. In small dogs especially, diarrhea and vomiting can be extremely dangerous. Don’t hesitate to call your vet.
Dining out
You’ve probably noticed that when you see a dog at a restaurant, they are quietly sitting under the table seeming not to care about the food on the table or the other patrons. Remember that in Germany, your dog is expected to behave as well as any other patron.
