The dog days of summer are here, although intense heat came upon us early this year. Some folks think the expression “dog days of summer” refers to how old hound dogs laze under a shade tree during summer’s hot spell.
The moniker for summer’s hot days dates back thousands of years. “Dog” refers to the constellation Canis Major, named as such because the Greeks saw the outline of a dog in the constellation. The dog’s nose, the star Sirius, is the brightest star in the summer night sky.
In the northern hemisphere, Sirius, also known as the Dog Star, appears during the hottest time of the year, so accordingly, ancients believed the star’s brightness to be the cause of the summer heat. Modern science tells us that Sirius is 8.7 light years away from the Earth and doesn’t influence our warmth.
The Dog Star has inspired literature throughout the ages. References to it exist in poems, mythology and modern stories. Ancient Christians determined Aug. 16 to be the end of the dog days and named it Roch Day: Roch, translated as Rocco, is the patron saint of dogs.
These especially hot days necessitate precautions. Those with children at home have a huge demand for a home’s cooling system. Households need to check the system’s filter, which surely does extra duty on hot days.
Those with an air conditioner should replace the filter as directed by the manufacturer. Check it at least once in the middle of summer. For a cleanable filter, turn off the cooler, take the filter outside, wash it with soapy water, and let it dry before putting it back.
Children should be taught about energy conservation but need a cool room to do their best. Also, as youth go in and out throughout the day, dust drifts indoors and reaches the cooling system’s filter.
Vacuum and sweep often to prevent excess dust from circulating into the cooling system. Pay special attention to vents and keep them clean. Ensure that furniture and other objects don’t block registers to keep cool air circulating.
Keep all heat-generating appliances away from a thermostat or window unit. The unit can sense heat from televisions and lamps, which may trigger it to run excessively.
Fans will help circulate the air: the air movement provides relief from the heat. Folks who have lived in the desert know a trick for nighttime coolness without running the air conditioner.
At night, place a box fan facing outward in front of an open window and close the room’s door: hot air will be sucked out of the room. Only do this with a window that intruders cannot access.
Hydration is of critical importance during hot days. Children love to drink from water bottles. They can make a tasty, non-sweet drink in a reusable bottle.
Have them add pieces of mint, cucumber or citrus to their water. Experiment to find out which infusions are tastiest. As an option, whip up an icy drink in a blender by blending cut-up fruit with ice.
Wearing a hat to protect heads and faces is vital for anyone working or playing outdoors. Many local stores carry ice chests, water jugs, insulated food containers and hats, hats, hats.
Protection is primary for outdoor fun. The whole family needs sandals or water shoes for water play.
Water is great for cooling down the body. Toddler swimming pools give little ones and the adults watching them cooling relief.
Maintain stamina during these dog days. Shop locally first for items that help you stay cool.
Janet Miller’s e-book, Family Prayers and Activities: Weekly Guides, is for families or prayer groups. Janet is the creator of Friends on the Way, an e-resource for churches to teach families about the Bible and discipleship. Find it at www.TeamRCIA.com.
