In these dog days of summer, we’re always on the hunt for ways to stay cool. However, before we look at the most obvious methods of doing that, let’s step back in time.
Did you know the phrase “dog days” doesn’t refer to your dog lazing around because it’s hot?
The term, translated from Latin to English some 500 years ago, came from the ancient Greek and Romans and is a reference to the star Sirius, the “Dog Star.” It’s the brightest start in the Canis Major (“Big Dog”) Constellation. The sun and Sirius in the sky together meant more heat on earth, or so the Romans thought. They were wrong.
This year, Sirius rose and set in tandem with the sun on July 23. The dog days began 20 days before and continued until 20 days after that date. Meaning, in 2021 the official dog days were from July 3 to August 11.
Of course, the heat doesn’t end just because the calendar says the dog days are over for the year. Why? Because the calendar is unchanging, but the stars, in relation to the Earth’s wobble, have shifted. That means the date of when this happens is gradually shifting, too. Today’s dog days aren’t the same dates as they were in the ancient world. And the dates will continue to change. In some 13,000 years, this tandem rising and setting of Sirius and the sun will happen in mid-winter.
Keeping Cool
Drink Plenty of Fluids. Specifically, water. Although a couple of sports drinks (if you’re exercising) and natural fruit juices are okay, too. Stay away from alcohol and drinks with caffeine. They can dehydrate you.
Eat Specific Foods. Mushrooms, cucumbers, mint, lemon balm, lettuce, and citrus fruit regulate your body’s temperature and keep you cooler. Spicy foods are also good. If you sweat, you cool down as the sweat evaporates.
Get Wet. Swim, take a shower, wet your feet, hair, or wrists. Water on the skin evaporates and cools the body.
Keep Neck Cool. Did you know the body’s main temperature sensor is on the back of the neck? Tie up your hair. Aim a fan at the back of your neck or hold a cool compress to it.
Wear Appropriate Clothes. Bright, light-colored, and breathable fabric is best.
Stay Inside. During the hottest part of the day, stay inside and do as little as possible. Heat rises, so go to your home’s lowest level and sit near the floor. Before you sit down, though, rub peppermint lotion on your skin (it tricks you into thinking you’re cool) and cucumber slices on your face (the juice doesn’t evaporate as fast as water).