Island Senior: Hot Tips For Keeping Cool

Keeping Cool – Beth Spadafora photo

Island Senior is a regular column on the SJ Update written by Peggy Sue McRae…

Now that hot summer weather has finally come to our neck of the woods we may rejoice but we also need to take care. High temperatures can be dangerous. The July issue of San Juan Island Senior Signal*, the Mullis Senior Center’s newsletter, features a list of Summer Safety Tips for Seniors.  

I won’t repeat these wise recommendations only to say, stay hydrated, remember your sun hat, sunscreen, and your sunglasses. Take hot weather safety seriously.

That said here are some tips for staying cool that put the emphasis on fun:

Go Jump in a Lake: Taking a dunk in the salt sea water even on the hottest day will certainly cool you off but is only for those brave souls with strong hearts. Our island lakes and ponds however can be delicious on these hot days. Don’t forget to put sunscreen on your face and even the part in your hair.  If you don’t know someone with a pond, Egg Lake is pretty and has a good dock with a ladder for swimmers.

Make Popsicles: Anything that makes a smoothie can also make a popsicle. Blend a few bananas with milk (substitute soy or hemp milk for non-dairy) add vanilla and cardamom, sweeten with maple syrup. Pour the ingredients into popsicle molds and freeze. Between Google and your imagination there is no end to the variety of popsicle recipes. I’ve seen recipes calling for mango with a dash of chili pepper. It makes sense to base your ingredients on what fruit you may need to use up.

Take a Siesta: Spending a few summers in the heat of eastern Washington taught me the value of taking a siesta or nap during the hottest part of the day.  In the afternoon when the temperatures climb, go inside, turn on your fans and turn off your lights, stretch out with that summer “beach” read or just take a short snooze. You will appreciate being well rested in the cooler evening hours.

Have a Gin and Tonic: It didn’t take the British long in India to figure out that their daily ration of quinine (to stave off malaria) would go down a lot easier in a tonic with some gin. Hence, they invented the most refreshing summer cocktail, the gin and tonic. Over a tall glass of ice pour a shot of gin and your favorite tonic. Top with a lightly squeezed wedge of lime. That’s it, simple and classic. Disclaimer: This is not what we mean by “stay hydrated”. Up your water intake if you are drinking alcohol. 

*San Juan Island Senior Signal Receiving the Senior Signal newsletter is only one benefit of your $20 annual membership at the Mullis Center.

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