"Keep Me In Mind"

Who doesn't like fireworks and a neighborhood barbecue? Its one of the many activities that makes summer great. Late nights and long weekends make for some of the most fond memories. That being said, keep these tips in mind as you relish in the dog days of summer.

• Hydrate - Heat exhaustion and dehydration are serious threats that can hit you when you least expect it. Especially in cases where you will be exercising or engage in physical labor outside, hydrate first. Gatorade is great to replenish electrolytes, but contains sugar and is recommended to be used post hoc. Reach for the water next time. 
• Sunscreen - Regardless of the SPF rating, use it. The number one excuse of sun burn or poisoning is that "I wanted to get tan, the sunscreen doesn't allow me to". Think further down the road and realize the key to longevity is resilience. Lather up.
  
• Designate a Driver - We've all had that friend who goes out claiming that they are the DD for the night. That is great until you look at the bar and they are on their 4th shot. It doesn't matter who it is (Uber, Lyft, Taxi, Family), designate somebody other than yourself if you have been drinking. It is never worth it. 
  
• Make Plans - Alright, this might not be detrimental but will have great end results and sequential outcomes when accomplished. Making plans not only avoids complacency and gets you to places on time, but helps you follow an agenda and complete goals that lead to other avenues. Make plans, execute, and move to the next.