Surviving Summer

Today is the first day of school for many students. Wow do they start early! For us it was always after Labor Day. To start when temperatures can still reach 100F is not a pleasant thought. What's worse is that the parents doing all the driving and cooking may have MS. And, if that's the case, then that can be doubly difficult.

For us in Southern California the summer heat can easily stretch through to the beginning of October. Usually by the middle of the month we are free and clear of 100F days. But it's only August 14, so we have at least another six weeks of summer in these parts.

Here are some suggestions to help us all survive that last warm weeks of summer:

EATING RIGHT: SUPERHERO SALAD

Cook light, healthy and with efficiency. High protein and lots of produce can help make the summer more tolerable. Another trick is the use of some key ingredients such as apple cider vinegar and nutritional yeast. This dressing is one of my favorites and shared on MangoHealth.com.

"What is best for anyone with a compromised health system is to eat with efficiency. For folks living with MS in the summer heat, this means foods rich in minerals and nutrients, anti-inflammatory foods, and those with cooling or neutral energies."

KEEPING YOUR COOL: RITUALS FOR SUMMER

Read this article for tricks that will help you stay calm and relaxed throughout the day while still taking advantage of the long hours. Select the rituals that feel right for you, then create daily habits of them to make the most of your summer.