By John Hall for Blue Mountain Town & Country Gazette
In this issue we are going to look at the cause of heat waves like we’ve had this summer, eye protection, and gearing up – both you and the kids – for going “back to school.” We will also be bringing you the next installment in our “Short Getaway:…” series.
So let’s start with heat waves. A heat wave is the most dangerous weather setup we have. Heat waves kill more people in the United States than all other weather-related disasters combined, including hurricanes, tornados and flooding. So how do you stay safe in a heat wave? In the article “What is a Heat Wave?” we give you clear information on how to stay safe, as well explaining the root cause and definition of a heat wave.
We also have two stories in this issue relating to the experience called “back to school.” In “Back-to-School Tips for Families” we give you tips on how to launch the kids into a safe, healthy and happy school year, including how to plan for their first day at school, as well as school bus safety tips.
In “Help Your Kids Have a Healthy School Year” we give you five areas you might want to focus on with your kids to keep them both physically and mentally balanced as they head off to study and learn. For many kids a new school year can have many challenges beyond the lesson plan. But through it all, remember that kids are resilient and listen closely to information from adults they trust. We give you valuable information in this article that could be helpful to you at this time of year.
Switching to eye health, we examine why sunglasses are not just for summer, but should actually be worn throughout the year. At certain points it’s about the glare caused by the sun, but throughout the year it’s about UV protection. We discuss why getting sunglasses that provide maximum UV protection is so important for your long-term eye health. Please see “Wearing Sunglasses Year Round” for all the details.
Finally we take you on a little “getaway” to the world-famous Appalachian Trail that is practically at our doorstep. We will also alert you to the Appalachian Trail Museum found right here in Pennsylvania. Be sure and read, “Short Getaway: The Appalachian Trail and Museum” to learn more.
So that’s what you’ll find in this final issue of the Gazette for summer 2024. We hope you are each finishing up a very healthy and happy summer season. As we move to our September issues we will soon begin focusing on the autumn season and all the beauty and experiences that come with it. Until next time!
