Tips for Staying

There are endless ways to love summer – the longer days, family trips with grandkids, farmers markets in abundance. The summer heat and humidity, though, can make it tricky to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. At CAL, we are always looking for creative ways to enjoy the best of summer while beating the heat. As you make plans for those hot days ahead, consider these cool ideas.

Swimming pools bring back childhood memories of carefree, school-free days. Dip into one of several public pools around town. Visit AthensClarke County’s website for locations, including Lay Park. Legion Pool is another best kept secret for UGA students, alums and faculty. Even non-UGA affiliated adults and families can join.

Prefer to hang out in the shallow end? Buy or borrow a kiddie pool! Don’t underestimate the enjoyment of dipping your feet into cold water. Add an icecold beverage and some Hawaiian music in the background for extra vacay vibes.

Love floating on water, but can’t make it to the lake? Take some friends kayaking on the Broad River in Athens or go tubing in Helen, GA. Bring a picnic and make a day of it. CAL will be floating the Broad River on Thursday, June 29th.

AND, ACCA is bringing the beach to you! We’re hosting Beach Day on Thursday, August 3rd, complete with kiddie pools, ice cream, games, beachthemed crafts, and the Chick-fil-A truck!

The best summer advice is to stay hydrated, yet drinking water can feel like a chore. Jazz up your H2O with some berries, citrus or sliced cucumber. Try incorporating more fruits and veggies with high water content into your diet! Host a watermelon-eating contest with friends and family (Pro tip: want to watch your intake of sugar? Portion out the amount for contestants).

Get creative in the kitchen with homemade popsicles. Blend up fresh fruit to make juicy pops, add herbs like mint, or even pop smoothies in the freezer. You can find popsicle sleeves and molds in your grocery store or online.

Join CAL for U-Pick blueberries at Damn Good Dawg (DGD) Farm on Thursday, June 22nd, and the Athens Farmers Market at Creature Comforts on Wednesday, July 26th.

(see catalog for details)

6/22 – U-Pick Blueberries at DGD Farm

6/29 – Kayaking and Picnic on Broad River

7/13 - Dash of Delish: Watermelon Three Ways

7/18 – Matinee Movie

7/26 – Athens Farmers Market @ Creature Comforts

August/September

8/3 - ACCA Beach Day

8/7, 8/14, 8/21 –Learn to Meditate Course

8/14 – Bowling Outing at Showtime

8/24 – Swings & Wings at Top Golf

9/15 – Spa Time at Foot Palace

Maximize use of “cool zones” around town – think the public library, grocery store, movie theater, indoor entertainment venues, etc. Spend time in places that offer refreshing a/c and an engaging activity. This summer, you can find CAL members at a matinee movie, bowling, Top Golf driving range, Foot Palace for reflexology, and more!

Sweating is the body’s “natural air conditioning system,” but you may want to get in your steps without breaking a sweat. Join CAL’s Walking Group at Georgia Square Mall on Tuesday, July 25th, or do your shopping at a big box store like Sam’s Club or Walmart, which have longer aisles.

Did you know that slow, regulated breathing exercises not only help calm the mind, but they can also naturally decrease body temperature? Feel Free Yoga & Wellness is offering Learn to Meditate course at CAL in August following our Restorative Yoga class (Mondays at 1 p.m.), which takes a slower pace.

Wear SPF, hats, sunglasses and protective apparel and wear lighter colors. Hydrate and avoid peak heat hours outdoors and, keep an eye on air quality. Know your limits and listen to your body. Above all, have a wonderful and funfilled summer!

Recipe: Arnold Palmer Pops Makes 10 popsicles

1.5 cups brewed tea

2-3 teaspoons sugar (optional)

2 cups lemonade

Make tea to desired sweetness. (Southerners know their sweet tea!) Add the lemonade and pour into each mold until all are filled. Freeze for 30 minutes, then add the popsicle sticks. Freeze until completely solid, about 2-3 hours. You can also make “half and half“ versions by combining the tea with ½ cup lemonade. Pour into molds until halfway full. Freeze for 30 minutes, then top off the molds with the remaining lemonade. Freeze again for 30 minutes, then add the sticks.