These two moms opened a spa. It had one big, beautiful effect on the
Mery and Sindy always knew they wanted to open a spa to bring beauty to customers. Little did they know it would have the same effect on the community. And Business First was there. We provided $23,000 in grants to help with much-needed renovations so Mery and Sindy could bring their vision to life.* Now, not only does their spa impact clients in a beautiful way, it gives the community an economic lift as well.
*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.
Mery Seminario and Sindy Catalan, ISSI Beauty Spa, Port Washington
July is a time to celebrate freedom, family, and the simple joys of the season. From beach trips to backyard barbecues, vacations, and evenings under the stars, this month is made for creating lasting memories. Inside this issue you'll find seasonal editorial, a delicious recipe and a kids coloring contest, where you can enter to win tickets to Splish Splash. Interested in advertising? Seasons® Magazine is published monthly in print and online. Contact us today to learn more.
Affordable Summer Entertainment Options
Summer is full of opportunities to rest and unwind. It’s also a prime time for people to embark on vacations, road trips, or take in activities around their hometowns. According to InsureMyTrip, millennials prefer to travel the most during summer. July is repeatedly ranked highest, with Transportation Security Administration volume records indicating that various dates during July are particularly busy times for travel.
Summer is synonymous with school breaks and time off from work, and it makes sense that people will look to entertainment options to fill their time. But not everyone has the budget for lavish two-week vacations or bigticket excursions. Fortunately, having fun doesn’t have to involve going broke. The following are some low-cost options for active daily or overnight adventures when the mercury rises.
Local sports game
While the draw of a Major League Baseball stadium certainly has its merits, unless inexpensive tickets can be secured, more local options may be a more budget-
friendly fit. Minor league games can provide the thrill of watching sports without
the high price tag. Plus, they draw smaller crowds and are closer to home for most fans.
Fairs and carnivals
The average cost of a day at an amusement park can be eye-opening. BestLifeOnline. com says major park tickets for a family of four now range from $370 to more than $1,100, depending on the park’s luxury level. Smaller regional parks may have lower-priced tickets, but even then, costs can add up when considering food and drink, too. Church carnivals and local county fairs tend to be much more affordable and offer similar thrills and games.
Day
at the beach
Few things can be more relaxing and fun than spending time by the ocean. Families and friends can spice things up by picking different beach locales and packing the car to check them out. Create a list of possible beaches to visit on weekdays or weekends. Purchasing beach tags well before the start of the season can reduce the costs of beaches, as some charge around $10 to $12 per person for daily rates. But there also may be plenty of free or low-cost options.
Summer offers plenty of affordable activities and adventures close to home.
More Ways Enjoy Entertainment Close To Home
Whiletravel can be exciting, there are plenty of ways to enjoy recreation and entertainment without leaving town. Many local options are affordable, convenient, and perfect for spending quality time with family and friends.
Live music: Local restaurants, pubs, schools, festivals, and community venues often feature talented musicians and performers.
Theater productions: Community
theaters and colleges regularly stage plays and musicals, offering quality entertainment at affordable prices.
Dining out: Exploring local restaurants is a great way to enjoy different cuisines while supporting area businesses.
Farmers markets: These markets provide an opportunity to shop for fresh, local products while enjoying a relaxing outing.
Parks and recreation: Beaches, parks,
trails, lakes, and marinas offer countless ways to enjoy the outdoors and stay active.
Comedy shows: Local venues frequently host comedians, making for a fun and affordable night out.
From live performances to outdoor activities, there are many ways to enjoy entertainment close to home without the expense and planning that often come with travel.
Enjoy Summer With Homemade Sorbet
Dessert and summer are a match made in heaven. Sweltering summer afternoons might not be comfortable, but any discomfort can be quickly washed away with a refreshing dessert, such as the following recipe for “Kiwi Fruit Sorbet” from Lou Seibert Pappas’ “Ice Creams & Sorbets” (Chronicle Books).
Directions:
In a small bowl, mash the zest with 1 teaspoon of the sugar to release the oils. Combine the remaining sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Cook until the syrup is clear. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. In a food processor or blender, purée the kiwi fruit with the juice, syrup and sugared zest. Transfer to a container, cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 3 hours.
Freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Or, to freeze without an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a 9-inch nonreactive square pan. Cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze just until solid, 2 to 3 hours. Scrape out into an electric mixer or food processor and process briefly until light and fluffy. Serve at once or transfer to a container, cover, and freeze until firm, about 2 hours. At serving time, garnish with a lime wedge to squeeze over each serving.
Kiwi Fruit Sorbet
Makes about 1 quart
2 teaspoons grated lime or lemon zest
3⁄4 cup sugar, divided
3⁄4 cup water
2 pounds kiwi fruit (about 8 kiwi fruit), peeled and quartered
6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice
2 limes, quartered
Ice Cream Is A Wildly Popular Dessert
Ice cream is a wildly popular dessert, with an estimated 15.4 billion liters of ice cream consumed each year around the world, according to the World Atlas. New Zealand consumes more ice cream than any other country, followed by the United States. When it comes to ice cream flavors, the International Dairy Foods Association says vanilla is still America’s favorite flavor, followed by the others of the “Big Three”: chocolate and strawberry. Butter pecan and cookie dough round out the top five flavors in the United States. Vanilla reigns supreme worldwide as well. Forty-six countries choose vanilla over other options according to research conducted by Premier Inn, a United Kingdom-based hotel chain. Worldwide, neapolitan and chocolate also are popular ice cream flavors.
Tips To Steer Clear Of Traffic On Your Next Summer Road Trip
Travelerstake to the roads in droves come summertime. When vacation season hits full swing, vacationers have long had a tendency to get behind the wheel and take to the open road. That tradition seems to be especially appealing to modern travelers.
The 2026 Trends Report from Hilton indicated that 71 percent of travelers surveyed intended to drive on their next vacation. Road trips are favored for a variety of reasons, including a sense of spontaneity that is not available when vacationers are traveling on airlines’ schedules.
With so many vacationers expecting to hit the open road this summer, it can benefit all drivers to embrace strategies designed to help motorists steer clear of traffic.
• Choose alternative routes when mapping trips on GPS. Modern drivers rely on mapping applications to get them to and from their destinations on long road trips, and some of those apps may allow drivers to choose alternative routes that are less busy. Many mapping apps default to the fastest route, but Apple Maps and Google Maps also offer options to avoid highways and tolls. Those alternative routes tend to be less heavily trafficked than the primary routes. Drivers can also look for specialized navigation apps like Calimoto. Calimoto is popular among motorcyclists who use it to find the most scenic and winding routes as opposed
to the fastest. Such roads tend to be less crowded, which can be ideal for vacationers who aren’t in a hurry but are hoping to avoid traffic.
• Wake up early. While it might not be for everyone, those who can rise early can beat many of their fellow travelers to the road. Peak congestion periods vary by region, but it’s generally best to avoid departing during times of day associated with morning and evening rush hour. That’s between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Roads tend to be considerably less congested between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., but drivers who intend to hit the road at this time must get sufficient sleep the night before departing and avoid driving drowsy.
• Depart a day early. If possible, drivers can plan to leave for vacation a day early. For example, leaving on a Thursday as opposed to a Friday can help drivers avoid weekend road trippers and others who are starting their own lengthier trips on Friday. It can also help to return home a day early or leave as little driving as possible for the final leg of the trip, particularly if it’s on a Sunday. Roads tend to be packed with returning vacationers and weekenders on summer Sundays, making those days a particularly busy time to travel.
• Dust off the map. When confronting a traffic jam,
many travelers will utilize the same mapping apps to find alternative routes. That means the traffic may just be shifting from one busy road to another road that may soon become just as crowded. Drivers are urged
to bring along a traditional map to find local roads that mapping apps are unlikely to recommend.
Roadways tend to be busy in the summer. But there’s much vacationers can do to avoid being stuck in heavy traffic.
Make The Most Of Summer Road Trips
Car guys and gals tend to be passionate about their vehicles and their love of the open road, and that might be one reason why the average summer vacation road trip is hundreds of miles. Though there's more to a driving vacation than a love of the open road, a recent survey from Road Runner Auto Transport found that 42 percent of respondents planned to drive between 200 and 499 miles for their summer vacations in 2025. An additional 26 percent intended to drive between 500 and 999 miles. The romanticization of the open road affects a significant percentage of road trippers, 14 percent of whom identified nostalgia for classic road trip memories as their motivation to take a driving vacation.
How To Choose A Grill That’s Best For You
Grilling
is a warm weather tradition, particularly when entertaining. Cooking food outside while guests gather and mingle sets a scene for a fun summertime event. It also is a great way to cook meals and avoid heating up the home when outdoor temperatures rise.
Few things match the taste of freshly grilled foods, which can be prepared and cooked to perfection on grills that range from traditional charcoal grills to gas grills and more. The following rundown of grills can help homeowners identify which style is best for them.
• Charcoal grills: Charcoal grills have been around for some time, and they tend to be inexpensive and easy to use. Charcoal grills enable air to enter a manually adjusted intake at the bottom of the grill. Foodies claim that the only way to grill is with charcoal, which imparts a smoky, rich flavor. Charcoal kettle grills are a subset of charcoal grills that are lightweight and portable.
• Gas grills: Gas grills either use a propane tank for fuel, or are directly connected to a home’s natural gas line to offer continuous availability of gas. According to The Home Depot, gas grills are prized because they heat up quickly and are very easy to use. Most come with a push-button ignition to light the grill, and heat can be easily regulated with control knobs. Some gas grills also come equipped with
side burners, so that food can be boiled or reheated outside while a main course is being cooked.
• Kamado grills: Known as ceramic cookers or egg grills, Kamado grills are a more sophisticated version of a charcoal grill, according to Build with Ferguson, a home improvement retailer. While they are still operated similarly to other charcoal grills, the engineered design and ceramic material causes much more regulated and insulated temperatures inside.
• Wood pellet grills: Pellet grills bring the best of both worlds of smoking and grilling. Pellets the size of peas are loaded into a hopper and go into a burn pot with an auger. The thermostat and burn
pot work electronically to keep the grill at the desired temperature. Pellet grills are good for foods that require longer cook times, like roasts and ribs. Some models allow users to adjust the temperature of the grill and monitor food using a smartphone app.
• Electric grills: As the name implies, these grills are plugged into a nearby outlet. Electric grills are compact and portable, and some are even tabletop models. Electric grills may be ideal for apartment dwellers or those who do not have adequate outdoor space for another type of grill.
• Smoker: Standalone smokers are designed to cook foods at low temperatures over long periods of time to produce fall-off-the-bone results.
Heat for smokers may be provided by wood, charcoal, electricity, or propane. Wood chips customarily are added for aromatic, authentic flavors. Although charcoal smokers are more traditional, they need to be monitored quite a bit. Electronic models may have a set-and-forget function that enables less hands-on time around the smoker, much in the way a slow cooker indoors can be set up and left without a need for monitoring.
• Hybrid grills: Some grills marry the convenience of gas grills with the smoky flavoring charcoal grills provide. Others may have a side for gas grilling connected to a charcoal smoker.
A variety of grill styles ensure there’s a perfect choice for any home cook.
Bay Shore - Brightwaters Public Library
ONE SOUTH COUNTRY ROAD, BRIGHTWATERS, NY 11718
631-665-4350, www.bsbwlibrary.org
LIBRARY HOURS: Monday through Thursday - 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Friday and Saturday - 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
DISPLAYS FOR THE MONTH OF JULY:
Lobby and Inside Display-View this display about the ferries from Bay Shore’s past, built by and hand-crafted by Captain Sandy Ott-ZEELINE in service from 1969-1989. Gallery-Edward Morley grew up in NYC and has resided in Brightwaters since 1971. He has been an avid self-study and student of Still and Wild life painting over the years, and he has participated in various Art Exhibitions and Associations on Long Island.
MINI FOOD PANTRY - The Bay Shore-Brightwaters Library has a Mini Food Pantry for those in the community that might need some extra help. If you are interested in contributing, please bring items to the Children’s Services Desk. Non-perishable food, baby items or paper products are greatly appreciated.
SNEAKER COLLECTION DRIVE - The library is a collection point for the GotSneakers? Campaign coordinated by the Keep Islip Clean organization. Please place your old sneakers in the bin by the front entrance for recycling. Help us in our effort to keep old sneakers out of landfills.
PUZZLE SWAP - Stop by to check out our puzzle swap, Pick out a new puzzle and leave one for the community to enjoy.
ADULT PROGRAMS:
July 18th – August 29th-Saturdays from 2:00-3:30 PM- Soul Line Dancing with the Long Island Soul Sliders. Promote heart health and mental wellness through dance. You will be guided through various styles of dance as a form of exercise to achieve your fitness goals and have fun! A Fee of $25 is due at registration.
July 18th – August 29th- Saturdays-Beginner-10:00-11:00 AM and Intermediate 11:00-12:00 PM - Everyday English -Everyday English for Adults helps learners build confidence using English in real-life situations. Through interactive lessons and practical conversations, students improve speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills for daily life, work and community.
July 20th- Monday 6:00-7:00 PM-Summer Fabric Flower Sign. Join one of our librarians to make a decorative sign to hang on your front door!
July 21st- Tuesday 6:30-7:30 PM-The Page Turners Book Club. The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow.
July 21st – Tuesday 7:00-8:00 PM-True Crime Club. Boys on the Tracks. Join librarian Rhiannon to discuss a true crime case with fellow enthusiasts!
July 22nd -Wednesday 5:30-7:00 PM-VR Gaming. Level up your reality! Ready to step into another world? Join us for an immersive VR gaming session! Whether you want to battle space pirates, explore the ocean floor we have got the headset waiting for you. No experience needed-just bring your curiosity and a sense of adventure.
July 23rd – Thursday 6:00-7:30 PM-Carolyn Enger, Concert Pianist performing American Ethos. American Ethos introduces the audience to composers of a variety of backgrounds reminding us of the unique spirit of America and the different cultures that make up our nation.
July 29th-Wednesday 6:00-7:00 PM-All About Blue Point Oysters. Blue Point Oysters have been world-famous for years and Keenan Boyle also wants you to know all about them. Keenan is an oyster farmer and expert in all things oysters. Come and enjoy his class as he teaches you not only the history of oysters but the importance of harvesting them and keeping our bay clean. Included is an oyster shucking demonstration and tasting! Fee of $5.
July 30th- Thursday 6:00-7:00 PM-Karaoke Competition. Do you have the voice of an angel or the stage presence of a rockstar? Prove it our Karaoke Competition! Grab the mic, pick your favorite anthem, and compete for prizes. Whether you’re a solo superstar or part of a dynamic duo, we want to hear you hit those high notes!
Upcoming Library Trips- September 16th-9/11 Memorial and Museum, and One World Observatory. Bus departs from the Library at 8:00 AM. The trip includes bus transportation and a guided walking tour of the Museum and One World Observatory. There will be plenty of time on your own to selfguide the Museum, visit the Reflecting Pools and have lunch with many available eateries nearby. The non-refundable payment of $180 per person is due by July 25th and can be made by cash, check or credit card.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS:
You must have a valid Bay Shore-Brightwaters Library Card in order to register for any programs. Check out the library
Bay Shore - Brightwaters Public Library
ONE SOUTH COUNTRY ROAD, BRIGHTWATERS, NY 11718
631-665-4350, www.bsbwlibrary.org
website, stop by the children’s room, or pick up a newsletter at the circulation desk to find out about our children’s programs.
TEEN PROGRAMS:
Teen programs are for students in Grades 6 – 12. A valid Bay Shore-Brightwaters Library card is required. Check out the library website, stop by the teen room, or pick up a newsletter at the circulation desk to find out about our teen programs.
July 15th –Wednesday from 7:00-8:30 PM-Dungeons & Dragons. Join Game Master Chris and create your own exciting adventure using only dice and your imagination!
Community Service Hours -Middle and High School students can earn community service hours by bringing in travel size hygiene products or four non-perishable food items. Four items will earn students one hour of community service. These products will be used in the Library’s Clean Cabinet and MiniFood Pantry. Please bring your items to the teen or children’s desk. A maximum of 4 hours per student will be accepted each month.
July 17th – Friday, 4:00-4:45 PM and Wednesday July 22nd, 2:00-2:45 PM-Craft Buddies. Help a younger friend create a fun and imaginative craft together.
July 17th –Friday-11:00-11:30 PM and July 27th-Monday from 3:00-3:30 PM- Book Buddies. Read to younger kids and earn community service credit.
July 24th –Friday, 4:00-4:45 PM- Lego Buddies. Create a Lego masterpiece with a younger friend.
July 29th-Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 PM- Bookmarked with Kindness. Get creative and earn community service hours by designing personalized bookmarks for library patrons.
Outdoor Activities Ideal For Summertime
GeorgeGershwin’s song “Summertime,” from “Porgy and Bess,” offers: Summertime and the livin’ is easy Fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high Summer can be a magical season full of fresh air, warm days and nights, blooming flowers, and plenty of opportunities to spend time in the great outdoors. There are so many ways to fill summer days, and people are urged to maximize time spent outdoors during this time of year. Since the sun’s rays can be particularly harmful between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., protective clothing and sunscreen is
up the length and intensity of rides as experience is gained.
• Day at the beach: Some attest there is no more perfect place than the beach on a summer day. The waves lapping the sand, the birds calling in the air, and the sounds of children’s laughter and sunbathers’ chatter all combine to create a relaxing seaside symphony. According to WebMD, the negative ions given off by the ocean can improve mood and add to the calming effect the beach provides.
lucky to live near a coast can spend an afternoon or evening strolling the boardwalk, enjoying the various fare and fun activities offered. Many boardwalks have games of chance and small rides for kids. Adults may enjoy the restaurants, bars and shops. Of course, no trip to a boardwalk is complete without coming home with some saltwater taffy.
recommended during this time; otherwise, people can engage in outdoor activities during times when the sun is less potent.
Those seeking some summertime recreation inspiration can consider these activities.
• Family bike ride: Explore trails or bike paths in the area in advance, and then prepare bikes for an excursion. Bicycle riding is a great cardiovascular activity that people of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy. Try flat paths for beginners, and then build
• Backyard obstacle course: Construct an obstacle course in the backyard that everyone can try. It can include having to jump through tires; climb a jungle gym; run through a sprinkler; and crawl under a low-hung clothesline. Family members can compete to see who can finish the course in the least amount of time.
• Walk a boardwalk: Those
• Hike: In a survey of Americans 18 and older conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association, nearly 50 percent said going for a walk or hike was their favorite outdoor summer activity. Hiking requires very little to get started and can produce numerous opportunities to witness nature and get some exercise.
There’s no limit to the ways people can enjoy the great outdoors when the weather warms up.
K ids C o l o r i n g C o nte st !
Get creative and color the drawing to the best of your ability! Three winners will be chosen - one in each age category: 4-5, 6-7, 8-10. Winners will receive a 4-pack of tickets to Splish Splash. All entries must be submitted by July 27. One entry per person.
Please mail your submission to:
Long Island Media Group
Attn: Marketing
565 Broadhollow Road. Suite 3
Farmingdale, NY 11735
Name: Age: __ Phone Number: Email address: Town: Would you like to subscribe to our newsletter?
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Fresh Ingredients Are Perfect For Summertime
Fresh ingredients can be components of a flavorful meal. Come the warmer weather, fresh ingredients also can help people avoid feeling sluggish after eating. This summer, fresh ingredients like avocado and tomatoes can be just what people need when looking for a delicious meal that won’t adversely affect their energy levels. The following recipe for “Bruschetta Topped With Avocado and Tomatoes” from Lines+Angles employs both foods and can make a great addition to any summertime dinner table.
Directions:
1. Combine the cubed avocado with the tomato, shallot, mozzarella, balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, and plenty of seasoning in a mixing bowl.
2. Stir and toss to combine, adding more vinegar and extravirgin olive oil as needed. Set aside until needed.
3. Preheat the broiler to hot. Lightly brush the baguette slices with olive oil before toasting under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown.
4. Remove bread slices and leave to cool briefly. Carefully spoon the avocado bruschetta mix on top and serve with a garnish of sliced basil on top.
Bruschetta
Topped
With Avocado And Tomatoes
Makes 4 to 6 servings
2 large Hass avocados, ripe, pitted, peeled, and cubed
4 vine tomatoes, cored, seeded, and diced
1 shallot, finely chopped
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, drained and diced
2 to 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 to 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing
1 large baguette, cut into 1-inch thick slices
1 small bunch basil, leaves only, finely sliced
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Organic Fruits And Vegetables
Consumers familiar with the disparity in price between organic fruits and vegetables and conventional alternatives may be curious if that difference in price pays off with healthier foods. According to a 2014 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, it does. Researchers behind the study concluded that the antioxidant compounds in organic fruits and vegetables deliver between 20 and 40 percent higher antioxidant activity. That's a significant benefit, as the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables and legumes are associated with a lower risk of various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer, and deaths from all causes. In addition, the Mayo Clinic notes that organically grown produce has traditionally had lower levels of pesticide residue than conventionally grown alternatives, though safety measures governing conventional produce and residue levels have changed in recent years and reduced that gap.
Outdoor Furniture Buyers’ Guide
Outdoor
living is growing by leaps and bounds. According to The Spruce, 62 percent of homeowners planned to invest in their outdoor spaces in 2024, believing these areas would enhance their happiness. However, not everyone is using their outdoor living areas to their potential.
A recent survey by the International Casual Furnishings Association indicated that only 18 percent of consumers were using their outdoor living spaces as much as they desired. Ninety-four percent mentioned they would spend more time outdoors after updating their spaces. Common upgrades included lighting, decorative elements and, of course, furniture — with lounge chairs and chaises topping homeowners’ desires. When seeking out new outdoor furniture, shoppers should keep the following buying guidelines in mind.
• Determine the size of your space Before buying anything, it’s essential to measure the space. This will give you an idea of how much area you have to fill. A big furniture set can overrun a small living area. Conversely, having too little furniture or items that are diminutive in nature can be swallowed up by a large space.
• Consider the surface material You’ll need to adjust your purchases according to what is underfoot. Furniture stability and weathering can be affected if there is grass underneath. A more stable surface like
concrete or pavers should be beneath furnishings.
• Think about the climate Certain materials will hold up better in different weather conditions. In hot and dry climates, you want heat-resistant materials like synthetic wicker or aluminum. If it’s rainy and humid, teak, synthetic resin, powder-coated steel, and eucalyptus are good options. If the furniture will remain out in cold or snowy conditions, teak and treated metals offer superior endurance.
• Establish your budget Shop around to determine prices and then set your budget accordingly. Mix high and low priced items to balance budgets. For example, you can splurge on a durable teak table and pair it with synthetic wicker chairs, which are a mid-range seating option.
• Select durable fabrics No matter the climate, choosing weather-resistant fabrics with UV protection will alleviate fading and degradation from the sun.
furniture and then plan accordingly for storage. Invest in covers for rainy and wintry seasons. Otherwise, select modular furniture that can be moved indoors to sheds or garages.
Furniture that features removable and washable covers also offers convenience when it comes time to clean.
• Invest in storage Consider the shape and size of the
• Add creature comforts Incorporate outdoor rugs and decorative lighting to make the spaces seem cozy. Side tables offer places to keep drinks or set a book down. Also, don’t overlook the extra comfort that privacy screens and throw pillows can bring to outdoor living spaces.
The right outdoor furniture can set a scene for beautiful, comfortable and wellconsidered outdoor enjoyment.
Patios Lead The Way In Outdoor Living
Patios continue to be more popular than decks. According to a tabulation of data from HUD/Census Bureau Survey of Construction from the National Association of Home Builders, the share of new homes with patios is on the rise while the share with decks remains low. The NAHB tabulation found that the percentage of new homes with decks was 17.6 percent, while the percentage of new homes with patios reached a record high of 63.7 percent. Though some homes feature both a deck and patio, the NAHB notes that’s the case in just 6 percent of properties. However, decks have remained a go-to choice in certain regions of the United States. For example, the NAHB reports that 76 percent of new homes in New England featured decks while just 17 percent featured patios. Decks (42 percent) also proved more popular than patios (20 percent) in the mid-Atlantic region.
Hydrating Is Key In Summer Heat
heat illness, as the CDC notes eating regular meals can help to replace the salt lost through sweat. It's also important that individuals avoid energy drinks and alcohol when spending time in the hot summer sun. Many energy drinks contain more caffeine than standard servings of coffee, tea and soft drinks, and excessive caffeine consumption can contribute to dehydration. The same can be said for alcohol, and the CDC reports that consuming alcohol within 24 hours of working in the heat can increase the risk of heat illness.
