You’re probably aware that the first day of summer kicked off on June 21, the summer solstice. The term solstice is Latin for sun stand still. Apparently, the sun is higher in the sky throughout the day, and its rays beam on the Earth at a more direct angle, making it the day with the most hours of sunlight during the whole year and setting the stage for the hotter temperatures we associate with summer.
That summer sizzle is the reason July ranks as the most popular month for ice cream. In July, Americans celebrate National Ice Cream Month. Here in the U.S. — we consume a whopping 5.5 gallons per year (on average.)
Though an uptick in ice cream consumption is probable summer data, would one think that July is also known as the most dangerous time to go to the hospital? According to an article in Time magazine, the most experienced medical residents graduate and leave hospitals in July, just as new physicians (or last year’s medical students) arrive. Death rates increase between 8%–24% in July.
If you’re hitting the road or the air this summer you’ll be joining over 650 million long-distance vacationers in the U.S. reports Statistic Brain. 
As a result, chances are your holiday will fall into one of these top 5 most popular summer vacation activities: 1) shopping (54%), 2) visiting historical sites (49%), 3) swimming/water sports (49%), 4) going to a park or national park (46%), and 5) sightseeing tours (46%).
Gearing up for a summer bash? Tweak your playlist to include some of the 10 top summer songs of all time. According to Rolling Stone they are: 1) “Dancing in the Street,” Martha & The Vandellas; 2) “Summertime Blues,” Eddie Cochran; 3) “School’s Out,” Alice Cooper; 4) “California Girls,” The Beach Boys; 5) “Rockaway Beach,” The Ramones; 6) “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” Sly & the Family Stone; 7) “Summer in the City,” Lovin’ Spoonful; 8) “Vacation,” The Go-Go’s; 9) “Summertime,” DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince; and 10) “Cruel Summer,” Bananarama.
While groovin’ to those tunes keep your guests hydrated with watermelon, the summer’s favorite vegetable. Yes, vegetable and not a fruit. It is part of the cucumber, pumpkin, and squash family. This juicy favorite is 92 percent water and the average American eats 15 pounds of watermelon a year.
Even if you can’t control the heat outside you can aim to keep your pool at the perfect temp. Seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature for pools during summer. Any temperature over 90 degrees Fahrenheit is too hot and any temperature under 70 Fahrenheit degrees is too cold.
The last day of summer is September 20. The first day of autumn begins on September 21. So enjoy the summer while it lasts!
To verify a doctor’s license, visit the Medical Board of California’s website at www.mbc.ca.gov/ and for automotive repair services, visit the Bureau of Automotive Repair website www.bar.ca.gov/ .
