Turning Up— or Down—the Temperature

Summers in Southwest Florida can get very hot, and the high humidity at times is simply brutal, making you want to rush for the nearest air-conditioned building to find some frigid relief. No doubt these are the days when we all appreciate an optimum A/C system. Yet for visitors who come from all over the world, Florida summers are a magnet. What can seem almost unbearable for those of us who live here year-round is just what these folks from colder climes are looking for.

The other day I was chatting with a visitor from Europe; his casual remark brought a smile to my face. He said: “Daniela, in Europe you go into a building to warm up. Here you need to go out! Take a jacket along and everything is fine.” I thought about what he said and realized that he was right. We’re so used to it that we just don’t pay attention to the drastic temperature changes anymore.

So, what is it that makes our area so special for these international visitors? Is it the natural warmth of the sun, the sultry beach experience paired with a dip in cooler waters? Or maybe driving a convertible and enjoying the wind in your face? (For sure it’s not our air-conditioned buildings.)

I think it is a combination of many things. The excitement and adrenaline rush that kicks in when one realizes their “dream come true.” After all the preparations and vacation planning, their trip to Southwest Florida is actually happening. The expectations are set high, and most visitors want to hit the ground running, with hopes of exploring and discovering unexpected adventures as well as indulging in an infusion of new cuisines. You would need more hours than there are in the day to accomplish all the things on the to-do lists of most travelers: bicycling, golfing, running, kayaking, swimming, having a spa treatment and much more.

Eventually our visitors realize that, hey, all they really need to do to enjoy Southwest Florida is to relax. Away from daily obligations, there’s suddenly time for each other, a romantic evening together, and some even feel an energy boost they haven’t felt for quite some time.

When having such a good time, our guests—and we residents too—often forget there are precautions that need to be taken to safely spend time in the Florida sun. Who doesn’t want to get a nice suntan—or a little bit of a healthier look? But overdo it and when the evening arrives, you’ll feel hot and look like a steamed lobster. I guarantee, you’ll regret not having slathered on the sunblock.

Choosing the proper clothing when you are out all day, especially for the children, is also crucial. Drink enough water and don’t skip meals. You are on vacation, not on a diet. Ah, and if you forget your sunglasses or purposely are not wearing them because you want to avoid white marks on your face, I encourage you to throw vanity to the wind and wear them. Taking care of your health during our hot summers can be somewhat demanding, but not impossible.

Since this is our annual health and wellness issue, the feature article “Building Better Health Care” on page 34 tells the story of one of the greatest revolutionary medical advancements to hit Southwest Florida: The Shipley Center for Cardiothoracic Surgery Innovation, Education & Research. Our special sections are jampacked with helpful information. Whether you want to learn about the latest medical advances or find a place to soothe your body, mind and soul, we’ve got you covered.

I hope you enjoy your summer and take advantage of our sunny days. And remember: You can always duck into an airconditioned building when you’ve had enough sunshine. Just don’t forget your jacket.