Summer! What does that bring to mind? The luxury of extra sleep, long lazy afternoons, endless hours to play (though some of you might be attending classes and taking summer courses) and a welcome respite from schoolbooks and homework.

But summer can also be exhausting as the weather becomes warmer. There are a few things you can and should do to protect yourself from hot weather.

One of the most sensible things to do is to reschedule your outdoor activities. Schedule extended play sessions outside for the mornings before the sun comes up or after the sun goes down. Use the hot hours to read or play indoor games instead. If you have to commute to your classes during these hours, it probably can't be helped.

Drink plenty of water because you tend to lose a lot of water through perspiration, more than in other seasons. It is vital to replace these body fluids.

Don't dash toward the fridge right after a session outdoors and resist the temptation of emptying a bottle of ice cold water down your throat. It is the easy way to catch a throat infection. And what is equally bad is cooling off under the fan or in front of the cooler when you're drenched and soaked in sweat.

Have you also noticed that you develop a distaste for solids and prefer liquids in summer? So some minor changes in your diet are in order. Eat plenty of salads and drink lots of fresh juices, and have some light meals so you get enough energy as well.

After all, shouldn't you use the summer holidays to recharge your batteries, so you will be well rested to take on the challenges and demands of school once it opens?.

Yours, Aunt Imelda