Wash melons in water before slicing. Use a clean knife and place something clean under the melons when cutting them. This is good safety.

Here is a quick hot July summer day salad recipe. It serves two and provides 2.5 servings of fruits and/or vegetables per person.

Mix snow peas, crushed carrots, baby onions, celery and tomatoes for the vegetable side of the serving.

If you would rather have fruits, mix oranges, cherries, strawberries, blueberries and bananas.

After mixing, toss with three cups of washed and dried spinach leaves. (You may choose other fruits and/or vegetables of your choice.) Top with favorite dressing. You can also put in a blender and use as a cool drink.

Food tip: The more brightly colored fruits and vegetables you add to your salads, the more nutrients you'll pack in.

Swimming is a good way to cool off this summer, plus an excellent form of exercise for the whole body. Never dive from the sides of a pool, but use a diving board only. The minimum safe depth for diving in any water is nine feet. Diving accidents are a leading cause of head, neck and spinal cord injuries. One sign that must not be ignored is a "No Diving Allowed" post. Ninety percent of all diving accidents result in both legs and arms being paralyzed. Last, but not least, never dive into an above ground swimming pool.

Going to the beach this summer?

Take this chance to kick off the shoes and walk in the sand. Walking in the sand massages your feet, strengthens your toes and is good for general foot conditions. Caution! Watch out for glass and other sharp objects.

Kids have their own things to do in the summer, but the family should have some activities that they can do together and everyone will have fun. Here are a few summer activities everyone can enjoy:

1. Visit a "you pick" farm and pick your own strawberries, blueberries, peaches or a favorite fruit.
2. Play croquet.
3. Adopt a highway, park or beach and clean it.
4. Plan a family walk, hike or bicycling trip.
5. Visit an educational center (this might coincide with another more fun visit to a recreational place.)

This is just to give you some ideas. You can make up your own list with things that your family might enjoy. Each family member might make a suggestion. It's all about having family fun together.

Have a great summer!

Sing like nobody's listening. Dance like nobody's watching. Tell the truth. Live like it's heaven on earth. Work like you don't need the money. Love everybody. Find something to smile about everyday. Have fun. Go to church. Pray.

"Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful."
- Ann Landers


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