HOT!

Every year between 175 and 400 Americans die from extreme heat. Young childrens, elderly peoples, retired Amish draft mules and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to become victims.

Here are som guidelines from the AMA to help you beat the heat.

1. Drink plenty of water. Shove your way to the front of the water trough. Be there first thing when it gets filled up.

2. Limit intake of alcohol and caffeen. Hunh?

3. Eat less protein. "Foods that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss." Hum, I did not know this. "It is best to eat smaller meals more frequently." I concur.

4. Wear light colored clothing. Or don't wear any clothing at all, except yer anti-fly mask.

5. Wear a wide brimmed hat. Or yer fly mask.

6. Avoid too much sunshine. Stay in your cinderblock shelter, or down at the end of the pasture where all the trees are.

7. Cover windows to block the sun. If you happen to hav a window. If you are like the majority of mules and do not have a window, disregard this one.

8. Stay inside with air-conditioning. See tip #7, above.

9. Plan your errands. If you hav any errands, that is.

10. Schedule strenuous work for early mornings and evenings. Or never. How about never?