Announcing Dr. Phillips’ new book:

Living Well After Diagnosis: Practical Strategies to Cope, Move Forward, and Reclaim Your Life with Chronic Illness

(Click on title for more information)

Summer 2026

The “Dog Days” of Summer…

When most people hear the phrase “dog days” of summer, the first thing that comes to mind is the hot, lazy, crazy days of summer.

However, this expression has more to do with the stars than with actual dogs. The phrase originally comes from ancient astronomy, linking the rising of Sirius, the “Dog Star”, to the sun.

In the northern hemisphere, the “dog days” of summer begin in early July and last through mid-August, which is typically the hottest and most humid period of the year.

Ancient Romans believed Sirius added extra heat to the sun. They believed dogs were most affected by Sirius’s heat, leading them to exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans.

According to folk wisdom, the ‘dog days’ were blamed for madness, fevers, and bad luck.

But, in modern times, the expression “dog days” simply refers to the hottest days of the summer.

Hot, humid summer days do not mean you can’t still enjoy yourself. There are many things to do to have fun when the weather is really hot. You can go to the movies, stay indoors in air conditioning, have friends and family over to play games and watch movies, have a BBQ and eat hamburgers and hot dogs under a tree or on a patio with shade.

There are many other things you can do outdoors. Going to a pool, lake, or beach is fun, as long as you protect yourself with sunscreen and sit in the shade when you come out of the water.

For those who enjoy walking or have outdoor chores, early morning or late afternoon is the best time for these activities.

Most importantly: make sure you (and your dog) drink plenty of water and stay hydrated!

Whatever the season, whatever the weather, don’t hold back; be creative, have fun, love your family, and live life to the fullest!

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Coping Quote Corner

This section of E-Cope is dedicated to all the famous, or not-so-famous people who have been quoted throughout history and in present times, giving us little tidbits of life that move us, inspire us, and make us ponder about ourselves, our lives, our relationships, or life in general.

Sometimes, it’s just one little sentence that can make us stop and think and give us the wisdom to find ways to cope with whatever life throws our way. Whether these words are serious or humorous, they have withstood the test of time.

Below are some quotes to help you begin to feel the wonderful warmth of the summer sun washing upon your face, and the anticipation and excitement of all the fun summer has to offer, wherever you are, or wherever you go.

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“Summer specializes in time, slows it down almost to a dream” —Jennifer Grotz,

“For me, ‘Dog Days’ symbolizes apocalyptic euphoria, chaotic freedom and running really, really fast with your eyes closed.” —Florence Welch

“The first week of August hangs at the very top of the summer… the dog days, when people are led to do things they are sure to be sorry for after.” —Natalie Babbitt (from Tuck Everlasting

“’Cause a little bit of summer is what the whole year is all about.” —John Mayer

“Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August.” —Jenny Han (from The Summer I Turned Pretty

“Yellow butterflies look like flowers flying through the warm summer air.” —A. Andrea Willis

“If a June night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance.” —Bern Williams

“I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where it was always June.” —L. M. Montgomery

“Often used the hazy, suspended feel of the dog days to invoke deep introspection and mid-summer melancholy.” —Robert Frost

“The summer night is like a perfection of thought.” —Wallace Stevens

“Embrace the dog days of summer with your furry best friend!” —Unknown

“I love summertime more than anything else in the world. That is the only thing that gets me through the winter, knowing that summer is going to be there.” —Jack McBrayer

“It’s a sure sign of summer if the chair gets up when you do.” —Walter Winchell

“A lot of parents pack up their troubles and send them off to summer camp.” —Raymond Duncan

“A man says a lot of things in summer he doesn’t mean in winter.” —Patricia Briggs

“The tans will fade but the memories will last forever.” —Unknown

“Summer is a promissory note signed in June, its long days spent and gone before you know it, and due to be repaid next January.” —Hal Borland

* Our popular Coping Course…

Have you been diagnosed with a medical condition? Are you feeling overwhelmed and not sure what to do next? Our new free course can help!

• The course is called, “Newly Diagnosed With A Medical Illness? What To Do Right Now!” and it’s presented by our director, Dr. Phillips.
• It contains tips and strategies that you can implement to begin the process of helping yourself to move forward.
• You’ll also learn information about a premium course containing even more tips and strategies.

For information or to sign up for the free mini-course, click here.

* Our helpful Coping Questionnaires…

• Our free Coping Questionnaires are an easy way to discover more about yourself and what aspects of your life you might like to improve.
• We currently offer free questionnaires about stress, parenting, and living with illness.

 

* Resources

• Check out the latest resources (articles, books, questionnaires, and more) on our Resources page

* Special COVID alert!…

• Despite the ending of the COVID-19 public health emergency, there’s still a lot of Covid going around. The Coping Counselors at the Center for Coping are all continuing to provide telephone and video sessions, in addition to face-to-face appointments.
• Our Coping Counselors are also available to do free, initial consultations with any new individuals who could benefit from coping strategies during this difficult time.

For information, call us at (516) 822-3131, or email us at info@coping.com

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* Dr. Phillips’ latest books:

“Newly Diagnosed? Now What? 153 Strategies to Help You Take Action and Cope After Your Medical Diagnosis“
Coping Press

“Coping With Lupus, 4th Edition“
Penguin Putnam/Avery

“Lupus Q & A: Everything You Need To Know, 3rd Edition” (with Robert Lahita, MD)
Penguin Putnam/Avery

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