VAMPIRE: National Geographic is asking readers if they are having a “vampire summer.”

In a subscriber-only story online July 22, author Meryl Davids Landau said the heat of the summer this year is causing many to feel it’s “just too hot to go outside.”

“In effect, many of us are now spending summers living like vampires,” the story stated, explaining folks are going outside early in the morning or at night, but are staying in air-conditioned comfort the rest of the day.

It’s important to remember to continue exercising. If the temperature and humidity level are comfortable in the early morning or at night, take advantage of outdoor exercise then. If not, indoor exercise is important — “gentle movements that stretch and stabilize the joints, which is needed to prevent body pain and to minimize injury risk when doing more vigorous, muscle-building routines.”

The article recommended checking YouTube for guidance on the types of exercise you’re looking for.

It’s important to stand once in a while, too. “Sitting for long stretches increases systolic blood pressure among other cardiovascular risks.”

And be careful about snacking. “Being home all day is a recipe for excess eating, especially when it comes to snacking.” Fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds are some of the healthiest snack foods. Watch sodium and sugar levels in processed foods.

We found it interesting that nothing in the article mentioned anything about retractable fangs or blood consumption. Nothing about halting the process of aging, failing to cast a reflection, sleeping in a coffin in the dirt of one’s homeland, avoiding garlic or having an aversion to crosses were mentioned either.

Like the song says, though, “don’t tug on Superman’s cape,” so we think we might just avoid castles in Transylvania anyway.