© Steve Lait
Summer scoops
We all scream for ice cream at this time of year. National Ice Cream Month (July) and National Ice Cream Day (July 16), practically make it our patriotic duty to enjoy a scoop or two.
Brain freeze
Ever wonder why it sometimes hurts your head when you eat ice cream a little too quickly? According to Johns Hopkins University, one theory is that when the roof of your mouth interacts with something cold—like ice cream—the blood vessels between your mouth and brain constrict and then rapidly open. The pressure from this causes cold neuralgia, or ice cream headache. One way to combat this freeze is to push your tongue to the roof of your mouth to help warm the area. Now pass the ice cream!
© Mix and Match Studio / stock.adobe.com
WHERE’S MEMORY LANE?
I Forgot Day
If memory serves, I Forgot Day is celebrated each year on July 2. The absent-minded day recognizes the trait of forgetfulness. If you’ve lost track of an important date, task or occasion, fret not. There’s a day honoring that—just make sure to jot it down, so you don’t forget it next time.
© Cynthia Kutchey
SPECIAL DELIVERY
Brand-new Costco member
Racing to the hospital, Costco members Sara and Tom were forced to make an emergency delivery in the parking lot of the Green Oak Township Costco in Brighton, Michigan, when it became clear that baby Dominic (above) wasn’t going to wait. The Costco staff later presented a care basket to the family with Dominic’s own Costco name badge.
© Kira_Yan
summertime pet safety
Protecting your pets
During the hot months of summer, remember to provide plenty of water and shade, protect sensitive paws from hot asphalt and never leave your pet in the car. For year-round protection, Figo provides customizable accident and illness pet insurance plans, with exclusive rates for most Costco members. At Costco.com, click “Services,” then “Pet Insurance.”
© bernardbodo / stock.adobe.com
america’s national parks
Growing a community
Every July is National Park and Recreation Month. This year’s theme is “Where Community Grows,” which aims to celebrate the way that parks and recreation areas help bring communities together. Learn more at nrpa.org.
© fahrwasser / stock.adobe.com
ICE HACK
Cold coffee cubes
Keep your iced coffee cold without watering down the flavor with this chill hack: Brew a batch of coffee, let it cool, then pour into an ice cube tray and place the tray in the freezer. Once frozen, use the java cubes instead of regular ice with chilled coffee. Enjoy! Coffee and ingredients are available in Costco warehouses and at Costco.com.
COSTCO OPTICAL ONLINE
Try and buy glasses virtually
Virtual Try-On, a new technology at Costco.com (click “Optical”), lets members quickly get an assessment to determine the best-fitting Costco Optical frames. Members can browse, virtually try on and then purchase glasses, which come in a variety of sizes and colors that are only available online.
© Lizzie Streit