Summer in Phoenix means twelve-hour days and rooftop units hot enough to cook on. Maria's hands take more abuse in three months than most people's do in a year. The season demands preparation.
"By August, if you haven't been taking care of your hands, you're in trouble. Cracked skin that won't heal. Burns on top of cuts. It compounds fast."
The Summer Kit
Maria's truck carries extra supplies in summer: more tape, more moisturizer, cooling towels, electrolytes. Hand care becomes part of the routine at every stop.
"I tape before attic work, before rooftop work, before anything that's going to be hot or tight. It takes two minutes. It saves hours of pain later."
The Off-Season Reset
When summer finally breaks, Maria gives her hands time to fully recover. The small damage from months of intense work needs time to heal completely.
"You can't carry damage from one summer into the next. Take the slow season seriously. Let your hands recover. They'll be ready when it heats up again."