It's that time of year again…SUMMER! Many of us find ourselves enjoying activities such as camping and hiking. In fact, over 15 million of us outdoor enthusiasts participate in activities such as camping, hiking and mountain biking. We enjoy "reacquainting" ourselves with the Great Outdoors after being confined indoors during winter's "right-of-passage". With proper preparation and observance of safety precautions, every camping trip and outdoor activity can be fun, safe, and healthy.
Be prepared:
Always be prepared for the unexpected!
Inform someone of your plans.
Tell someone where you are going
Tell them the dates you will be gone
Tell them who's going with you
Have planned activities
Bring emergency telephone number
Check weather reports prior to leaving and daily while camping.
Learn about security at your camp's location.
Know the locations of the restrooms.
Know the location of the Showers
Make prior arrangements if no toilets or showers will be available.
Have available a first-aid emergency kit; compass or GPS; map; flashlight; blankets; batteries; food; clothing and any medications.
Know who to contact at the camp to report issues that may come up.
Upon return home, check for ticks; poison ivy or other plant-sensitivity issues; diarrhea or any other health-related issues.
Always consult with the healthcare provider of your choice if you experience adverse symptoms after a camping trip.
Drinking water safety:
Though cold, bubbling water from a flowing spring may look clean and pure, it can still be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites and other contaminants. To avoid water-borne illnesses:
Bring water from home in containers that decrease the possibility of contamination.
If using gallon-water containers, fill container approximately two-thirds full and freeze. These will aid in keeping foods in ice chest cold and will provide cold, clean water as they melt.
Avoid alcohol and high-fructose sweetened drinks as these may contribute towards dehydration increasing the potential for heat-related illness!
Food safety:
Bacteria is a common cause of food-related illnesses. To prevent bacterial contamination of food, follow these four steps:
Wash hands and surfaces often.
Don't cross-contaminate food - keep foods separate while preparing.
For example: after preparing raw meat, clean hands and surfaces thoroughly before chopping vegetables on the same surface.
Cook all foods to their proper temperature.
Maintain proper temperature while serving.
Keep chilled food chilled.
Properly refrigerate left-over food items immediately.
Temperature-related issues:
Wear and bring temperature-appropriate clothing and bedding articles.
Use a plastic ground cloth under your tent to keep the floor of the tent dry.
Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and high-fructose sweetened drinks as these may contribute towards dehydration increasing the potential for heat-related illness!
Rest often.
Physical activities:
Know your limits!
Injury occurs when demands for physical activities are NOT routinely experienced.
Routinely, adults should get 2.5 hours of increased physical activity per week and children at least 1 hour per day.
Bring safety gear:
Helmets, appropriate shoes and clothing items and other safety items, such as life vests, if water activities are planned
Never hike, swim, boat or canoe alone.
Watch children closely.
Become familiar with the terrain prior to arrival:
Cliffs, shore lines or other areas where potential landslides, falls or physical injuries may occur.
Avoid poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac and other potentially illness/injury-causing plants.
Sunburn:
Even on cloudy days, ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage skin and result in sunburns!
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and lipscreen with at least SPF 15.
Seek shade, particularly between 10am-4pm when the sun's rays are strongest.
Cover up with clothing, wide-brimmed hats and protect eyes with sunglasses.
Blisters, scrapes and scratches:
Blisters, scrapes and scratches are common injuries during camping and hiking outings. Prompt treatment will decrease the potential for serious infection.
Bring a first-aid kit that contains items to clean and bandage all wound types.
Bug bites:
Make sure you have the use of medicinal or natural products that are available to decrease/repel insects.
Wear light-colored clothing, such as long sleeves and pants when possible, to better spot insects/ticks.
Check for ticks daily and remove promptly.
o Bring a first-aid kit that contains items to clean and bandage all insect/tick wounds.
Family pets and animal encounters:
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Make certain family pets have plenty of water, food and shade.
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Watch pets closely.
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Check daily for ticks or other insect injuries.
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Wild animals carry diseases that are dangerous to human and family pets including rabies, hantavirus, Giardia infection and more.
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Wild animals also pose serious to life-threatening injuries if provoked or threatened.
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To prevent wild animals from entering the campground in search of food, keep all food in sealed containers and out of reach.
Campfire safety:
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Most parks have campfire pits ready and waiting for you - use these if available!
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If no campfire pit available, build your own following these recommendations:
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Dig a small pit away from overhanging branches.
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Circle the pit with rocks.
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Clear a five-foot area around the pit down to the soil.
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Keep a bucket of water and a shovel nearby.
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Stack extra wood upwind and away from the fire.
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After lighting, do not discard the match until it is cold.
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Never leave a campfire unattended, not even for a minute!
Carbon monoxide poisoning:
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To prevent accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, follow these simple steps:
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Place camp stoves, generators, portable heaters, fuel-burning lanterns, and similar items outside only and away from tents and shelters.
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To keep warm, pack warm clothes and extra blankets!
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Be alert to the most common symptoms of CO poisoning: headache; dizziness; weakness; nausea; vomiting; chest pain and confusion.
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If you think you are experiencing CO poisoning, get fresh air and medical attention quickly.
Have fun in the sun, but remember:
It is your health…your life…live responsibly!
Until next time, Beloved Reader, it is my prayer that you prosper in all things and be healthy in all aspects of life - body, mind and spirit! (Personalized for you from 3 John 1:2)
*FREE NATURAL HEALTH NEWSLETTER: For more information on natural alternatives, integrative medicine and/or to receive Pam's free newsletter regarding natural health, please visit: www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcare.com <http://www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcare.com>.
Pam Anderson has earned the credentials of Doctor of Naturopathic Ministry and has actively worked in the field of nursing as a Registered Nurse for 31+ years. She is an Ordained Minister. Pam sees her role as a teacher or consultant. She believes in the body's innate, God-given, natural ability to heal itself when given an appropriate internal and external environment. Her years of experience in the ministry, medicine, and natural health field enables her to counsel individuals, couples and/or families on the principles of life, health and wellness for the body, mind (soul) and spirit as established in God's Word. Pam, along with her husband, Ron Anderson, operates several natural health clinics. They travel the country as motivational speakers. They have been married for 37 years.
