A Hiking Blog…

Hiking is not just about pleasant walks down scenic trails; there is more to it than just pleasurable moments. Hiking memories may bring into the mind utter moments of pains due to stings of bees or insect bites. The article is sort of a warning to guard you against such painful situations by suggesting possible dangers and their remedies.

Protection against insects

Ticks, mosquitoes, spiders and bees are apparently the most inviting enemies for hikers. These may be avoided by resorting to a few general precautions. The period between late fall to early spring is certainly good for hiking as insects don’t seem to bother much.

Lightweight full sleeved shirts and pants in light colors ensure protection against ticks and mosquito. Light colors also make it easy for you to detect the presence of insects on them.

To check the entry of insects into your dresses tuck your pants into your socks. Also use an insect screen hat, it protects both your hair against the entry of insects as well as guards you from the intense rays of the sun. Jackets and body suits also serve a similar purpose while contributing to your looks.

Staying away from tall grass, low-hanging branches and bushes lowers the possibility of tick bites. Avoid putting on colorful clothes to keep off from bees. In case bees bother you do not dare to attack them, instead move away from the place.

Hiking during the daytime saves you from the bites of mosquitoes and other creepy insects that grow active in the dark after sunset. Dry, sunny days are better than damp, cloudy days.

While insect repellents containing DEET help in warding off insects, pre treated clothes and Permethrin spays also offers protection against insect bites.

Since spiders love to inhabit in dark restricted corners, avoid such places and spider webs to keep off from spider bites.

Look down before sitting or leaning against some tree trunk. Make sure to shake off clothes before putting them on. Also, limit the use of strong smelly perfumes or eating aromatic food to avoid attracting insects. Also make sure to store food or garbage in sealed packs.

Stay away from camping close to water source since mosquitoes breed in stagnant water and light citronella candles for extra caution.

Also, remember to take a shower after hiking.

Treatments to sooth pain

In case you have already been bitten by some insect, precautions won’t help you much. You have already come past that stage and all you need now is to sooth your pain and avoid the occurrence of greater diseases.

On being bitten by ticks or stung by bees, you need to first remove any remains of the insect from your body using a pair of tweezers or scrapping your skin with a razor blade, scalpel or sterilized needle. Then, wipe the area with some antiseptic to prevent the spread of disease.

Since mosquito bites tends to generate itching, avoid doing so as it facilitates greater trouble. Instead wash the area using soap water. Anti-itch sticks and medicines like Calamine lotion works great.

Spider bites though uncommon are dangerous and may even prove to be fatal sometimes. Thus it is better to identify the spider and resort to a doctor after washing with soap water and soothing the wound with ice packs.

When stung by a bee, try to stay calm and avoid itching to check the spread of disease. Antihistamines and chilled water could be used for temporary relief. Allergic patients should try and get medical aid at the earliest.

These are certain tips that shall prove beneficial when you are outdoors on a hiking expedition.

Hiking and trekking are becoming increasingly popular by the day amongst exercise freaks as a major catalyst effectively contributing to weight loss. In contrary to resorting to aerobics and other strenuous exercises at a gym, hiking is simply walking along path or climbing past a mountainous ridge or trail. One of the simplest and best form of exercises available, hiking helps in keeping the body in perfect shape while contributing to a whole lot of health benefits.

Top 10 health benefits of hiking

1.    Hiking helps in decreasing the level of insulin in our bodies thereby preventing the degenerative effects of diabetes. Thus, it aids in controlling diabetes.

2.    Hectic life results in stressful situations. Hiking provides a relaxing opportunity to escape the drudgeries of busy life and seek solace in the solitude of natural surroundings. It refreshes the mind and heals the body thus acting as an ultimate stress buster with a constructive appeal.

3.    Hiking contributes to losing extra pounds by burning about 300 to 500 calories per hour. Based on the path and effort put to hiking on a smooth, rough or mountainous trail, the level of calorie burning varies. Regular hiking expeditions supplemented by a healthy balanced diet make the process of weight loss faster and easy.

4.    Arthritis patients and those with joint problems may resort to low terrain hiking trails for a minimal level of stress on the joints that helps in strengthening the muscles of the leg to take of pressure from the knee joints.

5.    A hiking trip with a friend or a complete troop contributes to building new acquaintances or strengthening old friendships. Hence, it leads to socialization and broadens our horizon of the mind as we develop a sense of appreciation for the likings and dislikes of other people around us.

6.    Hiking helps in checking diseases of the bone such as arthritis and

 osteoporosis. It promotes to raise the strength and density of the bones while reducing the level of calcium loss. Thus, it makes the bones stronger and reduces the chances of undue breakage.

7.    Hiking requires only a few necessary items like gears, a pair of boots, some necessary equipments and water. Therefore, it is not much of an expensive sport and can be afforded by anyone willing to go for a one-day hiking trip.

8.    Hiking contributes to cardiovascular benefits. Hiking generates movements within the body that lead to expansion of the arteries facilitating the reduction in the level of blood pressure thereby taking off some stress from the heart. Hiking further brings about an increase in the level of good cholesterol HDL while assisting to get rid of the bad cholesterol LDL. It thus leads to improvement of health including the heart health, though a person who has already suffered a heart attack needs to avail the doctor’s consent before trying out uphill hikes.

9.    Unlike the boring exercises of the gym with weights and treadmill, hiking provides the chance of relaxing and exercising amidst natural settings. It thus offers a much-needed break from the routine monotony of life.

10.    Hiking provides the strength and stamina of the body helps gain natural resistance towards fatigue. While uphill hikes firms the gluts and calves moving down the hill helps in toning the quadriceps. It thus contributes to building the flexibility of muscles.

Having known the whole range of health benefits associated with hiking, what are you waiting for still? Just backpack your materials and move on a hiking trip.

Being accompanied by a dog on your hiking trip adds to your pleasures while ensuring safety and proves a treat even for your canine friend. Apart from contributing to physical fitness and mental relaxation, hiking helps in building a bond of friendliness between you and your pet.

Important considerations

A dog needs to be trained for hiking depending on its ability and the land terrain. Trainings range from taking dogs on short walks to neighborhood parks or off leash areas that act as playful places for other dogs as well. Going on short hikes at the initial stage and gradually increasing the mileage with the booties on is a good way to train your dogs while caring for their feet.

Altitude acclimation is also an important consideration when hiking at a terrain of higher elevation. Adjusting to higher altitudes requires you to drink much water during the initial days.

Consult a trail map to locate the presence of streams and lakes along your hiking trail. Presence of water sources allows your dog to take a wet plunge and feel refreshed after an exhaustive day at hiking. Should you not want to suffer from Giardia, carry excess fresh water.

Carry enough of nutrient rich dog food to ensure that the dog remains active throughout the trip. Your dog can carry its own backpack containing food and water on long trips.

Since many places do not allow dogs on trail, check beforehand to avoid later complications.

It is better to keep a dog in leash and have a watchful eye on it while outside, to prevent it from being attacked by other wild animals.

Prior to hiking on an unexplored trail, consider the various nuances like depth, length and pathway of the trail to ascertain your pet’s ability to cross over it without much risk.

Let your dog learn and subscribe to proper etiquettes while hiking outside.

Keep a check on your dog’s health to know if it is fit enough to accompany you on your trip.

Holistic hiking for dogs

Holistic hiking involves treating your pet to the most caring services to make it feel special and good from inside.

Feed your dog a wholesome balanced diet preferably an organic meat and vegetable based diet avoiding carbohydrates, artificial flavoring, coloring, preservatives and by-products. Ingredients like corn, corn gluten meal, beet pulp, rice gluten, rice bran, soybean meal and sorghum should better be avoided.

Vitamin, mineral and Salmon Oil supplements increases activity among dogs while bringing a natural glow to their skin and preventing arthritis. Glucosamine and chondroitin ensure strength and wellness to the joints of dogs. While anti-oxidants resist organ degeneration and cancer and Coenzyme Q 10 is good for heart function of animals.

Giving a massage to your dog post a hiking trip not only relaxes its muscles but has a therapeutic effect on you as well.

Include a first aid kit in your backpack to have a ready remedy at your easy reach for untoward diseases and injuries.

You could also go through a few books on hiking with pets for more suggestions prior to the hiking trip.

Having known all about the joy of hiking with your dog now let your loyal friend accompany you on your next hiking trip to make it more memorable.

Do you love hiking and do not want to gamble with nature on every extended weekend you get? Then this write up on the 10 hiking essentials is for you. The list of 10 essential items may often vary from person to person. But the ones I feel most important as a hiker are listed below:

The Ten Essentials…

1.    First Aid Kit – You need to be fit and small cuts and injuries should not hinder your hike. A basic First Aid Kit with items like gauze, band-aids, adhesive tape, butterfly bandages for deep cuts, an elastic bandage for twisted knees or ankles, some pain killers and a few antihistamines for bee stings are very important. Also remember to carry the medicines you need regularly.

2.    Map and Compass – Instrumental usage is very essential in cloudy places and if you get lost. Carry a good compass and if possible the map of the location. The map will inform about the trails, campsites, topography, roads, towns, etc. and the compass will guide the directions.

3.    Extra Food and Water – Always carry extra food and water to avoid hypothermia and dehydration, which are dangerous if not given medical assistance. Moreover, if you get stuck and lose time the extra food would be a boon.

4.    Extra Clothes – Include wool or PolarTek Hat to avoid heat loss as 35% of the total body heat is lost through head. Extra clothing is also good protection from insects, wind, thorns and often cold. If needed, you can cut your extra clothes and make them into bandages, tree climbing aid, pillows or towels.

5.    Flashlights – Flashlights and headlamps are important equipments for traveling in the dark and during dawn.

6.    Rain Gear – An added rain suit or an umbrella will be a very smart choice. Personally I prefer rain suit as it doesn’t engage hands. Even carrying a coated nylon pack bags can act as extra protection against rain.

7.    Knife – A knife of any size can be useful to cut cord, shave kindling or even cut a fabric.

8.    Matches – Carry matches or lighters to light backpacking stoves.

9.    Sunglasses and sunscreen – Sunglasses protect your eyes from snow-blindness. Sunlight when reflected in snow is harmful for the eyes and can even reduce visibility. Sunscreen will protect you from the direct sun rays.

10.    A water treatment option (filter or chemical treatment) – You can treat any type of water – from the streams, pools or lakes with a water treatment device to make it drinkable.

Other important items…

•    Plastic tarp and rope for expedient field shelter.
•    Repair kit, including duct tape and basic sewing materials.
•    Ice axe for glacier or snowfield travel (if necessary)
•    Signaling devices, such as a whistle, cell phone, two-way radio, satellite phone, unbreakable signal mirror or flare.
•    Insect repellent (or clothing designed for this purpose)

You can always carry many other essential items that you think is needed and essential for the particular trip. Again, it is completely up to you to decide whether to carry all the essential items to safeguard yourself from any kind of need or danger because you never know what you have to confront in the wilderness.

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