Tips From Dr. Iseman on How to Stay Healthy While Hiking During the Summer
Summer is a time to enjoy the great outdoors, but it's important to remember to take care of your body while you do so. One of the most popular summer activities is hiking, which can be a great way to get exercise and enjoy the beauty of nature, but it can also be dangerous if you're not prepared. In the summer, the heat and humidity can cause dehydration and heat exhaustion, which can be life-threatening. To mitigate these risks, Tallahassee chiropractor Dr. Gregory Iseman of TLC Chiropractic offers some tips to follow before hitting the trail.
Prioritize Staying Hydrated on Your Hike
First, make sure you're properly hydrated before you start your hike. Drink plenty of water or sports drinks before and during your hike to help your body stay hydrated. You should also bring plenty of water with you on your hike, and be sure to drink it regularly. It's a good idea to pack a water filter or purifier if you're going on a longer hike, in case you run out of water.
Get Fit Enough to Hike
Another important factor to consider when hiking in the summer is your physical fitness. Hiking can be a strenuous activity, and if you're not in good shape, you may be at risk for injury or exhaustion. On top of that, water is heavy to lug around. Before you start your hike, make sure you've been doing some form of physical activity regularly, such as walking or jogging. This will help your body get used to the increased activity and prevent injuries.
Remember the Sunscreen on Your Hike
It's also important to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. The sun can cause sunburn, skin damage, and even skin cancer. To protect your skin, wear a hat and sunglasses, and apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating.
Get a Spinal Adjustment
Lugging a backpack stuffed with hiking supplies can put a strain on your back. In order to avoid back pain while hiking, come see Dr. Iseman for a spinal adjustment. If you’ve already gone on a hike, come see us for joint pain, neck pain, knee pain, and more due to your hike. We’ll work towards helping you feel better quickly and provide tips on how to minimize experiencing any pain on future hikes.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. But it's important to take care of your body while you do so. Whether you're hiking, swimming, or playing sports, make sure you stay hydrated, protect your skin, stay in good physical shape, and schedule an appointment with Tallahassee chiropractor Dr. Iseman for pain relief and prevention. Schedule your appointment at TLC Chiropractic or learn more about our services by calling us at (850) 222-5700.
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Preventing Chronic Pain
