Top Camping Health and Safety Tips

Camping is a great way to spend quality time with friends and family and it has amazing health benefits too. With any outdoor activity, it is important to remember some health and safety guidelines to ensure your trip remains a memorable one.

Vaccination

Getting vaccinated is necessary to protect yourself against diseases and conditions while camping. Speak with a medical professional or your doctor to see if you have had all the suggested vaccines. There might be specific vaccines suggested for you depending on your medical history, destination and other criteria.

Carry safe food and water

It is always a good idea to bring safe and healthy food items to your camping destination. To keep your food and water safe ensure that they are packed in tight bags and waterproof containers. You can also carry insulated coolers to better manage your supplies. Also carry enough sanitizers and hand wash and remember to wash hands and surfaces often.

Make sure you cook food at the correct temperatures.

The right mattress and cot

The importance of the right mattress cannot be emphasized enough. After a grueling hike, you really need to sleep in comfort. IF you have a bad back or spondylosis, then it becomes especially important to carry the right gear. You can easily find camping cots for bad back on this site. Here are some things that you should look for in a camping cot for bad back:

• Back support
• Comfort
• Sleeping Space
• Easy to assemble
• Compactness

Some of these camping cots are so good for the back that you might even consider them for regular use.

Safe physical activity

Camping is an excellent way to get in shape and be more physical. You can have your fill of walking, hiking, biking or swimming during your camping trip. At the same time, be sure to get protective gear for such activities. Whether it is helmets, proper shoes, life jackets etc. Avoid touching plants that are unfamiliar to you as they could be poisonous.

Don't go overboard and monitor children closely. Never leave children alone at any point in time.

Beware of bug bites

Ticks, insects and mosquitoes of many types can cause deadly diseases. Do not forget to carry insect repellents containing DEET and apply it to all skin that is exposed. Make sure that you check for ticks regularly and if you find them, remove them instantly.

It is preferred to wear long sleeves, full pants and light-colored clothes to help prevent and detect ticks easily.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

You may have heard of many fatalities occurring due to carbon monoxide poisoning during camping. CO is an odorless and colorless gas which causes illness or even death in people and animals.

To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, don't use fuel burning equipment like heaters, gas stoves, charcoal grills inside the tent or any other enclosed space.

There are safer heating alternatives that campers can bring. Additionally, campers must get appropriate bedding and clothing and eat well to keep themselves warm.

Protect yourself from harsh weather

You can prevent hypothermia during extremely cold weather conditions by carrying enough bedding and the right clothing to stay warm, also make sure to use a plastic ground cloth beneath the tent to help you stay dry.

On the other extreme, there are many heat-related illnesses during hot weather. Drink plenty of water and wear lightweight loose fitting clothing to stay cool. Take rest and protect yourself from overexposure to sun. Also, carry a good quality broad-spectrum sunscreen and lip screen. You must seek shade often and also carry wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.

Conclusion

Camping can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience. But be prepared for uncertainties and check the weather before you leave. It is also a good idea to read other campers' reviews for a particular destination. Stay safe and make the most of this great time spent in nature.