After over a year of social distancing and limitations on travel, many Americans are retooling their routines and spending more time in the great outdoors. Riding bikes, walking the dog or even having dinner on the patio can help people get out of the house and combat cabin fever.
Fall can be a great time for activities such as camping, hiking and outdoor sports. However, if you’re spending time outside, it’s important not to lose sight of potential health risks.
“With so many of us so focused on avoiding COVID-19, it’s easy to become overwhelmed or even fatigued and disregard other health considerations that could affect our wellbeing,” said Dr. Sean Tucker, a family medicine physician with SSM Health Medical Group in Edmond, Okla. “By investing minimal time and effort and playing it smart, it’s easy to maintain good health while enjoying your favorite outdoor activities.”
Here are a few important tips to remember:
- Wear sunscreen. Everyone can benefit from sunscreen, no matter their complexion or the time of year. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends wearing SPF 30+ for outdoor activities and applying 30 minutes before going outdoors, then reapplying every two hours. Wear a hat and UV-protective sunglasses to further protect your eyes.
- Wear bug repellent. Mosquitoes, ticks and other insects can carry dangerous diseases, such as Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, West Nile Virus and more. When possible, wear clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible. Consider wearing insect repellent, applying it following the instructions on the bottle.
- Dress with safety in mind. In addition to keeping skin covered from sun and insects, dress in layers to ensure you can also warm or cool yourself depending on the weather. Wear well-fitting shoes with good grip, such as hiking boots or trainers, to help minimize the risk of falling. If you have any healed or current injuries, or other orthopedic concerns, talk with your doctor in advance about the best way to exercise outdoors without causing further harm. Certain techniques or even warm-up activities can help reduce risk of injury.
- Be aware of flora and fauna. When exploring the great outdoors, it’s easy to come across plants and animals that could be poisonous to humans. Be aware of common plants and animals in your area and, when in doubt, avoid coming into contact with wildlife or unidentified plants.
- Stay hydrated. Drink water before, during and after your excursion, and make sure you compensate for additional fluids your body is losing through perspiration. While there are multiple recommendations for determining how much water you should drink daily, eight 8-ounce glasses are generally considered a good place to start.
Although some people may want to embark on an outdoor adventure alone, Dr. Tucker advises going with a friend or at least bringing a cell phone.
“While it can feel like just what the doctor ordered to spend some alone time in nature, I always caution that going with a buddy or at least having a cellphone with you can help promote safety,” Dr. Tucker said. “In the event of an emergency, it’s always best to have that access to be able to call 9-1-1.”
For more information about SSM Health Medical Group primary care or to find a physician near you, visit www.ssmhealth.com/find-a-doctor.
