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Clean Water for a Healthy Body |
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Clean water is essential for good health. But in the outdoors safe water may not be so easy to come by. Three ways to make it safe are:
• Boil it: This will kill any germ or virus.
• Filtration: Filters are convenient and easy to use.
• Chemical Treatment: Tablets and drops can be added.
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Poison Ivy |
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• Poison ivy and poison oak symptoms can range from an itchy rash to overall body hives.
• Mild cases will have an itchy rash with blisters and sometimes get a little crusty.
• Keep the area clean with soap and water.
• You should probably also treat it with cortisone cream and Benadryl to prevent itching.
• If your case is more serious you should seek your physician for treatment.
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Building a Medical Kit |
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Here are some general guidelines to follow when putting your medical kit together.
• Various band-aids, gauze and medical tape.
• SAM Splint for sprains and fractures.
• Elastic bandage or ACE bandage.
• Bring extra medication in case your hike goes longer than expected.
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Snake Bites |
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• First and foremost, don't panic.
• One of the best methods is an extractor you can buy at an outdoors store.
• Select the right sized suction cup, attach it to the syringe, then put it over the bite with the plunger fully extended.
• Push the plunger in as it begins to suck to your skin.
• Leave it there for about five minutes and then remove the plunger.
• Wipe any venom away.
• Keep the injured part at the same level or below the rest of the body.
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Sprains |
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Walking outdoors is much more dangerous than walking on a sidewalk. The ground is usually uneven and covered with rocks, roots and puddles. Sprains and fractures are the most common injuries encountered in the outdoors. Prevention comes down to being careful and wearing boots with some ankle support. If a sprain occurs, do whatever you can to keep the area from moving. Remember RICE:
R est
I ce
C ompression
E levation
If you don't feel better after a few days there is probably something more serious going on and you should see your physician.
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