Camping season is back!
Camping is a pretty popular summer activity in our part of the country. I hadn't had much camping experience prior to moving to Colorado, but since moving here I've had a couple of camping trips and can't wait to plan a bunch more this summer! My friend group out here was actually formed all thanks to a camping trip. (Shoutout to the Dunes Squad!)
While camping is a great time, there are also some factors to be aware of. It can be scary to experience nature in such an intimate way, and I was curious to look into some of the concerns and precautions that go along with camping. I also believe there could be benefits to camping, which we will examine as well. Let's take a look at camping and how it can affect our health and well-being!
Risks of Camping:
We are going to start with the "bad news" and go over some of the health concerns that camping can bring about. While this will not be a comprehensive list of concerns, I wanted to highlight a few big ones.
Poisonous Plants
Poison ivy, poison oak, red baneberry, and death camas are a few examples of poisonous plants. Poison ivy or oak have an irritant oil called urushiol, and irritation can occur after any type of contact with these plants. Red baneberry will cause nausea, dizziness, increased pulse, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Death camas may slightly resemble and smell like onions, but do not eat them. These will cause a slowed heart rate and diarrhea.
Personally, I would just avoid eating any unknown plants and be mindful of contact with plants that contain irritants. If you do come into contact with a plant such as poison oak, wash the point of contact with soap and water within 15 minutes. Over-the-counter calamine and antihistamines should be able to soothe and treat these areas, but talk to your doctor if it is especially irritating.
Food Safety
If you're doing camping the right way, you're bringing tons of great food! Burgers, s'mores, and hot dogs are just a few of the camping staples. When storing and cooking food outdoors, it is important to practice safety measures. Bacteria that cause food poisoning flourish at room temperature. Remember to keep the cold food cold (below 40 degrees F) and the hot food hot (above 140 degrees F). In addition, be careful to keep your food stored safely so that it won't attract wild animals. Many campsites will have a bear box for this purpose.
Sun Exposure
The sun can be nourishing, but too much exposure can be harmful. Too much sun can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration. Be sure to drink plenty of water and actively use your sunscreen. If you are experiencing symptoms such as nausea, headaches, or weakness, find shade, hydrate, and remove any outer clothing. If you are experiencing more severe symptoms such as confusion or fever above 104, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Benefits of Camping:
Alright, so we got some of the bad news out of the way. Let's move on to the positive health effects that camping can cause!
Camping is good for both the body and the mind. Some of the benefits include stress reduction, lowered screen time, relationship building, development of new skills, and increased physical fitness. Physical activity and connecting with nature have been found to improve psychological health, as it has been shown to increase mood, focus, and cognitive ability. Sleeping under the stars even can help enhance our circadian rhythm, which contributes to our quality of sleep. You are likely to get good exercise on a camping trip as well through hiking and setting up camp.
While there are definitely some elements to be aware of while camping, it is also a fantastic activity with many benefits. It's always a smart idea to go camping with a more experienced camper, especially if you are newer to it, like me. I'm really looking forward to my next camping trip! I can't wait to improve my well-being with some good old-fashioned nature! I'll also be sure to take the necessary precautions so that I can fully enjoy myself.
What are some of your favorite camping spots? Let us know in the comments!
