Safety is important in the outdoors, don't let minor problems become big ones especially when it comes to health. Play it safe in the outdoors. When outdoors don't ignore these three common problems because they can lead to much bigger issues. As the old saying goes an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
1. Blisters
Sarah Buer of the national outdoor leadership school recommends frequent checks of feet to catch them early. Making sure to wear proper fitting footwear that as well broken in will help to prevent blisters. Buer recommends a moleskin donut hole for hotspots and small blisters. Hey blister larger than a nickel needs to be drained with a sterile needle.
2. Cold Extremities
Prevent cold and numb extremities by wearing proper fitting clothing that does not constrict circulation. Use handwarmers if necessary. Real warm cold extremities by placing under armpits or near a friends abdomen. Gentle massage can help promote recirculation.
3. Headache and Dizziness
Buer points out that the most common cause is dehydration and so it should be taken seriously. The best prevention is to stay hydrated and rest when necessary. Don't overdo it. Headache relief medication can be used if necessary.
Buer makes it abundantly clear that prevention and early detection are important. Having proper first aid training and maintaining these skills is vital. Find more resources about prevention and treatment of these conditions below. Click here or the following url for a list of recommended first aid training and other certifications. http://www.outdoorlessons.org/2016/06/leadership-lessons-series-recommended.html
First Aid Red Flags http://blog.nols.edu/2016/04/28/self-care-in-the-backcountry/
Blister Care https://youtu.be/7GALD3z9w_0
Sources
By David F. Garner