The summer is a great time to get outdoors and take the family camping in a campground, cottage or national park.  Whether you’re sleeping in a tent, RV, or cottage, these tips will help you have an enjoyable trip.

Stay hydrated.

It’s easy to become dehydrated when you’re running around in the hot sun.  Muscles tend to get stiffer when you’re dehydrated.  The discs in your back aren’t as springy when you haven’t had enough water.  Dehydration can also lead to headaches.  Additionally, dehydration is a contributing factor to heat stroke.

Take a water bottle and drink from it regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.  By the time you notice thirst, you’re already dehydrated.  Instead, make a habit of drinking plenty of water.

Sleep well.

If you’re sleeping in a tent, bring a sleeping pad or air mattress rather than laying your sleeping bag directly on the ground sheet.  It’s also worthwhile to bring a pillow from home for proper neck support, instead of resting your head on a wadded-up coat or backpack.

Warm up before physical activities.

Canoeing and kayaking can be hard on your shoulders and upper back, especially if you don’t take part in these activities regularly.  Start gently and build your tolerance.

If you’re going hiking, pack your essentials – water, first aid kit, snack for the trail, compass, map – and leave behind anything you don’t need.  Wear your backpack properly, using both straps on your shoulders and fastening the strap across your chest.

It’s wise to take time to warm up before physical activity.  Time spent doing cool-down exercises afterwards is also time well spent.

Wear supportive footwear when hiking, exploring, and playing sports.  For the most part, avoid open-toed footwear when you’re walking around a campsite.  It’s easy to get rocks and sticks caught in open-toed shoes–not to mention the possibility of broken glass and other litter.  The most obvious exception is flip-flops for communal showers or pool decks.

See your chiropractor before you go camping.

A maintenance appointment will make sure your body is functioning at its best before you leave on your camping adventure.  And if all that driving, hiking, paddling, bending and sleeping outside takes a toll, come see us on your return, and we can help relieve any stiffness or aches you may have acquired.  For your appointment, call Sheppard Chiropractic Centre at (506) 635-8182 or (506) 847-7172.

Next week, we’ll talk about how what you pack can affect your back!