Some people have fought many years of their lives to preserve the

rich heritage of the outdoors and nature we now enjoy. That

dedication and effort have been rewarded by fantastic hiking

opportunities in our local, state, and national parks systems.

In honor of their efforts, let's break out of our winter

hibernation and venture into the crisp, clean outdoor air and hit

some of those dirt trails. Here are 4 steps to an enjoyable hike, no matter where your feet

decide to take you. 1. Know the area you will be going into. Although many states,

like California, Colorado, or Wyoming have exceptional hiking hot

spots, even your local park will have some kind of useful

information. Whether it's a website with information and trail

details, or a map at the park office, trailhead, or visitor

center, always check before you head out on your hike so you know

what to expect. 2. Know the conditions you will be facing, wherever you go.

Nothing is worse than traveling to a hiking destination only to

miss the hike, because it was raining or freezing and you weren't

prepared. If the trail is flooded out, or snowy conditions have

shut it down for an extended period, you should be able to find

this out as well. It is also good to know if there are any

plants or animals to watch out for at your hiking location.

Wiping with poison ivy won't feel good in the morning. 3. Wear clothing that works and fits the terrain and hike

conditions. There are many options in your clothing arsenal, to

keep yourself comfortable, here are a couple of pointers:

- Try and stay away from cotton. Instead, look for synthetic and

natural fibers that pull moisture away from your body, or at

least stay warm when wet. - Also, go for layers to keep yourself

warm, versus carrying around a huge parka, in case you are hit by

a freak snowstorm. - The two most important pieces of clothing

for any hiker, are good socks and good shoes. Don't

underestimate the pain a hike can cause with uncomfortable shoes

and socks. Finally, a hat in cold weather is a great addition,

since your body loses over half its heat through your head. 4. In addition to knowing the weather conditions, you will need

to be prepared with a first aid kit that matches the hiking you

will be doing. In most cases a simple kit will do. You can pick

up a simple first aid kit at a local department or sporting goods

store. Or you can build you own, which should include these

basics: - Different sizes and shapes of bandages and gauzes. -

Various types of tape for wounds or fixing tools. - Suntan

lotion. - A light emergency blanket (preferably with some kind of

water resistance). - Aspirin, allergy, laxative, and

anti-diuretic medications. - Small multi-use tool with a knife,

scissors, and a needle and thread. - A cell phone can come in

very handy in emergencies. It is recommended that you pack all

of this in a waterproof bag or container. These tips should ensure a comfortable, short hiking adventure. The information contained in this article is for educational purposes

only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any

disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any

health care program. Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News

where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on

many medical, health and lifestyle topics.

Author:
Emily Clark