Maintaining digestive health while thru hiking and traveling can be challenging due to changes in your diet, environment, and routine. The microorganisms in your gut continually evolve in response to your environment and the food you eat. Any change to your environment can affect your gut. The last thing you want is to be slowed down on the trail by a bloated and achy stomach. A diverse microbiome is crucial for overall well-being, yet many travelers find their gut health affected while away from home. Western travelers are more affected by travel-related factors because their microbiomes tend to be less […]
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Although biting insects are annoying, most do not pose a threat to humans or animals. The exceptions are the blood-feeding pests that can vector pathogenic diseases, such as mosquitoes and ticks. In the United States, the Blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), commonly known as the deer tick, can spread the Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi. In Europe, the related Castor bean tick, also known as the sheep tick, and the Taiga tick in Asia are associated with the same disease. Scientists predict the warming climate will cause an increase in reported cases of tick-borne illnesses in many regions. This is mostly […]
Dogs offer boundless affection, loyalty, and companionship. Their playful antics instantly brighten our hikes—whether chasing a fly, rolling on the ground over something funky, zoomies in puddles, or ordinary canine glee, their ability to add excitement to our day is unmatched. So, it’s no surprise our furry companion is eager to paw on new terrains when they hear we’ve got a hike planned. However, when cows freely roam in the same space, stay alert and proceed cautiously! While free-roaming cattle are often docile, they can become dangerous when you have a dog, especially when calves are present. It’s common for […]
Whether exploring the great outdoors or taking a road trip across the country, traveling can be an exhilarating experience. However, one challenge many travelers face is managing mail while on the go. The United States Postal Service’s (USPS) General Delivery—offers a convenient option for nomadic adventurers without a permanent address. If you’ve been reading trail guides or hiker forums, you’ve likely seen the term “General Delivery” and wondered how this mail service worked. An equivalent service outside the USA is known as Poste restante. Here’s a detailed look at how General Delivery Post Office mail works and how you can […]
Consuming a surplus of calories long-term leads to the accumulation of fat in the liver and pancreas that causes type 2 diabetes (T2D). Any activity that decreases intra-organ fat can put diabetes into remission. Backpacking is an excellent activity for people with diabetes. It’s a moderately intense aerobic activity that reduces weight and builds muscle mass, improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood glucose. In fact, for every 10% increase in muscle mass, you get an 11% reduction in insulin resistance.[1] With some planning, you can find trail food to keep blood sugar levels in check. Here are some suggested diabetic-friendly […]