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 […]
Life
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No Pain, No Maine? Long-distance hiking or thru-hiking is challenging both mentally and physically. Whether hiking the Appalachian Trail or another long-distance trail, the continuous step-by-step motion from dusk to dawn, repeated day after day, requires considerable effort and determination. This routine can feel monotonous, and it may involve pain and discomfort. Thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail (AT) understand that the 2,168-mile journey from Georgia to Maine will not be free of aches and pains. This is reflected in the common exchange among AT backpackers: “No Pain, No Maine.” However, this doesn’t mean that a thru-hike is a painful or […]
Looking for a new place to hike, run, or cycle? Here’s a list of our favorite sites and apps to direct you to nearby wilderness trails.
Several factors can cause the hands to swell when hiking, but the most common causes are gravity and how the body distributes heat during exercise. Gravity plays a significant role in this process, as it pulls the fluid in our bodies towards the lower extremities, including our fingers, hands, and feet. As the core muscles heat up when hiking, the vascular system cools the body by releasing more fluid to these areas. When blood reaches the skin to dissipate the heat, fluids leak out of the vessels, causing swelling of the limbs. Medically known as exercise-induced peripheral edema, the problem […]
No one ever wants to be sick, especially during a backpacking trip. With a myriad of viruses out there, here are a few tips for keeping your immune system going strong so you are less likely to fall ill while on the trail. Keep a Healthy DietThe overall function of the immune system is to prevent or reduce infection. Modern medicine can battle disease directly, but true health can only be attained by maintaining a healthy and properly functioning immune system. Your digestive tract is closely tied to your immune system. A healthy immune system is dependent on consistent nourishment. […]