Kristan Iorio

Kristan Iorio is attending Ladies Snowshoe and Hot Chocolate.

884 days ago
Kristan Iorio joined the group Betty Club Tour

884 days ago
Kristan Iorio added new blog post Hiking safely and securely ...

Hiking safely and securely

Hiking and other outdoor sports can be a fun and interesting way to keep fit and see the great outdoors. However, many of them also come with their own unique dangers that can cause accidents for many enthusiasts. It is important to bear in mind some safety tips that can be easily followed to ensure you don’t hurt yourself while engaging in outdoor activities.

When hiking on long trips, it is important to keep hydrated at all times. Although walking seems easy enough, hiking over mountains and other outdoor paths can be a grueling activity, especially if done for long periods. You should take water with you at all times to ensure that you replace any fluids you lose during the hike. Likewise, it is a very good idea to bring snacks or perhaps energy bars along with you as well. These will give you the extra energy you need to replenish the calories you are burning with your exercise.

The time of year you go on your hike can have a great effect on its success. You should be prepared for all types of weather and conditions. Just because the day starts out sunny and bright it does not mean that it will stay like that for long, and the relevant coats and waterproof gear should be brought along on the hike. You should also check all of your equipment before setting out to ensure that it is in the correct condition.

Unfortunately on long hikes, accidents will happen. Blisters, cuts, stings and even burns can all occur on a long trip. Bringing along a miniature first aid kit will help you heal yourself when you are injured and maintain your progress on the trek. Band aids, sanitizing wipes and joint creams should all be brought along to ensure your hike is a success.

884 days ago
Kristan Iorio and Natasha Lockey are now followers

884 days ago
Kristan Iorio added new blog post Protecting your skin outdoors....

Outdoor athletes and outdoor sporting enthusiasts are thrill seekers. Cyclists and hikers are on the constant search for the higher, steeper, tougher trail to conquer. Fisherman, hunters and sailors are always on the quest for the more treacherous waters and terrain, and marathon runners are always striving to beat their previous time. In the midst of the excitement, preparation and adrenaline rush, though, many outdoor athletes are forgetting about one crucial and potentially life saving tool: sunscreen. That’s right, it’s not just for bathing beauties and swimsuit models anymore! It’s vitally important that male and female outdoor athletes alike make sun protection a priority, even when they think they’re safe.

In fact, it may come as a surprise to some that a summer 2009 study published in Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach, a widely known and respected sports medicine journal for industry professionals, confirmed that current and former athletes – especially ones who compete and train outdoors – are the fastest growing group developing deadly skin cancers called melanomas. The study cited competitive cyclists as being exposed to eight times the ultraviolet rays from the sun as is a recommended healthy dose. Furthermore, winter athletes like skiers and snowboarders developed sunburn after only six minutes in dangerous conditions combining high elevation with blinding sun reflection off snow and ice. Sailors and competitive rowers aren’t safeguarded, either, as the sun’s rays reflect and intensify when they hit the water’s surface.

Luckily, there are ways to stay protected and still enjoy your favorite outdoor sport safely, whether you play professionally or recreationally. The most important factor in preventing skin damage is to apply sunscreen early and often – at least 30 minutes before hearing outdoors and every two hours during outdoor activities. Sun protective clothing and gear helps, too. Sunscreen should be SPF 30 or higher and say “sport” or “waterproof/sweat proof” on the label to ensure the best protection. So remember, before the helmet, the pads, the life vest or the ski poles, a waterproof, high-SPF sunscreen is an absolute necessity for totally safe enjoyment of your favorite outdoor sport

884 days ago