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The Ugly Truth About Camping

By Brandi Goodman 

Camping is a popular pastime for many. Though the activity can provide fresh air and a lot of fun, there is an ugly truth to camping that many may not realize until it's happening. With a few tweaks to your camping plans, the activity can be made more beneficial to your health.

It Hurts Your Back

Sleeping on the hard ground isn't ideal for anyone's back. Many people simply bring along a sleeping bag that they put inside the tent. It may keep you warm enough on a summer night, but it won't keep your back protected. Don't let camping cause you back pain. You should bring along a cot or air mattress to use with your sleeping bag for added comfort and support. You should wake easier and be better able to make it through your activities for the day.

It Promotes Unhealthy Eating Habits

Not too many people are worried about healthy eating when they're camping. You may find yourself roasting marshmallows for s'mores, cooking hot dogs over the fire, and snacking on processed foods that are easy to grab on the go. None of these things are ideal for your well-being. These unhealthy eating habits should be avoided. Bring a cooler and pack it with healthy options, such as cut-up fruit, instead. Sure, it will require more prep and packing time, but it will be worth it when you feel energized instead of sluggish throughout the day.

It Leads to Bug Bites 

The bugs will be biting when you're outdoors. There's no doubt about it. This may be a minor nuisance for some, but can be deadly for others who are allergic to things like bees. Spending your entire camping trip itching at mosquito bites isn't ideal, so be sure to bring along the bug spray. You may also want to get a portable lantern that acts as a mosquito repellent or some citronella candles. These can keep the bugs away better than sprays often can. 

It Requires Some Heavy Lifting

The cooler, the tent, the bags, the gear... it can all be quite heavy to lift as you pack it into your car and then take it back out again once you reach your campsite. This can quickly lead to an aching back and shoulders if you're not careful. Make sure to pack as light as possible so you don't have to lift anything too hefty. When you do lift, bend at the knees and use your leg muscles to tackle the job rather than putting it all on your back. You don't want to throw your back out before your trip even gets started.

There are some ugly truths when it comes to camping -- at least if you don't make changes to the typical routine. Make sure you think about your health and well-being when you're going out to camp so you can make it far more beneficial for yourself and your family.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Decatur, Ga.

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