Category: Guest Post

[Guest Post] Mixing Paradise With A Great Workout

Hi everyone, here is another guest post, this one comes by way of Quinn McAdams, a self-proclaimed healthy living enthusiast. She enjoys playing soccer, volleyball, running and hiking and is always on the lookout for the next workout he can try. Healthy eating is extremely important to her and she truly believes in the “Do Good, Feel Good” philosophy. You can find her on her blog “Healthy Living by Quinn” http://healthylivingbyquinn.blogspot.com/

Enjoy…

 

I’ve found that as the leaves start turning colors and drop from the branches, crisp

autumn air beckons you outside. Hiking trails, from flat to rough terrain, gives you a

healthy workout whether you spend 30 minutes or 2 hours exploring nature. Bringing

along a friend or family is a great way to keep you motivated and safe, but it is also

imperative to pack some essential items to stay prepared for your adventure. Here is

a list of items I abide by for each hike:

 

Backpack

Select a sturdy backpack that has multiple pockets for ample storage. Mesh side

pockets are practical for bottled water while a zippered cell phone pouch keeps your

electronics safe. The straps should be thick without any damage. Broken backpacks

soon become a weight in your arms. For our last anniversary, my husband bought

me an awesome hiking backpack from an anniversary gift-giving page. We’ve used

this on every hike and pack our favorite travel essentials when hitting the trails.

 

Water Bottles

Instead of loading up on plastic water bottles, try looking into BPA free water bottles

for your journey. You’ll most likely need to refill your bottle throughout the hiking trip.

If there are no water fountains nearby, you’ll need to improvise by using a natural

water source. Fresh water lakes and rivers make great hydration sources, but be

sure the area is not polluted before you drink.

 

Sunscreen

It may be autumn, but the sun still packs a surprising painful punch if you hike

without sunscreen. Try a non-nano zinc oxide kind for an environment-friendly option

rather than chemical sunscreens, which may do more harm than good in the end.

 

First Aid Kit

A simple kit filled with bandages and antiseptic is a critical item to bring on a hiking

trip. Hot and cold packs are also helpful if you have a swollen joint, such as rolling

your ankle, which leads me to my next essential…

 

Hiking Boots

Even though it may seem like a good idea, walking around in old sneakers is a

recipe for injury. This may seem obvious, but it is really important to invest in a pair

of high-quality hiking boots with good tread so they grasp the often uneven ground

below. Pebbles and loose soil cause you to lose footing as you hike and proper

footwear prevents falls and serious injury. Higher-length boots are great at stabilizing

your ankles, preventing any twisting activity, and also protect you from unexpected

patches of poison ivy.

 

Just like any other pair of shoes, breaking them in before you leave for your hike

is key. Wear them around town for a few days to prevent painful blisters from

appearing on your feet during the hike.

 

Fuel

Having energy during a hike is extremely important and also makes for a more

enjoyable journey. Certain foods provide necessary energy for exploring fun. If

you’re in a pinch, bring the traditional hiking foods, such as granola bars, beef

jerky or trail mix to ward off any hunger — but make sure to choose brands free of

preservatives and other chemical additives. There are so many great options out

there that you don’t need to sacrifice nutrition for convenience.

 

Flashlight

Clouds and trees can make your hike extremely dark all of the sudden, even on

sunny autumn days. Bring a couple flashlights with extra batteries to help you find

your way along the trail. If you cannot see in front of you, injury potential increases.

In my experience, you cannot replace the beauty and wonder of a hiking trail with

a standard gym workout. Go outside and watch the wildlife as you explore new

trails. If you go often, you’ll build your endurance and walk even farther every time.

Hiking can also be a great bonding experience for families – we make it a McAdams’

tradition every year on the first day of fall.

[Guest Post] Stay Healthy During Cancer Treatment

Here is a nice article my friend Melanie wrote and asked if I wouldn’t mind sharing on my blog.  [insert ‘these are her views/opinions/advice’ disclaimer here :) ]  She talks about the importance of exercise for people battling cancer.  I’m not a doctor, but it makes really good sense to me.  Keep exercising, keep your system working, keep your immune system going, keep pushing the toxins out.  Seems like a smart strategy for everyone, especially people who are fighting that disease.

Many people are aware of the many benefits that exercise will provide. From reducing stress levels, increasing energy levels, shedding unwanted pounds, and reducing the chances of getting heart disease, exercise plays a vital role in a person’s overall health. Healthcare professionals have always advised people to exercise to reduce their chances of getting cancer; however, if people were diagnosed with cancer, these same healthcare professionals used to advise people to refrain from doing any type of strenuous activity. Since the cancer treatment would take so much energy from them, they were advised to do as little as possible in order to save some of their strength. However, this advisory information has changed today with more and more research. Cancer patients are encouraged to continue to exercise during and after their cancer treatment. Exercise will actually provide them with more energy, muscle strength, and the ability for their bodies to fight off future invading cancer cells.

In contrast to research of the past, cancer patients should exercise to increase their energy levels during cancer treatment. Even though one of the main side effects of chemotherapy and radiation is fatigue, exercise will help to reduce these symptoms. In order to maintain a good quality of life, patients must have energy. As they exercise, their bodies will produce hormones that will allow them to feel better mentally and physically. As a result, patients are more willing to respond positively to their cancer treatment.

Furthermore, research also suggests that patients should try to exercise outside. As opposed to an indoor gym, breathing in fresh air from outdoors will provide more of an energy boost and also reduce the likelihood of infection. Before engaging in any type of fitness routine, it is important that patients discuss their plans with their physicians. The cancer treatment for mesothelioma may be much more aggressive than treatment for other diseases; therefore, patients may not be able to withstand the same vigorous activities as others. However, all patients should talk to their doctor and engage in some type of light to moderate cardio exercises consistently.

Due to the many drugs that will enter the system from the cancer treatment, many patients will develop fragile bones and weak muscles. In order to prevent injuries, it is important to engage in some type of strength training activity. Strength training can be lifting weights or even yoga exercises. As the body begins to get stronger, the chances of experiencing any type of bone fractures will be greatly reduced. Furthermore, as the patients begin to strengthen their muscles, their bodies will be able to handle the many side effects of the treatment better.

Finally, patients should exercise to allow their immune systems to be strengthened. After many weeks and months of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, the immune system will be in a weakened state. With cancer, there is always the possibility of having it return. As patients participate in cardio and strength training exercises, their immune systems’ ability to fight off diseases will be increased.