er Safety Week-Hiking Hazards: First Aid For Sprains

er Safety Week-Hiking Hazards: First Aid For Sprains

 by: News Canada

(NC)-The great outdoors-a winding trail stretching deep into the forest, offering hikers a glimpse of nature in its prime. The solitude is broken by the call of a distant bird flying high overhead. You turn to look up and are momentarily blinded by the sun. You stumble and catch your foot on a root. Down you tumble with a sharp pain erupting in your ankle.

Joint injuries are a common occurrence for outdoor enthusiasts. Even with precautions, an injury can result in fractures, dislocations or sprains. St. John Ambulance, Canada's leader in safety-oriented™ first aid training and products, advises that first aid knowledge can reduce suffering and the risk of further injury.

Bones at a joint are held together with tough bands called ligaments. When ligaments stretch and tear, it's called a sprain. A first-degree sprain is least severe, with the ligament merely stretched. A second-degree sprain involves some tearing of the ligament while a third degree sprain is when the ligament is completely torn.

Most sprains benefit from Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation-RICE.

Rest: Stop the activity and do not use the injured joint.

Ice: Apply cold to the injured area, but not directly to the skin.

Compression: Use a bandage to compress the injury to limit swelling.

Elevation: Raise the injured joint to relieve pressure and promote blood flow.

Knowing what to do in an emergency can help reduce suffering and prevent further injury. St. John Ambulance has been helping Canadians learn essential lifesaving first aid skills for more than a century. With custom, modular programs and state-of-the-art training techniques, St. John Ambulance is Canada's leader in training. For more information on courses in your area, contact the branch nearest you or check us out on the web at www.sja.ca.

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What Should You Know About Hiking Boots?

What is essential equipment for you when going on a hiking? Beside, your backpack, you also have to consider about your footwear. You will be suffering when you are not using your footwear properly. It seems all physical activity, especially hiking need good footwear.

Physical Activity Need Good Boots

Ask your friends to hike with you! Hiking is one of the way to know more about your friends and also a good way to make your body and your spirit healthy. There are more you get though; but all of that will fade away if you don't wear good hiking boots. Understand that all outdoor physical activity will be enjoyable if you wear good boots. As people said, if you're nice to your feet, the rest of your body will feel good--especially during a hike.

What ever your outdoor physical activity, either a light day hike to a three-pack or four-day pack trip, your hiking boots makes the difference. Hiking boots is one of the most important pieces of gear when hiking. To keep your feet comfortable, you must wear a boot that fit with your feet boot to avoid blister and foot-injury.

Choosing Your Boots

How to find a good hiking boots for your feet to make you comfortable. Well, here are some check lists you might want to know about hiking boots:

- Decide what type of hiking boot you want to choose. You can find two types of boots on the market, leather boots and lightweight hiking boots. Leather boots are more expensive, but they are tend to be more durable and last longer, and can be waterproofed. Lightweight boots tend to be more breathable, more comfortable, cheaper, and require a shorter break-in time. Even though, most important for both types of boots should have good ankle support.

- Don't choose the hiking boots of your normal size. You have to go up a 2 size with your normal shoe size. When you put on your hiking boot, you should be able to put a finger between your foot and the heel of the boot since your feet swell as they warm up.

- If you want to try hiking boots, do it when you have warm feet. Walk at least half mile before you try it on. That way your foot will be more the size it will be when you are actually hiking.

- Don't forget to wear two hiking socks. It's the best way to prevent blisters and an uncomfortable foot while hiking. Two pairs of socks will not only give you good padding, but will also wick the moisture away from your foot as well.

- Once you have the shoe on, lace the boot up. Don't lace it too tightly, but just snugly. Walk around the store and see how they feel. In particular, make sure that your heel can slide around slightly. The boot should be comfortable but stiff.

- Your toes should not hit the front of the boot too much. To simulate walking down a hill bang the toe of the boot on the ground or against a wall. Your toe shouldn't hit the front of the boot too easily. If it does, either your boot is too small or your laces aren't snug enough. Your boots should feel a little big.

Get Your Boots through Internet

Okay...now you know some information about this hiking boots. You can find various kind of hiking boots in retailer shop. But the easiest ways to find your hiking boots are buying over the Internet. You will be comfortable choosing the right boots for your right. Different kind of boots will be displayed in different Website, and you can find what boots best for your interest. You are going to get more boots which you can compare.

Diana Claire lifelong for footwear led her became footwear reviewer. She has tried different kind of footwear, and she put her review at MyShoesGuide.com. Visit her Website http://www.myshoesguide.com. You can also visit her http://www.mybootsguide.com.