Camping is a great way to reconnect with nature and decompress from the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, it’s also a great way to pick up some unwanted germs and bacteria if you’re not careful. Here are six tips to help you maintain your health and hygiene on your next camping trip.
1. Pack Plenty of Hand Sanitizer
One of the simplest ways to keep your hands clean while camping is to pack plenty of hand sanitizer. Use it after you’ve been handling food, using the bathroom, or touching anything that might be covered in germs. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are particularly effective at killing bacteria and viruses.
When choosing a hand sanitizer, keep an eye out for ones that contain at least 60-90% alcohol, as this will be more effective than lower concentrations. And if you’re traveling with children, make sure to get a kid-friendly option that won’t irritate their sensitive skin.
Moreover, bring along individual hand wipes that can be used to wipe down surfaces, such as picnic tables or bathrooms.
2. Set Up a Handwashing Station
If possible, set up a small handwashing station near your campsite. All you need is a bucket or container filled with clean water, soap, and a towel or air dryer. If you don’t have access to running water, pack hand wipes or sanitizing gel instead.
For instance, when you’re cooking, make sure to wash your hands with soap and water before eating. And if you’re using a public bathroom, use your hand sanitizer or wipes after washing so you can avoid picking up any germs from the surfaces.
This is important because it will help to reduce the risk of you or anyone else in your party contracting a food-borne illness.
3. Avoid Raw Foods
Stick to cooking your food thoroughly to avoid getting sick from bacteria like E. coli or salmonella. If you’re eating canned food, make sure the cans are in good condition (i.e., no dents or rust) and that you wash your hands after opening them.
For example, if you’re going to be grilling burgers, make sure the inside of each patty is cooked all the way through. You should also avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables unless you know they were washed with clean water before being eaten.
And also avoid sharing food with other people. Even if you think the person is healthy, it’s best to be cautious and not risk exchanging germs or bacteria.
4. Don’t Forget Your Toothbrush
Just because you’re sleeping outdoors doesn’t mean you can skip brushing your teeth! In fact, it’s even more important to brush when camping since you’re more likely to be eating sugary foods like s’mores around the campfire. Pack a travel toothbrush and toothpaste so you can keep your pearly whites clean.
Focusing on oral health is even more critical if you’ve had damaged teeth for the longest time. You can even get durable replacement teeth before the trip to ensure your teeth are healthy and robust. Even with natural remedies, it’s best to seek professional advice from a dental specialist before trying on any of them.
Finally, pack a tongue scraper as well. This will help remove the bacteria from your tongue that can cause bad breath, which is especially important when you’re sharing close quarters with other people.
5. Wear Protective Clothing
If you want to avoid bringing unwanted germs and bugs home with you, make sure to wear protective clothing while camping. This includes long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and closed-toe shoes. If it’s particularly cold outside, you can also layer up with a hat and gloves.
In addition to this, practice safe insect prevention methods like using bug repellent and wearing light-colored clothing that isn’t too tight-fitting. This will help you avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes or ticks while enjoying the outdoors.
Lastly, always check your clothing for ticks after spending time outdoors. If you find any, make sure to remove them carefully and dispose of them properly.
6. Keep Your Campsite Clean
Last but not least, do your part to keep your campsite clean. This includes disposing of trash properly, not leaving food out where animals can get to it, and packing up your belongings when you leave so the next camper has a clean slate (literally).
It’s also a good idea to bring along some supplies for cleanings, such as paper towels or wipes. This way, you can quickly and easily wipe down surfaces like tables or chairs if they get dirty during your stay.
Moreover, you can also bring along some biodegradable dish soap and a scrubbing brush to make sure your dishes are clean before you put them away.
At the end of the day, proper hygiene and health practices are essential for a successful camping trip. By following the tips above, you can make sure that you and your family stay healthy while enjoying all the wonders of nature!
