4 Things to Keep in Mind on Your Next Family Camping Trip GONE CAMPING
While summer is winding down, families are looking to go on a few end-of-season adventures, camping trips included. Before you head out into the wilderness with your family, it’s important to be prepared. In fact, “be prepared” is the best piece of advice when it comes to braving the great outdoors. But what does being prepared entail? Here are four key tips. HAVE A FIRST-AID KIT NEARBY. A good rule of thumb is to keep one in your car at all times. You never know when you’ll need it. Kids may get a few bumps and scrapes while out hiking, or you might encounter poisonous plants, such as poison ivy or poison oak. Having quick access to cold water, soap, antiseptics (hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol), and calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream can keep infections at bay. TEACH FIRE SAFETY. When you build a fire, especially with kids, teach them about fire safety. This includes building the fire itself. Pick a spot away from brush and overhanging branches and create a pit surrounded by rocks. Before lighting a fire, have a bucket of water and a shovel nearby so you can quickly extinguish it when ready. Finally,
remember to only build a fire as big as you need. A larger fire can be difficult to manage and keep under control. KEEP AN EYE ON THE SKY. Weather can change at a moment’s notice, and sometimes, it doesn’t give notice at all. Keep a close eye on the sky and monitor the weather on a radio. If a storm appears, seek shelter immediately and stay out of low-lying areas. When you’re in mountainous or hilly terrain, a little rain is all it takes for flash floods to occur. If you’re in a ravine when it starts raining, get out immediately. ALWAYS STICK TOGETHER. It’s a good idea to hike with a buddy and keep a whistle around your neck or in your pack. You never know what you might encounter or when you’ll need help. Hiking with kids is also a great time to teach them to recognize landmarks and be aware of their surroundings. If you have a digital camera or smartphone, show kids how to create a trail of digital breadcrumbs or pictures to help them find their way back to camp.
SAVANNA ROOTS FOR OUR PATIENTS CELEBRATING EVERY SUCCESS
As the receptionist at our Midland clinic, Savanna welcomes our patients and is here to support and cheer them on during their physical therapy journey. “I really enjoy it,” she says of her role. “I enjoy talking to our patients, getting to learn about them, and seeing the improvements throughout their journey. I love at the very end of working with somebody when they get to show off what they can do now. It’s a party for everyone!” Having dealt with health challenges of her own, Savanna is empathetic to what our patients are going through. “I understand people might be feeling frustrated and that they might come in with a less-than-excited mindset about physical therapy,” she says. “It’s nice to help change that.” Savanna also appreciates the warm environment she gets to come into every day. “Everyone gets along so well that it doesn’t feel like work,”
Savanna says of her team. “Everybody is really friendly, and it’s a more playful environment than other places I’ve worked. We have a lot of fun.” Since moving to Boise from Winnemucca, Nevada, Savanna appreciates how close she is to so many outdoor adventures. “It’s nice being able to have access to everything,” she says. “Growing up in Winnemucca, we had to drive 2–3 hours to go anywhere. Here, we have access to everything — mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers. Lake Lowell is so close, just five minutes away. I take my dog there right after work to play.” Savanna’s pup is a 5-year-old American bully named Bourbon. As a dog trainer, Savanna chose Bourbon with plans to train him as a show dog. His champion titles speak to their success as a team, but it turns out Bourbon also has another specialty. “He managed to slide into the role of
service dog,” Savanna explains. Now, he helps monitor her health and serves as a calming and stabilizing force, allowing her to walk longer distances and manage her health challenges. “I feel like he’s a once-in-a-lifetime dog. I don’t expect to have another dog that’s quite as versatile as he is,” Savanna says.
We’re so glad to have Savanna (and Bourbon) at our Midland clinic! Thanks for all you do!
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