TIPS AND TOOLS FOR KEEPING HEALTHY

BY JOE ALTON, M.D.

Give me a scalpel, and I can make an incision to find your ruptured appendix. Give me a screwdriver instead, and we’re both, well, screwed.

The wise survival medic accumulates knowledge to deal with trauma, infections and chronic illness. All that knowhow is wasted, however, if you don’t have the right tools in the medical woodshed. If you’re the end of the line when it comes to the wellbeing of your people, consider some of the advice and gear you’ll see here.

1.0 BATTLING BLISTERS

Blisters form as a result of repeated friction and pressure. They can range from minor to severe, depending on a number of personal and environmental factors. What might seem like an inconvenience can develop into a serious issue, unless you evaluate and treat each one according to its needs.

1.1 Prevention

To prevent blisters, take some tips from the American Academy of Dermatology:

• Protect your feet by wearing nylon or moisture-wicking socks. If wearing one pair of socks doesn’t help, try wearing two pairs or a sock liner for more protection.

• For areas other than your feet, wear loose-fitting clothes that wick moisture away from your skin. Avoid cotton fabrics, which absorb and retain sweat and moisture that lead to friction and chafing.

1.2 Treatment

1.2.1 Soft bandages, such as adhesive moleskin, might work for dealing with problem areas.

• Cut it into donut-shaped discs with open centers and place them around red “hot spots.”

• Gold Bond powder or petroleum jelly are alternatives that might also help reduce friction. Loosely cover it all with a bandage.

1.2.2 Should you pop a blister? The American Academy of Dermatology recommends against it due to the risk of infection. If it’s large or painful, however, disinfect a small needle with rubbing alcohol and pierce the blister at the edge to let the fluid drain without removing the protective “roof.” Afterward, wash the area with soap and water and apply petroleum jelly. Keep the area clean and covered.

1.2.3 The best advice for painful blisters is often the simplest: Stop the activity that caused it in the first place. “Toughing it out” will only make it worse, even if there are “only” another 6 miles to go.

2.0 TAKING CHANCES WITH WATER

You’re heading to your retreat in the backcountry, and the trek is long and thirsty. You thought you packed enough water for everyone, but you came up short. There is a water source nearby, but there is a problem: You forgot your water filter.

2.1 Drinking Raw Water

Can you get away without disinfecting the local water before drinking it? The answer is “no,” but some experienced hikers take their chances. They consider the following factors: