{"id":20709,"date":"2023-07-22T13:58:52","date_gmt":"2023-07-22T18:58:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20709"},"modified":"2023-09-22T14:09:40","modified_gmt":"2023-09-22T19:09:40","slug":"ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/","title":{"rendered":"Ways To Protect Your Health in the Great Outdoors"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re feeling stressed, overwhelmed or caged in at home or work, maybe it&#8217;s time to take &#8220;<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/the-nature-pill\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the nature pill<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&#8221; This isn&#8217;t an actual pill but a doctor&#8217;s recommendation for outdoor recreation to improve your mental and physical health.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/features\/wellness-benefits-great-outdoors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spending time outdoors has numerous benefits for your well-being<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased life expectancy;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improved cardiovascular function;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduced anxiety and depression;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Better sleep.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can get it all in one fell swoop by simply taking a trip outdoors. However, take the necessary precautions to keep yourself safe and healthy.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managing risks in the outdoors<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/the-surprising-health-benefits-of-spending-time-in-green-spaces\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">health benefits of spending time in green spaces<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> cannot be denied. Of course, there are risks associated with outdoor recreation; it&#8217;s essential to be aware of them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/coloradowildernessridesandguides.com\/education\/risk-management-in-the-outdoors\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">basic risk management tips<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plan and prepare;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring appropriate gear and clothing;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let friends or family know where you&#8217;ll be.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These three tips are a great starting point, but there&#8217;s much more to consider depending on the outdoor excursion you plan.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tips for safe and healthy adventure<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter what kind of outdoor activity you&#8217;re participating in, there are always steps you can take to protect your health. This is especially important if you have any health conditions or disabilities that could affect safety. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check with your doctor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/the-health-insurance-terms-you-need-to-know\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ensure you have insurance coverage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before starting your adventure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Know your abilities<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outdoor recreation is a great way to challenge yourself physically and mentally. Pushing yourself to hike a longer trail or climb a higher peak can be incredibly rewarding. However, understanding your physical abilities and limitations is essential to safe outdoor recreation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overestimating your abilities can lead to severe accidents or injuries, putting you and others at risk. But underestimating your abilities and not challenging yourself can be a missed opportunity for personal growth and achievement.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be honest with yourself about your abilities and fitness level.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start with shorter, easier trails or activities and gradually increase the difficulty.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don&#8217;t be afraid to turn around or take breaks if you&#8217;re feeling tired or unwell.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always have a plan B in case conditions change or challenges arise.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For those with mobility conditions, consider booking a tour with an experienced guide, having a friend help carry any necessary gear or equipment, or taking advantage of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/outdoorsforall.org\/about-us\/who-we-are\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">outdoor recreation services designed for those with disabilities<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research destinations before you go<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research your destination beforehand. Learning what to expect and finding recreation options within your abilities will help you stay safe, have fun and make the most of your time outdoors.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check out official websites and guidebooks for information on recreational opportunities in the area.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look for reviews from other outdoor enthusiasts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider the difficulty of trails, terrain and other factors that could impact your ability to participate.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Identify access points and parking areas; plan your route ahead of time.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When researching outdoor recreation opportunities, consider accessibility. If you have a disability or mobility challenge, look for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/us\/ada\"><span>ADA-accessible destinations and trails<\/span><\/a><span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check out local parks and recreation websites and guides for information on accessible facilities and attractions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look for trip reports from other people with similar needs to gain insight into their experiences.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Call ahead, ask questions and make sure the destination is suitable for your needs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Plan for the weather<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Planning for the weather is essential for a safe and enjoyable outdoor recreation experience. Different weather conditions can occur depending on where you live or where you plan to visit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.noaa.gov\/explainers\/great-outdoors-weather-safety\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">weather safety tips<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lightning<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Check the local forecast and avoid areas prone to lightning strikes. If you&#8217;re caught outside during a thunderstorm, seek shelter in a sturdy building or a vehicle with a hard top.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Flash flooding<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Avoid hiking or camping in areas with steep, narrow canyons or dry creek beds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Heat<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Plan your activities early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Wear light-colored, moisture-wicking clothing, and bring plenty of water.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Air quality<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Check air quality forecasts before heading out and avoid outdoor activities during periods of poor air quality. This is especially important for people with respiratory conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Extreme temperatures<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Whether it&#8217;s extremely hot or cold, dress appropriately and bring plenty of water or warm clothing as needed. If you&#8217;re hiking, take breaks and shelter from the sun or cold.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ice and snow<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Check for trail reports and ensure you have ice or snow equipment. If you plan to drive in snowy conditions, ensure your vehicle has snow tires, chains or other appropriate equipment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For those with disabilities or health conditions, pay special attention to the weather and plan accordingly. Ensure you have any necessary medications and equipment, such as asthma inhalers or insulin, and consider using adaptive equipment like wheelchairs or walkers if needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wear sun protection<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sunshine can be dangerous if you&#8217;re unprepared. Some preventive measures to take:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose long-sleeved shirts, pants and wide-brimmed hats to shield your skin from direct rays.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that blocks UVA and UVB rays. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay in the shade during the hottest times, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection to protect your eyes from sun damage.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For those with conditions that put them at higher risk of skin cancer, talk to your doctor about any special sunscreen products or precautions you should take.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UV damage is not always visible to the naked eye. Recognize and avoid hidden sun damage by having a yearly check-up with a dermatologist. They can check for warning signs that may not yet be visible and provide early treatment before skin cancer develops.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep your prescriptions updated and consider using prescription sunglasses to help protect your vision. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/eye-doctors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Talk to your eye doctor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> about the best options.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use bug protection<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Besides being itchy and annoying, bug bites can lead to more serious diseases such as Lyme disease. Without proper protection, you risk being bitten and becoming infected.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/the-most-common-types-of-bug-bites\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most common types of bug bites<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tick;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fly bites;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mosquito;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bee or wasp stings.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To prevent any of these bug bites:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks when spending time outside.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cover exposed skin areas with an insect repellent containing DEET or other <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/insect-repellents\/skin-applied-repellent-ingredients\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EPA-approved ingredients<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check yourself for ticks after being in tall grassy areas or wooded areas.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/urgent-care\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seek medical attention<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if you develop complications from a bite or sting.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For those with a higher risk of infection, talk to your doctor about any special bug-repellent products or medications to have on hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Respect the wildlife<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wild animals may look cute and harmless from a distance, but they can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous if provoked. When outdoors, do not disturb wildlife or approach them closely. If you come across wild animals, it&#8217;s best to leave them alone and give them space \u2014 for your safety and theirs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For those with sensory sensitivities, be especially mindful of the presence of animals and give them extra space. Be aware that loud noises or sudden movements can startle animals, so move slowly and quietly. When <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/how-to-teach-your-kid-about-animal-safety\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">teaching your children about animal safety<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, emphasize respect for wildlife and explain why it&#8217;s important not to touch or disturb them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go with someone more experienced<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A little guidance can go a long way, especially if you or someone in your group is new to outdoor activities. Consider pairing up with an experienced friend or hiring a professional guide who can help make sure everyone stays safe and has an enjoyable experience. They can provide tips and show you the ropes on navigating different terrains, safely setting up a campsite and properly handling wildlife.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For those with conditions that put them at higher risk of injury or distress, having someone experienced can be critical in helping you prevent accidents or panic attacks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">Need a doctor? Find one on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/\">Zocdoc<\/a>.<\/h1>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;re feeling stressed, overwhelmed or caged in at home or work, maybe it&#8217;s time to take &#8220;the nature pill.&#8221; This isn&#8217;t an actual pill but a doctor&#8217;s recommendation for outdoor recreation to improve your mental and physical health. Spending time outdoors has numerous benefits for your well-being, including: Increased life expectancy; Improved cardiovascular function; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":20710,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[227],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20709","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Ways To Protect Your Health in the Great Outdoors - Guides<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn tips on staying safe while enjoying outdoor activities, including the importance of using sunscreen, bug protection, respecting wildlife &amp; going with someone experienced.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Ways To Protect Your Health in the Great Outdoors - Guides\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn tips on staying safe while enjoying outdoor activities, including the importance of using sunscreen, bug protection, respecting wildlife &amp; going with someone experienced.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Paper Gown\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-07-22T18:58:52+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-09-22T19:09:40+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/zocdoc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Papergown_Hero-29.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"960\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"448\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Zocdoc\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Zocdoc\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Zocdoc\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/8bb9e4709af3a32602a692b67647631f\"},\"headline\":\"Ways To Protect Your Health in the Great Outdoors\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-07-22T18:58:52+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-09-22T19:09:40+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/\"},\"wordCount\":1327,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/thepapergown.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Papergown_Hero-29.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Guides\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/\",\"name\":\"Ways To Protect Your Health in the Great Outdoors - Guides\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/thepapergown.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Papergown_Hero-29.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-07-22T18:58:52+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-09-22T19:09:40+00:00\",\"description\":\"Learn tips on staying safe while enjoying outdoor activities, including the importance of using sunscreen, bug protection, respecting wildlife & going with someone experienced.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/thepapergown.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Papergown_Hero-29.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/thepapergown.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Papergown_Hero-29.png\",\"width\":960,\"height\":448},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Guides\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/category\/guides\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Ways To Protect Your Health in the Great Outdoors\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"The Paper Gown\",\"description\":\"Stories for and about patients\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Zocdoc\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/thepapergown.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ZD-logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/thepapergown.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ZD-logo.png\",\"width\":2059,\"height\":1049,\"caption\":\"Zocdoc\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/8bb9e4709af3a32602a692b67647631f\",\"name\":\"Zocdoc\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/author\/jonathan-katzzocdoc-com\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Ways To Protect Your Health in the Great Outdoors - Guides","description":"Learn tips on staying safe while enjoying outdoor activities, including the importance of using sunscreen, bug protection, respecting wildlife & going with someone experienced.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Ways To Protect Your Health in the Great Outdoors - Guides","og_description":"Learn tips on staying safe while enjoying outdoor activities, including the importance of using sunscreen, bug protection, respecting wildlife & going with someone experienced.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/","og_site_name":"The Paper Gown","article_published_time":"2023-07-22T18:58:52+00:00","article_modified_time":"2023-09-22T19:09:40+00:00","og_image":[{"width":960,"height":448,"url":"https:\/\/zocdoc.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Papergown_Hero-29.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Zocdoc","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Zocdoc","Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/"},"author":{"name":"Zocdoc","@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/8bb9e4709af3a32602a692b67647631f"},"headline":"Ways To Protect Your Health in the Great Outdoors","datePublished":"2023-07-22T18:58:52+00:00","dateModified":"2023-09-22T19:09:40+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/"},"wordCount":1327,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/thepapergown.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Papergown_Hero-29.png","articleSection":["Guides"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/","url":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/","name":"Ways To Protect Your Health in the Great Outdoors - Guides","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/thepapergown.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Papergown_Hero-29.png","datePublished":"2023-07-22T18:58:52+00:00","dateModified":"2023-09-22T19:09:40+00:00","description":"Learn tips on staying safe while enjoying outdoor activities, including the importance of using sunscreen, bug protection, respecting wildlife & going with someone experienced.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/thepapergown.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Papergown_Hero-29.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/thepapergown.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Papergown_Hero-29.png","width":960,"height":448},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/ways-to-protect-your-health-in-the-great-outdoors\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Guides","item":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/category\/guides\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Ways To Protect Your Health in the Great Outdoors"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/","name":"The Paper Gown","description":"Stories for and about patients","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Zocdoc","url":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/thepapergown.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ZD-logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/thepapergown.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ZD-logo.png","width":2059,"height":1049,"caption":"Zocdoc"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/8bb9e4709af3a32602a692b67647631f","name":"Zocdoc","url":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/author\/jonathan-katzzocdoc-com\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20709","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/82"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20709"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20709\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20710"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20709"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20709"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20709"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}