Northwest Arkansas is the perfect place for people who love being active outdoors. With so many great hiking and biking trails in Northwest Arkansas, it’s easy to find a fun or challenging activity for any skill level. Here are a few tips to help you and your family stay safe while exploring NWA!
Warm up
Doing a simple warm up before physical activity is important for beginners and experts alike. It’s a simple and easy way to help reduce your risk for outdoor injuries such as muscle strains or ligament injuries. A warm up will elevate your heart rate and prepare your muscles and joints for physical activity.
Pace yourself
Pushing yourself physically can be rewarding, and it can help you accomplish things you didn’t know you were capable of. Of course, it can also lead to injury. Be mindful of your physical abilities, and be prepared to go slow, especially when doing activities with young children or older adults. Listen to your body, and know when to rest and take breaks.
Stay active
Make exercise and physical activity a regular part of your daily routine. The better shape you’re in, the easier physical activities are, and the less likely you are to injure yourself.
Bike safety
Northwest Arkansas is a great place to be if you love riding bicycles! Bike safety is important whether you’re an expert mountain biker, a beginner road cyclist, or you stick to family rides. Read our post on bike safety.
Dress appropriately
This means helmets for cycling, protective gear for downhill mountain biking, and hiking boots that provide ankle support. It also means dressing for the weather. Be sure to check the forecast before heading outdoors, and wear the appropriate clothing.
Bring adequate food and water
You may start to feel light-headed or fatigued if you don’t get enough food or water while being active. This can lead to accidents or injuries. Make sure that you’re properly nourished and hydrated, and bring water and snacks with you.
Be aware
Even experienced hikers can roll an ankle and expert cyclists can tumble over their handlebars. It’s important to have fun and enjoy yourself while being active outdoors, but you should always be observant and pay attention to your surroundings.
Carry your medicine
Always be sure to carry your rescue inhaler or EpiPen if you have one.
Tell others where you’re going
Always tell someone where you’re going- even if it’s for a quick day hike near town, or a short bike ride along the Razorback Regional Greenway. At the very least, leave a note. This ensures that you quickly receive help if you need it.
Include where you’re going, the route you’re taking, and when you expect to be back.
Talk to your doctor
Maybe you aren’t used to physical activity, or it’s been a while since you last went on a hike. Your doctor can answer all of your questions about being healthy and safe while staying active.
Of course, accidents can happen even if you take all the right precautions. For medical emergencies, call 911. Urgent care is a great option when you need immediate medical attention, but it’s not life-threatening. Looking for urgent care in Northwest Arkansas? Visit a MediServe Walk-in Clinic.
