The Two Best Hiking Snacks

Summer is still out in full force, especially since August is upon us, but we are officially just one month away from fall’s beginning. And I’m not sure about you, but fall happens to be in my top two seasons, right there alongside spring. You probably don’t even have to think long to take a guess why.

Yeah, it’s because of the temperate weather. There’s nothing better than fall weather, the type of atmosphere that warrants wearing jeans and a hoodie. Despite it getting cooler, though, it’s never cold enough for a heavy jacket. That’s why I love fall. I can go out and about in my cozy clothes and feel cozy, something that is impossible in the summer and winter. Not often do you get that feeling in the year, especially since the two best seasons (in my opinion) are so short lived.

With colder weather comes more hiking. Or at least that’s the case for me. I find that going on a hike in cool weather is much preferred to doing it in hot weather, simply because my body heat starts to ramp up a mile into a hike. When it’s “too” hot, well, I get irritated and too sweaty and blisters form because of that sweat.

While I’m out hiking, energy is always in demand. That’s how it is for anyone. So, naturally I turn to snacks to keep me fed on the go. The thing is, so many of them are unhealthy for you. And that’s a shame, considering that being among nature and needing energy should mean eating fresh, natural foods that are healthy for you.

Luckily, we’ve got some great snacks for you to take on your next hiking adventure.

Fresh fruit.

What kind of nature lover are you if you don’t take some apples or bananas on the trail with you? These are amazing at getting your blood sugar levels up, giving you a boost of energy, and being refreshing while out in the wilderness. Even better, once you’ve finished eating the flesh of your fruit, you can toss the core, skin, or whatever else into the woods without feeling like you just littered the remains.

Granola bars.

These are stacked with essential sugars, nutrients, and carbs to give you a boost while on the move. You don’t need to stop to eat them, they take up next to no space, and they’ll end your appetite until after the hike is over. We suggest looking for more natural ingredients in granola bars or even taking a small bag of pure granola instead. Being able to reduce your sugar intake is not only good for your health; it’s good for your teeth.

Dental Treatments that Require Antibiotic prophylaxis

Typically, most dental treatments are divided into two types, ones that are done to cure or prevent infection, and those that are done to enhance the teeth, in the case of bleaching and crowns. So often, the first types of treatments do require antibiotics in order to help control the infection that might be there, and often, this is done before the treatment in order to prevent any sorts of infection. In some cases, with inflammation of the heart and inner tissue, often the bacteria that are in there from the infection can cause problems with the heart, which is a bit of a situation. Often, for many people, if they don’t do this right away, it can actually cause some major problems, and because of it, having the right diagnosis can allow better treatment, and safer treatment too.

Now in order to prevent this type of problem, your dentist in Pacoima might recommend antibiotic prophylaxis, which will control the spread of bacteria into the bloodstream. Now, there are a few that might need it, and some that are required to have it, and we’ll go into detail on who needs it, and what types of treatments you might need this for. Typically, the antibiotic that is used is called amoxicillin, and depending on the patient’s competence, there are other types of antibiotics considered, especially if there is an allergy that might be there.

Now, wo needs this type of treatment? Well often, patients that have a prosthetic cardiac valve or a prosthetic material that is used to repair a valve. Often, any untreated heart disease that might be congenital, or if there is a process done within six months of a completely repaired congenital heart defect with a prosthetic sort of device, along with any sort of repaired congenital heart defect with residual defect next to the site of the patch or device. If you get any dental treatment in the last six months after heart surgery, you need this, any previous history of infective endocarditis, and finally, if you have had a heart transplant. So, if you fit into any of these, you will have to take this.

Now, you often will be given this before surgery, and this is done about an hour before the start of the procedure. Typically, this is given orally, and it will kick in. If you are getting it through an IV in the other forms due to an allergy, this is often given thirty or so minutes before the start of any sort of procedure.

When would you need this though? Well, a good rule of thumb that you should have is if you have any sort of tooth extraction, dental impaction surgery, any implant placement surgeries, root canal treatment that happens because of an infection beyond the apex, any sort of endodontic surgeries, any periodontal procedures such as scaling and root planting. Crown lengthening procedures, any sort of placement of fibers and strips, or any placement of orthodontic bands. However, most of the time, various restorative procedures don’t need this, such as crowns, composite restorations, fillings that happen without removing any sort of gingival cords, any removable denture procedure, any impressions, or suture removals. In essence, you can talk with your doctor about this if you feel like you need it, and they can also tell you whether or not this is the right decision for yourself.

When it comes to this, it often is important if you have any heart conditions. People have died of a heart attack because of this, or lack thereof of using this sort of thing. It is put there to help prevent anything going into the blood, in order to lessen the spread of infections, so it’s often used to help save people’s lives, making it easier for them to live, and to help prevent any complications from coming underway.

If you think that you need this, do talk to your dentist in Pacoima. This is often a serious sort of procedure, so be smart, and do make sure that if you have any medical conditions, you tell your doctor about it right away for your safety.