By DAMON RASKIN, M.D. | Special to the Palisadian-Post
I want to go hiking along the Backbone trail above the Palisades with my 9 year old son. How dangerous is it, and what precautions should I take?
For many of us Palisadians, hiking is one of the many reasons that we love this town. There are hiking trails everywhere you look, and hikes with loved ones can be both a great form of exercise as well as a good opportunity for family bonding time. With that said, there are always concerns when you are going out for an extended hike with a 9-year-old. If he gets dehydrated, for example, he is likely to feel tired and not think clearly.
While it is true that water is very important for your child’s everyday function, he does not have to drink his full daily requirement on the hike itself. On average, based on your son’s age, he needs to drink 64 ounces of water daily for his body to function at its best. This can be reached with eight, eight-ounce cups of water throughout the day, but more likely will also come in other forms, including the water in milk, juice, fruits and other foods.
Of course, with significant exercise in the hot summer months, he might need more if he sweats excessively. Even if he were to carry all 64 ounces with him, this is about what would fit in a two-liter bottle of soda—not something requiring a pack animal to accompany you on the trek.
There are a few other items of concern. Teaching your child about the possible flora and fauna that they may encounter could be extremely helpful, like what to do if you spot a mountain lion. It’s best if your child sticks close by to the other adults in the group. Two-thirds of mountain lion attacks are against children because the cats see them as prey.
Learning how to spot potentially dangerous plants such as sumac and poison ivy could save a lot of painful, itchy nights and doctor visits. Your son will enjoy learning about this and gloat in his knowledge when he sees the plants in real life. Don’t forget to check your child for ticks on a regular basis, and using both adequate amounts of sunscreen and insect repellant can again save heartache after the fun is over.
Explain some basic safety rules to your son in the unlikely event that he gets lost or separated from you. Providing him with a whistle and a mirror that will reflect the sun can be both fun and an important safety measure. Remind him that if he is lost, it helps to stay in one place and not keep moving. That will lead to a faster and happier reunion.
Despite all of those concerns, the Backbone Trail will be a great deal of fun. Just do as the Boy Scout’s do and “be prepared.”
Palisadian Damon Raskin, MD, is a board-certified internist who offers preventative medicine, concierge services and addiction medicine to patients in and around the Palisades. Contact: 310-459-4333. To submit your medical questions, email john@palipost.com.
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