Hiking the PCT? Remember These 7 Best Women's Health Practices
However, amid the excitement of planning your PCT trip, it's crucial to prioritize your health, especially as a female hiker. This guide explores essential women's health practices to remember as you tackle the PCT, from women's vitamins to recovery tips. 1. Prepare for the Long Haul
Before you set foot on the PCT, proper physical preparation is of the utmost importance. Hiking the PCT requires stamina, strength, and endurance, so make sure your body is up to the task. In addition to regular exercise and conditioning, consider incorporating women's vitamins into your routine.
These specialized supplements cater to women's unique nutritional needs, providing essential vitamins and minerals that can support their energy levels and overall health. Ensuring your body is adequately nourished and prepared before hitting the trail can significantly impact your hiking experience. 2. Hydration
One of the golden rules of hiking, especially on a demanding trail like the PCT, is to stay hydrated. Proper hydration is vital for maintaining your energy, regulating your body temperature, and supporting your overall vitality. As a female hiker, it's important to remember that your water needs are unique.
Women tend to have lower total body water content than men, making hydration even more critical. To ensure you stay hydrated on the trail, carry an adequate water supply, use a hydration pack, and consider drinking electrolyte-rich beverages to replenish lost minerals. 3. Pick the Right Gear
Choosing the right gear is key to a successful and comfortable hiking experience, especially for female hikers. When it comes to clothing and footwear, opt for items designed to fit the female body. Investing in gear that fits well and is suited to your body type can help prevent discomfort, blisters, and chafing during long days. 4. Fuel Your Adventure
Proper nutrition is your fuel for the long journey ahead. Maintaining a balanced diet is required to sustain your energy and support your body's demands during rigorous physical activity.
As a female hiker, make sure you're consuming enough calories to meet your energy needs. Pack lightweight, nutrient-dense snacks such as nuts, dried fruits, and energy bars to keep you fueled. Additionally, consider incorporating a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, and micronutrients to support performance and recovery. 5. Support Your Mental Health
While physical preparation is crucial for hiking the PCT, mental wellness is just as important. Long-distance hikes can be mentally taxing, with challenges ranging from physical to emotional fatigue. As a female hiker, prioritize your mental well-being by practicing mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques to stay grounded and centered. 6. Prepare for Feminine Hygiene Needs
Maintaining good hygiene on the trail is a practical consideration for all hikers, but women have additional considerations. Proper female-specific hygiene practices are necessary to prevent infections and maintain comfort during extended periods of physical activity.
When hiking the PCT, prioritize your personal hygiene by carrying items like biodegradable wipes, menstrual products, and a disposal system for feminine hygiene waste. Practice good hygiene habits to minimize the risk of irritation or infections, and address any discomfort promptly. 7. Rest and Recover
Rest and recovery are equally important for maintaining your physical and mental health on the PCT. Adequate sleep supports muscle repair , immune function, and cognitive performance, so create a comfortable sleep setup at your campsite and establish a bedtime routine to optimize your slumber.
Additionally, incorporate stretching, foam rolling, and relaxation techniques into your daily routine to support muscle recovery and reduce the risk of injuries. Taking rest days when needed and allowing your body time to recharge can help you stay strong and resilient throughout your journey. Empowering Women Through the PCT
Embarking on the Pacific Crest Trail is a breathtaking adventure that promises unforgettable experiences and personal growth. As a female hiker, it's essential to prioritize your health and well-being by embracing these best practices for women's wellness on the trail.
By listening to your body, practicing self-care, and staying mindful of your needs, you can make the most of your hiking experience while safeguarding your physical and mental well-being. Remember, the journey is as much about taking care of yourself as it is about exploring the wilderness. Lace up your boots, pack your gear, and hit the trail with resilience and joy.
On Location: The Lighterman in Apple TV+'s SLOW HORSES
RELATED: Relive The Good Doctor 's poignant series finale with a ride on the C.W. Parker #119 Carousel in our previous On Location article
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Medscape
an hour ago
- Medscape
Lower Complication Rates in Sludge vs Gallstone Pancreatitis
TOPLINE: Patients with sludge- or microlithiasis-induced acute pancreatitis (AP) had significantly lower rates of pancreaticobiliary complications than those with gallstone-induced AP. METHODOLOGY: Researchers enrolled 789 patients who were hospitalised with their first episode of biliary pancreatitis between January 2018 and April 2020 at 16 Spanish and two Mexican centres. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of types of calculi: those with sludge- or microlithiasis-induced AP (n = 274; median age, 71.9 years; 53.2% women) and gallstone-induced AP (n = 515; median age, 68.9 years; 54.3% women), with neither group receiving cholecystectomy during admission. The primary endpoint was the rate of pancreaticobiliary complications, measured as the complication-free survival rate, in patients with sludge- or microlithiasis-induced vs those with gallstone-induced AP. The multivariate analysis was conducted to assess the effect of multiple variables on complication-free survival. The median follow-up duration was 8.15 months for the sludge/microlithiasis AP cohort and 6.13 months for the gallstone AP cohort (P < .001). TAKEAWAY: Patients with gallstone-induced AP had a significantly higher rate of pancreaticobiliary complications than those with sludge- or microlithiasis-induced AP (41.75% vs 32.12%; P = .01). Patients in the gallstone AP group had a significantly lower complication-free survival rate than those in the sludge/microlithiasis AP group (log-rank P = .0022). The most frequent complication was recurrent AP, occurring in 24.08% of patients in the gallstone AP group and 20.07% of those in the sludge/microlithiasis AP group. The medium Charlson Comorbidity Index was independently associated with a higher risk for pancreatobiliary complications for the sludge/microlithiasis AP cohort (hazard ratio [HR], 2.07; P = .005). In the gallstone AP group, older age was associated with a reduced risk for pancreaticobiliary complications (HR, 0.54; P < .001). IN PRACTICE: "The lower complication rate observed during follow-up supports, for the first time, the consideration of the sludge/microlithiasis AP cohort as a distinct clinical entity — one that may warrant a more conservative interventional approach, particularly in patients with elevated perioperative risk," the authors of the study wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Simon Sirtl, MD, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany. It was published online on June 28, 2025, in Digestive and Liver Disease. LIMITATIONS: The study's retrospective design precluded prospective stratification depending on the newly published consensus definitions for biliary sludge and microlithiasis. The inability to stratify patients along with only 17.1% of patients undergoing endoscopic ultrasound introduced heterogeneity into the sludge/microlithiasis AP cohort as the classification remained examiner dependent. Furthermore, the sample size was calculated for pancreatobiliary complications in symptomatic cholelithiasis rather than specifically for AP. DISCLOSURES: The trial was funded by AEG Young Talent Grant 2021. One author reported receiving funding from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation) and the LMU Munich Clinician Scientist Program. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Multiple Countries Just Issued Travel Warnings for the U.S.
For years, the U.S. has issued cautionary travel advisories to citizens heading overseas. But in a surprising twist, the roles have flipped. Several countries, including longtime allies like Australia, Canada, and the U.K., are now warning their citizens about traveling to the United States, according to Yahoo. Australia updated its advisory in June, flagging gun violence, civil protests, and unpredictable immigration enforcement. While its guidance remains at Level 1 ('exercise normal safety precautions'), Australian officials urged travelers to stay alert in crowded places like malls, transit hubs, and public venues. They also warned about the Visa Waiver Program, noting that U.S. authorities can deny entry without explanation. New Zealand raised its alert to Level 2 due to reports of citizens being detained or delayed over documentation discrepancies. Canada followed suit, adding warnings about violent crime and mass shootings in major cities including Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. Canadian officials also highlighted drug trafficking near the U.S.-Mexico border as a growing concern. European countries aren't staying silent either. Germany, France, Denmark, and Finland all issued warnings about new U.S. gender marker policies that may affect travelers who use 'X' or nonbinary identifiers. Since January, entry has been denied in some cases unless travel documents match the sex assigned at birth. Related: FBI Issues Warning After Hackers Breach Major U.S. Airlines The U.K. took it a step further. Its Foreign Office warned that minor entry mistakes could lead to detention or deportation, and emphasized the variability of laws across different U.S. states. The consequences are already surfacing. The World Travel & Tourism Council projects a $12.5 billion decline in international tourism revenue to the U.S. in 2025, driven in part by these warnings. That's a serious blow to cities that rely on global visitors to fill restaurants, hotels, and attractions. Whether you're traveling abroad or staying stateside, the message is clear: safety concerns are no longer one-way. Before booking a trip, experts recommend checking both your country's advisories and those issued about your destination, including the U.S. Related: This Is the Worst U.S. Airport for Flight Safety, New Study Finds Multiple Countries Just Issued Travel Warnings for the U.S. first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 1, 2025
Associated Press
2 hours ago
- Associated Press
WELL Health Announces Voting Results for Election of Directors
VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 4, 2025-- WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL) (OTCQX: WHTCF) (the ' Company ' or ' WELL '), a digital healthcare company focused on positively impacting health outcomes by leveraging technology to empower healthcare practitioners and their patients globally, is pleased to announce that at its annual general meeting held June 30, 2025 (the ' Meeting '), all of the nominees for election as directors of the Company referred to in its notice of meeting and information circular dated May 28, 2025 for the Meeting were elected. A total of 67,105,724 common shares representing 26.52% of the outstanding common shares of the Company were voted by proxy at the Meeting. Voting results for the election of directors at the Meeting were as follows: The results of other matters considered at the Meeting are reported in the Report of Voting Results as filed on SEDAR+ ( ) filed on July 4, 2025. WELL HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES CORP. Per: 'Hamed Shahbazi' Hamed Shahbazi Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Director About WELL Health Technologies Corp. WELL's mission is to tech-enable healthcare providers. We do this by developing the best technologies, services, and support available, which ensures healthcare providers are empowered to positively impact patient outcomes. WELL's comprehensive healthcare and digital platform includes extensive front and back-office management software applications that help physicians run and secure their practices. WELL's solutions enable more than 42,000 healthcare providers between the US and Canada and power the largest owned and operated healthcare ecosystem in Canada with more than 210 clinics supporting primary care, specialized care, and diagnostic services. In the United States WELL's solutions are focused on specialized markets such as the gastrointestinal market, women's health, primary care, and mental health. WELL is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol 'WELL' and on the OTC Exchange under the symbol 'WHTCF'. To learn more about the Company, please visit: View source version on CONTACT: For further information: Tyler Baba Investor Relations, Manager [email protected] 604-628-7266 KEYWORD: NORTH AMERICA CANADA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HEALTH TECHNOLOGY HEALTH TECHNOLOGY PRACTICE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE GENERAL HEALTH SOURCE: WELL Health Technologies Corp. Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 07/04/2025 07:01 AM/DISC: 07/04/2025 07:01 AM
