This page includes posts with helpful information for active asthmatics.
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Category: Hiking with Asthma
Tips and strategies for hike preparation to ensure a successful hike, if you or your children suffer from asthma.
How Your Asthma and Allergies Change Over Time
Most recently updated July 7th, 2023
Estimated Reading Time: 18 minutes
If you live in the South, you know all about the annual yellow haze that hangs in the air and the yellow dust that covers every surface in the Spring.
This year we’ve had an especially prolonged pine pollen season. It started in February, and was still going strong in early April.
If you’re lucky, it’s just annoying.
Other people spend weeks this time every year wheezing and sneezing and taking LOTS of allergy meds.
Still another group of people (who never used to wheeze or sneeze in the Spring) find that they suddenly HAVE become allergic to the pervasive yellow dust….or something else, like, say bee stings.
How can that be? What happened?
The truth is that allergies and asthma, including what your triggers are, can change over time and strike without warning.
I experienced an unexpected new allergy earlier this year, with frightening and nearly deadly results!
Read on to learn more about my death-defying experience, plus how allergies change, and what you can do about it.
Continue reading How Your Asthma and Allergies Change Over Time
Asthma’s Effects on Mental Health
Most recently updated July 7th, 2023
Estimated Reading Time: 17 minutes
It’s been a while since I’ve written about anything asthma-related.
Of course, those of you living with this chronic illness already know that for us, everything is asthma related 😉
That’s kind-of what I’d like to talk about today…
One reason I started this blog was to share my ongoing quest to enjoy a “wheeze free” life – in hopes that my experience could help someone else.
I’ve written posts about what kind of diet and supplements helped, what kind of exercises worked, the latest medications, how to clean the air inside your home – and much more.
But one thing I’ve never written about is how chronic asthma makes you feel.
I’ll share my experience – and of course, the latest research – here, in hopes it might help you or someone you care for!
What’s the Best Medicine for Your Asthma?
Most recently updated July 7th, 2023
Estimated Reading Time: 17 minutes
If you or your children are asthmatic, you’ve probably spent a lot of time looking for the best medicine for your asthma.
Or maybe looking for better asthma treatments, if you’ve already been prescribed something.
If you’ve read some of my other posts, you know that I’ve had asthma and have been fighting it my whole life, with both medical and non-medical tools.
In the U.S., asthma affects more than 25 million people.
There is no cure, but some people do “grow out” of it (meaning you don’t have obvious symptoms), and medical drugs are available that treat the symptoms for those that have them.
I didn’t grow out of it, and from childhood through young adulthood, my parents tried all available medical options to make my illness better.
But in spite of allergy shots and prescribed inhalers and pills, my asthma got worse every year.
Finally, as a young adult, I had an epic attack that led to complete respiratory failure and several days unconscious on a ventilator.
When I woke up, the doctors just told me to take more medicine and stay in a controlled environment.
That’s when I became very pro-active in my search for better treatments and lifestyle choices to reduce my asthma symptoms and prevent future severe attacks.
I’ve had some success 🙂
In this post I tell you about the prescribed medical options available now, and the ones I’ve used – and mostly still use – that appear to help my chronic asthma.
For inspiration I’m also sharing photos of beautiful places I’ve been able to hike, without any trouble breathing!
Fight Asthma with Vitamins and Supplements
Most recently updated July 7th, 2023
If you’ve read some of my other posts, you know that I’ve had asthma and have been fighting asthma my whole life.
In spite of allergy shots and prescribed inhalers and pills, my asthma got worse every year.
After a childhood full of midnight ER visits and college years laced with time in Intensive Care, I had complete respiratory failure as a young working adult, and spent several days unconscious on a ventilator.
After that event, the doctors could only advise that I take more daily medications and stay indoors in a controlled environment.
I realized then that the available asthma treatments would probably keep me alive, but would severely limit my life.
So, I moved across the country to escape the worst of my local airborne triggers – and got some breathing room 😉
Since then I’ve experimented with diet, exercise and supplements to find what might help reduce my symptoms and my use of most medications.
Through research plus trial and error, I’ve created a strategy that helps me breathe easier and stay healthy enough to do just about anything I want to do!
In this post I tell you about the vitamins and supplements available and the ones I’ve used – and mostly still use – that appear to help asthma.
For inspiration I’m also sharing more photos of beautiful places I’ve been able to hike, and beautiful plants and animals that haven’t made me wheeze 🙂
If you’re looking for additional (non-medical) ways to minimize or even eliminate asthma symptoms, maybe this strategy could help you, too!
Travel Tips & Deals
Most recently updated August 4th, 2023
Over the years, I’ve found a few favorite tools for planning and booking travel in the US and around the world.
Most of my travel adventures have been in or close to National Parks or other incredible outdoor destinations.
I focus on time spent in Nature, but there are also plenty of cultural and historical sights to see!
For your convenience, I’ve included links to my favorite travel companies, and some blog posts about trips I’ve taken with them.
Some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will receive a small payment at no additional cost to you. I do not get paid for recommendations, all opinions on this site are my own. See full Disclosure page here.
Travel Destinations USA
The average American spends 87% of their time indoors, 6% of it in a car, and just 7% of their life outdoors.
That’s too bad, because there are a lot of benefits to spending time outdoors!
National Parks
For National Park locations in the US, the National Park Service provides a park locator that may help you with some destination ideas.
I’ve written about some of the National Parks I’ve visited – with more to come!
Read more here about:
- Arches National Park
- Shenandoah National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- New River Gorge National Park
State Parks
Many States in the US have online pages to help people navigate the State parks in their area.
I’ve spent the most time in North Carolina State Parks and Virginia State Parks, but an online search would easily find parks in other parts of the country.
These sites provide important information like location, hours, fees and lodging options – as well as detailed Trail and park maps.
I’ve written about a few of the State Parks I’ve visited – with more to come! Read more here about:
- Umstead State Park, NC
- Flume Gorge at Franconia Notch State Park, NH
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park, TX
- Pilot Mountain State Park, NC
- First Landing State Park, VA
- Stone Mountain State Park, NC
Adventure Travel
There are a couple of companies that I rely on when I want to go on hiking/adventure trips outside of the US.
Though I’ve arranged all of the details for many trips on my own, it’s much more convenient – and usually less expensive – to have the help of an experienced team in my destination country.
They take care of getting transfers, hiking permits, lodging, renting any necessary equipment and engaging trail guides – which can be tricky, especially when traveling in a remote area.
Adventure Travel Companies
If you have multiple flights and other transfers to reach your destination, it can be really confusing – especially if you don’t know the language!
It’s good to have someone on the ground to help you navigate the potential pitfalls that come with the mechanics of getting where you want to go.
There are two companies I’ve traveled the most with for guided trips. They’re both great companies, which is why I keep going back to them!
G Adventures
I’ve got special regard for G Adventures because I’ve taken so many wonderful trips with them. They’re very eco-friendly and always have great discounts available.
My first trip with G Adventures was back in 2004, to hike and see ancient sites on the Amalfi Coast in Italy, and my most recent was in 2020 (right before the pandemic) to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand.
G Adventures offers vacations for solo travelers, couples, and the whole family, too.
NOTE: After March 31, 2023, GAP no longer requires all travelers to show proof of COVID vaccines & boosters or provide a Medical exemption to travel with them on any tour, but you can find an “all vaccinated” tour if you want one.
To learn more, see my G Adventures Travel page and get links to trip discounts!
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel provides expert group leaders and take care of all of the necessary permits and transfers for all of their trips, including entrance to any National parks abroad.
I’ve hiked the Isle of Skye in Scotland and cycled in Tuscany with this company, and much more. They were great!
They also offer some really good discounts on Last Minute travel.
NOTE: After March 31, 2023, Intrepid no longer requires all travelers to show proof of COVID vaccines & boosters or provide a Medical exemption to travel with them on any tour.
Travel Resources
For me, the most stressful part of a trip is getting to my destination and getting back home.
With flight cancellations, close connections, and carry-on rules changing for each flight, just navigating the airlines is enough to make you stay at home!
Getting in the TSA Pre-Check line for flights in the US can help smooth the process.
Just go to their site, fill out the form, pay the fee and bring your ID to a quick in-person meeting and you’ll get your TSA Pre-check account number.
With TSA Pre-Check you won’t have to remove your shoes or unpack your laptop while going through airport Security – this is very important if time is tight and you’re wearing hiking boots!
A Guide To Enjoying National Parks
I write a lot about the individual hikes I’ve taken in the wonderful National Parks across America, but pretty much leave the descriptions of the parks themselves to the Park websites.
A friend from the National Parks shared this Guide with me recently, and I thought I would pass it on to you!
The US is home to 62 national parks, and I’ve visited a bunch of them. But if you want to read about them ALL go here:
https://www.loveholidays.com/
Yellowstone became the world’s first national park in 1872, and the rest followed, up to New River Gorge National Park, which was dedicated less than a decade ago.
Other Helpful Travel Sites
The resources below help me keep everything organized with detailed itineraries, and usually provide some good discounts, too:
- Travelocity – I use them mainly for researching and booking flights. This is great because you can see flight options from many different airlines and from different airports. If you book rental car and lodging along with your flights, you can get some really good deals.
- Crystal Travel – Some great discount flights and other travel deals.
- Booking.com – Great for booking hotel rooms and comparison shopping. The more you book with them, the better deals you get. Also, most bookings are cancellable and don’t require a deposit.
- Cozycozy.com – Look for a room with Cozycozy for your next hiking trip – they’re sure to have a place near the trail that suits you!
- City Pass – Discount Activity Passes for specific destination cities, you get great discounts on multiple local attractions!
- Sightseeing Pass – Sightseeing Passes give you access to activities and services for a discount. Passes are available for: New York City, New Orleans, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Nashville, Orlando, Miami, Key West, and more!
For more vacation planning ideas, see my Trip Planning post. You may also find some tips in my post about planning your trip budget.
I hope these resources help you plan the trip of your dreams 🙂 However you do it, get out there and have your hiking adventure!
Thanks for stopping by – see you next time! LJ
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Hiking Tips
Most recently updated January 17th, 2022
If you’re a hiking beginner, there are a few things you should know before hitting the trail.
You really don’t want to become famous as an unprepared hiker who needed to be rescued!
I’ve put together some quick hiking tips for beginners, and if I’ve written a longer post on the subject, included a link to that as well.
Even if you’ve been around the trail a few times, you still might find a useful tidbit or two.
HIKING 101
The basic physical requirements for a hike are:
- footwear that’s suited to your trail
- hiking clothing layers that can be adjusted as needed
- food and hydration for the trail
- a way to carry essentials (daypack or backpack)
- a destination, with a plan to get there and back.
Post Library
Most recently updated July 7th, 2023
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Click on the headings below to browse posts in I’d Rather Walk’s top categories:
Fitness & WellneSS
Info to help you get fit, eat a healthy diet, and promote wellness in your life.
ASTHMA HEALTH
This page includes posts with helpful information for active asthmatics.
GEAR Info and TIPS
Info on how to use and where to find the best gear for your day hikes, thru hikes, camping trips and other outdoor sports.
If you’re looking for gear with the IRW Logo, Holiday-themed items or something fun to give as a gift – especially our snarky T-Shirt collection – take a look at our IRW Merch Shop.
GENERAL HIKING INFO
Hiking info for families, beginning hikers and more advanced trekkers.
HIKING DESTINATIONS
Hiking destinations in the USA, Internationally, and local trails close to home.
See my Travel Resource and Adventure Travel pages for more destinations and trip planning tips and deals.
OUTDOORS WITH KIDS
Helpful tips and info for outdoor activities for kids, plus kid-friendly destinations for families and children of all ages.
All Posts
You might find what you need in the All Post Library, organized by most recent, below:
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How to Get Fit for Active Retirement – Your Bucket List Training Plan
Most recently updated March 21st, 2023
Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes
These days, it’s more important than ever to maintain good health and fitness, no matter what your age.
But you’re busy, and can’t possibly squeeze in time for fitness training around your demanding job, family and household duties. I get it.
Inundated with things that we have to do, it’s easy to put off optional activities – including taking better care of ourselves physically.
But if you (like me and many other older adults) want to enjoy bucket list adventures that include active travel and hiking in remote places, it’s time to start training!
Each year, starting January, I do an 8-week hike training program to get ready for upcoming Spring hikes – and beyond!
It’s really to get fit for outdoor adventures in any month after weeks of Winter hibernating and celebrating 🙂
Read on to learn how you can personalize your training, with our without my 8 week plan, to help you get ready for adventure at any age!
Continue reading How to Get Fit for Active Retirement – Your Bucket List Training Plan
Hiking With Asthma! A 3-Step Plan for Success
Most recently updated July 7th, 2023
Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes
Everyone should do some research before trying a new physical activity – and prepping for a hike is no different.
For asthmatics, failing to prepare properly for a hike can have results ranging from mildly unpleasant to catastrophic.
Be prepared, but don’t be so nervous that you don’t go out at all – walking is a natural exercise for us.
Most of us have been doing it since we were very young.
That said, in all of my posts I’m only speaking from my own experiences dealing with lifelong chronic severe asthma, including exercise induced asthma.
I’ve come up with methods, including modifying my diet and taking vitamins, that enable me to be very physically active in spite of it – maybe they will work for you, too. Continue reading Hiking With Asthma! A 3-Step Plan for Success