Let's Get Physical -- and go CAMPING!!

Fall is in the air.  Summer and family vacations are almost behind us, but we are falling into the best season for camping.  Camping is a financially reasonable and refreshing way to spend quality time with your loved ones.  Fall is a good time of year to camp as it's not usually too hot or cold and can be quite comfortable out.  With the changing economy in the last few years, tourism has seen a spike in camping activity because it's such a great way to enjoy family time without the hassle and expenses of hotels and restaurants.  On the Mississippi Gulf Coast there are several great places to camp not too far from home. Of course, you can venture further into the nation to find thousands of wonderful camp grounds available. 

A family camping trip can be an enjoyable experience with little preparation.  Take time to plan ahead.  Here are a few tips that can aid your planning:
-Pack foods in tight, waterproof containers and keep them in an insulated cooler.
-Pack comfortable hiking shoes for everyone who plans to trek
-If you intend to swim, pack life jackets
-Pack an adequate supply of water for each individual on the trip (2-3 liters per person per day)
-Pack weather/activity appropriate clothing, including light full coverage clothing for bed time
-Pack insect repellant
-Regardless of the time of year, always pack SPF 15 or more sun screen.  The sun's rays   don't change even though the seasons do! 
-Pack adequate bedding
-Pack a flashlight
-Pack a well packed first aid kit, including ointments for rash or insect bite relief
-Keep a close watch on the weather to be sure the trip will be safe and that you have packed everything you need for certain conditions

Camping is a great way to get physical and enjoy the outdoors.  Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, or grilling and sharing stories around the campfire are just a few ways to enjoy yourself on a camping trip.  But, remember the do's and don'ts of camping to be sure you and your loved ones can enjoy yourselves without any problems:
-DO wash hands and surfaces often - use alcohol based sanitizer when water is not available
-DO separate raw foods from cooked foods and keep all food at the proper temperatures to avoid spoiling
-DO cook foods to proper temperatures (for instance, ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees)
-DO wear weather/temperature appropriate clothing
-DO keep foods well stored and out of the reach of wild animals
-DO make sure any family pets along for the trip are vaccinated and keep a close eye on them--be sure to check them often for ticks also and have enough water and food packed for them too!
-DO apply insect repellant OFTEN
-DO apply sunscreen OFTEN
-DO shower before and after swimming
-DON'T go near any poisonous plants like poison ivy, oak or sumac.  (You may want to familiarize yourself with photos of these plants before you leave)
-DON'T use fuel burning equipment for heat inside of your tent--it can cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to build up
-DON'T pet or feed wild animals--watch only from a safe distance
-DON'T swim or hike alone
-DON'T leave a campfire unattended-be sure to fully extinguish the fire

Do your research if you're inexperienced.  Always prepare for the unexpected.  Research the campground you plan to visit in advance.  Enjoy quality time with the ones you love and make memories!

YourTrusted Choice Insurance Agent stands ready to assist you. We help you through the maze of insurance coverages, carriers, and premiums, and we find the best personal coverage for you at affordable rates. We help you save money on your insurance --- and we save you time!  But remember, when it comes to insurance one size does not fit all.
We are your LOCAL Trusted Choice Advisor, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / , SALES AND SERVICE AGENTS: Angelyn Treutel, Tammy Garfield, Dawn Garza, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922,
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We have 3 Gulf Coast locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS. We can write coverage in 40 different states. 
Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!