Tag: outdoor exercise

Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails Around Chattanooga, TN

Posted on Mary Walters
Photo courtesy of RootsRated.com via Logan Foll.

There’s nothing like taking to the trails to enjoy the thrill of a hike with beautiful lakeside views, but why not make it more special by bringing your favorite companion along for the walk? For dog-lovers all around, it may be difficult to find spots for adventure with your four-legged friend, so we’ve done the work for you! Chattanooga, Tennessee, has some sweet hidden treasures for you and your pup. Thanks to the proximity of numerous lakes, national forests, and historical spots, there’s a variety of options for a nice walk by the water. Check out some trail options to enjoy today!

Chester Frost Park

Our first trail highlight is Chester Frost Park, located right on Lake Chickamauga. This spot is perfect if you and your dog are beginning to go on outdoor adventures together. Chester Frost Park is a great spot to explore the outdoors and enjoy the historical significance of Chattanooga. There is a rich history tied into this park, including Jackson Chapel Cemetery, the first and oldest cemetery in the county. This park has various amenities, including a beach area off Dallas Bay, but unfortunately, you would have to enjoy the beach spot without your pup. Regardless, there are still amazing trails to choose from with great lake views. For hiking maps and more directions, check out their trail guides.

Cloudland Canyon State Park

A little further south of the city, just about 20 minutes from Nickajack Lake, is Cloudland Canyon State Park that houses beautiful woodlands, cliffs, deep canyons, and amazing waterfalls. This park provides a variety of trails for you and your pet ranging from short to moderate and strenuous. The peak in this park is 1980 feet providing an amazing overlook. This option would be great for those dogs that are trained and ready for a more rigorous hiking experience. It is required to keep your pet on a leash as there are steep ledges and cliffs along this walk. Your pet must be restricted to the trails as the park doesn’t allow access to other areas of the park. Visit their site for more information and trail guides. At this time, trail access is limited to 10 hikers at a time.

Enterprise South Nature Park

Photo courtesy of Enterprise South Nature Park.

Another great park to bring your pet along to is Enterprise South Nature Park. With over 2,600 acres of land, this park has a variety of trails featuring mostly moderate hills. We suggest this option if you and your pup are looking for a slightly more rigorous outdoor experience. You will also find a little secluded lake during your walk and a beautiful view of the water. Enterprise South Nature Park is a hidden gem where you will find few crowds compared to other parks in the Chattanooga area. This option will be great for both you and your four-legged companion to enjoy.

There are other options available in this area to visit with your pet. Check bringfido.com for other outdoor excursions. Whichever adventure you may choose for you and your furry friend, you are sure to have a great time in the Chattanooga area.

Tips for Dealing with Spring Pollen

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Spring Lake

Allergies are a horrible thing to deal with, especially when spring pollen comes into play. It can cause many symptoms from a runny nose to headaches and at times, fevers.

Spring brings sunshine and flowers; however, it also brings misery to so many people every year. There are many that have to seek relief from medical experts in order to just function daily.

One of the keys to controlling your allergies is to know what triggers you personal symptoms. Since there are millions of particles flying through the air, finding relief from allergies can be almost impossible.

However, knowing the trigger will help you keep some of the symptoms at bay. Here you will find some tips on how to help your allergies this spring.

1: Wardrobe

You may be thinking this is a weird one, but it is quite scientific. Wear clothes made of natural fibers.

Synthetic materials can create an electrical charge that will attract the pollen to you. They will also breathe better and will not harbor any mold.

2: Time Your Activities

If you exercise outdoors, watch the news. Your local news channel will give an announcement daily of the pollen count. If you do not catch the news, you an always check online.

Another useful bit of information to know is that the pollen count is at its lowest just before dawn. If you have to miss that part of the day, then take a non-drowsy antihistamine 30 minutes before leaving the house.

3: Gardening

If you have an issue with pollen and you are a gardener, you are asking for allergy problems. However, if you take an antihistamine 30 minutes before going outside, it will drastically cut down your allergy issues.

Digging in dirt sirs up a lot of pollen. You should also wear a facial mask while tending to your garden. Make sure to wash your hands, clothes, and hair when you enter the house to remove any pollen that has attached to you.

4: Keep it Clean

By “it”, this tip refers to your house. Vacuum the rugs, carpet, and furniture often. Leave your shoes by the front door as well. (This is another reason a mud room can come in handy.)

Take down any drapery and wash them regularly to ensure that pollen coming in from the outside while the door is open is washed away. Make sure you dust your home and have a dehumidifier running with a filter.

Although these tips are here to help you, there are some individuals that will suffer from the allergies even when the list is performed. For those with serious allergies, there are shots available. Speak with your physician about a long-term allergies shot to help you through the spring months when pollen is extremely high.

6 Reasons to Own a Swimming Pool at the Lake

Posted on Staff

You can feel it; the weather is warm and you are getting the itch to swim. Your entire family is ready to splash away their days in the sun.

Healthier Lifestyle

There are many families that purchase a pool for family fun; however, an amazing benefit of a swimming pool is the fitness that automatically comes with the fun.

Families that have a pool are getting much more exercise than those families that do not have one. This offers an overall wellness for the body.

Some great exercises that can be done in a pool are water walking, water jogging and of course swimming.

The resistance offers a low impact exercise. These aquatic exercises offer simultaneous resistance for all muscles in the body, while protecting the joints, as well as the bones.

swimming poolCrystal Clear Waters

While most lakes have crystal clear water, there are some that can get muddy or see some algae growth from time to time.

During these periods,  your swimming pool, whether it is chlorinated or salt water, is guaranteed to have pristine waters. This provides an opportunity for swimming no matter the lake conditions!

Better Sleep

Whether your children struggle with restless nights or you fight insomnia, having a pool will make it much easier to sleep at night.

The pool offers a way for the family to exert their bodies in a fun way in order to wear themselves down for bed.

Scientifically speaking, the water also offers another way to burn energy. The water is cooler than the temperature of the body. This causes the body to exert more energy in order to stay warm.

Visit with Family More Often

When you have a pool, you automatically have a great way to join family and friends together.

Barbecues and birthday are so much more fun when you have something as great as a swimming pool. Your friends and family will be more inclined to come and visit if you have a pool to enjoy together.

Property Value

Many times, depending on your location, a pool can dramatically increase a home’s value. This is particularly the case in warmer locations that provide longer swim seasons.

Consult with a local real estate expert in your area before adding a pool strictly for investment purposes!

Keep the Angler Happy

Is your shoreline and dock that spot the fishing enthusiasts in the family like to hit? If so, the pool allows other family members to swim, without disturbing the fish (and anglers) in the area!

Of course there are many other benefits to owning a pool, but as you can plainly see there are some key benefits that really stand out.

If you do not already have a pool, then you may want to consider investing in one. It has the potential to offer you a happier and healthier life!

 

For more tips on healthy lake living, read our “8 New Year’s Resolutions to Improve Your Home and Health” article!