by Mollie Millington | Apr 4, 2019 | health, sponsored post
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| Pink ribbons raise breast cancer awareness |
Did you know that one in eight women in the UK will be diagnosed with breast cancer? It is something that touches the lives of so many people, I felt it was important to write a blog post about my experience with the screening process. You can also perform breast self-exams on a monthly basis to become familiar with your breast tissue. That way, if anything changes you will recognize the difference (Follow me on Twitter to see my monthly reminders to preform your self-exam on the first of every month.).
This year I turned 40. In the USA, this is the age where you can start receiving annual mamograms (I would imagine this depends on your private health insurance policy). However, in the UK, the procedure is not provided until you reach the age of 50 (every three years and up to age of 71) if treatment is provided on the NHS (they are looking to extending this from 47-73). If you have a family history of breast cancer, screening may be provided earlier.
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| Warnings on the door where I had my mamogram |
One of my best friend’s from university was born four days after me. Her mom is a breast cancer survivor. Because of this, I decided to get a mamogram this year. It is available on private health insurance for £122 (and my friend’s mom even offered to pay for it). So I contacted Simplyhealth UK to see if the mamogram would qualify under the diagnostic scans benefit, for which I am allowed a maximum of £500 on my plan. And yes it is! I spoke to my mom about what to expect during the procedure (of course) and she said there can be some discomfort during the process. A mamogram is an x-ray of the breast tissue, which means that the breast is squeezed between two plates. My breasts are not huge but they did get a really good squeeze for about 15 seconds while the nurse set up the proper angle and moved behind the lead screen and take the x-ray. The receptionist I booked with appointment with said it would take 15 minutes but mine took about eight.
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| The x-ray machine which takes the mamogram. |
My mom told me that she has dense breast tissue and needs to have an ultrasound after her mamogram as part of her annual appointment. I was worried this would be the case for me but the nurse who performed my mamogram didn’t think this would be the case based on my images. My friend who’s mom had breast cancer informed me that in the US, patients are often called back for another mamogram after their initial one as there is no baseline to compare the x-ray to. I haven’t heard of this happening in the UK though.
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| The only picture of my boobs on the internet to date. |
My nurse told me my results would be sent via the post within two weeks. One week later, I received a letter saying my results were considered to be normal. I didn’t expect to have a scare, but it was still a relief to read that letter.
I received my reimbursement from Simpyhealth UK within 24 hours of submitting my claim. I will continue to invest in my health by continuing a yearly private mamogram until the NHS will provide me year. It might be surprising that I am worried about breast cancer at the age of 40 and without a family history of the disease. Touch wood, I have been blessed not to have devastating cancer diagnoses within my immediate family. And I would like to keep it that way. Preventative medicine is something I 100% believe in.
Have you ever had a mamogram? What was your experience?
This post is sponsored by Simplyhealth UK. Click here to learn more about their Active Health plan.
by thinkmarsh | Jan 18, 2019 | health, sponsored post
I love having teeth but I hate going to the dentist. When I was younger, I had so many cavities filled I still have minor panic attacks when the hygienist finds a ‘sticky spot’. My SimplyHealth Active plan covers routine teeth cleaning, which was perfect as I was due for one in December. For those who haven’t been to the dental hygienist in a while or are curious about what happens during an appointment, read on to learn about my experience. I have also included a some information that I learned during my appointment. Enjoy!
How much does it cost to have your teeth cleaned?
Coming to London, I was a bit surprised to find out that I had to pay to visit a dental hygienist to have my teeth cleaned.
In the USA, teeth cleaning is part of your dental insurance plan (if you have it as not every employer will offer it as a benefit) and you may only need to pay a co-pay at your appointment (which is similar to an excess fee in the UK) depending on what insurance policy you have.
Again, it depends on what insurance policy you have, but usually the cost in less than $20 as the rest is covered by your insurance company.
Here in the UK, I have found that it costs about £50-60 in London for a 30 minute appointment.
In both countries, it is recommended to have your teeth cleaned twice a year.
Luckily,
my Simplyheath Active plan covers routine dental appointments and emergency procedures (after a qualifying period).
What does a hygienist do to your teeth?
I had an appointment booked in early December, which was between marathon madness and the holiday party season. I was warmly greeted by my hygienist, Cheryl, who quickly reviewed my records on her computer. She probably noticed that I am missing four teeth that were pulled to make room for the rest when I was younger (small jaw/big teeth problems). After I sat in the reclining chair, she gave me safety glasses and placed a disposable cloth across my chest. These are to help protect my eyes and clothes from water, spit, and any others types of splash.
Cheryl then placed a suction stick in at the back of my mouth under tongue so I didn’t have to swallow as often. This means I can leave my mouth open so she can work. She started on my bottom teeth, scraping off tartar and plaque.
Luckily, it didn’t hurt!
Since my last appointment, where I was told I had the start of gum disease (lovely, huh?), I have been adamant about flossing in the evenings and using an
interdental brush each time I brush.
Although I don’t have large noticeable gaps in my teeth, I do have a slight space at the bottom of my teeth, where food can get stuck or
my electric toothbrush can’t reach.
I am now one of the converted as I want to keep my teeth for as long as possible.
Methodically, Cheryl made her way around my lower jaw and then up to the top. There were a few times where I needed to swallow and that is fine.
Does it hurt when you visit the hygienist?
Cheryl also checked in with me to see if I was comfortable or in pain.
She told me at the start of the appointment to raise my hand if I needed her to stop.
I am happy to say that I did not.
Does snacking cause cavities?
After she has had a close look, Cheryl let me know I was the best patient of the day as my teeth were easy to clean.
She also asked if I snack throughout the day or just eat at mealtime.
I know that she knows the truth (my teeth don’t lie) so I sheepishly admitted I basically eat all day (7am, 10am, 1pm, 3pm, 6pm).
Her suggestion was to l try to only eat a few big meals and avoid fizzy drinks. This will help me protect the enamel on my teeth.
The fermentable dietary sugars from food stays in the mouth for about 30 minutes after eating.
It takes those 30 minutes for saliva to remove most the sugars from your mouth which protect the enamel.
Every time you put food to your lips you start the cycle again.
Therefore, leaving longer time between eating protects your teeth.
If you are continuously snacking, there isn’t any time for saliva to combat the sugars.
What is the difference between tartar and plaque?
Tartar is the mineralized form of plague. You will usually have it in hard to reach places, such as the inside surfaces of your lower front teeth and outer surfaces of upper molars. This is also because of where two of the three major salivary ducts openings are located. The minerals in saliva, calcium in particular, mix with the plague already on your teeth and mineralise them into tartar. Once these harden, they form tartar and very hard to remove without the special instruments your dental hygienist has available. There is strong evidence linking presence of tartar beneath the gum level with gum disease, which is why it is so important to remove.
I am very grateful that my Simplyhealth Active plan covered this appointment and then my next one in six month’s time. I would like to keep my natural teeth for as long as possible because if I have to loose them, there might be some expensive and painful procedures required.
Next week, I will give you a step by step on how to claim back an appointment fee via the
Simplyhealth website.
It was much easier that I thought it would be.
How often do you get your teeth cleaned? Do you floss regularly?
Thanks to dental student Premal Patel for his help on explaining the science behind oral hygiene. This post contains affiliate links which cost you, the buyer, nothing additional but helps maintain the costs associated with running this site.
by thinkmarsh | Nov 19, 2018 | health, product review, recovery
The biggest worry people seemed to have about my desert ultra was how I was going to stay hydrated. In actual fact, more people tend to suffer from hyponatremia during these sorts of events than dehydration. Hyponatremia happens when you drink too much water and the salts in your body reach a low concentration. I remember hearing stories of people dying from chugging water for a radio contest or when pledging a fraternity (because they were under age). Careful planning went into the food and supplements I brought with me to Jordan. I chose salty foods, like Lucky Me instant noodles and pretzels. I also brought Tailwind and nuun tablets, both of which provide electrolytes by dissolving the product in your water. Finally, I invested in salt tablets from Decathlon as an additional preventative measure.
The week before the race, I started taking the salt tablets as directed on the bottle to make sure I could stomach them and also to start off with a higher-than-normal salt concentration. I avoided drinking loads in the week leading up to the race and on the plane. Starting off my adventure with a hangover would not be wise. My plan was to space out the salt suppliments I had evenly throughout the day and hope it did the trick.
It is hard to know exactly how much salt is gained or lost during an ultra. I couldn’t really see what color my urine was nor did I have a lot of salt sweat on my skin. I was drinking 1-2 liters of water every 10k with either a serving of Tailwind or nuun. The food was pre-planned out but could be swapped if I felt thirsty or a bit off. Luckily, I did something right as I was able to maintain my body weight, muscle mass and percent body fat over the 5 days. Some people lost as much as 10kg while most lost 2-3kg. One person even gained weight (I have no idea how!). This is reflection of what they ate and drank over the entire week, not just during the running bits. One person needed an IV after day 4 and another started to exhibit signs of hyponatremia. She quit for the day after a short trip to the ambulance.
We finished the race on a Friday and spent half of Saturday on a bus and half walking around Petra in the midday sun. We also partied hard on Friday and Saturday, celebrating our crazy feat. When I got home on Sunday night, I was exhausted from the ultra, the Jordan heat, the late night parties and the early morning flight. Luckily, I had a visit from the IV Doc booked in as my last defense against my body rebelling against a tough week.
What is the IV Doc?
It is a visiting nurse service that comes to your home, work, gym, etc to administer saline in addition to detoxifying and energizing additives, such as vitamins and amino acids. When I made the appointment in August, I had to complete a short medical history questionnaire and have a screening call with the doctor. The at-home visit was eight hours after I landed from Jordan but I still sent them my flight details just in case I was delayed. The IV Doc confirmed my appointment for an antioxidant IV hydration therapy 24 hours in advance by email too so I wouldn’t forget in my jet lag haze.
My experience
My nurse, Judy, arrived at my home with a suitcase full of goodies. She had saline, liquid vitamins, syringes, and everything else needed for my treatment. She reviewed my medical history, allergies and asked how I was feeling. With my info, she said she wouldn’t be able to give me one specific solution due to my allergy to sulfa drugs but she could give me extra vitamin B with an intramuscular injection. We then called the doctor to confirm my prescription. I actually talked to him too about my allergy and current medications.
Once we got the all clear from the doctor, we set me up on the couch with Bridezillas on the television and a needle in my arm. My husband got Judy and I tea and we chatted for a while about my race, her upcoming wedding, and working for the NHS. After 30 minutes, Judy increased the drip speed as I hadn’t had any ill effects. It took just over an hour for the bag to drain entirely. The time passed quickly though as she was very easy to talk to. Before the appointment, I was wondering what the nurse does during the treatment. Judy said it depends on the person and where they are having the treatment. She said people at work tend to be more tense and formal, while home visits are relaxed.
I had read that some people get the chills during the at-home IV treatments, but I was comfortable the entire time. The needle didn’t bother me and I didn’t have to go to the bathroom during the drip. When the bag was nearly empty, Judy unhooked me, tidied everything up and took all of the waste with her. My husband and I didn’t have to worry about needles in the rubbish, which was a relief. In total, the appointment took about two and a half hours. It was wonderful to have the treatment in my home, rather than having to travel to an office after a grueling week of travel.
Who is this service for?
Judy told me that athletes use The IV Doc before and or after big competitions. Entertainers who have a long gig (such as at a festival) or two performance a day (matinee and evening) have also booked in with her. Obviously, after traveling is a popular choice, as well as after a big night out that results in a hangover. It is something that would have been a game changer during the Wadi Rum Ultra for participants who were struggling a bit (I am going to suggest it to the organizers). My treatment was designed to help me get back to a balanced state by providing immediate hydration. The solution also boosted my immune system and helped increase my oxygen delivery to improve my energy levels and fight fatigue.
The following day, I was back to work and feeling fine. I was still a little stiff but my feet were less swollen and I slept well. It was back to normal life after an incredible experience I will never forget.
Thanks to the The IV Doc for the complementary service. All opinions are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | Nov 19, 2018 | health, product review, recovery
The biggest worry people seemed to have about my desert ultra was how I was going to stay hydrated. In actual fact, more people tend to suffer from hyponatremia during these sorts of events than dehydration. Hyponatremia happens when you drink too much water and the salts in your body reach a low concentration. I remember hearing stories of people dying from chugging water for a radio contest or when pledging a fraternity (because they were under age). Careful planning went into the food and supplements I brought with me to Jordan. I chose salty foods, like Lucky Me instant noodles and pretzels. I also brought Tailwind and nuun tablets, both of which provide electrolytes by dissolving the product in your water. Finally, I invested in salt tablets from Decathlon as an additional preventative measure.
The week before the race, I started taking the salt tablets as directed on the bottle to make sure I could stomach them and also to start off with a higher-than-normal salt concentration. I avoided drinking loads in the week leading up to the race and on the plane. Starting off my adventure with a hangover would not be wise. My plan was to space out the salt suppliments I had evenly throughout the day and hope it did the trick.
It is hard to know exactly how much salt is gained or lost during an ultra. I couldn’t really see what color my urine was nor did I have a lot of salt sweat on my skin. I was drinking 1-2 liters of water every 10k with either a serving of Tailwind or nuun. The food was pre-planned out but could be swapped if I felt thirsty or a bit off. Luckily, I did something right as I was able to maintain my body weight, muscle mass and percent body fat over the 5 days. Some people lost as much as 10kg while most lost 2-3kg. One person even gained weight (I have no idea how!). This is reflection of what they ate and drank over the entire week, not just during the running bits. One person needed an IV after day 4 and another started to exhibit signs of hyponatremia. She quit for the day after a short trip to the ambulance.
We finished the race on a Friday and spent half of Saturday on a bus and half walking around Petra in the midday sun. We also partied hard on Friday and Saturday, celebrating our crazy feat. When I got home on Sunday night, I was exhausted from the ultra, the Jordan heat, the late night parties and the early morning flight. Luckily, I had a visit from the IV Doc booked in as my last defense against my body rebelling against a tough week.
What is the IV Doc?
It is a visiting nurse service that comes to your home, work, gym, etc to administer saline in addition to detoxifying and energizing additives, such as vitamins and amino acids. When I made the appointment in August, I had to complete a short medical history questionnaire and have a screening call with the doctor. The at-home visit was eight hours after I landed from Jordan but I still sent them my flight details just in case I was delayed. The IV Doc confirmed my appointment for an antioxidant IV hydration therapy 24 hours in advance by email too so I wouldn’t forget in my jet lag haze.
My experience
My nurse, Judy, arrived at my home with a suitcase full of goodies. She had saline, liquid vitamins, syringes, and everything else needed for my treatment. She reviewed my medical history, allergies and asked how I was feeling. With my info, she said she wouldn’t be able to give me one specific solution due to my allergy to sulfa drugs but she could give me extra vitamin B with an intramuscular injection. We then called the doctor to confirm my prescription. I actually talked to him too about my allergy and current medications.
Once we got the all clear from the doctor, we set me up on the couch with Bridezillas on the television and a needle in my arm. My husband got Judy and I tea and we chatted for a while about my race, her upcoming wedding, and working for the NHS. After 30 minutes, Judy increased the drip speed as I hadn’t had any ill effects. It took just over an hour for the bag to drain entirely. The time passed quickly though as she was very easy to talk to. Before the appointment, I was wondering what the nurse does during the treatment. Judy said it depends on the person and where they are having the treatment. She said people at work tend to be more tense and formal, while home visits are relaxed.
I had read that some people get the chills during the at-home IV treatments, but I was comfortable the entire time. The needle didn’t bother me and I didn’t have to go to the bathroom during the drip. When the bag was nearly empty, Judy unhooked me, tidied everything up and took all of the waste with her. My husband and I didn’t have to worry about needles in the rubbish, which was a relief. In total, the appointment took about two and a half hours. It was wonderful to have the treatment in my home, rather than having to travel to an office after a grueling week of travel.
Who is this service for?
Judy told me that athletes use The IV Doc before and or after big competitions. Entertainers who have a long gig (such as at a festival) or two performance a day (matinee and evening) have also booked in with her. Obviously, after traveling is a popular choice, as well as after a big night out that results in a hangover. It is something that would have been a game changer during the Wadi Rum Ultra for participants who were struggling a bit (I am going to suggest it to the organizers). My treatment was designed to help me get back to a balanced state by providing immediate hydration. The solution also boosted my immune system and helped increase my oxygen delivery to improve my energy levels and fight fatigue.
The following day, I was back to work and feeling fine. I was still a little stiff but my feet were less swollen and I slept well. It was back to normal life after an incredible experience I will never forget.
Thanks to the The IV Doc for the complementary service. All opinions are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | Nov 15, 2018 | health, injury, recovery, sponsored post
I wrote this post in the week leading up to NYC Marathon. It gives a good insight into the worries runners have when training no longer takes up most of their time.
Maranoia– paranoia about your health, including but not limited to niggles, aches, pains and cold-like symptoms, in the weeks leading up to a marathon
Since coming back from the Wadi Rum Ultra, my right ankle hasn’t felt right. The range of motion (ROM) was decreased and something inside the joint felt locked and stiff. Many other parts of my body hurt too so I didn’t pay too much attention for the first few days I was back in the UK. Over time, the other aches went away and the blisters on my feet healed (no toe nails have dropped off yet). But my ankle was still off.
I knew only having three weeks between these two big races was a risk. Running across all of the unstable sand made my ankles work harder than usual. My biggest fear is that if I run the NYC Marathon on 4 November, I will do long-term or permanent damage to my ankle. This winter, the plan was to cut back on the miles a bit and spend more time strength training. However, I also wanted to get back to Track Tuesdays with Advent Running. I haven’t been in two months and I miss seeing everyone and working hard. Hopefully my performance will not have suffered by the time I make it back.
Luckily for me, osteopath consultations are covered under my Simplyhealth active plan. The team at Function360 have a few osteopaths on site, so I booked in for an hour long appointment with Victor. He had seen me prior to Wadi RUm Ultra for a pain I had in my neck (another case of maranoia). As we already had a rapport and he knew a bit about my 4×4 Challenge, I felt safe in his hands. I also know that the Function360 team supports their clients’ goals. If I said I definitely wanted to run NYC Marathon, Victor would make it happen.
We began with a chat about what the pain was, where it was, and how it felt. He then observed me moving a few different ways (on my toes, on my heels, bending knees, etc) to see how my ROM and flexibility was on my right vs left side. He then had me sit on the table and palpated my feet, ankles and calves. By observing what points were painful for me and how ankles and feet felt under his touch, his detective work continued. He determined I had a strain and possibly sprain on the inside of my right ankle. As treatment, he spent some time massaging around my medial mallelous, and also on my calves (sometimes tight calves can cause pain in the feet) to help relieve the pain. Victor moved my right leg and foot around to encourage lymph drainage and inserted about five acupuncture needles in my ankle to help address the pain. The last step of my treatment was taping the inside of my right leg from my ankle to mid-calf with a single piece of kinesiology tape. I had always thought taping was a placebo affect, but Victor told me that this study showed that kinesology tape helped promote lymphatic drainage. The tape stayed in place for three days.
Victor recommended active recovery that was low impact, such as swimming or cycling. He also wanted me to do some ankle strengthening exercises to help loosen the joint and promote strength. I only went swimming once, combining walking the water with a doggie paddle as I didn’t want to get my hair wet (but it did anyways). I also did a yoga class, some slow dog walks, taught indoor cycling once, and lead a beginner’s 5K before work one day at a 10 min/mile pace.
A week after my initial visit, my ankle ROM had improved but it still wasn’t feeling 100%. I booked a 30 minute appointment to follow up with Victor. We chatted briefly about what I had been doing to recovery since we last met and how the ankle was feeling. He again observed me walking and stretching in various ways before manipulating my foot and ankle to find the source of the pain. Using massage wax, he used manual therapy on the tenderest areas. He also performed some traction on my ankles.
At this point I was really torn. Victor confirmed there was still a strain (ligaments) and/or sprain (tendon) in my right ankle. The process takes 21 days to heal so I technically would have enough time to be ready for the NYC Marathon. On the other hand, working too hard during the race (like for a PB) so soon after injury could make the complete recovery process take longer. Victor said the decision was up to me as there was a chance I would be better. Again, he recommended low impact activities and that I invest in an ankle brace if I was going to run the marathon for additional support. My ankle feel fine running unless it moves left and right, which might happen during the race as I avoid water bottles and other runners on the road. Luckily, I know I have medical care available if I do decide to run as my active plan runs for a full year and covers physiotherapy, osteopathy, acupuncture, and more.
There is a chance my travel insurance will reimburse my trip after receiving a letter from Victor, who is a member of the General Osteopathic Council, explaining I am not fit to travel. I have been doing some soul searching to decide what I should do. This trip is a package deal with a tour company, so I won’t get a refund from them, not would I be eligible to defer my place to next year. I am working hard to complete all of the World Marathon Majors but my Chicago race last year was a horrible time due to injuries. I wanted NYC to be a PB.
Update #1: I was able to run the entire NYC Marathon. A full review of the race is forthcoming here on the blog. Luckily, my ankle didn’t bother me at all. Instead, I ended up stopping to use the loo five times. It wasn’t a PB race but not my worst either. I am back to light running this week and look forward to getting that PB in 2019.
Update #2: After teaching spin class Monday night, going to track Tuesday, and then leading a run club Wednesday morning, my ankle was a bit tender to the touch. I was able to book an appointment last night with Victor who said I need a longer break from running. He also taped my ankle and gave me isometric exercises to do. Someone please hold me accountable on these as I am eager to run again!
Have you ever been in a similar situation? What did you do? Leave a comment below and let me know.
Thanks to Simplyhealth for sponsoring my 4×4 Challenge. NYC Marathon is the last race in the set.
by Mollie Millington | Oct 25, 2018 | health, holistic, outdoors, product review
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| Urban forest |
This weekend I had the pleasure of attending Wild and Well Festival in Bristol. It offered four different themes: Move, Explore, Connect and Eat, with workshops, panel discussion, fitness classes, and demonstrations across five venues. For me, the theme of nature and being outdoors kept cropping up as I thought about my happiest moments, what calms me, and why I take on crazy fitness challenges. I also learned about the Blue Mind movement, which has sparked my interest as marine biologist, personal trainer and health coach. After the NYC Marathon, I will be reading up on these in my down time and sharing the highlights with you here on the blog and on social media (click on pink circle to the right to follow me).
It absolutely makes sense to me that being outside and connecting with nature can have healing powers. This really became clear to me after visiting Cape Town in February 2017. Two weeks in the sunshine and one week along the sea changed my outlook on life. I now know I need to be outside as much as possible, with a good dose of Vitamin Sea to be content, as well as ample sunshine. I found a sense of calm and enjoyed being alone in my thoughts while visiting South Africa. Part of this was due to a semi-digital detox without a SIM card to stay connected when away from my hotel. Think about how much time you spend each day being bombarded with emails, phone calls, text messages, meetings, and personal space invasions while on public transport. Removing technology can make a big difference in how you experience your free time.
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| Taking the path less traveled |
As I spent Sunday outside in the chilly sun of along Bristol’s harbor side, I realized how hard it can be for people living in cities to find ways to be in nature and/or unplugged. Available green spaces in cities might be small, with audio stimulation from traffic and visual stimulation from people walking by. Areas with water, such as rivers, streams, canals or reservoirs, are even harder to come by when landlocked. When was the last time you sat alone in the woods or a field and took in your surroundings?
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| Walking wild |
If you make an effort though to visit nature, maybe not daily, but at least once a week, (and leave the phone at home), it will help calm your body and mind. City life is overstimulating. Being alone in nature can help combat the effects. Here are some tips on how to find and enjoy the experience of nature healing:
- When you get to an open green (or blue) space, turn off any music you might be listening to and silence your phone. Listen to wind, trees and birds around you. Breathe deeply and listen to your breath.
- If you live in London, walk along the towpath in the early morning when it is least busy. Look at your surroundings rather than down in front of your feet.
- Flotation therapy, such as that offered by Floatworks in London, is where you float in super salty water in a pod which allows for sensory deprivation in a meditative state. You will experience physical and mental relief of life’s stressors that occur outside the tank. This is a great option to try if you cannot find green space or water near where you live.
- Consider a train or bus journey to the woods or coast for a day trip off the grid.
- Book an active holiday where you bike, hike, swim, run, or camp.
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| Capri length can be a good options in the spring and autumn |
- Dress appropriately so you enjoy the moment rather than worry about rain or temperatures. I know I can be miserable if I am too hot or too cold! The Jack Wolfskin tank show in the photos is great for warm days and for layering in the autumn. The cut is very flattering for someone who has wider hips, like me. Capri length trousers (such as the ones in the photos by Jack Wolfskin) are helpful too when the seasons are changing and you aren’t sure if the temps will be the same in the afternoon as they were in the morning. You never know what will happen so have some layering options in your bag if you can, including hat, gloves and rain jacket.
- Look at the plants and wildlife as you explore. See what you recognize and what you need to learn more about. You might want to pick up a flora or fauna guide to help you identify what you saw during your time in nature.
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| I love having my dog with me on my walks |
Do you ever feel the urge to be explore in green space? How do you feel when your phone is off and you are alone in your thoughts? What is your favorite part of being out in nature? Leave a comment below and let me know.
Thanks to Simply Hike for providing me with the Jack Wolfskin kit to review. All opinion are honest and my own.
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