I fondly recall my early years growing up in northern Lycoming County. Hours upon untold hours were spent outside — fishing, hunting, hiking, exploring, and watching the wonders of nature unfold time and time again. Great memories were formulated, and it was a very healthy environment to spend those youthful years. No cell phone. No video games. No headset, so you could listen to music and block out the wonderful sounds of nature. Heck, we even engaged in actual conversations with people rather than texting them! They were simpler times, for sure, but really, there is no real reason not to return to them now.

Today, the world is a much more complicated place, with political divides tearing at us, increased use of recreational drugs destroying lives all across the country, and folks just seem to be more opinionated and unwilling to be open-minded when discussing issues. We are constantly being bombarded by text messages and calls on our cell phones, posts on Facebook, and a continual flow of tweets and instant messages, creating the perpetual interruptions that we have, unfortunately, accepted as “just the way life is” today.

I say, “No!” There is absolutely no reason to not turn off the cell phone, close the laptop, resist texting, and just get outside for a hundred good reasons. Take a long hike (or even a short walk in the woods), hang a trail camera or tree stand, go fishing along a remote mountain stream, or take a child for a walk and share with them the woodsmanship skills that you have taken for granted for all these years, thus helping them to understand and learn to enjoy the wonders of nature. Yes, we can return to these simpler times.

As you do so, there are several things to keep in mind. With the advanced technology that has occurred over the years and increased awareness of health and nutrition concerns, there are a number of steps you can take to prepare yourself for a safer and more enjoyable day outdoors. Whether you are headed outside for a few hours or an all-day adventure, you shouldn’t leave the house without a backpack or fanny pack. The items you carry with you will be up to you, but here are a few suggestions:

Tick tweezers:

Lately, there has been a great barrage of the “latest and greatest method” to remove a tick from your skin once it has become attached.

There is the use of Vaseline, a dab of gasoline on a Q-tip or covering the pest with peppermint oil. None of these are recommended by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control). The one and only conclusive way that they suggest is to use fine-pointed tweezers. Clasp the body of the tick in the tweezers and pull out — s-l-o-w-l-y. The tick will detach itself and can then be disposed of properly. Any of the other methods may cause the tick to expel some of its saliva, which may carry any of a number of diseases, such as Lyme disease. These tweezers should be available at your local drugstore.

Snake bite kit:

This is the time of year when snakes are out of their dens and traveling for food and can often be seen near water. In our area, the two venomous snakes that you may encounter are the copperhead and the timber rattler. Both species would rather crawl away and be left alone, but if you encounter one unexpectedly or it feels threatened, you could have a problem. Snake bite kits should be available at your local sporting goods store or online. It would be wise to review the use of these kits via a YouTube video, and definitely discuss its use with your family doctor, and follow their recommendations.

Water and energy bars:

Two bottles of water and a couple of breakfast or energy bars will stave off dehydration or give you a needed boost if you are out and about for an extended amount of time. In recent years, staying hydrated has been the topic of many articles and conversations that should be heeded.

Emergency Notification:

OK, here is where I say it is a good idea to have your cell phone — but I mean, have it with you, but you don’t need to turn it on! With the constant addition of new cell phone towers everywhere you look, you will probably be able to connect with a friend or 911, if the need arises, from almost anywhere you are these days. Consider packing along a whistle as a backup means of signaling for help if you need to.

These are some basics to consider but don’t hesitate to add a few personal items or first aid products — just in case.