Just when you thought it was safe to go outdoors in the USA! So diseases that were thought to exist only in tropical countries or localized in the USA are now spreading.   Listen as we talk about three diseases that can affect us as we recreate in the USA. 

As the temperature of the earth rises,  mosquitos are moving to new areas.  And with them the diseases they carry.  Dengue Fever is now in Europe and the USA.   Vaccines are limited. But a new and effective treatment is being tested.  Listen as we talk about the spread and new treatment for this dangerous virus. 

How well did you do on the last quiz?   Again we challenge your knowledge of wilderness medicine. 

What on earth is that?  A tiny stinging sore sits right on top of a joint on a toe.  You have been wearing sandals on a warm summer day, hiking in the back country in a forest with small streams.  You don't remember bumping it.  This is a chilblain.  They are common, yet most people know little about them.  Listen and learn about these tiny irritating sores. 

How much do you know about wilderness medicine?   Listen to this podcast quiz and find out!

It does not take much, even moisture  from sweat is enough water to cause this painful and potentially deadly condition.  It's seen in river sports but also people at outdoor outdoor music festivals can get it.  Trench Foot is easily treatable, but first you need to be able to recognize it.  Listen and learn about this danger in the water. 

They can take us to far away and amazing places.  But there is a lot to know and understand to be safe when riding horses in the wilderness.  Listen as equestrian Christopher Rich teaches us about the important aspects of horseback riding in the back country. 

it comes from a tic but it is not found so much in the Rocky Mountains.  It can be life threatening but is usually  easily treated.  Listen as pediatric infectious disease physician Dr. T.W. Jones tells us how to avoid, recognize and treat the disease that begins with a rash.

The fire ant's sting is a serious concern to people and their pets. Venom injected into the skin causes a burning sensation - hence their names. On top of that, they can sting multiple times.  Listen to this first in a series podcasts by Dr. Matt Gunderson on things that sting us. This one is on fire ants.

What is known to be a very rare infection is also a fatal one.  Naegleria Fowleri is a microscopically small amoeba that enters the brain only though the nose.   Listen and know about a rare danger in the water.