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As your family grows, it's common for your family's tent needs to grow, too. For us, life before Mason was a lot simpler when it came to camping. My go-to for years was a 2-man backpacking-style tent from Sierra Designs. It got the job done and I slept many nights under the stars. Then came baby. It’s funny how a little person can take up so much room. Life after Mason meant graduating to a 4-man Alps tent, which we loved hard for the last few years. But as of recent, our little family of three seemed to have outgrown this one, especially when camping in the rain or needing a little sheltered play space to tuck Mason into during the afternoon. Photo: Arika Bauer/Zion Adventure Photog I started to throw out the idea of something a little bigger, to which Mark, my significant other, rolled his eyes and insisted we didn’t need. But I when my sister showed up with her twins to camp with us, toting what looked like a circus big-top tent because it was so large, I had to admit I was a bit jealous. Then we had an opportunity to try out a Big Agnes Big House Deluxe 4-man and it was a game changer. The first time we pulled it out of the bag and began unrolling it, Mark groaned and whined for the first minute. But within five minutes, we had popped it up. Then when Mark walked into the tent and could full stand up, he was sold and there was no going back. We were both sold. While I am very aware these bigger tents also come with a bigger price tag, here’s what I’ve found with them: if you spend the money and pick the right one, this is a tent that can be with your family for many years. Family Camping Tents - Top 3 Picks Over the last year, we've been trying different “family-style” camping tents and decided on three we feel are completely worth every penny spent. I also include a runner-up tent that is at a lower price point. Big Agnes Big House Deluxe, 6-man / 3 Season If you're looking for the easiest setup of all time for a large tent, the Big Agnes Big House Deluxe might be it. There are two hefty poles that crisscross at the top. Lay the tent flat, cross the poles and feed them through a sleeve on top. Pop up and then snap the plastic hooks in place to secure it. This is one of the fastest tents to set up I've ever seen when it comes to large tents. There’s nothing complicated about the initial setup; however, like most large tents, you'll want two hands on deck. Photo: Arika Bauer/Zion Adventure Photog What I especially love about this tent is its headroom at 6.5 feet. And the top is mesh, so if you are in a dry environment, this tent is amazing for stargazing. The mesh also keeps it very breezy inside the tent. I was a little wary of the fact that, unlike most tents I've owned, this one didn’t have a mesh door, so when you zip it closed, that’s it – it’s closed. Another thing that makes this tent a great family option is the storage. There are mesh pockets running along the top of the tent just below the mesh roof, which are great for storing keys, phones and other things that you want to keep up and away from a baby or toddler crawling around on the floor. This is also a great place to slide a headlamp in for light inside the tent when you want to have light but don’t want a lamp on the floor. Spacewise, there is tons of room in this tent for families of 3 and 4. As you get to 6, you might find yourself feeling a bit cramped, but there is a vestibule option ($139.95) that can be added on for an additional storage area if you have a lot of people camping in the tent or if you brought a pack n’ play, which can take up a lot of space. The downside to this tent is the rainfly. We put it on during a bit of a windstorm in Zion National Park and found it to be a bit confusing to figure out the front and back. Also, there is a small tension pole that seems like it should be easy to slide in to hold the front of the fly out a bit from the tent so rain stays out of the tent, but it was really tight and hard to get in place. We felt like we were going to break the piece, so we put it in and actually have avoided using it since, which leaves us with a floppy fly. Luckily we have been mainly camping in good weather and we also have the vestibule, which means we don’t have to use this fly. This was pretty much my only complaint with the Big House Deluxe. But despite the rainfly, there were a few pluses: the packing down is very easy. Just roll it up quickly and slide it in. There are two pockets – one holds the fly and the other holds the tent. The two side sandwich together and buckle. It's very easy to pack and head home. It’s also light considering the size. After hauling around a Coleman for a season, I was pretty surprised at how light the 13 lbs., 11 oz. family-sized Big Agnes was. Other great features: the poles are color-coded for easy setup and they're all pretty straight forward, making setup in the dark a breeze. Having doors on both sides is a major plus if you don’t want to crawl over anyone in the night. The “welcome” mat at the front door is also a nice added touch and a reminder of just how family-friendly this company is. To summarize: Pros: Easiest setup, high headroom, lots of storage options, two doors, easy to pack up and carry at under 14 lbs. Cons: Rainfly was hard to get into place. Price: $399.95 Nemo Wagontop 4-Person If you want a family camping tent that will likely last you until your toddler goes to college, Nemo is the one. Known for building both high-quality and aesthetically pleasing products, this tent is just another bomber item from the company. Again, we were surprised at how easy this tent was to set up – after the first time. While the tent is actually quite easy once you figure out the pattern, what I personally found frustrating was that the directions didn’t really spell it out clear enough and assumed the user had set up a similar style tent before. Luckily, I recruited some help from a nearby site to rescue me from ending up a weepy mom mess in the middle of the campsite while my son ran around like a wild animal. So give yourself time, patience (and an adult helper) the first time you set it up. After that, it will be a breeze. Photo: Arika Bauer/Zion Adventure Photog I was solo camping on this first trip with the Wagontop, so I had to manage my tiny four-nado while trying to get a new tent up and the sunset was long gone and dark was fast approaching. Yes, horrible planning on my part and I definitely should have done a YouTube scan on how to set this tent up before arriving, but I had been spoiled by my experience with the Big Agnes tent, so I expected the same. Once we figured out the crisscross pattern of the two very bizarre-looking poles, it was easy. I think the spidelike-ness of the poles can seem a little daunting until you have tried it a few times. The second time I set it up was easier, and then by the 4th time, I began to really understand why the designers did it this way. Here’s what’s awesome about this tent: it’s rock solid. I feel like you could practically survive a tornado in it. Definitely my son torquing on the poles and leaning deeply into it for “fun” is similar to severe weather. The pole system makes this tent feel like you don’t need the guy lines staked down as seriously as other tents. Another plus of this tent is while the tent only has doors on one side, there are two doors on the font, which means you don’t have to lean over your child or partner to zip out of the tent. And the headroom is awesome at 6.6 feet. It also feels a lot bigger on the bottom than many 6-person tents, so even if you have four people, you won’t feel crowded thanks to the design that flares out a bit. The thing that Nemo does really well is the single wall setup. This means no pesky rainfly flapping in the wind. The window flaps and extra front door piece that you snap on after setup will protect you in a rainstorm. The lack of fly also means there is less to dry out when you break down camp. Add the garage on and you have tons of extra space for muddy boots and wet jackets. If we have any complaints about the Nemo Wagontop (beyond the tricky first-time setup), it might be the weight (27 lbs. definitely makes this one a bit heavier to haul around) and zipping it into the duffel bag. You don’t have to be precise, but you do need to take time to pack it up or it may not fit in the bag. Once it's zipped in, it’s super compact and really slides into a trunk well. Another Nemo product we got to try was the Victory blanket. This is a waterproof mat that’s an excellent addition to throw outside your tent and stake down so baby can roll around on it with toys and not get dirty while you work your way around the campsite setting things up. Also, this is a nice layer inside the tent to keep the bottom a little bit cozier. It fits perfectly into the 4-man! To summarize: Pros: Tent is rock solid and sturdy; holds up well in rain or wind. Easy to set up (once you get the hang of it), tons of storage space with added garage. Cons: Instructions not explicit, so we found it confusing to set up the first time; heavier to carry (though compact). Price: $399.95 Therm-a-rest Tranquility 6 Are you a 2-parent, 3-kid family? The Therm-a-rest Tranquility 6 is the tent for you. Weighing in at 18 lbs., this family cabin of a tent offers great space and privacy dividers to keep the kids in their own zone. What we liked about this tent from the moment we got our hands on it was how it packs into a backpack. This tent could actually be taken on a backcountry trip with an older child (OK, maybe pre-teen or teen) carrying the tent in for the whole family. Photo: Arika Bauer/Zion Adventure Photog The tent slides out of a backpack and reveals three separate attached sleeves to put poles in (there are three sets of poles), so everything stays neat and tidy in there. The poles can feel a little overwhelming upon first glance, but the directions were great and we were able to quickly pop the tent up. We didn’t try it solo, but it seemed like this is actually one of the few behemoth tents that can be set up with just one person, making it a rare family option for the single parent. The key thing that makes this tent easy to raise is that there are hard plastic loops on the poles to hook tent clips and rainfly into on the top of the tent to make it secure and raise quickly. Once you pop it up, you’ll notice a lot of great features. We love the boot and flip-flop prints at the entrance of the door, indicating the best spot to put your shoes before entering the tent, which is a good reminder for little kids popping in out with dirty shoes. We also loved the storage inside the tent. There were plenty of places to slide in a phone or keys up high and out of the way of little hands. The length of the tent make having a front and back door key. This one is a bit like a caterpillar and definitely feels like a 6-person tent. Another great part of this tent was the zipped-in separation area, allowing for a kid and adult zone. This can be zipped open and tucked away or closed easily. This tent gets an A+ for stargazing. Again, we see the rooftop mesh, which is a great feature for families at night, especially when a little one can’t sleep. And if the rain comes in, the fly is relatively easy to slide on in a hurry. We suggest watching the excellent video that Thermarest has on their site to see how to attach the fly quickly. Another side note about this tent is that the poles, add-on floor mat and rainfly can actually act as a sun shelter without the tent if you want to use it for a day outing. This makes the tent multi-purpose and allows you to ditch the heavy pop-up tent you have been hauling to the beach. This tent has the least height of the three we reviewed with 6.3 feet in headroom, which is still plenty tall for most families. There are also additional accessories that can be purchased to increase size in the tent if you need more storage and poles that can allow you to turn the rain fly entrance into a stand-up awning to protect the entrance from rain and making it easier to enter the tent. We didn’t experience any windstorms in this tent, but we have read and heard it can withstand heavy gusts well. Based on the design and how sturdy it felt setting up, we would guess this one would do well in heavier weather. One last thing we would like to note is that we expected this tent to be a hard one to break down and put away (three tent poles, pretty long, seemingly tight backpack bag), but we were pleasantly surprised at how well this one packed down quickly and everything had a place within the pack. We were able to take it from brand new and pack it back down pretty close to what it looked like when we started. (Check out the picture below of Mark carrying it to see the size of it on a 5’10” man’s back for perspective.) If the price tag on this one scares you away, consider bumping down to the 4-man if you don’t need the 6-man tent. We also tried the 4-man out and it felt incredibly roomy and had the same standup height of the 6-man. To summarize: Pros: Dividers for privacy, packs easily into backpack, fairly light at 18 lbs., clear setup instructions, amazing for stargazing, rainfly can double as sun shelter, high headroom and sturdy for all-weather. Cons: More expensive than others on this list, but the features (combined with quality) are totally worth it for larger families. Price: $599.95 Family Camping Tent - Runner-Up While we know these aren’t in everyone’s budget, we're confident they're some of the best when it comes to larger tents. If budget is an issue, here's another suggestion we tried out and liked in a lower price bracket. Coleman Carlsbad 4-person Darkroom with Screenroom The Coleman Carlsbad offers a great price point option with the added bonus of being a dark-out tent, so it's great for midday napping toddlers. Downside: it’s hot. This tent doesn’t breathe, even with the fly off, so don’t plan on using this in Southern hotter regions. It's great for the Northwest or New England. Be aware that the lines inside the tent poles are a little weak and seem to snap easily. Price: $199.95 Photo: Coleman.com Read More Tips for Sleeping in a Tent with Babies Tents, Toddlers and Sleeping Under the Stars 10 Tips for Camping with an Infant What are your favorite family camping tents? What type of gear review should we do next? Comment below! ABOUT OUTGROWN OutGrown is a 501(c)(3) nonproﬁt that works to create a world where everyone can enjoy the physical and mental beneﬁts of spending time outside. We are focused on creating opportunities and removing barriers to access so families with babies and young children can take their ﬁrst steps outside. We believe all families have the right to connect with nature, beneﬁt from spending time outdoors and be inspired to a lifelong love of nature. Since its grassroots inception in 2013, OutGrown is a growing community of 280,000 families and over 300 volunteer Branch Ambassadors. More information on all of our programs can be found at WeAreOutGrown.org EDITORS NOTE: We hope you enjoyed reading this article from OutGrown. We’re working hard to provide our community with content and resources that inform, inspire, and entertain you. But content is not free. It’s built on the hard work and dedication of writers, editors, and volunteers. We make an investment in developing premium content to make it easier for families with young children to connect with nature and each other. We do not ask this lightly, but if you can, please make a contribution and help us extend our reach.

“Hike safely!” These are the words that always come out of my mother’s mouth when I call her to relay the details of our next hiking adventure. But what does it mean to “hike safely”? We recently discussed the essential and recommended gear to bring on a hike (you can access the article here); but while the gear is a huge part of hiking safely, there is more to this concept than just bringing a bunch of stuff with you on a hike. That’s why in part two of our “Hiking Essentials” series, we tackle the topic of staying safe on the trail. We'll discuss general safety preparations first before diving into (and providing extra resources for) four of the main hiking safety concerns: injury, animals, potentially dangerous humans and weather. Photo by Kendra Reeder. General Trail Safety Preparation Both hiking enthusiasts and park officials generally recommend hiking in groups of two or more. This is especially important for hikes with higher mileage or elevation gain or if you are new to hiking. Staying in a group could be a life-saving decision should a dangerous situation arise during a hike. That being said, I can also see the appeal of the quiet serenity that can come with solo hiking. Regardless whether you prefer solo or group hiking, most safety concerns can be mitigated with the proper preparation and planning. This concept is illustrated by a study from the Journal of Travel Medicine that focused on the trends of search and rescue (SAR) deployment in U.S. National Parks. The authors of the study came to the conclusion that errors in judgment, fatigue/physical condition and insufficient experience, equipment and/or clothing were the most common contributing factors for SAR missions. The following are some general trail safety tips to help with the pre-hike preparation in order to help avoid dangerous situations. 1. Carry the essentials: Check out this article for a list of essentials and recommended items. 2. Research the area: While some trail surprises can make for fun memories (Who doesn’t love a hidden waterfall?!), others can turn a seemingly easy walk in the woods into a nightmarish experience. Take note to watch for things like expected elevation changes, the terrain, trail status, hunting season and wildlife. This can minimize unwanted surprises during the hike. It can also tell you if extra essentials are needed for your hike. These may include bear mace in bear country or bright orange clothing during hunting season. 3. Know the current terrain status: This can be especially important in the winter when cold temperatures and snow/freezing rain can completely change the terrain of a trail, making the use of micro-spikes or snowshoes a must. Spring and summer can also play havoc on a trail due to the overgrowth of plants. Here in the Southern Adirondacks, there are certain trails that are so overgrown at times that the use of bright tree markers is required if you want to bushwhack your way to a peak and not get lost on the way back down the mountain. 4. Always be aware of your surroundings: Try to avoid wearing earbuds or headphones or carrying a bluetooth speaker with you on a hike. It can be a pretty dangerous habit to have on the trail because many of the warning signs from potentially dangerous animals, other hikers and even weather changes (such as distant thunder) come in the form of sounds. The same goes for talking on the phone, texting and scrolling through photos while hiking since these distractions can prevent you from seeing tree roots, steep ledges and even animals (such as a snake sunning itself on the trail). 5. Know your limits: As I mentioned earlier, lack of experience, along with fatigue and physical condition, are among the most common reasons for a search and rescue team to be deployed. While I absolutely agree that pushing your limits can get you far, there is a fine line between going a bit farther than you did last week and pushing yourself to complete exhaustion. For example, I know that I tend to forget about my limits when I'm trying to keep up with more experienced hikers. This has put me in a difficult spot more than once. It took me passing out on the trail to realize that the only person I should be “competing” with is myself. From that point on, hikes have become more about the experience along the way rather than making it to a peak quickly. Photo by Jessica Human. Injury One of the biggest fears when hiking is the risk of injury. Did you know, though, that many hiking injuries can be avoided or easily treated with the proper preparation and gear? Here are some tips for preventing or treating some common hiking ailments: 1. Stretching once your muscles are warmed up can help prevent muscle cramps, lower back pain, foot arch pain, etc. I like to walk around the trailhead to warm up a bit before stretching. 2. Hydrating before and during a hike can help prevent headache, over-exhaustion, altitude sickness and stomach problems. 3. Wearing boots with ankle protection and using trekking poles can help prevent twisted or sprained ankles. It also helps stabilize you to prevent falls. 4. Wearing long sleeves and pants can help prevent sunburn, bug bites (especially if the clothing is treated with repellent) and contact with poison ivy or oak. 5. Carrying a well-stocked first-aid kit that includes things like moleskin (for blisters), insect sting-relief pads, pain-relief meds, etc., can treat most hiking-related injuries. While it is best to avoid injury, some mishaps will happen no matter how prepared you are (especially if you tend to be clumsy like me!). So what should you do if the injury is more severe and you cannot continue with your hike? These injuries could include broken bones or severe sprains, hypothermia (cooling of the core temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit), heatstroke, falls that result in loss of consciousness, etc. In these cases, you need to call in the big guns. Dialing 911 will connect you with the proper channels and get search and rescue teams to your aid. And although many hiking spots have little to no cell service available, attempting to call emergency services from your cell phone can leave a data trail for rescue services to find you. This is true even if your call didn’t go through. While it may take rescue teams longer to find you, it is an important reason to always carry a cell phone on hikes if you have one. If you tend to hike far from cell service on a regular basis, a better option may be to invest in either a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or a satellite messenger. Both of these devices use satellite-based technology to transmit messages to emergency services, though a PLB is designed to send out a distress signal while satellite messengers allow you to send short messages or your location coordinates. Check out this expert advice article from REI for more information on these devices. Are you looking to gain some wilderness first-aid skills? Check out this online course presented by Backpacker Magazine to learn how to handle medical problems and emergency situations in the wilderness. Photo by Kristin Hinnant. Animal Encounters When I think of animal risks on the trail, I’m always reminded of the saying at the end of every episode of the old G.I. Joe TV show from the ’80s: “Knowing is half the battle.” Each hiking area usually comes with a unique set of animals to watch out for. It might be black bears along the Colorado Front Range or timber rattlesnakes in the Southern Adirondacks. Knowing which potentially harmful animals are in your area is the first step to avoiding an encounter or determining what to do if one happens to cross your path. It’s a universal rule that you should never approach a wild animal (not exactly the opportune time for a selfie!). However, each animal comes with a unique set of signs to look out for and solutions for avoiding an attack. We have listed some of the most common wild animals to watch out for along with some helpful resources specific to each animal. 1. Bears: Living along the Front Range in Colorado, we tended to see black bears pretty frequently along trails and in neighborhoods foraging for food. Growing up, I remember one particular incident where a bear cub was digging through the trash can in our garage before mama bear fetched him to continue down the road into the woods. So what do you do if you encounter a bear on a trail? Here and here are a couple articles that discuss the signs to look out for, precautions to take and what to do should you encounter a bear while hiking in bear country. 2. Snakes: As much as they fascinate me, I also have a somewhat irrational fear of snakes because I have encountered numerous snakes while hiking. Almost all of them were non-venomous and way more interested in getting away from me rather than attacking. That said, knowing which species to look out for and what to do if you come across a venomous species while on the trail is extremely important. Check out these articles on the do’s and don’ts of hiking in rattlesnake territory and expert snake safety advice for more information. 3. Mountain lions: Also known as cougars, pumas and panthers, mountain lions are extremely widespread throughout the Western Hemisphere. That being said, it is generally rare to encounter a mountain lion on a hike. Here are some tips from the National Park Service for how to avoid an encounter and what to do should you come across a mountain lion on a hike. 4. Ticks: While ticks may not strike fear in your heart, the diseases they can transmit should. I live in an area that shows one of the highest occurrences of Lyme disease in the nation, so protection in the form of insect repellent, long sleeves and pants, and tick checks is very important. This article discusses important information on preventing, removing and testing ticks. PLEASE NOTE: It is important to report any animal sightings to park personnel, especially if the sightings occur close to the trail! Contact information can almost always be found at trailheads and parking lots. Human Encounters We have all heard stories of hikers being attacked by other people on trails around the nation. However, while there are no set statistics on violent crimes against hikers, the likelihood of being attacked by another human being on a trail is extremely rare. In fact, public lands tend to be much safer than the rest of the country. The risk of violent crimes is thousands of times lower than in the country as a whole. That said, there are a few precautions you can take to be prepared (and provide yourself some peace of mind) should you encounter someone with potentially questionable intentions: 1. Be wary of people who don’t “look like hikers.” For example, if you are on a lengthy hike and notice someone who appears ill-equipped for the terrain (such as lack of gear or inappropriate clothing), it may be best to give them plenty of distance. 2. Carry some items that can be used as weapons close at hand. This could include bear mace and/or a hiking knife attached to a belt loop or the outside of your hiking pack. Even trekking poles can make powerful weapons. Speaking from personal experience with an overzealous toddler, getting struck in the kneecap with a pole can be extremely painful (it was purely accidental on his part). Weather Safety Mother Nature is unpredictable. It isn’t possible to know with absolute certainty what she will throw your way on a hike. However, a little forward thinking can help prevent you from being left out in the cold, rain or heat. 1. Precautions for winter Are you hiking over an area with a frozen body of water, but unsure of the safety of the ice? With large bodies of water, you'll want to be sure that the ice thickness has been tested before venturing onto it. However, when hiking in areas with frozen rivers, creeks, etc., you can test the ice yourself before putting your whole weight on it. Just remember the old saying: “Thick and blue, tried and true. Thin and crispy, way too risky.” Be aware of snow squalls – periods of sudden moderate to heavy snowfall accompanied by strong surface winds (aka whiteouts). They can severely reduce visibility and create slippery surfaces. Most snow squalls are brief, so it is best to stay put if you are caught in one to avoid losing the trail and getting lost. Frostbite can occur during prolonged exposure of the extremities to temperatures below freezing. It can range in severity from superficial redness to severe skin discoloration and blisters. If frostbite occurs, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Also, refrain from rubbing the affected skin, as this can cause further damage. Are you hiking in an area that may be prone to avalanches? Check out this article to learn more about avalanche safety. 2. Precautions for summer Start your hike early in the day when temperatures are lower, and cover up with long sleeves, pants and a hat. This may sound counterintuitive, but the less skin that is exposed to damaging UV rays, the better! Hydrate well throughout your hike (especially if you tend to sweat a lot like I do) by sipping water often. Just be sure to avoid any chugging contests during your hike. Drinking too much water at once can actually do more harm than good because our bodies can only absorb about a half a liter of water every hour. Since our bodies are losing more than just water when we sweat, eating the right snacks can make a huge difference! Replenishing lost electrolytes can be as simple as noshing on some trail mix or sucking down some carb and electrolyte-rich sports gels. Snack breaks are great times to chill out in the shade and give your muscles a chance to recover while also letting the evaporation of sweat cool down your body temperature. Know the signs of heatstroke. This condition is caused by the overheating of the body, usually above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, as a result of physical exertion or overexposure to high temperatures. Symptoms of heatstroke may include confusion or agitation, severe headache, muscle cramps, nausea/vomiting, rapid heart-rate and/or breathing, and lack of sweating. Heat stroke can be deadly, and it’s important to find shade and cool down as soon as possible. Extra medical attention may be needed as well, so don’t hesitate to call in emergency services if needed! 3. Rain and thunder and lightning, oh my! The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) coined the term “When lightning roars, go indoors” for a reason, but what if you are out in the middle of nowhere when you hear it? Here are some tips for staying safe if thunder comes rumbling your way: Watch for darkening clouds and increasing wind speeds, which could indicate an incoming thunderstorm. (The white, fluffy clouds are safe as long as they stay white and fluffy and don’t start growing upwards toward space!) If possible, find a safe shelter that has four walls, a roof and wiring. (Camping lean-tos and picnic pavilions are NOT safe shelters.) A fully enclosed metal-topped vehicle is also considered safe, so if you are close to the parking lot, making a break for your car is the best bet! If shelter is not an option, avoid open areas and bodies of water, immediately leave elevated areas (hills, peaks, etc.) and try not to be the tallest object in the area. Avoid tall or isolated trees, as well, as they tend to act as homing beacons for lightning strikes. Also stay away from objects that conduct electricity, such as barbed wire fences. If you are hiking in a group, spread out. While this doesn’t decrease the odds that someone will get struck, it does help prevent multiple casualties so that help is available if someone is struck. For more information on weather safety, check out this article on preparing for the unexpected while hiking for tips on how to stay prepared in case the weather turns during your adventure. Read More: Hiking Essentials: What to pack for a day hike 3 Trail Safety Tips You Must Know What other safety tips or concerns do you have regarding hiking? Let us know in the comments below! THIS ARTICLE IS WRITTEN FOR HIKE IT BABY AS AN INFORMATIONAL TOOL FOR READERS. WE ARE NOT EXPERTS IN THIS FIELD AND REFER READERS TO THEIR PERSONAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS WHEN SEEKING ADVICE ON MEDICAL MATTERS.