Is the End Near?

I've been reading so much about how the economic collapse is not only eminent, it's practically here... not to mention the H1N1 pandemic is close to quarantine status, and the idiot politicians in Washington are running roughshod over the needs and real wants over the American people.

We have enough supplies for food, fuel, clothing, seeds, etc. I'm working on the water. I'm learning candle-making and basket-weaving. I have a good supply of homeopathic herbs, and seeds to grow more when we've moved (one last time!).

I've already been hit with the swine flu. Kid hates being confined but is willing to do it for another 3-4 months. Hubby has to go out into the world but is careful about germs.

But holidays are coming. Family still expects to get together. Anyone planning to cancel holiday gatherings in lieu of a quiet time at home?

We still need to leave home to search for our mini-farm. We expect to be settled by Spring. Are we too late?


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I like this blog: (http://mayberry-keepitsimplestupid.blogspot.com/ ) read it when you can.

Doctor's Orders - Stay Home

I'm going stir crazy. We went out yesterday to get groceries and a winter coat and other winter clothes for me since I can't find the box with my winter clothes in it. Big mistake. My symptoms are worse today. So I called my doc.

I've been told by my doctor's office, in no uncertain terms, to not leave my home. Whether or not I have the swine flu or just the stomach flu, it's contagious, and going around fast. Half of the doctor's office is out sick, and as a side note, my Hubby's office has already put people on notice that if more people call in sick, everyone will be sent home to do their job at home.

Just curious... I've been sick with the flu before. Not often, but enough times to have NEVER been told by my doctor's office to NOT leave my house until I'm well.

Hmmmm...

Good thing I have enough food, water and medicine to last for a while.

Smoke Haze over Denver from California Fires

A significant amount of smoke from wildfires in California (and Canada, Utah and here in Colorado) has drifted as far as Denver, Colorado, and possibly beyond. And while it's making some beautiful pictures (of which none of mine came out!), it's posing health problems for people along it's route.

Above pic from http://www.examiner.com/x-801-Pet-Care-Examiner~y2009m8d31-Southern-California-wildfires-can-negatively-impact-your-pets-health

The health alert has been lifted for Denver as of today, but the smoke is still there. AND it's moving more north. If you see the haze, you know your body felt it a while ago. If you don't need to be outside, or to exercise outside, be careful and stay in. Same goes for your pets.

You don't want to compromise your respiratory system with this "haze" ... not with a major respiratory illness (H1N1 flu) coming along the pike.

Dehydration, Heat Exhaustion, and Heat Stroke

I was working outside yesterday (mowing lawn, moving things around, planting, etc. - prep for selling the house) when I overheated. Yes, I was drinking water, wearing a hat, and sat down when I got too hot. But it didn't help. I had heat exhaustion, and if I hadn't come inside when I did (at 9:30 a.m.), it would have progressed to heat stroke within moments.

I had luckily purchased some gatorade powder/mix for any influenza outbreaks in our household, so with the help of my 12 year old, mixed that with water and drank that most of the day. I also took a cool-to-cold shower and rested on the bed.

I'm still a bit shaky but this goes to show that we need to be careful whether in normal every-day circumstances, or prepping for a particular situation.

Be careful yourselves. Here's some info from: http://www.umm.edu/non_trauma/dehyrat.htm

What is dehydration?

Dehydration can be a serious heat-related disease, as well as being a dangerous side-effect of diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Children and persons over the age of 60 are particularly susceptible to dehydration.

What causes dehydration?

Under normal conditions, we all lose body water daily through sweat, tears, urine and stool. In a healthy person, this water is replaced by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water.

When a person becomes so sick with fever, diarrhea, or vomiting or if an individual is overexposed to the sun, dehydration occurs. This is caused when the body loses water content and essential body salts such as sodium, potassium, calcium bicarbonate and phosphate.

Occasionally, dehydration can be caused by drugs, such as diuretics, which deplete body fluids and electrolytes. Whatever the cause, dehydration should be treated as soon as possible.
What are the symptoms of dehydration?

The following are the most common symptoms of dehydration, although each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• thirst


• less-frequent urination


• dry skin


• fatigue


• light-headedness


• dizziness


• confusion


• dry mouth and mucous membranes


• increased heart rate and breathing

In children, additional symptoms may include:

• dry mouth and tongue


• no tears when crying


• no wet diapers for more than 3 hours


• sunken abdomen, eyes or cheeks


• high fever


• listlessness


• irritability


• skin that does not flatten when pinched and released

Treatment for dehydration:

If caught early, dehydration can often be treated at home under a physician's guidance. In children, directions for giving food and fluids will differ according to the cause of the dehydration, so it is important to consult your pediatrician.

In cases of mild dehydration, simple rehydration is recommended by drinking fluids. Many sports drinks on the market effectively restore body fluids, electrolytes, and salt balance.

For moderate dehydration, intravenous fluids may be required, although if caught early enough, simple rehydration may be effective. Cases of serious dehydration should be treated as a medical emergency, and hospitalization, along with intravenous fluids, is necessary. Immediate action should be taken.

How can dehydration be prevented?

Take precautionary measures to avoid the harmful effects of dehydration, including:

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially when working or playing in the sun.


• Make sure you are taking in more fluid than you are losing.


• Try to schedule physical outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day.


• Drink appropriate sports drinks to help maintain electrolyte balance.


• For infants and young children, solutions like Pedialyte will help maintain electrolyte balance during illness or heat exposure. Do not try to make fluid and salt solutions at home for children.

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and is a life-threatening emergency. It is the result of long, extreme exposure to the sun, in which a person does not sweat enough to lower body temperature. The elderly, infants, persons who work outdoors and those on certain types of medications are most susceptible to heat stroke. It is a condition that develops rapidly and requires immediate medical treatment.

What causes heat stroke?

Our bodies produce a tremendous amount of internal heat and we normally cool ourselves by sweating and radiating heat through the skin. However, in certain circumstances, such as extreme heat, high humidity or vigorous activity in the hot sun, this cooling system may begin to fail, allowing heat to build up to dangerous levels.

If a person becomes dehydrated and can not sweat enough to cool their body, their internal temperature may rise to dangerously high levels, causing heat stroke.

What are the symptoms of heat stroke?

The following are the most common symptoms of heat stroke, although each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• headache


• dizziness


• disorientation, agitation or confusion


• sluggishness or fatigue


• seizure


• hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty


• a high body temperature


• loss of consciousness


• rapid heart beat


• hallucinations

How is heat stroke treated?

It is important for the person to be treated immediately as heat stroke can cause permanent damage or death. There are some immediate first aid measures you can take while waiting for help to arrive.

• Get the person indoors.


• Remove clothing and gently apply cool water to the skin followed by fanning to stimulate sweating.


• Apply ice packs to the groin and armpits.


• Have the person lie down in a cool area with their feet slightly elevated


• Intravenous fluids are often necessary to compensate for fluid or electrolyte loss. Bed rest is generally advised and body temperature may fluctuate abnormally for weeks after heat stroke.

How can heat stroke be prevented?

There are precautions that can help protect you against the adverse effects of heat stroke. These include:

• Drink plenty of fluids during outdoor activities, especially on hot days. Water and sports drinks are the drinks of choice; avoid tea, coffee, soda and alcohol as these can lead to dehydration.


• Wear lightweight, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing in light colors.


• Schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of the day.


• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses and using an umbrella.


• Increase time spent outdoors gradually to get your body used to the heat.


• During outdoor activities, take frequent drink breaks and mist yourself with a spray bottle to avoid becoming overheated.


• Try to spend as much time indoors as possible on very hot and humid days.


• If you live in a hot climate and have a chronic condition, talk to your physician about extra precautions you can take to protect yourself against heat stroke.

1918 Flu Survivors May Have 2009 Flu Immunity

A recent study showed that people who survived the 1918 pandemic may still have enough immunity to that strain of the virus (in the form of "B cells") that may help researchers develop a treatment for the current H1N1 "Swine" flu strain.

From what I understand, a person gets infected with influenza through typical ways: it enters through mucous membranes: eyes, nose, mouth, etc. The body fights it with an "immune response". Antibodies are produced by "B cells", which leaves the body a little bit immune to the virus. This immunity is strongest over the first few months, then decreases over time.

Researchers are taking these B cells that are left in the 1918 Flu survivors, and experimenting with them (cloning) to provide antibodies.

Even though this 2009 bout isn't expected to be severe or even very deadly, I hope this study will provide a working vaccine.

Improve Your Respiratory System

I've been plagued with chronic bronchitis for many years, so recently I started to research how to improve my respiratory immune system (not just for my regular cough, but also in case the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu comes around me). Here are some tips I've come across, and are putting into action. Maybe you might want to consider doing some or all of these.

1. Change of diet to be more healthy: Eliminate all processed foods, soda pops, and most meats. Eat lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, fish, and whole grains. Drink lots of water, and some herbal tea.


2. Keep hands clean: many germs picked up from shopping cart handles, restroom door handles, and the bottom of purses can exacerbate any respiratory infection (make it worse). Constantly wash hands, or clean with antibacterial hand cleaner or other alcohol based cleaner.


3. Drink 1 cup of "Breathe Easy" tea a day, more if needed. Contraindications: MAOI. "Breathe Easy is a good tasting herbal tea that promotes normal respiratory tract health by reducing mucus and enhancing to keep the nasal passages open. Breathe Easy combines eucalyptus, fennel, and licorice; herbs that have been found to have beneficial effects on upper respiratory tract health." By Traditional Medicinals.


4. Herbs: Echinacea: This is said to increase activity of three of the immune system's biggest workers: interferon, T-cells, and natural killer cells. It also can destroy viruses and bacteria. It can even make cells more resistant to infection and make them stronger. Tincture or capsules. Two weeks one, one week off. Spread the recommended dosage throughout the day, not all at once. Licorice: Increases interferon production. Garlic and shitake mushrooms also help to build the immune system, so work them into at least one meal daily. "Italian researchers have found that thyme, lavender, bergamot and lemon stimulate immunity. After conducting numerous studies, researchers have added eucalyptus , tea tree, rosemary, black pepper, cardamom and ginger to this list." Horehound opens up the respiratory track to aide in easier breathing, and is especially useful at night time when it can be hard to sleep. Mullein tea is best known as one of the safest, most effective herbal cough remedies, and used as an expectorant and a tonic for the lungs, mucus membranes, and glands.


5. Keep your home humid by using a moisture-producing vaporizer (humidifier) going regularly.


6. Take a good multi-vitamin daily, and make sure it includes a hefty dose of Vitamin C.

These are just a few suggestions. I hope to update this post with how my chronic bronchitis is going, and I hope you will leave a comment on what home remedies work to alleviate coughs, especially those due to influenza.

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Obligatory Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. For professional advice, please contact your licensed professionals.

More H1N1 Swine Flu in Colorado

Two more cases of the H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) have been confirmed in Colorado. They are siblings, located in Arvada (up here, a suburb north of Denver).

From what I understand... The older boy went on a school trip to New York, and brought the virus back with him. School was on break last week, but the family took immediate precautions. Once the symptoms showed, they had the boy and his younger sibling tested, then isolated the family completely. The tests confirmed H1N1 this past weekend. Neither child needed to be hospitalized.

People who had been in contact with these two boys, among others, have been tested. Results are pending.


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Updated April 4 2009 10:05 p.m.: There are now 6 confirmed cases of the 2009 H1N1 (Swine) Flu. One of them is a student (dorm resident) at Colorado University, and has been in isolation for some time now. None of the three CU cases have been to Mexico recently.

H1N1 Swine Flu Confirmed in Colorado

As of 10:31 a.m. this morning, the top health officials in Colorado released the information that there are now 2 confirmed cases of the H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu) in Colorado. One in Arapaho County - a person who recently traveled via a cruise to Mexico with a stop in San Diego, and one in Douglas County who is a DIA baggage handler. Both were hospitalized and are now recovering at home. Both didn't work so that they could "self-quarantine". One family member took antivirals.

There are no additional confirmed reports at this time.

Symptoms of Swine Flu

I was reading the wikipedia entry for this 2009 Swine Flu outbreak, and loved the picture they had that depicts the symptoms of the swine flu. Here it is:

In addition to replenishing our lost supplies (gloves, masks, etc.), I also stopped by the health food store for sambucol (elderberry syrup), horehound tea leaves, and more. We brought home 16 gallons of water, more cough medicine, puppy food, dog treats, trash bags, baked beans, and puffed rice to make some special treats that hide spinach (for Tween). We already had everything else we need to last indoors/confined for several months. Maybe longer.

Yesterday the news gave a total of 86 deaths in Mexico due to this outbreak. Today, I see on http://www.cnn.com/ that there are 149.

Could it be that it's really here, or are we just going overboard? Does it matter? I'm basically a hermit anyway, and not going to the mall because I never go to the mall. We don't need to spend money on non-necessities. And our garden, yard and house need tending to, as well as our business and schoolwork.

Enjoy your day. Don't be paranoid or afraid. Just eat healthy, wash your hands constantly, take precautions, get plenty of sleep and exercise, drink lots of water, avoid touching possibly-contaminated surfaces, avoid contact with possibly-infected people, and enjoy your life!

Swine Flu Pandemic Possibility

Found this article at: http://www.utahpreppers.com/2009/04/pandemic-preparedness/ - wanted to pass it along in its entirety with a few comments of my own:


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With the current Swine Flu scare coming out of Mexico and popping up here and there in the United States, it is prudent to become familiar with the situation and especially prudent to review your Pandemic Preparedness Level. I should also stress that this is a “DON’T PANIC, Just Prepare!” post. So first, let’s get to know the player - what is the swine flu? Well, it’s just a variant of the “flu” that makes the rounds and gets passed around every year. Thing is, this variant doesn’t typically pass to humans so there is not an anti-virus in production or even made yet. Don’t take it from me though, and don’t take it from the ‘news’. Here are links to the CDC info and briefs on this situation:

• Swine Flu Brief
• Key facts about Swine Influenza
• Human Swine Influenza Investigation
• This is a vid-cast from the CDC about the swine flu outbreak

Some quick anti-panic notes from the above sources:

• Swine flu CANNOT be transmitted by food. Eating pork does NOT put you at risk.
• This is NOT the first time the ’swine flu’ has transmitted to humans. It’s happened several times before without it becoming a pandemic.
• This variant of swine flu, as with any flu, is a virus and primarily spread person-to-person through coughing or sneezing.
• This is just a flu! The key here is to NOT GET IT, since there is not currently an anti-viral for it.

Quick notes about prevention:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth because germs can spread that way.

Now, let’s talk a bit about Pandemic Preparedness.

We’ve linked to this before, here is an excellent resource on Pandemic Preparedness from the LDS Church. In the case of a true Pandemic outbreak in your area, the most important thing is to be prepared to Shelter In. This means having enough food/water/supplies to keep you and your family inside at your home for possibly several weeks. You don’t want to be caught in a store-run in a pandemic outbreak! You need to make sure you are prepared for that possibility ahead of time. If you have your 3 month supply of everything at home already, then Peace is yours in this situation!

Other Pandemic specific things to make sure you have an excellent supply of:

• N-95 Masks: These masks are different from regular dust masks or other types of masks. They are rated to help stop the spread of viruses. You should have enough in your preps to provide a new one to every member of your family every day for at least 2 weeks. They can be purchased at most stores that include a pharmacy, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, WalGreens, etc. Generally they are a little pricey but are necessary for your preps.
• Medical Gloves: You should have several hundred pair of medical gloves in your preps. These are needed if someone in your family gets sick and you have to self-quarantine. Anytime you touch anything that a sick person has been around, you need to be wearing gloves. You can buy these at the same places you buy N-95 masks. They are a lot cheaper than the masks though.
• Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizer: Even though you’re wearing gloves all the time, you should have lots of alcohol based sanitizers in your preps. You should have them in your day bag, your go bag, your 72-hour kits and your regular preps. You should also have lots of anti-bacterial soap as well.

Other Preps: To be prepared to take care of someone infected in your home, you should also have the following in your preps (these preps will be for the single person providing care for the sick person, you do not need to have enough of these supplies for everyone in the family to wear constantly):

• Disposable surgical gowns
• Disposable shoe covers
• Goggles or face shield
• Bleach (to clean surfaces and items touched by a sick person)
• Supplies to boil water (to sanitize dishes and other items used by sick person)

I can’t stress enough how important Pandemic Preparedness is. The worst possible thing you could do in a Pandemic outbreak is rush to the store with thousands of potentially sick people and try to fight them all to buy supplies to shelter in. The only rushing you want to do in a Pandemic situation is rush home - and stay there.

Make sure you have N-95 masks and hand sanitizer in your Day Bag, Office Kit, Car Kit, Go Bag and 72 Hour kits! Keep a good supply of sanitizing materials in your preps at home and .. .. .. Don’t Panic!

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According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control): symptoms for swine flu (H1N1) include: fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you come down with even a few of these symptoms, call your doctor, don your mask, and head on to get checked out. Samples of your blood will be sent to be examined to see if you have this strain of flu. Better to be safe than sorry.

Here's a link to a .pdf file that gives information on how to give chest compressions to people who are having troubles clearing their lungs: http://www.phoenixchildrens.com/emily-center/child-health-topics/handouts/CPT-55b.pdf. Print it out and put it in your emergency binder.

You haven't started your emergency binder? Do it. TODAY! Grab a 2" binder and label it. Start with printing out the .pdf mentioned in the above paragraph. Then start your inventory of your stored foods, disposable gloves and other items mentioned in this article. Do you have hygiene and sanitary products, i.e. toilet paper? Cough medicine, theraflu, ibuprofen, acetamenaphin, children's products? A way to light your home? A way to cook if your utilities get shut off? Enough water (1 gallon per person per day)? Make a note in your binder of everything, then get out there are purchase what you don't have. Be sure to include a section in your binder for first aid, cooking without utilities, and more.

In addition, be sure to sanitize (with bleach, ammonia and/or vinegar) all doorknobs, telephones, toilet handles, cups, and everything else that you come in contact with. First thing tomorrow, we're going through this house and sanitizing everything, including the doorbell outside!

We have a particular situation: we have begun packing and preparing to move. We also have some minor repairs to make, and I have a business to run. Busy busy. We don't intend to put the house on the market until June, but have to pack and store lots of items to "stage" the house (make it more sellable). So... we have to figure out how to store our "prep" items without making prospective buyers think we're end-of-the-world freaks (which we're not). We can't fill our big water storage tank, and in the midst of moving some things to the storage unit we rented, we can't find the disposable gloves, masks, etc. At least we still have plenty of stored food on our special shelves.

So, despite tomorrow being my birthday, after I take the dogs to the vet, Tween and I need to gather some more disposable gloves, N-95 masks, goggles, bleach, and lots of gallons of water. Then we'll get a couple more bags of dog food and head on home.

Foot Blisters

After a major disaster (think Hurricane Katrina), chances are you'll have to walk a long distance. If you haven't prepared, you may end up with a major blister-and-blood situation.

A blister is irritating at best, and when they get advanced, they can be crippling, taking days to heal (while you sit still, unable to continue your travels). It will take even longer to heal if you have to walk in knee-deep in sewage water (again, Katrina).

What is a blister? According to Wikipedia, "A blister is a small pocket of fluid within the upper layers of the skin, typically caused by forceful rubbing (friction), burning, freezing, chemical exposure or infection. Most blisters are filled with a clear fluid called serum or plasma. However, blisters can be filled with blood (known as blood blisters) or with pus (if they become infected)." If they become infected and are left untreated, it could actually be life-threatening.

They often show up on heels or toes, but can occur anywhere, especially if you are wearing new shoes or boots.

How to Prepare:

• Shoes: Choose shoes that are strong, lightweight, and sturdy enough to walk miles and miles and miles. Break them in as soon as you get them, but don't wear them out. I often walk around the house in my new shoes for days before they even hit the streets. This includes boots, sneakers, and casuals. I do NOT recommend flip flops or thongs for use during an emergency.
• Socks: You really need socks that will wick away the sweat, keeping your feet dry and clean. Keep several changes of socks in your supplies, and change whenever they get wet. Some people wear thin tight socks directly on the foot (to minimize any rubbing), then a heavier pair on top of those.

The instant you discovered a blister, deal with it. Leave it alone and you'll regret it. Your goal is to stop the rubbing.

• Stop walking.
• Take off your shoes or boots.
• Dry out or get out some clean dry socks.
• Apply to the blister a piece of first-aid tape, "second skin", duct tape, or something else that's just for blisters, like moleskin. Cover a larger area than hurts so that if the dressing comes off, it will pull off the tender skin. Do NOT use a regular bandage because the non-stick part will keep rubbing the bad spot (I had been doing this wrong for a long time!).
• Put your clean/dry socks on.
• Don't leave the bandage or tape on too long. It's a good idea to change it every hour or so, to prevent moisture accumulating under the tape, which will cause even more problems.
• If it gets really bad, make a little doughnut from moleskin and apply to the blister, keeping the blister inside the hole in the doughnut. This will even more minimize the rubbing.

Notes:

• If you can rest for a couple of days and not keep on walking, don't pop the blister. The liquid inside will reabsorb and will heal naturally.
• If you can't rest and blister hurts, clean the area gently but thoroughly. Carefully pop around the edge of the blister with a sanitized/sterilized (tip in a match flame) needle. Gently press the liquid out. Leave the flap of skin in place, and cover with a large bandage and moleskin.
• If your blister pops, stop and clean gently. Make sure all dirt and grime gets cleaned out. Lift off the flap of skin if necessary, replacing after it's clean and dry. Cover with a sterile banage then cover than with duct tape or other first aid tape or moleskin. Watch for infection (redness).

I've had my share of blisters, and have often treated them incorrectly, leaving scars in their wake. Here's just a tidbit of info that I hope makes your travels easier and painless.