Swine Flu....(H1N1 influenza A)

The death toll in Mexico today (4-28-09) is now at 149, and rising, with more than 2,000 patients currently hospitalized. Containment appears not likely. For a bug to spread this rapidly outside of the normal "cold & flu season" reveals something of its danger. I suspect that we will see several waves of infection and possible mutations, with the worst of them probably being next winter in North America. Mutations are impossible to accurately predict. The "good news" is that in the long term, most viruses tend to mutate into less lethal strains.

For those of you who are eagerly watching and wondering how to prepare for this possible pandemic, check out the following link which leads to an article on the effectiveness of N95 Masks. Many hardware chains are experiencing "runs" on these CDC recommended items.

For any of you who have not begun to prepare, this is a perfect time to get your plan in gear. For starters:

Get your face masks... N-95's. They are better than nothing.
Stockpile hand sanitizer. Wash your hands, Wash your hands, WASH YOUR HANDS!!
Stock up on canned food, enough for three weeks to a month.
Store water. 1 gal. per person per day(drinking).
Electrolyte replacment, Gatorade, Pedialyte....etc.
Stockpile Flu medications NOW these will disappear as the flu spreads.
Fill your gas tanks.
Get some rubber gloves.
Prepare to stay in.

Stay healthy, mind-body-spirit! -Z

Treating Snakebites

Here in the Inter-Mountain West, snakebites are common. Seems I am questioned daily about snakebite treatment AND the ever prevelant "cut & suck" myth. So to address the issue here is the simple "down & dirty":

Dont: "Cut & Suck", there is simply NO evidence that this method works. In fact by slicing into the bitten area, exposure to infection may be heightened with minimal health benefit. According to experts, about 20% of bites are "dry", meaning lacking venom. Suction devices have shown to be ineffective as well, possibly increasing damage to surrounding tissue.

Dont: Apply cold packs. Long term application of cold can cause reduced circulation, increased tissue damage and possibly induce frostbite.

Dont: Apply a tourniquet. This restriction of blood flow will effectively slow the spread of venom. This concentration of venom can increase cell damage and increase the risk of severe infection. Allowing the "free flow" of the venom can dilute the toxin, reducing tissue damage.

DO: Seek medical treatment AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!! Treat the wound as you would any punture, clean and apply non-restrictive bandages, monitor victim for shock and evacuate(carry the victim out if possible or assist in slow hike-out). Anti-venom is the only effective treatment.

NOTE: Most snakebites happen to individuals who are "poking, proding, playing "Croc Hunter", in other words messing with the snake!!". I.E. "You mess with the snake, You get the FANGS".

Stay healthy, mind-body-spirit! -Z

Homeless In Hamptons.........Are we heading for this??

I have heard stories of "Tent Cities" during the Great Depression. Whats next people hurling themselves out of high rise buildings??

Stay healthy, mind-body-spirit! -Z

HOPE

Stay healthy, mind-body-spirit! -Z

100 Items To Disappear First in a Panic

This list was first assembled by J. Almond prior to Y2K, these items should be considered "extremely important items" in the event of any disaster. In the last 10 years, our global sociopolitical and moral environment has continued to spiral out of control. Please use wisely!!

And WELCOME to BeFoundAlive.com's Blog.

100 Items to Disappear...

1. Generators (Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy...target of thieves; maintenance etc.)

2. Water Filters/Purifiers

3. Portable Toilets

4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 - 12 months to become dried, for home uses.

5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (First Choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)

6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.

7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.

8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.

9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar.

10. Rice - Beans - Wheat.

11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.,).

12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly).

13. Water Containers (Urgent Item to obtain.) Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY - note - food grade if for drinking.

14. Mini Heater head (Propane) (Without this item, propane won't heat a room.).

15. Grain Grinder (Non-electric).

16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.

17. Survival Guide Book.

18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without this item, longer-term lighting is difficult.).

19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. ointments/aspirin, etc.

20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry).

21. Cookstoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene).

22. Vitamins.

23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder (Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous without this item)24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products.

25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms).

26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil).

27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item).

28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal).

29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many).

30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels.

31. Milk - Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months).

32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST).

33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST).

34. Coleman's Pump Repair Kit.

35. Tuna Fish (in oil).

36. Fire Extinguishers (or..large box of Baking Soda in every room).

37. First aid kits.

38. Batteries (all sizes...buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates).

39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies.

40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food).

41. Flour, yeast & salt.

42. Matches. {"Strike Anywhere" preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches will go first.

43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators.

44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime.).

45. Workboots, belts, Levis & durable shirts.

46. Flashlights/LIGHTSTICKS & torches, "No. 76 Dietz" Lanterns.

47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experience; Historic Times).

48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting - if with wheels).

49. Men's Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc.

50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient).

51. Fishing supplies/tools.

52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams.

53. Duct Tape.

54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes.

55. Candles.

56. Laundry Detergent (liquid).

57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags.

58. Garden tools & supplies.

59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies.

60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.

61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite).

62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax).

63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel.

64. Bicycles...Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc.

65. Sleeping Bags & blankets/pillows/mats.

66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered).

67. Board Games, Cards, Dice.

68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer.

69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets.

70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks).

71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water).

72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.

73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave).

74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels).

75. Soysauce, vinegar, bullions/gravy/soupbase.

76. Reading glasses.

77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers).

78. "Survival-in-a-Can".

79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens.

80. Boy Scout Handbook, / also Leaders Catalog.

81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO).

82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky.

83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts.

84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras).

85. Lumber (all types).

86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from).

87. Cots & Inflatable mattress's.

88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.

89. Lantern Hangers.

90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws,, nuts & bolts.

91. Teas.

92. Coffee.

93. Cigarettes.

94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc,).

95. Paraffin wax.

96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.

97. Chewing gum/candies.

98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing).

99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs.

100. Goats/chickens

From a Sarajevo War Survivor:

Experiencing horrible things that can happen in a war - death of parents and friends, hunger and malnutrition, endless freezing cold, fear, sniper attacks.

1. Stockpiling helps. but you never no how long trouble will last, so locate near renewable food sources.

2. Living near a well with a manual pump is like being in Eden.

3. After awhile, even gold can lose its luster. But there is no luxury in war quite like toilet paper. Its surplus value is greater than gold's.

4. If you had to go without one utility, lose electricity - it's the easiest to do without (unless you're in a very nice climate with no need for heat.).

5. Canned foods are awesome, especially if their contents are tasty without heating. One of the best things to stockpile is canned gravy - it makes a lot of the dry unappetizing things you find to eat in war somewhat edible. Only needs enough heat to "warm", not to cook. It's cheap too, especially if you buy it in bulk.

6. Bring some books - escapist ones like romance or mysteries become more valuable as the war continues. Sure, it's great to have a lot of survival guides, but you'll figure most of that out on your own anyway - trust me, you'll have a lot of time on your hands.

7. The feeling that you're human can fade pretty fast. I can't tell you how many people I knew who would have traded a much needed meal for just a little bit of toothpaste, rouge, soap or cologne. Not much point in fighting if you have to lose your humanity. These things are morale-builders like nothing else.

8. Slow burning candles and matches, matches, matches.

Stay healthy, mind-body-spirit! -Z