Daily Preparedness

Dealing with a chronic or rare disease (or merely being mortal) often leads one into the forest of “All Natural Supplements, Ointments, Cure-Alls and Wonder Drugs.” Navigating between the hype, the ridiculous and the dangerous can be an exhausting business. Products that are harmless but expensive are not safe to our wallets. Products that are potentially harmful to us are often disguised as ‘all natural supplements’ that could interact with prescribed medications or contain serious (though natural) products. How do we protect ourselves and our wallets while remaining open to the possibility of improving our condition?

First, a few relevant bits of wisdom to keep in mind:

• Most manufactured medications are based on ‘natural’ ingredients. For instance, aspirin is merely a chemically reproduced form of white willow bark. White willow bark contains most of the properties of aspirin and must be treated as such. For instance, it is a great anti-inflammatory and pain reliever, but it also thins the blood and interacts with a number of medications & conditions.
• Natural remedies MUST be treated with extreme respect and researched thoroughly via independent resources. Many ‘natural’ substances are wonderful to use in the place of prescription medications, BUT one must be certain of the research, the potential risks and the cost implications.
• The supplement and vitamin market is essentially unregulated, untested and unsupervised. Valid scientific research has shown a wide variation in ingredient strength, quantity of active ingredient and verification of ‘research.’
• The supplement and natural remedy business generates billions and billions of dollars per year. It is a business, unfortunately, full of charlatans, snake oil salesmen and abuse. Buyer beware should be the basis of all decisions you make when entering this world.
• Learn and understand what true peer reviewed scientific literature is. Some of the most infamous charlatans publish their own ‘vanity’ pieces, mostly in online publications. Their review process is highly flawed and their ‘research’ is aimed at selling their product.
• There is little valid peer reviewed research into the interactions between ‘natural’ remedies and prescribed medication. ALWAYS ask your pharmacist if they are aware of any interactions between what you are currently taking and what you think you might want to take. A responsible pharmacist can run a quick search and tell you if there is solid research. They may also be able to tell you which manufactured medication correlates with the ’supplement’.
• ALL ‘remedies’ that we swallow, apply, inject or soak in should be carefully considered. Our bodies are sacred and it is our job to protect them as much as possible.
• A physician recommending a product does not necessarily mean that it is safe, effective OR cost appropriate. Be wary of a physician that is constantly jumping on the latest medical fad bandwagon!

Now that we have the ground work laid, how do we quickly and effectively research the latest ‘wonder cure all’? Having done this a few dozen times over the last decade (and not being a medical professional), I will use my latest product research to outline the steps you might want to consider.

Fellow individuals with a rare genetic disorder, Dercum’s Disease, recommended a topical pain relief ointment known as DRL 100. At $19.95 (plus S& H), it is rather dangerous to the wallet, but maybe worth it if it relieved the constant pain of Dercum’s. The steps I followed to research this possible ‘wonder drug’ apply to any supplement, vitamin, ointment, salve, injection or treatment.

1. Learn to read the label! The most important item is ‘active ingredients.’ These are the ingredients that are in substantial enough quantities to do something for you. In the case of DRL 100, the only active ingredient is menthol. The label states it contains ‘hyaluronan,’ a supposed miraculous pain reliever. The inactive ingredients list hyaluronic acid, but being listed where it is indicates that legally it contains so little that it is useless–essentially enough to be able to list it, but not enough to do anything.
2. Learn what the active ingredient actually does. Menthol (Methyl Salicylate), the active ingredient in DRL 100, is an age-old local pain reliever. Menthol does not actually numb the area, but rather floods the brain with so much incoming data that the brain essentially ‘forgets’ the pain in the area. Muscles relax, the skin feels cool and the pain is ‘gone.’ It works and is essentially harmless UNLESS you have certain underlying conditions or medications. For instance, menthol creams interact with blood thinners, increasing the risk of adverse side effects (as in internal bleeding, hemorrhaging from a simple cut, having a stroke). It should not be applied to broken skin or those with allergies to certain foods or ointments. Pregnancy is also listed as a possible prohibitive condition. Menthol is cheap, readily available in a variety of preparations and well known. It is essentially ’safe,’ but the price of DRL 100 is exorbitant. Similar products are available for less than $5 for 2 ounces.
3. Run it past the pharmacist. Give them a list of the active ingredients and ask if it interacts with anything you are taking. When I did this, the pharmacist recommended multiple over-the-counter preparations that would do exactly the same thing at a fraction of the cost. It is even possible to order menthol and add peppermint if you prefer the smell of peppermint. (Peppermint is a relaxing smell to the human brain). For the price of 2 ounces of DRL 100, you could make a quart or more of stronger menthol cream.
4. Research the company. Though this step wasn’t necessary for the DRL 100, I did it out of curiosity because the product is being hyped to a group of folks who already have enough problems! I simply googled the manufacturer, Dermal Research Laboratories. I skipped all of the sales pitch sites and found them listed on ‘corporationwiki,’ which provided a link to Dun & Bradstreet, a highly respected collective of corporate information.
5. From the above, I found the names of the two principles of the company as well as their business address, which was limited to a Post Office Box (always a bit questionable). I also located their company phone number. A sidebar listed a street address, which confirmed what I found below.
6. I used the company phone number to perform a reverse phone number search, which revealed that it was co-listed as the ‘business’ phone for Dermal Research Laboratories and a home number for one of the principles. The address tied to that phone number was the home address of one of the company principles.
7. In order to double check that the address was a home, I utilized google maps and mapquest. Their satellite imaging confirmed that the ‘business’ location for Dermal Research Laboratories is a very nice home in a very nice residential area. No serious laboratory here. No research facility. No large scale shipping facility. Just a nice suburban neighborhood (as in VERY nice). I am not against home based businesses; I think they are wonderful. BUT, they are not serious scientific research laboratories producing serious life-altering products. Supposed medical miracles produced in someone’s home are most likely paying for that very nice home in a very nice neighborhood.

Navigating the forest of alternative medicine can be frustrating, confusing and potentially dangerous. Before investing in the newest wonder drug, supplement, treatment or diet, do a bit of research on your own. Thirty minutes of your time may not only save you money, suffering and frustration—it may even save your life…..and that is provident living at its best!

It is the time of year when the call of new yellow pencils, notebooks, pens, erasers and a long laundry list of supplies is haunting your mind as you prepare for the return of the school year. Nearly everyone returning to school will include in their shopping list a backpack. For most students, the foremost criteria for choosing a backpack is how attractive, ‘in’ or ‘cool’ the backpack looks. But, it is becomingly increasingly common for students (and not just students) of all ages to incur a variety of injuries, pain and damage due to improperly designed, fitted, loaded and carried backpacks. How do you choose and use a backpack so that it is a help not a hindrance? And what added items should you include to promote a safe school year?

First, let’s go shopping!

• Don’t fail to look at sporting goods and outdoor outfitters (such as LL Bean) for high quality, durable and well made backpacks. A few extra dollars now and a bit of care along the way may prove your best investment.
• If you are carrying a laptop or netbook, be certain that the backpack has, or will hold, a protective sleeve for your electronics.
• Choose a backpack with wide, padded and adjustable straps. Be certain that the wearer can adjust the pack so that the majority of the weight is carried along the back of the shoulder line.

• If the pack is going to weigh more than a few pounds (less than 7% of the wearer’s weight), choose a backpack with a waist belt which will help equalize the pressure on the spine, shoulders and neck.
• Purchase or add reflective tape so that the wearer is more easily seen in the dark.
• Look for a backpack with easy to reach pockets, especially for small items that the wearer may want to access without taking off the backpack.
• An ergonomically designed backpack will conform the proper alignment of the spine.

Now that you have purchased a great, back-saving backpack, let’s pack it up!

• Do not fill the backpack to more than 15% of the wearer’s body weight.
• Keep identifying information inside the backpack. If the design is a common one and you want to easily identify your backpack, personalize it with a charm, patch or other identifier that does not include your name or other personal information.
• Distribute items so that the weight is evenly distributed. Falls occur frequently when backpack wearers are ‘out of balance’ due to shifting or unevenly distributed loads
• Be certain to include an ID card in the backpack. Include name, emergency contact info, important health information, etc. Place this card INSIDE the backpack where it is not easily seen.
• Pack sharp objects, even sharpened pencils, where they will not weaken the fabric or seams.
• Periodically clean out the backpack and be certain you are not carrying items you do not need.
• For YOUNG CHILDREN, you might want to have a specially marked pocket for papers you need to read, sign, etc.
• Older students, if allowed, might carry a small power bar, granola bar or other ‘emergency food’, water & a tiny flashlight. College students and commuters may want to carry water, a bit of money in small bills, a small flashlight and necessary medications.

You are packed up and ready to go…time to lift and carry that backpack properly!

• Learn to pick up your backpack as you would any heavy object. Bend your knees and lift with your legs, not your back.
• Do not ’sling’ your backpack onto your back. It is not good for you and you may hit someone behind or beside you!
• Carefully put on one shoulder strap on at a time. Be certain the straps are adjusted so that the majority of the weight is on your upper back—just below the shoulder line. It may look cool to have your backpack slung low on your back, but you are causing harm to yourself!
• If you have to stoop over with the weight of the backpack in order to carry it, that backpack is TOO heavy!
• NEVER NEVER carry your backpack on one shoulder. Doing so not only causes your spine to be at an unnatural angle, you may unevenly develop muscles in your shoulders and chest. This uneven distribution of muscle mass can become unsightly AND pull other parts of your body out of whack.
• Carrying your backpack on your front is not better for your back than carrying it on the back. Either way, the backpack needs to be aligned, packed and carried appropriately.
• Fasten the waist buckle, especially if the backpack is 15% of your body weight! Let your entire torso share in carrying the load.
• While carrying your backpack, walk with good posture! Stand up straight with your shoulders back.
• If someone should grab your backpack, immediately ask them to stop. Injuries occur when friends or others jokingly add their own weight to that of your backpack.
• If at all possible, remove the backpack near a surface about table level. With your back to the table, remove one shoulder strap at a time and lower the backpack down your back to the table.
• When you get home, keep your backpack off of kitchen counters or other surfaces where food is prepared or served.

The essence of provident living is to always live today while preparing for whatever tomorrow brings. Preventing, rather than treating, injuries is the best way to be prepared everyday!

Comment from a physician: The really sad part is the failure rate for back surgeries. I’ve seen a lot of patients with multiple surgeries, no relief from the pain, and even some who got worse after the surgery. There’s even a specific diagnostic code for ‘failed back surgery’ cause it’s that common. Good advice to review!

Tim

For thousands and thousands of young adults, the end of summer heralds the beginning of their life as a college student. Whether you are a student or the parent of a student, take a few minutes to think through and prepare for this important and challenging time of life. In addition to tuition, housing, books and challenge of potentially living independently for the first time in their lives, college bound students should also consider a few ‘provident pointers’ of their own:

• Cell phone: Everyone seems to have one and they can be a true life line. Before purchasing a new phone or plan, be certain that the phone is usable/has coverage on the college campus. It is often wise to include the student’s phone in the family plan so that the student can call family members frequently.
• Banking: Open accounts that are convenient for the student and possibly the parents. Every student should be familiar with ATM safety and the safe guarding of personal information. A small personal shredder is a wise investment.
• Medical care: Find out now if your family health insurance covers the student away from home. Before signing up for student health insurance, be certain to read the fine print. Students might want to signing a medical power of attorney naming granting both parents the right to speak to medical providers concerning their care. Without such paperwork, providers are not legally allowed to discuss the student’s condition with anyone. Students should have a written copy of their medical history and current medications. For any ongoing medical issue, locate a physician near the college campus that will provide continuity of care.
• Personal safety. Many young adults are still in the ‘invincible’ phase of life. Others are trusting or believe that if they are headed to a religiously oriented school ‘all is well’. Review the importance of personal safety, including your photo & personal identity! Be self-confident, but aware. “The Gift Of Fear” is great pre-college reading for everyone.  Shred documents with personal information, safeguard belongings and avoid leaving expensive items unprotected. Be cautious about what you post online–never give your real name, make of car, schedule, school name, dorm name, etc. Predators will watch social networking sites and gather such information. Be smart!!
• Cars. If taking a car to school, be certain that their is adequate and well lit parking available. Obtain necessary parking permits, insurance coverage, a spare key, documents and emergency supplies for the car. Never overload a car or loan it to friends.
• Be space conscious. When planning what to take to that first dorm room, be certain that you know the capacity of the room! If possible, coordinate what will be brought with future room mates. Most dorm rooms are sadly lacking in space!
• Emergency preparedness. Pack a mini-72 hour kit for your dorm room. Be certain to have some well hidden cash, power bars, water, first aid supplies and basic medications.
• Debt. Remember that loans must be paid back. Review the true cost of credit and to limit their use student loans to absolutely necessary EDUCATIONAL expenses. Many college students are flooded with credit card offers and find themselves graduating with staggering debt loads.
• Life Skills. Every student should know the basics of laundry, healthy eating, financial record keeping, smart shopping, cooking, first aid and cleaning before heading off to college.
• Textbooks. Before shelling out a small fortune for textbooks, check carefully for used books. Check online sources for cheaper books–the savings can be substantial. Keep receipts for all books you purchase in case you drop a class! Keep your books in good condition and sell them back at the first opportunity (or sell them privately).
• Hand Washing & Health. Get in the habit of washing your hands often and well. This is your best defense about a wide variety of ailments. Take good care of your body–get enough sleep, eat well and sleep an adequate amount.
• Conflict. Learn how to peacefully resolve conflict–whether it is with your room mate, study group, classmates or friends.
• Stay connected. Stay connected with your family, life long friends and church. Though college is a time to begin ‘adult life,’ the anchors that have kept you steady are a source of strength, guidance and wisdom that you will need more than ever.

The college years are exciting and challenging. Good decisions, wise planning and some self-discipline will pave the way for success now and in the future!

“Bless you!” “Gesundheit!” “Need a tissue?” Are you hearing these comments to often this Spring? It could be that you are one of the countless victims of a record-setting Spring allergy season. Nearly every state is reporting significant increases in the number of people suffering from seasonal allergies, including many who have never been previously afflicted.

Though you cannot lower the pollen count outside, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the impact you feel. Also remember that the typical symptoms of allergies, runny nose, sneezing, itching, eyes watering, may seem to be no more than a nuisance, inflamed nasal passages and congested sinus’ can lead to more serious issues such as sinus infections, respiratory involvement and even life-threatening anaphylaxis. Consult your physician if your symptoms are not under control or suddenly worsen.

In the meantime, try these simple methods of gaining some relief from the down side of Spring’s splendor:

1. Make your bed every morning. I know, I know this sounds like your Mom speaking. Simply throwing the bedspread up over your pillows keeps a certain amount of dust and pollen from your pillow.

2. Frequently launder your bedding, including the mattress pad.

3. Shower before you go to bed and wash your hair. Your body & hair collect pollen all through the day. Don’t go to bed with it.

4. Keep your windows shut in the car & house, especially in the early morning and evening. Use your a/c and frequently change the filters.

5. Use nasal cleaning devices such as a Neti pot or saline spray. Spritzing out your nasal passages removes dust and pollen as it first enters the body. Be sure to ask your doctor first if you have chronic sinus problems and discontinue if you experience pain. Some people have very narrow sinus passages or other physiological issues that make using a Neti pot inadvisable.

6. Launder your clothing frequently. Don’t rehang clothing in your closet that you have worn in high pollen areas.

7. Frequently wash your dog. If you family has serious allergies, consider getting rid of hairy pets. Even if you are not allergic to the pet, the animal’s fur carries pollen, et al into your house and deposits it everywhere.

8. Invest in appropriate pillow and mattress covers that prevent the build up of allergens.

9. In the case of serious allergies, consider removing as many fibers as possible from sleeping areas. This includes carpet, drapery, bed drapings, etc.

10. Dust frequently with a damp or electrostatically charged micro-fiber cloth that traps dust instead of spreading it about.

11. Invest in a vacuum with a good HEPA filter. Vacuum frequently.

12. Remove dead leaves and other lingering vegetation from around your house. Last fall’s leaves are growing mold! If you are the allergy sufferer, have someone else do this job or wear a respirator.

13. Sanitize your shower curtains and bathrooms frequently to remove mold and mildew spores. Adding salt to the rinse cycle can cut down on mold & mildew.

14. Remove as many dyes, phospates and fragrances from your home that you can possibly manage. This includes laundry detergents, dryer sheets, fabric softeners, air fresheners, ‘plug-ins’, deodorants, shampoos, soaps, etc. Consider using ‘old fashioned’ cleaning solutions such as baking soda, salt, vinegar, borax and plain old elbow grease!

15. Reduce the clutter so that you can dust and vacuum with less hassle.

Remember, there are a wide range of allergy products available by prescription and over-the-counter. Be certain to speak with your healthcare provider about what options may be open to you!

And try to enjoy the Spring foliage!

For all of us in developed nations, we take for granted the availability of clean, safe drinking water. Whether we drink water from the tap or purchase bottled water, we rarely consider the consequences of not having safe water on hand. However, in many parts of the world, and following a wide range of disasters, safe drinking water is a luxury. The H2O that so freely flows from our taps can be cut off due to any number of natural or man-made disasters.

Being able to easily and safely decontaminate water is an essential skill for everyone. Though you can use a variety of methods (including boiling, chemical treatment or distillation), one group has developed what may be the simplest method to date.

SODIS (Solar Water Disinfection) has been proven to kill the germs which cause human illness. By learning this simple technique, you can be assured that you will be able to purify questionable water in nearly any circumstance. Whether you are camping, dealing with a disaster or traveling in a country with questionable water, this method can literally save your life.

In order to effectively disinfect water, you must begin with fairly clear water. If the water has debris, sand, dirt, etc in it, strain it repeatedly until it is clear. Place water in a clean PET bottle (such as juice or water comes in) that holds 3 liters or less. The bottle must be clear or have only a slight blue tinge to it. You must remove the label from the bottle and be certain that the bottle does not have a large number of scratches or other discolorations on it.

Once filled, tighten the lid securely. Place the bottle lying down in FULL sun for at least 6 hours. It is critical that the bottle be lying down, NOT standing up. If possible, place the bottle on a reflective surface such as a piece of tin or aluminum. Though not necessary, the reflective surface will speed up the disinfection process. If the day is cloudy, lengthen the time to 48 hours. If there is a cool or cold wind blowing, shelter the bottles from the wind.

Water that has been treated by this method should be drunk from the bottle or poured into a clean cup. Contamination often occurs when the water is poured from the bottle into a less-than-clean drinking container.

Storing a few clear plastic PET bottles (which should be marked as such) is a simple, inexpensive way to be prepared to purify that most essential of liquids-water.

For more information about this process and a downloadable flyer, visit:

http://www.sodis.ch/index_EN

One of the most common medical errors that can lead to serious illness or even death is one that you can help prevent. Approximately 1.3 million Americans are injured annually due to errors in the administration of medications. Though many of these errors occur in hospital settings, many occur in our own homes. The vast majority of these errors can be prevented by YOU and those you love. What can you do to protect yourself?

1. Know that the elderly and chronically ill are the most likely to be victims of medication errors. Both groups are most likely to have a larger than average number of prescription medications prescribed for them.

2. Children may be at a higher risk because their smaller body size makes it more likely that a dosing or drug interaction error will cause serious harm or death.

3. FULLY UNDERSTAND that medication errors can be fatal.

4. When prescribed a medication, be certain that the doctor explains why you are being prescribed this medication, what the medication should do for you, what the side effects are and how you should take the medication. For instance, should it be taken with meals, before a meal, at bedtime, etc.

5. Always provide every health care professional (including the pharmacist) with a complete list of ALL prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, supplements, herbal products, homeopathic remedies and vitamins that you take. Include the name of the medication, the dosage, how long you have been taking it and the medication’s use.

6. Understand that there is limited, peer-reviewed science based research into the interaction of herbal products, supplements and homepathic remedies. Most of these substances are NOT tested by independent peer-reviewed research nor their quality and potency regulated. Be certain that you fully research any ‘natural’ product that is recommended to you. Many of these products are the ‘natural’ version of powerful prescription medications. For instance, foxglove is merely natural digitalis, which can alter heart rhythms. Echinacea can lead to permanent liver damage, especially if used in combination with other medications/supplements. Prescription medications can interact with a wide range of products and there is, again, limited knowledge as to the interaction of prescription (or over-the-counter medications) and ‘alternative therapies’. Even simple vitamins can lead to overdoses and drug interactions.

7. Before taking a new medication, know how the drug is supposed to help you and all possible side effects.

8. Know what your medications look like. If you receive a new prescription and the medication looks different, do not take it until you speak with a pharmacist. Preferably, the pharmacy will have alerted you to a change in the appearance of your medication.

9. If hospitalized, ask what each medication you are being given is and what it is for. Competent staff will tell you the name of the medication before giving it to you. If they do not, be extra cautious. Again, if the medication looks different than what you normally see, ask!! Know what the dosage prescribed is. If something seems ‘off’, stop and ask to speak to a supervisor. My daughter was nearly killed in a hospital when a nurse attempted to administer 100 times the prescribed dose of a pain killer. The nurse had ‘misread’ where the decimal point was.

10. If the dosage and frequency of taking a medication is different than your physician told you, ASK questions!

11. Be certain that you are taking your medications exactly as prescribed. Regularly review the instructions on your prescription bottles!

12. If you take multiple medications, or care for someone who does, consider using a medication minder container. Many types are available at a variety of price points. These specially designed containers can be a great help in being certain that you are taking your medications as prescribed. This is vitally important for the elderly or anyone who may have memory issues.

13. Periodically review with your physician the medications you are taking. Each office visit should include a review of your medication, including when you need a new prescription written. Again, the elderly are most likely to have too many medications prescribed for them, often creating secondary problems. If a new symptom appears, ask the pharmacist if this could be a reaction to a medication.

14. When prescribed a medication, ask if there is a generic alternative which may save you money. Often, prescribers will merely write for the newest medication when an older, proven medication may work just as well. Also ask if there is an alternative to medication. Could you achieve the same results through lifestyle or diet changes?

15. Choose carefully and use one pharmacy for all of your prescriptions. Some points to consider when choosing a pharmacy:

• Is there a pharmacist available to answer all of your questions?
• Know the role of pharmacy technicians. Though they may perform many tasks within a pharmacy, including accepting prescriptions from you, they should not be answering questions about your medication’s interactions, uses and side effects.
• Does the pharmacist have time to talk to you in person or on the phone? If not, they may be over-worked which leads to more errors. Some pharmacies evaluate pharmacists on the number or prescriptions they fill per hour, not the number of customers they serve.
• Does the pharmacist answer your questions about drug interactions? If you are on medications for serious pain, heart problems, liver disease or kidney disease (or other serious long-term illnesses), be certain that you ask the pharmacist before taking over-the-counter, herbal or supplement preparations. Pharmacists should be able to answer your questions, with the exception of some herbal & ‘natural’ remedies that have not been well researched.
• Is the pharmacy efficient? Are prescriptions filled when they say they will be? An efficient pharmacy should be able to estimate when your prescription will be ready and alert you to possible delays. If they are chronically misrepresenting the time it will take to fill a prescription, they may be over-worked, under-staffed and more prone to errors.
• Can you understand the pharmacist? You should be able to freely communicate with this important member of your health care team!
• Be certain that the pharmacy has up-to-date software that warns of drug interactions, low/high dose alerts, LASA error checking (Look alike/sound alike) and patient allergies. Be certain that the pharmacist is aware of your drug and food allergies. Some food allergies can significantly impact the medications you can be prescribed.
• Is the pharmacy concerned with your privacy? Pharmacy staff should never announce the medication they are filling for you in a way that others might over hear.
• Does the pharmacy alert you when the appearance of your medication has changed?
• Does the pharmacy provide you with an information sheet that describes the appearance of your medication, possible side effects and uses of the medication?
• Does your pharmacy communicate efficiently with your physician’s office? Some communication errors are due to delays in the doctor’s office, but pharmacy staff should be able to up date you on their progress.
• Does your pharmacist relay information to you effectively? If they say they will get back to you, do they? Do they call you if there is a problem with a refill?
• Will your pharmacist attempt to answer your questions with research? We have had multiple times where a great pharmacist will go to extraordinary lengths to be certain that a medication is safe. This has included the pharmacist calling the pharmaceutical company for further information. This type of dedication can, literally, safe your life and you SHOULD EXPECT IT!
• Remember that the pharmacist is your safe guard when it comes to medications! They should have the most up-to-date and effective means by which you can be protected from possible allergic reactions or drug interactions. They are the trained professional when it comes to medication management!

16. Keep your medication information confidential and safe. Remove prescription labels from empty bottles before discarding. Likewise, shred information sheets or other paperwork that details what medications are in your home. Do not discuss publicly or post online medications you take. Theft of prescription drugs is on the rise.

17. Teach your children to never take medication (again, including ‘natural’ products) from someone other than you or a licensed health care professional.

18. Discard of out dated medications safely. Be especially vigilant about medications you may not take regularly, such as epi-pens or inhalers. Check their expiration date and get refills when needed.

19. Store your medicaitons safely. Know if the medication needs to be refrigerated. In general, most medications need to be protected from moisture, light and extremes in temperature.

20. Don’t run out! Be certain to carry vital medications with you and refill your prescriptions BEFORE you run out. Most insurers will allow you to refill a prescription seven days prior to the day you will run out.

21. KEEP YOUR MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE HANDS OF CHILDREN! Keep all medications, including vitamins, away from children. Be certain that visitors to your home safe guard any medication they have. Many children suffer overdoses while exploring Grandma’s luggage or purse.

Though there are many medical errors we cannot prevent, medication errors can often be prevented through our own vigilance, common sense and just a bit of time. Be wise, be cautious and be healthy!

New Year’s Resolutions–easily made, quickly forgotten and fodder for guilt! Instead of feeling bad about yourself when April arrives and your resolutions are all but forgotten, set goals that will allow you to slowly but surely attain a more provident lifestyle. The changes need not be drastic or accomplished all at one time. Provident living is not a one-time event, but rather a mindset, a lifestyle, a commitment to viewing today in context of the years that lie ahead. No matter where you are on the Provident Living Spectrum, making consistent changes will brighten your tomorrows.

As you evaluate where you are, consider these dozen ideas:

1. Debt: If you are out of debt, stay out! If you are in debt, resolve to acquire NO further consumer debt and pay down your debt as quickly as possible. Tell yourself ‘No’ frequently until your debt balance is at zero. Buy used and apply the savings to your debt load. Put away the credit cards and pay cash. Do whatever you have to do to get out from under the slavery of debt.

2. Savings: Pay yourself each payday. Save whatever you can, wherever you can. Keep your savings in a secure, insured account. Teach your children to save and to be wise consumers.

3. Employment: Be certain that your resume is prepared and up-to-date. Improve your skills and be on the look-out for employment opportunities. If you are threatened with unemployment, begin your job search before you are laid off. Let everyone know that you are looking for employment!

4. Education: Be certain that your children understand the value of obtaining the best education possible. Teach them from middle school on that what they do in the six years after elementary school will affect their ability to be admitted to college and win scholarships. Help your teens find every scholarship opportunity possible. Teach your teens about the dangers of acquiring unnecessary student and credit card debt. If you need to return to school, seek grants, scholarships or employer-funded opportunities. Continually learn new skills that will help you live providently: gardening, canning, home repairs, computer skills, sewing, baking, cooking, etc. Be certain that every member of your family has the necessary life skills to enter the world prepared to be self-reliant.

5. Be a wise steward: Take care of what you own so that it will last and serve you well. The greatest ‘green’ thing you can do is to make what you have last as long as possible.

6. Prepare for ‘everyday’ emergencies: The largest percentage of ‘emergencies’ that we will face are the ‘everyday’ sorts–unexpected illness, injury, a flooded basement, etc. An orderly life and home makes it easier to deal with these types of events. Train your family to keep the home running smoothly. Have extras at home–extra cash, extra food, extra cleaning supplies. Know where your important papers and phone numbers are. Evaluate the most likely larger emergencies you might face and prepare with evacuation kits (72-hour kits or Bug Out Bags), emergency supplies such as first-aid kits, extra lighting, cooking, etc. ‘Prepare every needful thing…’

7. Store food and essential supplies: Even if you purchase and set aside a few canned goods each shopping trip, build a supply of food that you can rely on. Begin by purchasing ‘everyday’ foods until you have a 3-month supply. Store some water, extra hygience products, laundry soaps, etc. When you have accomplished your 3-month supply, slowly acquire long-term staples such as grains, sugar, salt and powdered milk.

8. Develop emotional resiliency: Learn to take the upheavals of life in stride emotionally (which is easier when you are living providently). Learn to appropriately deal with stress, anxiety, disappointment and develop a support structure that will assist you. Develop a greater faith and testimony of the eternal nature of your life so that the daily ups and downs are seen in the proper perspective. Learn to laugh. If you need professional help, seek it from a trained professional that shares your core values.

9. Build your spiritual muscles: Like physical muscles, spiritual muscle must be built over time. Do not wait until the tempest is raging to learn to seek Divine Guidance and Strength. Serve others and forget yourself as you lift another.

10. Practice Prevention: Prevent accidents whenever possible. Make your home and your car as safe as possible. Teach your children to behave appropriately and how to react to danger. Seek preventative medical care from competent professionals. Think before acting and research before leaping!

11. Plan ahead: Live today fully, but look towards the future. Plan economically, physically and mentally for events that you know will occur. Whether it is a birthday, Christmas or retirement, many of life’s events can be accurately predicted and planned for. Continually living in a state of ‘last-minutitis’ increases stress and nearly always results in frayed nerves, greater expenditures and wasted effort.

12. Practice happiness: Happy people are more likely to successfully navigate the world without relying on impulse buying, addictive substances or other self-destructive behaviors. Find joy in the simple things of life and make your home a haven from the cares of the world. If your home is a simple cave, make it the brightest, happiest, most laughter-filled cave imaginable.

Provident Living is not a drudgery or ‘doomsday’ way of looking at life. Rather, it is the best guarantee that you and those you love will be safe, secure, strong and happy no matter what life throws your way. Make 2010 a year in which you embrace and find joy in being not only self-reliant but able to reach out to others. In that, you will find the greatest of joy!

Thanksgiving is nearly here–time to review safe turkey handling procedures. Serve up a feast, not a germ-fest by following these simple guidelines:

• Turkey is nutritious, low in fat and freezes well. Purchase an extra one at the season’s rock bottom prices and store in the deep freeze for nine months to one year. After that time, quality will begin to go downhill.
• Safe food handling is CRITICAL! Don’t fall into the ‘but my mother did it this way’ trap.
• If purchasing a fresh, never frozen turkey, purchase it only a day or two before Thanksgiving. Most stores allow you to reserve a fresh turkey. Purchase it last at the store and get it into the refrigerator at home quickly. Keep a tray under it to catch any drippings.
• Never purchase a pre-stuffed fresh (as in not frozen at the store) turkey.
• There are safe, FDA-approved frozen pre-stuffed turkeys. Follow instructions for these birds religiously.
• Allow plenty of time to defrost your turkey in THE REFRIGERATOR. Place turkey at bottom of frig with a drip tray under it.
• ALWAYS WASH HANDS BEFORE AND AFTER HANDLING THE TURKEY, EVEN IN THE PACKAGING.
• Never thaw a turkey on the counter. If you must rush the thawing process, keep the bird in water that is less than 70F. Change water every 30 minutes.
• Keep raw turkey away from other foods.
• Clean all surfaces that will come in contact with the raw bird–before and after contact!
• Remove packages of turkey ‘extras’ from both cavities of the bird.
• Consuming stuffing baked in the bird is a great way to contract a multitude of food-borne illnesses. Instead, stuff the turkey with ‘throw away’ items to keep the meat moist and bake your stuffing separately. The tops of celery, wilted lettuce, even apples are great things to stuff the turkey cavity with.
• If you absolutely insist on eating the stuffing from inside the bird, use a reliable meat thermometer to make certain that all inner parts of the stuffing have reached at least 165F. As an added precaution (but still NOT recommended) you can remove the stuffing, place in a baking dish and return to the oven until it reaches 180F.
• DO NOT cook your turkey in an oven below 325F. Some of the slow cook methods allow parts of the turkey to remain at too low a temperature to kill off harmful bacteria.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey in multiple deep locations, such as the thigh joint. Even if the bird has a pop-up indicator, double check for yourself. Reliable digital meat thermometers that can sit outside your oven and alarm when a desired temperature is reached can be purchased for well under $20.
• You can safely let the turkey sit after roasting for 20 minutes. The maximum amount of time, in a cool room, that the food should be left out is two hours. Timing begins as soon as foods are removed from the oven or stovetop.
• Keep foods warm during dinner utilizing hot plates, warming trays, etc.
• Quickly refrigerate leftovers in small packages, spread out within the refrigerator. If your refrigerator is fool or leftovers are extremely warm, pre-cool them by immersing the sealed container of leftovers in a large container of ice.
• If you want to get a head start, prepare turkey stock this week. Freeze after cooled and you have the beginnings of gravy. You can also thicken the stock before freezing. Add this to the ‘brown bits’ in the bottom of your turkey roaster on Thanksgiving Day.
• Eat up leftovers quickly. Stuffing, pies, meats and gravies should be eaten with three to four days. Reheat only the amount you will eat at that meal. Freeze what you will not eat within the prescribed amount of time.
• THIS WEEK, check the temperature of your refrigerator to be certain that it is within the safe range–lower than 40F. Your home freezer should be 0F or lower.

Have a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

——-This week’s 10×100 Challenge Goals ———

The world is busy with its own cares, sorrows and joys, and pays little heed to you. There is but one great pass-word to success,—self-reliance.” William George Jordan

You need not scale the mountain in one day, merely take a little step forward.

57. Add some cash and quarters to your glove compartment. An empty prescription bottle or tube from mini-M&M’s work well.

58. Check outdoor walkways. Are they clear? Free from tripping hazards? Cracks?

59. Mail holiday gifts early to avoid paying express shipping charges.

60. Gather up your candles and see if you have enough to provide some light for 7-days. Store some matches (more than you think you need) with the candles.

61. Refill BBQ propane tanks if you have them.

62. Clean one pantry shelf. Move older food to the front.

63. Clean out your refrigerator. Discard old food and mark food that needs to be eaten up.

Note: I read an article by an infectious disease specialist who recommended that in addition to routine hand washing, have all members of your family wash their hands and gargle with either warm salt water or antiseptic mouth wash whenever they return home. Nasal passages can be cleaned with a neti pot or saline spray. These measures help to remove the viral agents from areas of our bodies where they grow. Gargling and saline spray can also be done mid-day while at work. The recommendations are logical and inexpensive!

Note: President Obama today (October 24) declared the H1N1 a ‘National Emergency’. It is too early to know how this declaration will affect our daily lives, but it would be wise to be fully prepared to be self-sufficient within your home and watch for news updates.

Epidemic, pandemic…the news throws the words around so often now that we may become immune to the reality of what these words mean and how they may affect us. What do we really need to know and what can we do to prepare ourselves?

First, we need to understand what the words mean.

An epidemic is the occurrence of more than expected number of cases of a disease within a community or population, within a given amount of time.

A pandemic is an epidemic spread out over a larger geographic area such as a state, country, nation or the world.

Not all epidemics or pandemics are deadly, but they can disrupt not only the lives of the ill, but society as a whole.

Epidemics are often, hopefully, prevented by administering vaccines. These vaccines are often developed to protect the population rather than just the individual. If a large enough portion of the population is vaccinated against a specific disease, the illness will not spread as quickly or virulently.

Some vaccines are given not for the benefit of the person receiving them, but for others around them. An example of this is the Rubella vaccine. Rubella is a highly contagious, non-serious disease common among children. However, if a pregnant woman contracts Rubella in the early stages of pregnancy, the fetus is likely to have severe and life-threatening defects. Thus, children are vaccinated not to protect them, but to protect unborn fetus’.  By doing so, epidemics of Rubella, which result in large numbers of babies born with serious birth defects, are prevented through mass vaccination.

Epidemics are a ‘fact of life’ in human history. Prior to the advent of international air travel, world-wide pandemics were less common but have occurred. The risks of a pandemic today are much higher, mainly due to the ease with which people travel around the world quickly. Where our predecessors took weeks to cross the ocean (during which time illness became apparent and ill individuals were refused entry), we now span the same distance in hours, with little or no screening for infectious diseases. A symptom-free, but contagious individual could easily board a flight in Europe, infect a large number of people on the airplane and hours later be in the U.S. The fellow passengers on the flight are most likely to disperse to any number of final destinations, carting their luggage and pathogens with them. The seeds of a pandemic are now sown.

Let’s imagine the reality of being caught in an epidemic or pandemic. What could we expect and how can we prepare? (Having lived through a several months-long epidemic, I will draw on my own experience and the research I have since done.)

Depending on the seriousness of the disease, an epidemic in its infancy may not be sufficiently reported. It may take time for cases to be reported to health authorities and the medical community may be slow to ‘connect the dots’. Let us examine several scenarios– a small scale epidemic, a regional epidemic and a true pandemic. How do you recognize each, how would your life be impacted and what can you do to prepare?

A SMALL SCALE EPIDEMIC

Scenario: Among a group that you belong to, a school, church, workplace, organization, etc., members become ill in fairly rapid succession. It may begin with one or two, but spreads among the membership. Each member goes to a different doctor, so no single doctor knows that others are infected with the same illness. Remember, an epidemic is an unusual number of cases of the same disease. In this scenario, we will assume that the illness is serious enough to require medical attention and some hospitalizations occur. You hear reports of a death from the illness.

What can you do as an organization?

1. Track outbreaks and should there seem to be an epidemic occurring, act quickly.

2. Survey members of your group to see how many are ill and what their symptoms are. If the symptoms are gastrointestinal and all occurred within a short period of time, check the calendar to see if a meal was shared. If so, you likely have an outbreak of food poisoning. In that case, let membership know and have them seek appropriate treatment. If the illness is NOT food related, continue on:

3. Cancel group meetings if you suspect an outbreak within your membership.

4. Notify all members of your group of the outbreak of the illness, including the symptoms and where to seek help.

5. Stop the delivery of meals, contact, etc. among the members within your organization.

6. Sanitize the structure you meet in. Utilize antiseptic cleaners, spray disinfectants, etc.

7. Reinstate meetings, etc. only after you are certain that the outbreak has stopped. Membership should be free from new cases for several days past the suspected incubation period of the disease.

8. When meetings are begun again, utilize appropriate infection control, such as emphasis on hand washing, no handshaking, asking anyone feeling ill to stay home, hand sanitizers available and an emphasis on cleanliness, especially with any form of food preparation.

9. Watch for signs of re-occurrence once meetings are reinstated. Reinstate meetings slowly, with groups of young children being the last to re-establish.

During the epidemic I lived through, the infection (encephalitis) was not confirmed by local health authorities until 8 deaths occurred. Our church, later confirmed to be a ‘cluster’ of infection, acted quicker than the local health authorities. The church leadership followed the above outlined steps and was credited with helping to stop the epidemic and save lives.

How would this scenario impact you and how can you prepare?

1. If the outbreak was within a school or daycare, you would need to have other plans for your children.

2. You would need to be self-sufficient if you rely on this organization for support in the case of an emergency.

3. If it were the workplace, you may find that you must work from home, take vacation time or do without a pay check for some period of time.

4. Think through the organizations you belong to and how they impact your life. If those organizations were removed today, what would you need to be prepared to do for yourself?

The Epidemic Spreads To The Community

Scenario: The illness that you believed was isolated to your organization, appears to be spreading among the community you live in. You hear that more and more people are becoming infected, deaths are reported and hospitals are overwhelmed with cases. Health officials recognize that this illness is highly contagious, serious and the cases are multiplying. Emergency rooms are over-crowded, health care workers are becoming infected, pharmacies are understaffed and overwhelmed, grocery store shelves are emptying, first responders are calling in sick, and community-based services (ie garbage, transportation, etc) are cut back.

How would this affect you?

1. Schools, libraries, gyms, churches and other gathering places may be closed.

2. Medical facilities will be stretched very thin. None life-threatening emergencies may be shuttled out of the emergency room.

3. Your daily routine significantly altered. Grocery store supplies may dwindle, pharmacies run short of meds, businesses closed due to high number of illnesses.

4. Picture what is open on Christmas Day and extend that out for weeks at a time.

5. Health departments may quarantine people. A quarantine order gives government authorities the right to restrict your movement. You may be quarantined to your home—you cannot leave and no one other than emergency personnel may enter.

What can you do?

1. Be prepared!

2. Take an inventory of what you have on hand. Can you remain self-sufficient in your home for weeks to months?

3. Keep prescription medications filled and try to accumulate extras.

4. Avoid large gatherings, tight quarters and anyone that is ill.

Scenario: A pandemic has occurred that has out-stripped medical facilities and other services in a very large geographic area. This is the ‘worst case’ scenario from a large-scale perspective. A localized epidemic can be assisted by bringing in supplies and personnel from an outlying area. In a true pandemic of serious illness, those secondary lines of defense may not be available. The consequences of a real pandemic of serious illness would be much like the aftermath of a large scale natural disaster.

1. Marshall law may be declared so that looting, etc. can be contained and local law enforcement can receive assistance from military units. Under marshall law, many daily civil liberties are suspended. Curfews may be enforced.

2. All government, civil, medical, banking, education and businesses will be affected and curtailed. The ATM may be out of cash. The gas station out of gas.

3. If the illness is deadly, even the ability to bury people will be overrun.

It is difficult to realistically project the reality of this type of pandemic without going into lengthy and morbid detail. If you want to gain some perspective, read about the realities of the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic or the aftermath of disasters such as Katrina or the Tsunamis.

What can you do?

1. Again, PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE!

Provident Living is truly a lifestyle that if lived fully will prepare you for any number of man-made, natural or germ-rendered life events. Being able to be self-sufficient within the walls of your own home is your best preparation. Taken one step at a time, this goal is not only reachable but will lead you to a greater degree of financial and emotional security.

Now is the time to evaluate where you stand in your progress toward self-sufficiency.

Despite of our best efforts to prevent and prepare, we may find ourselves tossed about by the winds of illness. Whether we are the patient or the caregiver, now is when you find out how prepared you truly are. How best can we weather the storm?

1. STAY HOME! When you are ill, you need time to recover and there is no better place to do that than your own home. Failure to do so puts you at risk for further illness or injury and spreads the ‘joy’ of contagious diseases. Keep yourself and your sick children home from school, activities and church. Stay home until you are COMPLETELY well and free from a fever (without the aid of a fever reducer such as tylenol) for at least 24 hours, or as long as your physician instructs.

2. SEEK COMPETENT MEDICAL HELP. If your symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, an altered mental status, loss of coordination, seizures, rampant bleeding or other significant change in status, do not delay getting help from a fully equipped emergency room. The first hour of a serious injury, heart attack or stroke is the most critical. For less serious, but still significant illnesses, get help from your physician or urgent care facility. If your symptoms are minor, stay home and take care of yourself. Those with other serious underlying medical issues (including pregnancy) should speak to their physician about when to seek an appointment. If you believe that you may have influenza (regardless of type), call your doctor’s office and ask about receiving Tamaflu or one of the other anti-viral drugs. These medications will not cure the ‘flu’, but they may shorten the duration and severity of your symptoms.

3. THE DOCTOR VISIT. If you need to seek medical help, take with you a list of your current medications. a list of your symptoms, when the illness began and how it has progressed. Stay away from other patients in the waiting room and avoid bringing well children with you–they will distract you and you are exposing them to more germs!

3. UNDERSTAND THE DOCTOR’S RECOMMENDATIONS. If you are too sick to remember, take someone with you and/or write down what you are told. Make certain you understand what the diagnosis is, prescriptions written, expected course of the illness, complications to look for, self-care or therapy needed, comfort measures and when to return for a follow-up. If in doubt, ASK before the medical provider leaves the room.  For more information, reread the post about “SPEAK UP”.

4. KEEP HYDRATED. Unless specifically told not to, nearly all illnesses are aided by remaining well hydrated. Keep water (a sports top bottle reduces spills), juices and electrolyte replacing drinks by the bedside. For small children, offer popsicles frequently. Anyone with a fever needs to be particularly careful to drink much more than normal.

5. RECORD FEVERS. Know how high your temperature is going and how often. Don’t guess, especially with young children.

6. SET UP THE SICK ROOM. Beside the patient’s bed position facial tissues, a small lined trash can, liquids in spill proof/resistant containers, small snack foods that are healthy & easily digested, a method of communication (baby monitor, intercom, cell phone), humidifier if a respiratory illness, entertainment, throat lozenges and other comfort measures suitable for the person’s age and illness, a container with a lid (in case of vomiting), night light, hand wipes or sanitizer, and necessary phone numbers. If you are caring for yourself, do all of this when you first feel sick!

If the patient must be left alone, also place near the bed a phone and phone numbers of family members or neighbors who can help.

7. HAND WASHING. Everyone in the house should be extra careful to strictly follow hand washing recommendations!

8. SLEEP. Sleep is restorative to the human body. Get plenty of rest, but try to maintain your normal sleep cycle.

9. FOOD. Eat healthy foods and remember that it is often easier to digest frequent small meals rather than three larger meals. Use disposable dishes for the ill person. Using disposables for the entire house can be a significant help in keeping the home running smoothly. Be extra careful about food safety. Your body is already fighting one issue, don’t compound it with food poisoning. Now is a good time to use those frozen entrees, canned foods and quick-to-eat foods. Remember that it is okay to eat vegetable soup and crackers for dinner! Keep it healthy, but simple.

10. HUMIDIFIERS. Especially in the winter, indoor air is often dry. Most illnesses with a respiratory component are aided by introducing moisture into the air. Keep the container clean and filled.

11. DRUG INTERACTIONS. Remember that over-the-counter and ‘natural’ remedies are medicine! Many can interfere with or interact with prescription medication. Check with your pharmacist to be certain.

12. COMPLICATIONS. Be watchful that secondary (and often more serious) complications are not developing. If in doubt about a new symptom–ASK! Many insurance companies offer 24-hour nurse hot lines that can often answer that dreaded 2 am ‘is this serious’ type of question.

13. BE PREPARED TO ACCEPT HELP. Be cautious and avoid exposing others to your germs. But, do accept help that is offered if you truly need it and the helper isn’t exposing themselves to illness. For instance, you might ask a neighbor to let you know when they are going to the store. Keep a list of items you need and have cash ready for when they make their next trip. If you need someone to drive you to an appointment and you have a contagious illness, wear a mask. Be certain that help offered and received is what you REALLY need!

14. WHINE APPROPRIATELY. When asked, “How are you?” we humans tend to reply, “Just fine.” Sometimes you need to vent! While recovering from Lyme Disease, I told my husband that I was going to allow myself ten minutes a day to complain. He listens kindly, sometimes offers a suggestion or asks if I need something in particular. Mostly, he is merely sympathetic and that is all that I need. By establishing a ‘time to whine’, I don’t feel guilty about complaining, he knows how I feel and I have successfully vented. Often times, the best gift you can give to a patient or a caregiver is a listening ear.

15. PRACTICE PATIENCE. It is trying to be ill or to be a caregiver. Take it a day (or an hour) at a time. Allow your body to heal completely. The world will continue to turn on its axis without you for a few days.

Prevention and preparation are the keys to riding out the storm of illness. When that storm hits, remember ‘this too shall pass’ and look forward to happier days ahead. And pat yourself on the back for doing such a great job of living providently every day!

NEXT WEEK: Part 4–Quarantine…could it happen and are you ready?

——–This week’s 10×100 Challenge Goals:

“We have been counseled again and again concerning self-reliance, concerning debt, concerning thrift. ….” President Gordon B. Hinckley

This week’s 10×100 Challenge Goals:

22. Make a list of everyone you plan to purchase Christmas gifts for.

23. Pick up Christmas Cards at a discounter or dollar store before the inexpensive ones are sold out.

24. Replace filters in your HVAC system. Write the date you replaced it on the filter. Mark your calendar for the next change date.

25. See what Christmas gifts you may already have on hand. Plan which ones you are going to make.

26. Do a quick comparison of current prices for internet providers. Do you need to change?

27. Clean out one kitchen drawer.

28. Have little ones at home or due to visit? Check childproofing & poison control.