Green Thumb?

Do you have a green thumb? If not, I know just the way to make use of your thumb regardless. Do not give up, stay with me a moment and read what I have to say. I want you to take some time, and do some hand watering of your yard. That's right I want you to forget the sprinkler and do some hand watering. Take a watering can or jug of water and hand water some plants in your yard. Take your hose and place that thumb of yours over the hose and hand water your lawn, shrubs and trees.

Why, you must be asking yourself? First of all for you to take notice of your own surroundings and the needs of your own yard and plants. Second to really look and see anything you would like to change about it. One thing is for sure, for myself I really needed to water more. This was to keep things from drying out and dying. This will also keep it from becoming fuel for a fire that could damage your home.

I Currently live in a area that I get my water from a public water source. We are currently in a stage 2 drought here. Watering with a sprinkler, you can water only once a week (or less), between 3-8 a.m. or 8-10 p.m. Your watering day is based on the last number of your address. No watering on weekends with sprinklers. (Hand Watering OK Anytime or Day) What better way to get started in getting to know, what needs to be done, than going outside to hand water your yard.

The Next Step: This could be a small baby step for you or a big leap of faith for you. Now that you have gotten used to doing some hand watering. You probably have noticed some improvement in your lawn, shrubs or trees. The next step for you is to prepare either a container or small plot at your home. Yes a area to plant something you can eat; or something that flowers and can enjoy. Pick up some garden seeds. Follow the planting instructions. Do some of the hand watering you have already gotten used to. Then let nature take its' course. You should be able to watch and enjoy, what you have put some of your time into. This can be very rewarding and become a new found joy for you.

The Second Step, "Repeat" :) Have fun, and be well on your way to having not only a great looking yard, but getting that Green Thumb you were looking for. Read about my first gardening experience.

Survival Preparedness - Prepper - Doomer - Survivalist?

Prepper, Doomer, or Survivalist; These are just a few of the many titles, given to people who take a strong interest preparing for a unknown future crisis that can effect their lives or their loved ones. Survival Preparedness can mean many different things to different people. People prepare for things according to their own likes, dislikes, fear, current events, or crisis of their own choosing.

I am going to write a few things of my own. I hope this will help someone to start their own basic personal or family survival preparedness. You may be starting from scratch or with things you already own and use.

Start by making a basic list of things you need to keep yourself alive and healthy. You need shelter a place to stay warm or cool and out of the elements of bad weather or unclean air if that is the case. You will need water, figure at least one gallon of water per person per day. Food - keep food that you will actually eat, use the food and replace the items to keep a fresh supply.

First-Aid and health items - build yourself basic a first aid kit and if need be learn how to make use of them. If you have health problems that require you to take medications; make sure that you have what you need for a emergency and a safe way to store them. Security - A means to protect yourself from harm and keeping what you need to survive taken from you. Communications - A way to know what is going on around you. Any communication that works for you in a time of an emergency, portable radio, TV, citizen band radio, ham or shortwave radio, internet, word of mouth (from trusted sources).

I know I have not gone into much detail for needs, but really take time to educate yourself. Go over how long of a span of time your needs will be in preparedness. Look and see what you have already in your possession to get started in survival preparedness. Do something, start anywhere, but do get started.

A easy start is to recycle soda or water bottles, and fill them with clean water. This could be a beginning for a emergency water storage needs. This can cost you also most next to nothing to begin. Start to grow some of your own food. Get some garden seeds, plant things you like to eat. If you do not have much room, try gardening in containers. I think gardening is a great skill to learn. You can learn how I got started gardening here.

I found a interest in survival preparedness early in my life, click here to read a short biography about me. Preparing for survival is a skill that I believed has save my life on more than one occasion. This is also a skill that can greatly reward you. It can help you better handle some of what life throws at you; and give you a better peace of mind.

Ready, Get Set, Go - Get Started.                                                              ThunderHawk001

Episode-685- Dr. Eric Wilke on Survival Medicine

From: June 15th, 2011 on  The Survival Podcast.  Disclaimers & Policies

Dr. Eric Wilke,  is  a residency trained emergency medicine physician in practice for 12+ years.  He also direct the local fire department and the tactical medics for the SWAT team in his area. He has traveled to Africa to deliver medical care in austere environments and with very limited resources.  Today he joins us to discuss some common diseases with potential to kill and how they can be recognized and treated.
Join us today as we discuss…

• The top global killers world wide
• Prevention of illness in harsh conditions
• Making water safe to drink
• Improving hydration
• Treatment of bacterial and viral infections
• How to properly store medications
• Military research into the storage life of medications
• Thoughts on the current nuclear issues in Japan
• Common sense alternative medicine
• Ways to maintain your current health
• Building a first aid emergency medicine kit

Survival Medicine #5 -- Oral Rehydration Solution

     Dehydration means your body does not have as much water and fluids as it should. Dehydration can be caused by losing too much fluid, not drinking enough water or fluids, or both. Vomiting and diarrhea are common causes. When dehydration is severe, it is a life-threatening emergency. >>>>>(Seek Medical Help! if you have severe dehydration)<<<<<
      For some cases there are OTC (over the counter) medications for anti-diarrhea, one I have used are Loperamide Hydrochloride tablets. (Ask a  pharmacist  or your doctor for more info)
     The information in the video may help you in replacing some of your fluid loss and help you out. I understand Coconut Water is also a great help for Oral Rehydration.  In a survival situation when you can't get help for your dehydration I hope this information will help you.  Also another similar Oral Rehydration Solution  recipe I found.
     The simple formula is 8 teaspoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt, dissolved in 1 quart of potable water. (if you can make it 1/2tsp. regular salt and 1/2tsp. some salt substitute (potassium chloride).  I also sometimes add 1/2tsp. of baking soda.)    (you could add some kool-aid or other flavoring for taste, helps when giving this to children. Who might not otherwise drink it readily; I personally like it in my drink too.)