Is Recession Preparing a New Breed of Survivalist? [Survival Today - an On going Thread #2]

May 05th,2008

[nw_arizona_granny]

Yahoo ran an interesting article this morning indicating a rise in the number of survivalist communities cropping up around the country. I have been wondering myself how much of the recent energy crisis is causing people to do things like stockpile food and water, grow their own vegetables, etc. Could it be that there are many people out there stockpiling and their increased buying has caused food prices to increase? It’s an interesting theory, but I believe increased food prices have more to do with rising fuel prices as cost-to-market costs have increased and grocers are simply passing those increases along to the consumer. A recent stroll through the camping section of Wal-Mart did give me pause - what kinds of things are prudent to have on hand in the event of a worldwide shortage of food and/or fuel? Survivalist in Training

I’ve been interested in survival stories since I was a kid, which is funny considering I grew up in a city. Maybe that’s why the idea of living off the land appealed to me. My grandfather and I frequently took camping trips along the Blue Ridge Parkway and around the Smoky Mountains. Looking back, some of the best times we had were when we stayed at campgrounds without electricity hookups, because it forced us to use what we had to get by. My grandfather was well-prepared with a camp stove and lanterns (which ran off propane), and when the sun went to bed we usually did along with it. We played cards for entertainment, and in the absence of televisions, games, etc. we shared many great conversations. Survivalist in the Neighborhood

[nw_arizona_granny]

You might also like a rice pudding type dish made with the wheat berries, one with raisins and milk, spices and even an egg in it.

I would cook a big pot of it and then use from that to make the different dishes, it does take time to cook it.

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.bigmedicine.ca/business.htm#China:_DH_closely_monitors_the_recal

China: DH closely monitors the recall of influenza virus vaccine

[Feb 9 Hong Kong]—In response to media enquiries, a spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) said today (February 9) that DH was closely monitoring the recall of influenza virus vaccine manufactured by the British manufacturing plant of a drug company.

According to United States Food and Drug Administration, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Inc has requested customers to immediately discontinue the use of and return any remaining doses from five lots of FLUVIRIN Influenza vaccine Luer-Lok pre-filled syringes, manufactured in Britain.

Routine stability testing of FLUVIRIN revealed a minor deviation in the potency of the A/Brisbane (H1N1) component of the vaccine.

The lots affected bear the following lot numbers: 878771P, 878772P, 878773P, 878775P, 878776P.

The spokesman said that according to DH’s records, FLUVIRIN has not been imported into Hong Kong.

“The Influenza virus vaccines manufactured by Novartis available in Hong Kong are manufactured in the company’s manufacturing plant in another country and are tested to be effective for the current strains of influenza virus recommended by the World Health Organization,” he said.

“The DH will continue to closely monitor the recall and keep the public posted of the latest developments.”

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.bigmedicine.ca/business.htm#China:_DH_closely_monitors_the_recal

Scotland: Pandemic flu drug stockpiles are set to double

[Feb 9 Edinburgh]—

The UK awarded contracts to double emergency supplies of flu drugs to treat everyone who is predicted to fall ill in a pandemic, making the UK one of the most prepared countries in the world.

The agreements with Roche and GlaxoSmithKline will double antiviral stockpiles, which are expected to be in place by April 2009. The contracts will deliver an additional 7.6 million treatment courses of Tamiflu (Roche) and 10.6 million treatment courses of Relenza (GlaxoSmithKline). Once the extra capacity is in place, there will be 33.5 million treatment courses of antivirals.

Without antiviral treatment, estimates suggest that up to 750,000 people could die in the UK during a pandemic. Antivirals will play a key role in the clinical response, reducing the severity of the illness and reducing the chance that complications such as pneumonia will set in.

There are currently enough drugs for a quarter of the population, but the latest cross-government pandemic plan aims to cope with the worse case scenario of an infection rate that could hit up to half the UK population. Contracts awarded today by the Department of Health will ensure that we can meet that aim.

Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said:

“The UK is already widely recognised as one of the best prepared countries in the world. The increased flu-drug stockpile means that we should be able to treat everyone who falls ill in a pandemic.

“Antivirals are an important part of our robust countermeasure strategy and will ensure we respond effectively in the event of a flu pandemic.”

World Health Organization Assistant Director-General for Health Security and Environment Dr David Heymann said:

“The UK remains among the best prepared countries in the world.

“Purchasing enough antivirals to treat the worst case attack rate scenario, and two different antivirals in case resistance develops, is a first class example of the UK’s advanced planning.”

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.bigmedicine.ca/bioscitech.htm#Long-term_use_of_popular_inhalers_

Long-term use of popular inhalers increases risk of pneumonia for COPD patients

[Feb 9 Winston-Salem NC]—Newly published research out of Wake Forest University School of Medicine finds that a popular class of anti-inflammatory inhalers significantly increases the risk of pneumonia in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

The study appears in this month’s issue of Archives of Internal Medicine and focuses on the incidence of pneumonia in patients with COPD who were exposed to inhaled corticosteroid drugs, either alone or in combination with other drugs.

COPD is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. It can cause coughing that produces large amounts of mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and other symptoms. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD, and most people who have COPD smoke or are former smokers. Long-term exposure to other lung irritants, such as air pollution, chemical fumes or dust, also may contribute to COPD.

COPD is currently the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for more than 120,000 deaths annually and costing more than $30 billion each year, according to the National Lung Health Education Program. It is estimated that more than 16 million Americans have COPD; however, that number is rising rapidly and the disease often goes undiagnosed, so some estimates put the actual number of Americans afflicted with the disease as high as 24 million.

Inhaled corticosteroids, used alone or in combination with other drugs for the treatment of asthma, are not approved for use alone in patients with COPD, but rather in combination with beta-antagonists, which dilate the lungs. The available inhaled steroid combinations are fluticasone/salmeterol, marketed byGlaxoSmithKline as AdvairTM, and budesonide/formoterol, marketed by AstraZeneca as SymbicortTM.

The inhalers are effective in relieving many of the symptoms of COPD, but have been associated with an increased risk of pneumonia in recent studies.

For the current study, researchers reviewed 18 randomized clinical trials, several of which were unpublished, involving nearly 17,000 patients in total. They compared the incidence of pneumonia in patients who had taken inhaled corticosteroids for at least 24 weeks versus patients who had taken a placebo, or patients who had taken combination inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-antagonists versus patients who took only the long-acting bronchodilator.

Analysis of the results showed that inhaled corticosteroid use, alone or in combination with bronchodilators, for at least 24 weeks was associated with a significantly increased risk of pneumonia and serious pneumonia (60 to 70 percent increase); however, it was not associated with an increased risk of death. In absolute terms, the study showed that nearly one in every 47 patients with COPD using a corticosteroid inhaler for one year is likely to develop pneumonia linked to use of the drug.

“Our robust meta-analysis … clarifies that the risk of pneumonia reported as a serious adverse event, can be specifically attributed to the long-term use of the inhaled steroid component,” the researchers wrote in their report.

Researchers advised that these results pertain specifically to COPD patients rather than asthma patients, and recommend that “clinicians should remain vigilant for the development of pneumonia with inhaled corticosteroids, as the signs and symptoms of pneumonia may closely mimic that of COPD exacerbations.”

“Given the substantial emerging risk of pneumonia and its associated morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease, and the uncertain benefit of adding an inhaled corticosteroid to a long-acting bronchodilator, clinicians should re-evaluate the benefit-harm profile of long-term inhaled corticosteroid use among patients with COPD,” said Sonal Singh, M.D., M.P.H., an assistant professor of internal medicine and lead investigator for the study.

Co-researchers for this study were Aman V. Amin, M.D., of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and Yoon K. Loke, M.D., MBBS, of the University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom.

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.bigmedicine.ca/newsandterrorism.htm

TOOLS: NEWS & TERRORISM - COMMUNICATING IN A CRISIS

The National Academies has prepared, in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security, fact sheets on four types of terrorist attacks. Drawing on our many reviewed publications, the expertise of our members, and the knowledge of other esteemed authorities, the fact sheets provide reliable, objective information.

They were designed primarily for reporters as part of the project News and Terrorism: Communicating in a Crisis, though they will be helpful to anyone looking for a clear explanation of the fundamentals of science, engineering, and health related to such attacks.

These fact sheets are a product of the National Research Council Division on Earth and Life Studies.

Biological Attack (pdf file, 162 KB)
Where do biological agents originate?
What’s the difference between “infectious” and “contagious”?
How long after exposure will symptoms appear?

Chemical Attack (pdf file, 92 KB)
What are the different origins of toxic chemicals that could be used?
How do chemical toxicities vary?
What are the practical steps to take if there’s a chemical release?

Nuclear Attack (pdf file, 112 KB)
What is radioactive fallout, and how is it dangerous?
What are the short term and long term effects of radiation exposure?
What is the likely size of a nuclear explosion from an attack by terrorists?

Radiological Attack (pdf file, 94 KB)
What are radiological dispersal devices, a.k.a. “dirty bombs”?
How are they different from nuclear bombs?
What are their physical and psychological health effects?

[TnGOP]

I was surprised, too, not to see toilet paper, axe or hatchet, bow saw, hammer, feminine hygiene products, and a few others not on the list. I work in maintenance, so the basic hand tools were my first thought. It’s hard to repair anything, clear a road, or build a shelter with your bare hands. I would also add a can of mink oil to the list. It helps waterproof shoes. Might come in handy keeping the feet healthy.

[TalonDJ]

I work in maintenance, so the basic hand tools were my first thought. It’s hard to repair anything, clear a road, or build a shelter with your bare hands.

To say nothing of barricading your house against the zombie horde.

Might come in handy keeping the feet healthy.

And a jumbo thing of 'gold bond' foot powder

[TnGOP]

Last year I first discovered heirloom seeds, and grew melons, squash, and tomatoes from them. This year, I am starting earlier, and will try carrots, lettuce, more kinds of tomatoes, and corn and purple hull peas, which I grew from hybrid seed last year.

A question: Last year, while weeding my burning bush, I found a tomato plant growing in the mulch. This was 50 or more yards from my garden - I guess a bird dropped the seed there. This became the most prolific tomato plant I have ever grown. In the last month alone, I got over 2 gallons of ripe, and 2 gallons of green tomatoes from it. They just grew on the ground, and the tomatoes had no pests, rot - perfectly healthy. I named it "Volunteer Tomato", and saved a bunch of seeds for this year. Is it safe to assume that since it grew from seed last year, that it will do so again, and grow similar tomatoes given similar conditions? I guess I'm really asking if these seeds can be assumed to be non-hybrid, open pollinated. I already know that it is indeterminate, due to size and length of production.

[metmom]

So, how did you build the rack?

It looks like white plastic buckets and PVC pipe. How’d you get the buckets to stay up?

[TnGOP]

I live where Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama all come together. Eight miles from Shiloh Military Park.

I was standing up to do something as I read this sentence. It made me do a double take. I grew up in Corinth. My mom and a sister are still there. I also have a sister in Adamsville. That's home to me. Hope to get down there this weekend and fish a little if weather permits. It's just a little over 2 hrs drive from just north of Memphis.

[DelaWhere]

Hey, the beer posting would have been way better if he provided samples... ;-)

[DelaWhere]

Thanks a bunch for the info, Granny.

I only use an albuterol inhaler maybe once a month and spiriva seems to help a lot. Losing 55 pounds helped more than anything.

I think of the COPD as having developed a special talent -
After years of coughing, I have very well developed diaphragm muscles... Perfect for blow-gun hunting should the need arise. ;-)

[DelaWhere]

I would also add a can of mink oil to the list.

Also does a great job keeping the leathers supple on that seldom used piston or pitcher pump so they work better when needed.

[TnGOP]

RAISING CATFISH IN A BARREL

Just when I think I've read the most interesting thing I'll see today, I find this. Although I don't have the time or want to to raise fish, I've been really thinking about the worm composting. I've always been fascinated by the little magic workers. I was actually thinking about just adding worms to my current compost bin. It's in an area that's a little too shady to produce like I want it to. It has a lot of worms in it already, but I thought adding more might speed up the process. Anyone have any thoughts or experience on this?

[Wneighbor]

No, I don’t like the cold, about 80 would be fantastic.

80 is *perfect* Winter should be around '70 if is has to cool off and the remainder of the year can stand around 80 something.

We got heavy storms last night. Not much rain but heavy wind and hail. Even though I thought I had things safe the wind rearranged my yard. And it's only 51 now so I'm not going out for a while to put things back together.

I am sure you have made a special place in God's heart. I know He has prompted me to pray for you often. West Coast Gal and many others are saying the same thing here. You are one special lady!

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

I had a flat electric stove for years and I used cast iron on it without a problem. We had both the quartz burner and the standard burner. It was black but I was obsessive about the top for scratches etc. and had no problems. You could use the cast iron on low heat if you wanted to see what happens.

[Wneighbor]

We will never see you again, when you do find the land, you will be working daylight to dark.

Can't get too much worse, I'm already up at 5 and working well after dark. Lloyd works 10 hour days on his present contract. It's an hour drive over to that facility. He wants his whole hour lunch break with so many hours, so he leaves at 7 AM and returns home at 8PM. Makes for some LONG days but his contract is paying very well and we are using it to find that LAND!

[Wneighbor]

I guess I'm really asking if these seeds can be assumed to be non-hybrid, open pollinated.

I think you can safely assume that your tomato is open pollinated. I am *so* glad you saved the seed! Did your mulch come from your compost? It might be that it's a seed that survived the composting. I have had that happen.

[DelaWhere]

‘Volunteer Tomato’ Neat name for a Tennessee Tomato.

The answer to your question - a definite - maybe.

If it grew from a hybrid seed, it has a 50% chance of being a hybrid and a 25% chance of the true parent A and 25% chance of the true parent B that made up the hybrid.

The way to tell is going to be to observe the plants you start from those seeds. If they turn out true to the volunteer plant, they should be open pollinated.

Hope that helps...

[NELSON111]

Bump for later