Are You Going To Swallow This?

     Lisa, one of my faithful readers, and a good friend, sent me a link to an article that absolutely blew me away!  It seems that the "Digital Pill" has arrived.
     This article announced that the FDA had approved the use of the 1 square millimeter device (the size of a grain of sand), which it believes will "shift the care paradigm" into an era of digital medicine.  Proteus Digital Health, Inc. is the name of the company that has designed and produced this "digital sensor".  According to Proteus' official announcement, “The FDA validation represents a major milestone in digital medicine. Directly digitizing pills, for the first time, in conjunction with our wireless infrastructure, may prove to be the new standard for influencing medication adherence (my emphasis) and significantly aid chronic disease management."  Are you wondering what that could possibly mean?  According to GreenMedInfo.com, this is what it means:  The aim of the "ingestible sensor" is to electronically verify patient compliance in taking the medication.  In other words, this little pill gives the government access to your body!  And what if it is determined that you are not "complying"? What then?

     The official line is that you swallow your medication (which includes the ingestible sensor) and along with a patch on the outside of your body, a doctor, committee, or clinician is able to read a variety of biofeedback information..... is the medication helping the patient's condition? Is the patient taking the medication at the recommend times and dosages?  What is the heart rate, body position, and condition of the patient?  Also in the official statement was this curious pronouncement:  "This device provides an unprecedented view into an individual’s personal health choices and physiologic response, allowing patients to better manage their health and more effectively collaborate with caregivers and clinicians, while enabling new information-based business models."  Does any part of that statement scare you as much as it does me?
     I'm sorry, but I have lost my trust in companies that seek to become a "business model" at the expense of my privacy.  And do you really think this was designed so that the patient could manage his/her own health care?
        What's to keep this nifty little invention from being integrated into any of your medications (without your knowledge!) and allowing the government to monitor if you are taking your medicine like a good little citizen should?  It seems to me that it is only one small step to a panel determining that you are not following some medical protocol that a government bureaucrat has determined, sidestepping your private doctor (if they even exist in the near future) and deciding that you no longer meet the guidelines for receiving care.
     Some other interesting facts about this company is that Bill and Melinda Gates are listed as founding partners in the company.  They certainly have their fingers in a lot of green/global projects recently.  And obviously, the commercial and global possibilities for such a device are infinite.  Which doesn't surprise me ... considering the governments interest in GMO foods, new transfer methods for vaccines, and other highly questionable technological advancements to supposedly reduce suffering.  Is mercy their aim ..... or money?
      Decide for yourself.  According to a 2008 article published in Pharma Marketing News, "it was estimated that an 18% improvement in compliance would translate into increased revenues of approximately $8000 per patient a year."   Where would that money go?  Follow the trail, and I bet you will find the REAL beneficiaries of this grand new technology.
     Oh, and by the way, the name Proteus is taken from Greek mythology.  Proteus was the son of the sea-god Poseidon.  And what were his characteristics?  He was elusive, changeable, and "capable of assuming many forms."  Sounds like the perfect name for a company that presents itself on the cutting edge of medicine, with only better patient care in mind.  Sure, you are supposed to have to give your consent to take this grain of sand buried in your heart pill.  But who is to say how it will actually be used?  This technology will be the death of us all!

Psalm 35:24-26      "Vindicate me in your righteousness, Lord my God; do not let them gloat over me.  Do not let them think, 'Aha, just what we wanted!' or say, 'We have swallowed him up.' May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace."

Eat Your Carrots and Take Your Vitamins!

     I have two very good friends who are physicians, and it gives me an inordinate amount of unease to hear their opinions on the future of health care in this country.  These are people who have dedicated their lives to caring for others, and have enjoyed the practice of medicine.  But the increasing number of regulations, paperwork, computer equipment purchases, and changes in how they are allowed to care for their patients has them questioning their future.

     The fears over what is buried in the Obamacare legislation has everyone - both patient and doctor - nervous and worried.  One of my doctor friends passed on an article that I feel has much merit for us today.  Titled, Reflections On A Medical Career, the article was written by Dr. Robert S. Dotson, an ophthalmologist who has practiced medicine for over 30 years.  His observations sent a cold chill through me.
     As he revealed this country's history of implementing "universal" health care, I wondered how we could have been so blind.  From LBJ's part in the creation of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965, to Nixon passing the HMO Act in 1973, through Carter's failed attempt to introduce National Health Insurance, and Clinton's failure to implement "Hillarycare", all the way up to GW's nod to Big Pharma with the expansion of pharmaceutical coverage for those under Medicare --- it was all an incremental slog towards a national health care system that would undermine the best medical care in the world.  Between bad policy and the plundering of American patients by insurance and pharmaceutical corporations, we better get ready for a new dynamic in our health care.
     But we patients aren't the only ones who have been hurt.  Doctors face falling reimbursement rates, climbing overhead costs, Big Brother in their businesses, and rising drug, insurance and professional costs.  And with the decline in the US dollar, they face increases in staff salaries, rent, and taxes.  The state of our economy is hurting both individuals and businesses, and the medical field is not immune.  Like other small business owners, doctors are finding that their incomes are being reduced, as their operating costs are exploding.
     Needless to say, the "new" system that is being proposed scares the hell out of me:  widespread vaccinations with untested "stabs" are mandated in the new Affordable Care Act.  Not only does that raise the specter of experimental medicine, but it introduces the possibility of biometric "nano-chipping" in unsuspecting patients.  And despite all of the White House's denials, there is clear provision in the Act for bureaucratic decision-making bodies which will make end-of-life decisions for us all.  Translation:  "Death Panels".
     So what does Dr. Dotson see as a remedy to our declining health care system?  Just as there are those who say the only way to bring about a renewed economy is a complete collapse of the failing one, our Good Physician thinks that the medical system is totally and completely broken.  Since the collapse of the entire health system is unlikely, he offers this sage advice.  Here are some steps to keep yourself healthy and avoid the healthcare system for as long as you can:


1. avoid excessive use of tobacco or alcohol or, for that matter, caffeine;
2. avoid poisons like fluoride, aspartame, high fructose corn syrup, and addictive drugs (legal or illicit);
3. avoid unnecessary and potentially lethal imaging studies (TSA’s radiation pornbooths, excessive mammography, repetitive CT scans – exposure to all significantly increases cancer risk);
4. avoid excessive cell phone use and exposure to other forms of EMR pollution where possible (the NSA is recording everything you say and text anyway);
5. avoid daily fast food use and abuse (remember: pink slime and silicone) ;
6. avoid untested GM foods (do you really want to become “Roundup Ready?”):
7. avoid most vaccinations and pharmaceutical agents promoted by the establishment;
8. avoid risky behaviors (and, we do not need a bunch of Nanny State bureaucrats to define and police these);

9. exercise moderately;
10. get plenty of sleep;
11. drink plenty of good quality water (buy a decent water filter to remove fluoride, chloride, and heavy metals);
12. wear protective gear at work and play where appropriate (helmets, eye-shields, knee and elbow pads, etc.):
13. seek out locally-grown, whole, organic foods and support your local food producers;
14. take appropriate nutritional supplements (multi-vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3);
15. switch off the TV and the mainstream media it represents;
16. educate yourself while you can;  And, lastly…
17. QUESTION AUTHORITY!
   
     Dr. Dotson seems to feel that following these simple steps will "add healthy years to a person's life and help one avoid most medical encounters during his or her allotted time on earth."  This is good advice for the saddest of reasons.  And he reminds us that we need to care for our neighbors and our families.  We have been spoiled by the best medical care on the planet, and people are going to have to start living with more aches and pains, sniffles and coughs, than they are used to.  We must be sympathetic and supportive as much as possible.  His final advice is not to give in or give up.  You are ultimately responsible for your own health care, so be wise in how you live your life and treat your body.

Dr. Dotson was forced to close his office in April of 2012.  The expenses were too prohibitive, the regulations too restrictive, and the battle too tiring to continue.   I fear that too many more physicians are going to know the heartache of saying good-bye to patients and practices.

Matthew 9:12-12      ....  Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Product Recommendation: SunDanzer Solar Refrigerator

     Ever since I read the book, One Second After, by William Forstchen, I have been haunted by one particular scenario.  Without spoiling the book, it's a tale of what society will be like after an EMP, and the different situations we will face.
     If this country is ever targeted with an EMP (Elecromagnetic Pulse), the results could be catastrophic.  Because an EMP is an oversized outburst of atmospheric electricity, the resultant intense magnetic fields can induce ground currents strong enough to burn out power lines and electrical equipment across the country.  At risk are the more than 200,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines that cross North America, supplying 1,800 utilities that power TVs, lights, refrigerators and air conditioners.  Let's not forget that support systems like hospitals and police stations will also be affected.
     But among the most seriously affected will be those people who rely on life-saving medications; Diabetics being impacted the most.  Insulin cannot be exposed to direct heat or light.  And unopened, not-in-use insulin should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature of 36-46˚ F; opened, in-use insulin stored at room temperature below 86˚ F.  Without refrigeration, the insulin will be ineffective!
     So, even if you don't buy into the possibility of an EMP, you can easily see that any kind of pro-longed catastrophe is a life-and-death-situation for a Diabetic.

     But here is a product that could solve that problem!  It's called the SunDanzer Solar Refrigerator.  It is a battery-free solar refrigerator that connects directly to a solar panel without other controls or batteries.  This solar refrigerator will maintain temperatures safe for refrigerated perishables for four to five days of cloudy weather without the need for a battery.  It contains a built-in ice bank that freezes when the sun shines. It acts like a battery, but will never wear out.  It cannot be damaged by overcharging or undercharging like a normal lead acid battery.
     The cost of this refrigerator  (at $1450 plus $400 for a Solar Kit) may seem a bit pricey, but the higher initial cost replaces what you’d spend on your first battery and charge controller. After that, there is no scheduled maintenance for the life of the refrigerator other than normal cleaning.
     And if you're a Diabetic, I would venture to guess that the cost will seem insignificant if it provides you with a chance to survive.  If you know someone with this disease, please let them know about this product.  That is the first thing I thought of when I received notice of it in my Inbox.  And of course, it has great importance for the rest of us, too.  The more information we have about these kinds of products, the better we can prepare.

1 Samuel 25:6      "Say to him: ‘Long life to you! Good health to you and your household! And good health to all that is yours!"

Give Your Doctor A Hug .... Before They All Disappear

     As I was surfing my favorite news sites and blogs, I came across a frightening report.  With the Supreme Court decision on Obamacare looming over us, you can feel the fear and anxiety throughout the medical field.  According to a recent survey by the American Medical Association, an astounding 83% of doctors stated that they would consider leaving the medical profession, should the unconstitutional law go into effect.

     You can go to an article on town hall.com to get the specific statistics on the survey, but here's a few of the key findings; how your own doctor may feel about continuing to practice medicine.  Doctors feel:
1)  The medical system is on the wrong track
2)  The system challenges their ethics
3)  Big Government is at the center of current problems
4)  They will either stop accepting Medicare patients, or leave Medicare completely
5)  They will stop accepting Medicaid patients
6)  They are hesitant to voice their opinion
7)  Private Practice is being replaced by Corporate medicine .... and more.
     So, where would that leave us?  I watched a daytime news show last year that interviewed an audience of doctors.  Half were newly graduated from Medical School, while the other half were seasoned and veteran doctors.  The difference in philosophy between the two groups was astounding!  The young doctors think the new system will provide "equal access" to all people, and think working for Big Brother poses no ethical or practical problems.  (Brain-washing in the medical school classroom is no different than at other universities.)  The older doctors clearly see a decline in the quality of medical care when decision-making is made by "panels" and "committees" versus treating the individual as needed.
    And now I'll answer my own question.... I think if Obamacare becomes a reality and we lose 83% of our "old-school" doctors, we will suddenly find ourselves in a "Brave New World".  You will just be a number in the medical system, seen by whatever physician happens to be on call at the clinic you report to.  No longer will you have an intimate and personal relationship with your doctor, and your wait-time for an appointment will be extended considerably.
    I feel for all the physicians who entered into this profession for all the right reasons.  How it must break their hearts to think that the Government will control the quality of life of their patients.  No longer will the physician/patient relationship be paramount!  And they endanger their livelihood (and their freedom) should they decide to buck the system.  I can understand why, even though it would be extremely difficult, they would rather leave their profession than deliver a substandard caliber of care.
     As a patient, I must admit that my opposition to Obamacare stems from more than the financial aspect of health insurance, long wait-times for elected surgeries, or so-called "health panels" that will determine aspects of my life-giving care, or even the circumstances of how my life will end.  My real concern is the relationship I want to have with my doctor.  I want someone attending me who knows me --- my name, my history, and how I wish to be treated..... and cares about hearing my opinions.
     The thought that I could be facing a future with Government-employed practitioners turns my blood cold.  So you can bet that I will be praying that the Supreme Court follows the Constitutional rulebook, and strikes down the mandate.  Our nation needs healing -- and by those who know the true meaning of restoring us to health.

Jeremiah 8:15       "We hoped for peace but no good has come, for a time of healing but there is only terror."

A Stitch In Time

     I owe today's post to our friend "Lisa" who is sharing the activities of her preparedness group.  Through her ingenuity, she has forged a community of people who are interested in teaching others time-honored skills.  Those willing to teach have come together with those yearning to learn, and together they are encouraging each other.  Lisa recently sent me this email, and the personal experience she has to share will surely light a few lightbulbs above some heads across the land.  Here's what Lisa had to say:


     Belle, thank you so much for bringing our little group to your reader's attention, and I'm hoping and praying that someone will take off with what we're doing and make a difference for themselves, their families, friends and neighbors. I just want to say that it takes a team effort and those that are in our group really do pull together to help make things happen. Even a very small group can make a difference.  Little by little, we move ahead!
     We've had a very busy three days here on the farm.  It's shearing time, and since last year, we have decided to save ourselves some money and do the shearing ourselves.  We ended up saving quite a bit, but it can also be a trade-off --- it takes a lot of practice and strength.  Last year I sheared two of our animals myself, but the clippers get heavy after a while.  Though they don't look like it, they are!  They are deadly dangerous, and they can practically take your finger off, so you have to be very aware of how and where they are being moved around.  We have sixteen animals at this time, having lost two through age and illness.   I had the help of my son Jason and his girlfriend, as well as my friend Myrna in getting them onto the shearing table.   My husband then did the shearing as I controlled the head of each animal.   They were extremely strong for their size and this leads me to the point of my story, and the lesson for your readers.

     We ended up having to call our vet out the first day, as my dear husband cut one of our males pretty good.   "Princeton" (yes, we name them!) jumped and the clippers went into his skin and opened up a six-inch gash.  Though it was an open skin cut, it freaked everyone out of course, except me.  It was on the flank-belly area. I worked for a couple of vets years ago and I did some help with suturing, but I couldn't remember how to do it when the question came up...."Okay, so now what?".... everyone was looking at me and saying that I should sew it up.  Oh no... that wasn't going to be!  I made it clear that the vet should be called because I told them that I truly didn't remember how, though I had all the supplies on hand to do it.  That sent a bell off in my head at that very moment!  
     I knew then that I needed to re-learn how to do it (and properly) as a skill for just such an event in the future.  We have the ability to call a vet today, and have him come and do the suturing.  But as I hung up the phone and walked back to the barn to inform everyone the vet would be there quickly, and all was well;  I knew that I could be put in that same position if something in the future happened to a person and there was no medical help available.  There were four people standing there, and none of us felt competent to take care of that wound.  That told me we had a problem!
     Well, the vet came and we got "Princeton" all taken care of and he is doing well. The doc brought out a surgical staple gun which I've seen, but never used myself until that morning. It was a super little gadget to have on hand and super easy to use.  He left me with one that was new; still in the package, if we needed it in the future.  I will be buying a few more of those dandy little devices to have stored in my emergency medical supplies to have on hand for either our own use or for our pets/livestock, if for some reason medical services aren't available. 
     And I'm taking it a step further .... I am going to go to my friend's vet clinic and have him let me stand in on a couple of surgeries --- to at least observe, and hopefully, to recall the suturing technique.  I want to know that I "can" do it, and if needed, I can step up to the plate. 
     I understand that I can handle a minor wound like "Princeton's", but any serious deep wound; that would would have to be cared for by a doctor.
     I would also suggest that folks keep Betadine solution on hand to go along with this tool. Because I have livestock, I always get the livestock medical supply catalogs and I can tell you that you can get so many items in there for a much cheaper price than you can elsewhere.   A few years ago I ordered a lot of supplies from one particular company, and the woman on the other end told me we must have a lot going on at the farm and I told her things "do happen" and I was more or less preparing for the future!   She laughed, but she didn't get it. The less they know, the better!


     So, as you can see by Lisa's letter, day-to-day tasks can reveal areas that you need to consider should the SHTF.  As you go about your day, evaluate how your life would be effected if the unexpected happened.  Do you have an extra pair of tennis shoes, a ball cap, and extra water stored in your car if you get stranded and have to walk?  Do you have extra medication stored, in case you were unable to fill next month's prescription for your thyroid or heart medicine?  Have you talked to your children, or your parents, about a plan to meet up at a safe location?  These are times that cannot be taken for granted!  Nothing is to be assumed.  Our senses need to be sharp and our minds aware of all kinds of possibilities.  But through sharing our experiences and our knowledge, we can grow and improve our state of readiness.  As Lisa found out, we can do it!  The closing sentence of her letter to me says it all:  Thanks, Belle, for letting me share my story.  It's great trying to reach people with the Spirit of our Lord leading and guiding us along our way!


FYI, you can purchase a disposable skin stapler from Amazon, for under $10.  Buy several to keep on hand.  They are a great supplement to your medical kit.


1 Peter 2:24      "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed."

Recommended Book: "Where There Is No Doctor"

     Well, I have another book from my personal library that I think you will find exceptional.  Where There Is No Doctor was originally written for those who live far from medical centers, and in remote places where there (obviously) is no doctor.   While at this time, our society has no problem getting expert and quality medical care, I think we can all imagine a point in time when we might be responsible for our own health care.  When that time comes, you will want to have this book on hand.

     This book will give the average, medically untrained person a good sense of how to look at a health care situation and respond to it intelligently.  The writers assume that you have no training and your level of medical knowledge is minimal.  As you can imagine, this book has been valuable for anyone going into Third World countries such as missionaries and Peace Corps volunteers.  And their praise for the book was what convinced me it was a must.

     The book gives clear and concise instructions on topics such as "How To Examine A Sick Person"; "How to Make Homemade Casts"; "Guidelines For The Use of Antibiotics"; and "Preparing For Birth".  There are great sections on First Aid, Nutrition, Skin Problems, and Health and Sicknesses of Children and Older People.  It's all here!

     There is a lot of information in this book dealing with cleanliness due to lack of plumbing, etc., and in a Katrina type situation, or TEOTWAWKI, you will find this information invaluable.  Most Americans already know the basics of sanitation, but if the SHTF, we could be faced with a whole new world.

     I want to caution you that this book will not make you a medical expert, and you should supplement it with other books I've recommended, such as Dare To Prepare and The Prepared Family Guide to Uncommon Diseases.  But I'm one that believes we can never have enough medical reference material for all kinds of emergency situations.  Granted, the book was not written specifically for the types of emergencies and chaos we might face, and the drawings are sometimes simplistic and crude, but I promise you, the practical information between its covers far outweighs its original purpose and presentation.  It's available on Amazon for less than $20, and at that price, it is a bargain.

Isaiah 58:8     "Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard."

Saturday Morning Commentary: PTSD Is This War's Agent Orange

     Increasingly, we are hearing stories that our returning combat veterans are suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  Whether it is the recent killings of 16 men, women and children in Afghanistan by a soldier (as yet unidentified and allegedly suffering from a brain injury - the story changes daily), or the murder of a Mount Rainer Park Ranger by an Iraq War veteran, PTSD is the "disorder" that our veterans are being saddled with.
     PTSD is real; it exists.  And why would it not?  When our brave men and women see multiple deployments while fighting alongside U.S.-trained Afghanis or Iraqis that oftentimes turn out to be the enemy?  How do you switch that strain and pressure and worry off, let alone the fatigue of war and the financial concerns of your family back home?

     Yet we must be very careful to scrutinize the news we receive from the media.  The mainstream media would have us believe that Benjamin Colton Barnes, the suspect in the death of the Park Ranger, was an angry veteran who suffered from PTSD, and therefore all war vets are suspect and subject to being painted with the same brush.  After a little digging, I found a news report by MyNorthwest.com and a statement from the local Pierce County Sheriff's Office on this young man:  "He seems to be kind of a jerk more than anything else before he even went into the military....There's zero percent chance this is PTSD.....He was a trouble maker from the get go and the military did the right thing by getting rid of him."  Yet he is labeled with this very real problem, which in many ways minimizes those who are truly suffering.
     And in the recent case of the deaths of Afghan citizens, we have very little facts to go on.  Yet PTSD is already emerging as the likely cause of the rampage.  Will we ever know the real facts?  My fear is that PTSD will become the scapegoat for any and all atypical or deviant behavior, while our brave veterans who truly suffer from this disorder will be denied the real help they deserve.
     Sally Satel, an American Enterprise Institute (supposedly a conservative think tank) scholar and psychiatrist, has for years proclaimed that care for PTSD veterans is a waste of money.  Among her key points:  1)  She objects to the $7.2 billion allocation in the 2012 budget for research and treatment of PTSD in military veterans, feeling that mental health examiners are misdiagnosing the disorder, and paying for undeserved benefits.  But what about those who truly deserve the assistance?  (In a side note:  the very diagnosis of PTSD is changing.  Is this an attempt to minimize coverage under existing military benefits?)  2)  She also believes that disability benefits incentivize unemployment and dependency, and discourage veterans from returning to the civilian workforce.  So is she trying to say our veterans are just seeking another form of welfare?  That's a pretty broad generalization, don't you think?
     But all you have to do is google "PTSD" and see the hundreds of websites that are evidence that this disorder is very real and very troubling to our veterans and their families.  I have personally sat across from a brave and honorable young man, a soldier home on leave, whose heart and mind were understandably torn between the buddies he left behind, and his young family who he felt temporarily estranged from.   He talked of nothing but the life-and-death camaraderie with his fellow soldiers and the difficult circumstances they find themselves in.  Who do they trust when children are often used by the enemy to kill his fellow soldiers?  I looked deep in his eyes and could see that he worried about being away from men with whom he shared a daily struggle to survive.   Meanwhile his wife was managing all the household duties without him, and his very young children needed time to become reacquainted with him.  What do you think that does to a man's identity?
     Within a few days time, he had re-bonded with his family..... loving pictures of smiles and hugs were evidence that his connection with his wife and children was secure ..... just in time to be sent back to the front lines in Afghanistan.

     Here's my concern:  this generation of brave Americans are being sacrificed, and for what?  Are we any further towards reaching our goal of eradicating terror across the globe?  Not only do we have an entire generation that bears the obvious scars of missing limbs, but there is an untold number who carry an invisible injury that may be even more difficult to diagnose and treat; especially if they become a casualty of government cuts and indifference.
     I am not making this about politics--it's about our men and women who deserve the very best care they can get.  I do not want them labeled and discriminated against; I do not want them to be shoved under the rug.  They and their families have sacrificed so much for us and they are entitled to whatever they need.  Let's stay vigilant and encourage our elected officials to make them a priority!

Psalm 8:4     "What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?" 

Tea Tree Oil: Topical Aid

     I want to introduce you to one of the mainstays in my store of medicinal products.  If you are not familiar with tea tree oil, it is also known as melaleuca oil, and is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of a plant found in New South Wales, Australia.
     The indigenous people of eastern Australia have used this natural and traditional medicine to treat coughs and colds (by inhaling the oils from the crushed leaves).  They also sprinkle leaves on wounds, making a poultice, and soak the leaves in water, making an infusion to treat sore throats or skin ailments.

          It has been around for nearly a century, and has been scientifically researched only recently.  I have found it to have beneficial effects when applied topically to cuts, cold sores, insect bites, etc.  I have a tendency to develop springtime allergies to blooming trees, which results at the outset, in earaches and painful sores on the sides of my tongue.  I have tried all forms of relief..... rinsing with mouthwash, hydrogen peroxide, etc.  I have found that the best way to soothe the swelling and the pain is to apply a topical layer of tea tree oil with a Q-tip.  Within 24 hours the condition is gone.
     Recent studies have shown that the topical application of tea tree oil has been effective against bacteria, viruses, fungal infections, mites and even head lice.  Acne sufferers have reported success with its use, and with less side effects than other treatments.  It can be used to treat dandruff, yeast infections, cold sores and shingles.
     I MUST STRESS THAT USE SHOULD BE RESTRICTED TO TOPICAL APPLICATIONS.  When swallowed, tea tree oil is toxic, so be sure and keep away from pets and children.  But I like the fact that it is a natural product, with a long shelf life, and it has many uses.  You don't need much to apply it topically, so a two-ounce bottle will last you a long time.
     If confronted with an emergency that restricts your access to doctors or hospitals, this natural product could be a valuable part of your medicine cabinet.  You can buy it under the Spring Valley brand at Walmart, and it costs you about $8 for a two-ounce bottle.  Stock up now and let me know of your success stories with tea tree oil!

Jeremiah 33:6    "Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security."

A Little Something For Your BOB

     I want to introduce you to a little kit that my husband, the Peace-Loving Warrior (PLW), put together for himself.  We live in a part of the country that is teeming with all kinds of cactus-like plants that sport pesky thorns.  If left alone, or not quickly removed, these barbs can quickly develop into something quite painful, and even progress to nasty, little infections that require a visit to the doctor.  And building fence and chopping your own firewood are also methods for acquiring splinters in your extremities---hence, his decision to build his own Splinter Kit to deal with the situation on the spot.

 
     After suffering through many episodes of painful thorns and splinters, he decided to create his own portable Splinter Kit that he could carry with him while out hunting, or working on fence, or splitting firewood.  While all his friends suffered until they could get back home to deal with the nuisance, he was able to forego the delay and the subsequent soreness, and immediately eliminate the source of the problem.  The real trick is to get the thorn or splinter out as quickly as possible, before it becomes so sore, you can't touch it.
     I'm not revealing anything new or revolutionary; for centuries people have removed thorns and splinters with a needle.  Heck, even in Lonesome Dove, Deets removes the Mesquite thorn from Jake's thumb with a needle he carried in his gear.  Somehow, we've lost that example of common sense and practicality---something we are going to need lots of when the SHTF scenario happens.  In fact, the little tin can that PLW bought to hold his supplies only cost him $1.20 on one of his favorite prepper sites.  And he scrounged everything else from our stockpile of medical supplies at home.
     He carries one with him in his GoBag that never leaves his side, and another one is stashed in the more comprehensive BOB for a bigger event.  So there's no excuse!  It's not rocket science, but it sure provides some timely relief.

Isaiah 10:17     "The Light of Israel will become a fire, their Holy One a flame; in a single day it will burn and consume his thorns and his briers."

An Essential Medical Guide for Uncertain Times

    This blog post will provide you with what might easily be the most important information you receive in regard to taking care of your family.  This book, titled “The Prepared Family Guide to Uncommon Diseases”, was written by Enola Gay, the author of one of my “go-to” blogs , titled Paratus Familia.  

     Enola Gay is a self-described “homestead type” who tries to live independently, off the grid, and according to her Christian, Conservative values.  It became very clear to her, that as caretakers of our families, we could be presented with situations that require us to attend to the medical needs of those we love.  Of course, this book is not intended to replace your doctor’s vast medical expertise.  It is a safeguard against a time when access to your doctor may not be available.

     In her own words….”In a TEOTWAWKI, grid-down or terrorist attack scenario, we may be faced with a resurgence of potentially deadly plagues and diseases.”  So she set about writing this book, compiling a list of potential medical threats, along with signs, symptoms, treatments and methods of containment.

   Section 1 includes a listing of specific diseases such as Smallpox, Measles, Mumps, Tuberculosis, Chickenpox, Pneumonia, Scarlet Fever, Influenza, Malaria, Hantavirus, Head Lice, and many more.  You may be thinking that some of these diseases have been irradicated; we don’t need to worry about them.  But in the case of a collapsed infrastructure, these diseases will once again raise their ugly heads.  To be forewarned, is to be forearmed.

     You receive a description of each disease, its signs or symptoms, how to treat it, how to contain it, the history of the disease, and a section titled “The Doctor Says…”, which is a medical evaluation of the disease by Maurice Masar, MD, LMCC, FRSPH. 

      Section 2 provides you with recipes to help treat symptoms, such as a Clear Liquid Diet, an Electrolyte Replacer, Saline Solution, and a recipe for Emergency Baby Food Formula.  Here’s an example:

Electrolyte Replacer

½ tsp. Table Salt

¼ tsp. Salt Substitute (or Potassium Chloride)

½ tsp. Baking Soda

2 tbsp. Sugar

Mix everything together with 1 quart boiling water.  Cool to serve.

You may add 1 package unsweetened kool-aid or 1 packet of Emergen-C to mixture for flavor and added vitamins.

     Section 3 provides easy and simple treatment of symptoms such as Cough, Dehydration/Diarrhea, Earache, Fever, Shock, and Sore Throat.  They may seem old-fashioned, but these are time-tested remedies that our grandmothers used and they still work!

     At the end of the book, Enola Gay even provides a Shopping List of supplies to keep on hand for medical emergencies, including provisions for bandaging, OTC pharmaceuticals, Antibiotics (and what diseases they treat), Vitamins/Supplements, etc.  

     As she explains in her foreword, “the goal is to equip people with the basic tools they need to fight disease and win.”  With this book in your library, you will have the knowledge to care for your family during a medical crisis.  The price is a modest $21.94.  Go to her website and order today!

Jeremiah 33:6     “Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and let them enjoy abundant peace and security.”