Practical Homestead Irrigation – Part 2, by A.F.
(Continued from Part 1.) In the lead-up to our move, I had taken a soils class as part of my degree program. The professor opened my eyes to soil biology, nutrient cycles, and the damage done by repeated deep tillage. Plow, harrow then rototill was the only system I had ever seen for large home […]
Will Mosquitos Cause the Next Pandemic?
Have you ever wondered if or when the next pandemic might come along? And what will launch it?
Some scientists believe that mosquitos will cause the next pandemic. And that the time is ripe for it. Due to the warmer and wetter weather pattern known as El Niño, mosquito activity is expected to be higher than normal in North America this year.
And that means a rise in mosquito-borne illnesses. Some of which can be very dangerous to our health.
The CDC predicts that serious illnesses will become more widespread in a number of areas in North America. Due to the rising number of mosquitos and a warmer climate.
‘Damage from inaction is enormous’
Mosquito-borne illnesses can cause fever and rash. As well as headaches, body aches, and muscle and joint pain.
How do these mosquitos get here? Well, some have already been here for a long time. But some migrate north from South and Central America.
One batch of particularly dangerous mosquitos entered the U.S. several decades ago through – of all things – the used tire industry.
Is the U.S. doing enough to prevent these infestations? A medical entomologist and professor at the University of California-Davis doesn’t think so.
“If we don’t do anything, which is basically what we’re doing right now, it’s going to get worse,” said Tom Scott. “The damage from inaction is enormous. It’s unacceptable. It’s unethical.”
Mosquitos gearing up for battle
Mosquitos that will buzz around our backyards this spring, summer, and fall don’t carry warning signs regarding the diseases they carry.
It’s safer to assume that a mosquito is carrying a disease and wants to transmit it to you while “borrowing” some of your blood.
They want to feast on you, your pets, and your garden. Right now, many of them are emerging from hibernation. Others are heading north toward us as our weather warms. And billions of them are just a twinkle in their parents’ eyes right now.
To us, they are a pain somewhere south of our eyes. Their goal is to gain nutrition from our blood, the blood of our pets, and the plants in our garden.
Don’t provide a home where bugs can roam
There are many ways to try to keep mosquitos and other illness-borne bugs such as ticks out of your yard. For one, take away their habitats.
Ticks love leaf litter, tall grass, and brush. So, rake, mow, and clear. Divide your lawn from any wooded area with a three-foot wide barrier of wood chips.
Mosquitos love standing water, where they can hang out and breed. So, drain those areas regularly. Including kids’ pools, flowerpots, buckets, wheelbarrows, and bird baths.
There’s nothing like a nice, shady area on your lawn where you can sit and relax. The problem is, mosquitos love shade too. Limit shady areas by cutting back trees and pruning hedges.
Avoid mosquito bites
Let me provide you with some effective ways to avoid mosquito bites. As well as some good ways to treat them when they happen.
Use a mosquito repellent. There are over-the-counter sprays and rub-ons containing DEET. If you want to avoid that chemical, make your own concoction.
Mosquitos aim for thin-skinned areas because they can get to your blood easier. Apply the repellent to exposed areas of skin. Focus on your feet, ankles, lower legs, and wrists.
Bugs are also attracted to dark colors. Wear light-colored clothing when you’re outdoors. Long sleeves and pants can be helpful for avoiding bites. A thicker fabric with a looser fit is preferable to tight-fitting, thin fabrics.
Avoid the outdoors around dawn and dusk. That way your blood won’t be available to them during their favorite parts of the day. When indoors, keep windows closed unless you’re sure there are no holes in your screens.
Use an odor-free, lightweight, portable bug-zapper in your backyard that attracts and kills bugs without pesticides or chemicals. Look for one that’s water-resistant and cleans itself.
Treat mosquito bites
Scratching mosquito bites usually makes them itch more and longer. That’s not a good “treatment.”
If you break the skin while scratching, you can expose yourself to an additional infection. Wash the area with soap and water, then cover it with a bandage.
Ice will slow blood flow to the area, thereby reducing inflammation and swelling. Apply aloe vera directly to the bite to relieve itching and discomfort. Or press a steeped chamomile tea bag to your bite.
Some folks apply other items to their bites. Including honey, vinegar, and even an oatmeal paste. Others like to use hydrocortisone cream or take an antihistamine.
Mosquitos could be plentiful this year. And some will carry diseases. By taking precautions, we can defeat them. And possibly avoid another pandemic.
Injuries, Loss of Independence or Death Could Await Seniors Who Fall
Every second of every day an older adult (65+) suffers a fall in the United States. That’s according to the CDC. Not surprisingly, falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death in this age group.
According to a Penn State University study, deaths from falls by seniors has doubled in the past 20 years. In addition to wishing to avoid injury, seniors know a fall could lead to a long-term disability. And that means the loss of independence… something they prize as much as anything.
The coming crisis is going to be a huge challenge for even the most able-bodied person. For those who don’t get around as well as they used to, it will be even more of a struggle. And regardless of your age, if you are disabled when it happens, you’re going to need some help.
Today I want to talk about how serious this issue is. And then I’ll provide a dozen tips on how to avoid painful and debilitating falls.
Startling statistics
First of all, it’s imperative that we keep ourselves in the best possible physical condition. Exercise and a healthy diet are important. Another essential strategy is avoiding injuries. Including those occurring through falls at home.
For older adults, falls are the number one cause of fractures and hospital admissions for trauma. Plus the loss of independence and injury deaths.
One of three seniors will fall during this calendar year. But fewer than one-half will tell their doctors about it unless they’re seriously injured.
Here are more statistics from the CDC:
- About 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year. They result in more than 32,000 deaths.
- Each year, about 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for a fall injury.
- More than 800,000 people are hospitalized due to a fall injury annually. Most often due to a head injury or hip fracture.
- More than 95 percent of hip fractures are caused by falling. Usually by falling sideways.
- Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.
- The direct medical costs for fall injuries, adjusted for inflation, are $34 billion annually. Hospital costs account for two-thirds of that total.
- One out of five falls for a person 65 or older causes a serious injury. Such as broken bones or a head injury.
- Each year, 2.5 million older people are treated in emergency departments for injuries sustained in a fall.
- At least 250,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures every year.
Regardless of your age, you should establish a home environment where falls are less likely to occur.
Common causes for falls
How and why do falls occur for seniors? Most often, fall-related injuries affect the hip, pelvis, spine, arm, hand or ankle.
Although seniors can recover from most falls, many older adults who suffer hip injuries from falls end up requiring long-term care.
Many seniors feel dizzy after standing from a sitting position. Especially if they’ve been sitting for a while. This could mean a drop in blood pressure. Which makes individuals feel as if they are going to pass out.
It could also be due to the onset of diabetes. Or an issue with a medication or eyesight. That’s why it’s important that seniors report their falls – and near falls – to a doctor. Even if they are not injured.
More reasons for falls
Sometimes a fall happens due to a loss of balance while walking. Or slipping on something they don’t see.
Lower body weakness and a Vitamin D deficiency can also be contributing factors in a fall. Of course, home hazards are often to blame. Including uneven steps and clutter.
Many seniors who have seen older friends and relatives fall develop a fear of falling. Despite having never fallen themselves.
It’s important to be cautious. But this fear can lead to avoiding the activities that help make seniors less prone to falling. Such as walking and engaging in other social interactions. This fear can be debilitating for them.
12 ways to reduce the risk of falls
Many seniors are injured by falls. But it’s not an inevitable result of aging. Most falls suffered by seniors every year didn’t have to happen.
Here are 12 ways you or your loved ones can decrease the odds of experiencing a fall in the home:
- Do exercises to improve balance and strengthen muscles. Tai chi is a great method for accomplishing this. But ask your doctor for additional suggestions.
- Get rid of the clutter. An organized home free of boxes, stacks of magazines, and other items is a much safer environment for a senior. Especially in narrow hallways and on staircases.
- Remove loose carpeting and slippery throw rugs. Especially if they are near staircases, as they are easy to trip on. Flatten any raised floorboards.
- Add handrails to stairs and hallways. As well as grab bars inside and outside the tub or shower. And next to the toilet. A local handyman should be able to handle this so that you don’t run into a big expense.
- In addition to those grips, make sure mats in bathtubs and showers are non-slip. You can also place non-slip mats in other rooms and on porches.
- Make sure there is proper lighting in every room. Use higher-watt bulbs during waking hours. And keep a nightlight in any room a senior may frequent after waking up. Including bathrooms.
- Keep an inexpensive, portable light at the far end of each stair on a staircase.
- Have your eyes checked at least once a year. Ask your eye doctor if you should have different eyeglasses for walking outdoors than for indoor activities including reading.
- Baggy clothes may be comfortable. But they can also catch on items when turning a corner. Or drag on the ground and be stepped on. Properly hemmed clothing is safer for seniors.
- Many people take their shoes off in the comfort of their home. But it’s easier to slip when one is wearing only socks. You’re better off with bare feet than socks. But the first choice is shoes. They also help prevent stubbing injuries.
- Keep a small emergency survival kit in each room. Including non-perishable snacks, a full water bottle, and a first-aid kit. This could hold you over if you do fall until help arrives.
- Take it easy. Seniors should remind themselves that they don’t need to rush anymore. After standing from a sitting position, take a moment to get adjusted. Then move slowly from one room to another.
Many seniors are never the same again after they’ve experienced a fall resulting in injury. You owe it to yourself and older family members to do everything in your power to make sure that fall doesn’t happen.
A Birthday Party in the Red Sea?
With today being the 108th birthday of the U.S. Navy Reserves, it’s time to take a look at what the Navy is up to these days.
And it’s very serious. According to DefenseNews, the Navy is preparing for a wider-scale war in the Mideast. Especially as it patrols the dangerous Red Sea.
Recently the Navy added more destroyers into the Red Sea and Eastern Mediterranean regions. They just extended the deployment for its ships.
Among their activities is intercepting missiles and drones. They’re being launched by Houthi militants in Yemen. And they’re aimed toward naval and merchant ships.
Navy Responds to Houthi Terrorists
As I told you a couple weeks ago, Houthi is a Shia Islamist political and military organization.
Backed by Iran, Houthi terrorists recently fired three anti-ship ballistic missiles from Yemen. They were aimed at the U.S.-flagged and owned M/V Maersk Detroit Commercial Container ship. As well as another vessel.
Houthi has carried out dozens of attacks on international and commercial vessels since November. Their goal is to disrupt shipping. Which is resulting in supply chain problems and higher prices around the world.
The U.S. Navy has contributed to retaliatory strikes in Yemen that have removed “significant” Houthi capabilities.
Global Maritime Response Plan
A more long-range strategy for the U.S. Navy is the establishment of the “Global Maritime Response Plan.”
Admiral Daryl Caudle said his goal is to have the plan completed by the end of this year.
Among tactics incorporated in the plan is speeding up the training process. And determining which ports could be used for repairs.
As well as which personnel could be reassigned to combat-focused positions. And which maintenance requirements might be safely bypassed. To speed delivery of ships to the region.
You Make It Happen!
While the Navy is doing everything it can to protect us, here at 4Patriots we like to give back to our heroes who fight for our freedoms. This has been a big part of 4Patriots’ DNA since day one.
Since our founding, we’ve donated over $1 million in cash to U.S. military groups and organizations supporting them. Plus life-saving products. And countless hours of volunteer service by our employees.
We support high-impact nonprofits coast to coast. Including Operation Homefront, Team Rubicon, A Soldier’s Child Foundation, and Fisher House Foundation.
And we owe it all to you. Without your purchases of our products, we’d be unable to make these types of donations. Thank you for your support!
Camp Stove vs. Campfire – Which Do You Prefer?
Whether you’re camping or going off-grid in a crisis, when you’re setting up camp in the woods, you need fire.
Regardless, you need a fire. To heat water, cook food, and stay warm. Your choices are a camp stove or campfire. Which do you choose?
There are pros and cons to both. And the decision may depend on a variety of factors. Including how many people are in your party. How much water you wish to heat or food you want to cook. Or how many hands there are to warm.
Your choice may also depend on what materials you have at your disposal. And whether you are concerned about attracting attention to yourself.
Compact & easy to use
Today I want to discuss those pros and cons. You may end up deciding you prefer one method over the other. But it never hurts to have both options available.
First off, what is a camp stove? It’s a portable cooking device used mainly by outdoor enthusiasts. But it’s also ideal for those who only occasionally – or unexpectantly – find themselves in the middle of nature.
Camp stoves are very compact, making them easy to transport. They come in many different sizes and shapes. And they use a variety of “fuels” to function.
Some require a fuel such as propane or butane, or a blend of them, contained in a canister. Others can provide a fire simply with sticks, leaves, and grasses.
Safety first with stoves
Why use a camp stove rather than building a fire? There are numerous reasons. And the smaller your party, the more it makes sense to choose a camp stove.
Many parks prohibit the use of campfires during the summer. And during dry spells in other seasons. They are too much of a risk for a damaging and possibly deadly forest fire.
A self-contained camp stove provides a much safer alternative. Sparks won’t go flying in different directions.
You’d pretty much have to throw your ignited camp stove into a pile of leaves to start a forest fire.
You don’t need fuel
Another advantage to a camp stove that doesn’t require fuel is the effort to use one, compared to building a campfire. Finding a small amount of sticks, twigs, leaves, and grass will generally be much easier than finding logs.
And if there has been rain recently, it’s likely those logs will be wet and difficult to maintain a fire. Sticks and leaves will dry much faster.
Direct heat is another factor that favors a camp stove over a campfire. A campfire’s heat will drift wherever the breeze takes it. A camp stove’s heat is channeled right where you want it.
You can place your pots and pans directly onto or over your camp stove so they will receive the stove’s direct heat.
Camp stoves are fast & reliable
Do campfires have any advantages over camp stoves? For groups of people who need or want a larger fire, yes.
Sitting around a campfire, cooking food, roasting marshmallows, and chatting with friends or family members can be a very enjoyable experience.
Some of my best memories are centered around campfires. Bonding with childhood friends at camp and with family members on camping trips is etched into my mind.
But when it comes to convenience, ease of use, safety, and discreet fire-making, camp stoves have some distinct advantages. Especially when you’re by yourself or with a small group.
And when it comes time to survive in a crisis, nothing beats a camp stove for a fast and reliable way to heat your water, cook your food, or generate warmth.
Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — February 27, 2024
On February 27th, 1933, the German Reichstag (parliament) building caught fire, a key event in the establishment of the Nazi dictatorship. More recently, the terms “Reichstag Fire” and “False Flag Event” have both come into use to describe triggering events covertly used to shift public opinion and shape government policies. On February 27th, 1900 — […]
Practical Homestead Irrigation – Part 1, by A.F.
Although neither of our extended families still had full-time farmers in them as my wife and I came of age, our parents, grandparents and most of our aunts and uncles raised gardens or livestock then froze or canned the meats and vegetables grown. Living what I now know was a relatively sheltered childhood, I thought […]
Preparedness Notes for Monday — February 26, 2024
Forced to abdicate as French emperor in 1814, Napoleon escaped from exile on the island of Elba on this day in 1815 and, gathering support en route, retook power on his return to Paris on March 20, ushering in the Hundred Days. — February 26, 1993: A truck bomb built by Islamic extremists explodes in […]
Buck 286 Bantam BHW Folding Knife, by Thomas Christianson
Bottom Line, Up Front The Buck 286 Bantam BHW Folder is a robust, 3.38 inch, drop-point-blade knife. It comes out of the box razor sharp. The thick, nicely-textured, fiberglass-reinforced-nylon (FRN) handle is just a little on the chunky side for everyday carry (EDC), but is unusually comfortable under heavy use. It has dual thumb studs […]
Recipe of the Week: Italian Eggs
The following simple recipe for Italian Eggs is from Good HouseKeeping’s Book of Menus, Recipes, and Household Discoveries (253 pages, copyright 1925, now in public domain). That is one of the 11 new bonus books included in the new 2005-2023 edition of the SurvivalBlog Archive USB stick. Ingredients Asparagus tips 2 cupfuls Hollantlaise Sauoe 6 […]
