Tag: bag

5 Old School Survivalist Lessons [PODCAST]

For this episode of Warrior Life, they talk about Old School Survivalist Lessons. RELATED: Lessons on Gunfighting From Wyatt Earp 5 Old School Survivalist Lessons From Buck Greene’s Late Father Up Next: 17 Old School Survival Skills You Should Know 10 Survival Uses For A Contractor’s Trash Bag 5 Things to Consider When Forming Your Prepper […]

Homemade Wanderlust Gear List | 19 Things You Should Have in Your Appalachian Trail Gear List

Is the Appalachian Trail on your bucket list? This homemade wanderlust gear list serves as an excellent reference and template for the essentials you need to facilitate the hike. RELATED: Best Hiking Trails You Must Visit This Summer A Surefire Homemade Wanderlust Gear List for Outdoorsy Preppers Cookware and Water Filtering Systems 1. Camping stove The […]

Infrared Heat Therapy – the Better Alternative

When you have tired, achy muscles, where do you turn? Many choose heat therapy. And for good reason.

Also known as thermotherapy, heat therapy doesn’t only feel good. It can be very helpful for pain and muscle ache relief.

In addition to a sauna or whirlpool bath, heat therapy can take other forms. Such as a hot, damp cloth, a hot water bottle or a heating pad.

Heat therapy relaxes stiff, sore muscles. It’s often used for rehabilitation purposes. That’s due to its positive effects on joint stiffness. As well as inflammation and the extensibility of collagen tissues.

How and why it works

Why does heat therapy work? Because heat increases blood flow. And that provides proteins, nutrients and oxygen for better recovery and healing.

It can soothe muscle discomfort. Plus heal damaged tissue and increase flexibility. According to Medical News Today, there are more than 1 million saunas in the U.S. 

Now, some people feel that the high temperatures of a traditional sauna are too much for them. Instead, they choose infrared lighting. Which provides the same benefits without the extreme heat.

Ultraviolet light can damage skin, but infrared light enhances cell regeneration. It can penetrate deep layers of skin to provide better pain relief. Yet it’s non-invasive, painless and safe. 

Less heat but better targeted

Infrared saunas use infrared lamps. They use electromagnetic radiation to warm your body directly. Rather than heating the air around you.

Infrared saunas operate at cooler temperatures than traditional saunas. About 30 to 40 degrees cooler. But they still provide plenty of heat.

Some say the heat from infrared saunas penetrates more deeply than warmed air. That heat produces a more intense sweat at a reduced temperature.

The benefits of heat from infrared lighting are the same as with a traditional sauna. Let’s take a look at some of those benefits.

Ease pain, reduce stress & improve sleep

Because your heart rate increases and blood vessels widen with a sauna, your blood circulation is boosted. This can help reduce muscle soreness and stiffness. Plus improve joint movement and flexibility. And ease joint pain.

The increased blood flow also speeds up muscle recovery. Improved circulation can also help us feel less tension and stress. Stress can make muscles tight, adding physical discomfort to emotional unease.

There’s a feeling of wellbeing when we’re relaxed. Endorphins can also be boosted by a sauna, giving a person a “runner’s high.”

Your body’s reaction to the heat of a sauna can make you more alert. Thanks to your endocrine glands and your sympathetic nervous system.

Your ability to relax more and feel less stress often results in a sounder sleep. Your core temperature may be higher before bedtime. But the natural change made by your body promotes relaxation. As well as calmness and deeper sleep cycles. 

Physical health benefits 

It’s important to raise our heart rates during exercise. But a slower resting heart rate is generally healthier. Sauna treatments can do this by improving blood circulation and reducing stress. 

This can be supportive of better heart health and heart rate variability. As well as healthy blood pressure and enhanced heart function. Studies have also shown a benefit for supporting healthy cholesterol. 

A sauna can also help improve breathing by opening up airways. As well as loosening phlegm and increasing respiration.

Athletic performance can also be enhanced by improved blood flow. With more blood sent to the heart, plasma and red blood cells are increased. More oxygen throughout your body fuels energy, stamina and athletic performance.

Weight management & brain health  

Some people wonder if a sauna will help them lose weight. A better way to look at it is maintaining a healthy weight. Consistent use of a sauna can regulate appetite. As well as increase metabolism and improve oxygen usage.

Those are all important factors for maintaining a healthy weight. And this increased metabolic rate continues long after your sauna session is over.

Can a sauna have a positive effect on your brain? Many believe this to be true. With regular use of a sauna, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may increase.

This leads to better maintenance of existing brain cells. As well as the potential of improved neuroplasticity. That’s how the brain processes and forms new neural connections. Reduced stress helps increase brain function and productivity.  

Detoxification & aging support

The results of sauna are increased circulation, oxygenation and perspiration. They can boost the body’s ability to excrete toxins. Such as heavy metals. This detoxification can go a long way toward keeping you healthy regardless of your age.

But like everything else as we age, it becomes increasingly important. Heat treatment positively impacts mitochondria, the energy centers of the cells.

Sauna treatment can also naturally increase growth hormone, for maintaining muscle mass. Heat shock proteins help repair damaged proteins in the body. And protect against oxidative damage over time.

This is just one part of what a sauna provides to support the body’s natural immune functions. This is especially important as we age, and as both old and new viruses threaten our health. 

The SaunaWrap solution 

My recommendation for infrared heat therapy is the SaunaWrap from Patriot Health Alliance.

This new, portable, at-home sauna is the size of a sleeping bag. Using low-EMF infrared heating, it eases aches and pains in minutes. It also boosts energy levels and lifts your mood. And lets you sleep like a baby at night.

Sweating without going through a workout? Sounds great, right? That’s what you can get with this therapeutic blanket by just relaxing. Or reading a book, listening to music, watching TV or even sleeping.

The SaunaWrap burns calories and supports healthy weight. It’s also easy to clean and store. It will save you big bucks off the cost of installing a sauna at home or a spa membership.

17 Upcycled Garden Ideas to Decor Your Garden While Saving Mother Earth

Whether you are looking to jazz up the look of your garden or generally declutter your homestead, these upcycled garden ideas will come in handy while inspiring a little imagination to go even further. RELATED: How to Make Rope from Recycled Plastic 17 Unbeatable Upcycled Garden Ideas Every Gardener Needs to Consider 1. Soup Can Planters […]

How to Plant Flowers in a Barrel

Plant Flowers in a Barrel | There are many types of barrels out there. I prefer the wood ones over the plastic ones. The wood barrels seem to stand up to the weather better and last longer. RELATED: 10 Common Plants that are Edible How to Plant Flowers in a Barrel After you buy the barrel, […]

Bunker Talk – Budget Survival Gear [PODCAST]

For this episode of Survival & Basic Badassery, they talk about budget survival gear. RELATED: Improvised Survival Gear | 7 DIY Projects For Preppers Bunker Talk – Budget Survival Gear The Survival And Basic Badass Podcast Understanding The U.S. Involvement In The South China Sea Up Next: 5 Effective Tips For Waterproofing Your Gear A USGI […]

Proper Hygiene for Indoors and Outdoors

It could be argued that improper hygiene has killed more people than anything else in world history.

Many who have died from various diseases through the centuries either didn’t know how to avoid those illnesses or were physically unable to. But proper hygiene could have saved many of them.

Few of us are overly concerned about our lives ending due to improper hygiene. But the fact is, many have perished due to COVID-19 the past two years and from the flu for many years because they didn’t take precautions. Including their personal hygiene.

Today I want to talk about the importance of hygiene for staying healthy and safe for what promises to be some challenging years ahead.

The cleaner the better

There are countless viruses floating around out there – as well as harmful bacteria. Good hygiene limits the spread of germs and infectious diseases.

In addition to strengthening our immune system, we should keep personal hygiene top of mind. The cleaner your hands are, for example, the less likely you will be to transfer anything harmful to your mouth, nose or eyes.

Whether you are home or out and about, you can expect injuries as small as cuts on your hands to something more crucial such as gashes elsewhere on your body. The cleaner you are to start, the less likely you are to pick up a bacterial infection or worse. 

The best hygiene hack I know of is the Patriot Pure Sanitizing Solution Machine. Using just salt and water, you can create a powerful disinfectant in minutes. It will destroy germs without leaving a toxic residue behind.

2 kits are better than one

You should also build a hygiene kit. It will help you stay clean and healthy, no matter your situation. It could mean the difference between sickness and health during emergency conditions. These kits are often overlooked in survival planning.

Actually, I recommend putting together two DIY hygiene kits. A small, lightweight kit for your bug-out bag that has supplies for several days, and a larger, more complete kit for your home survival supplies that contains hygiene items needed to survive up to three months.

Both kits should contain supplies needed to bathe and cover your basic haircare and dental needs. With additional sanitary supplies for women and diapering supplies if you have young children. Your larger home kit should contain items to aid you in a longer duration such as haircutting supplies.

The two lists below contain the basics of what each kit should contain. Each member of your family should have their own personal hygiene kit. The home hygiene kit should contain enough for your entire family plus additional supplies if you have storage room.

Bug-out bag hygiene kit

This kit should be stored in a waterproof bag inside your bug-out bag, and should include the following:

•           Toilet paper – or travel-sized baby wipes will also work.

•           Antibacterial wipes – any brand will do, but look for lightweight packaging.

•           Hand sanitizer – look for an alcohol-based sanitizer, as it can double as a fire-starter.

•           Fine-tooth comb – the finer the comb, the easier it will be to remove debris plus ticks and other bugs from hair.

•           Travel-sized soap – you can use bar form, but liquid castile soap is recommended for its multi-use factor.

•           Wash cloth and small towel – consider microfiber, as they are lightweight, absorb more moisture and dry faster.

•           Toothbrush/toothpaste/dental floss – the smaller the better. The goal here is to keep your mouth as healthy as possible. So skip the mouthwash unless you require antiseptic wash for cleanliness.

•           Nail clippers and metal nail file – skip the emery board as it retains moisture.

•           Neosporin – this will not only be for small cuts, but also can be used as lip balm.

•           Alcohol wipes and bandages – you don’t need an entire box, just add a few.

•           Pain reliever – much like above, just add a small quantity. This isn’t to serve as a first-aid kit, but having a few small health-related items won’t hurt.

•           Small hand mirror – remember, pick something as lightweight as possible.

•           Waste bags – if you don’t want to purchase these, you can use small sandwich baggies or pet waste bags.

Home prep hygiene kit

This kit should be stored alongside other survival supplies, and should include the following:

•           Liquid castile soap – this biodegradable soap can be used for bathing, shampoo and shaving. And it can be used as a multipurpose cleaning solution to wash surfaces, laundry and even dishes.

•           Washcloths and bath towels

•           Shampoo and conditioner

•           Razor, blades and shaving gel

•           Hairbrush and fine tooth hair comb

•           Hair ties

•           Toothbrush/toothpaste/mouthwash/dental floss

•           Deodorant

•           Nail clippers and metal nail files

•           Mirror

•           Barber comb and scissors

•           Tweezers – this isn’t only for personal grooming, but also beneficial for removing splinters, etc.

•           Alcohol swabs and bandages – even with a first-aid kit containing these items, I still recommend adding them to your hygiene supplies.

•           Lotion

•           Hand sanitizer

•           Grease remover or lime oil – this removes grease, sap and soot

•           Facial tissue

•           Cotton balls and Q-tips

•           Antibacterial wipes

•           Women’s sanitary supplies – consider purchasing reusable supplies and the cleaning items needed to maintain hygienic use. This has a potential to be less expensive and also can reduce space in your supplies.

•           Diaper supplies – if you may have a child or an elderly person in your group. Think long-term, not just today.

•           Toilet paper/toilet wipes

•           Camp toilet set – in case an emergency leaves you without functional plumbing, you should have a back-up plan. If your toilet set doesn’t include a portable bidet, you may want to purchase one. This will help immensely with maintaining hygienic conditions and cut down on toilet paper waste.

•           Waste bags/garbage bags

•           Portable shower – if you don’t already have one in your emergency supplies, consider adding one. Cleanliness is crucial to your survival, and you want to make sure you have the option to shower.

The primary purpose of hygiene kits is to maintain health and prevent potential disease. If you or someone in your group needs additional items to accomplish this, now is the time to get them added to your supplies.

Keep in mind, your small hygiene kit should remain as light as possible so it doesn’t weigh down your bug-out bag. Refrain from adding too many unnecessary items. Save most optional items for your home hygiene kit.

Treating injuries

Here are some suggestions for dealing with cuts and wounds you might sustain in a survival situation.

•           Try to practice good hygiene over your entire body every day.

•           Take a first-aid training class.

•           Bandage, cover or seal all open cuts or abrasions, no matter how small.

•           Try to keep wounds out of contaminated water. 

•           Wash even small wounds with purified water and salt daily.

•           If you have the supplies, bandage wounds with antiseptic ointments, honey or salt.

•           In cold weather conditions, do whatever it takes to stay as warm as possible and remember to stay well hydrated.

Poor hygiene produces problems

Why is it so important to practice good hygiene? Poor personal hygiene transforms the body into a perfect environment for germs to live long and prosper.

It also makes our bodies more vulnerable to infection. Failing to practice good hygiene can lead to a number of problems. Including diarrhea and gastroenteritis, respiratory infections including the flu and common cold, and staph infections.

As well as ringworm, scabies, lice, trachoma and other eye infections, athlete’s foot and tooth decay.

Whether you are able to hunker down during an emergency or have to bug-out, practicing good hygiene can make a world of difference. 

Check out my favorite hygiene hack here

Beginning Prepper Series: The Well Rounded Prepper [PODCAST]

For this episode of Survival & Basic Badassery, the talk about the characteristics of a well-rounded prepper. RELATED: How to Become a Prepper Beginning Prepper Series: The Well Rounded Prepper Beginning Prepper Series: The Well Rounded Prepper Up Next: Prepper Mistakes to Avoid | Survival Tips Beware: 17 Types of Preppers You Should Avoid Bug Out […]

Ultimate Emergency Essentials Guide For All Kinds Of Emergencies

The emergency essentials you need in your emergency kit will vary depending on the kind of emergency you are preparing for. Assemble different kinds of emergency kits and equip yourself for various emergency situations with our comprehensive list below. RELATED: Packing The Ultimate Survival Kit For One’s Survival Emergency Essentials | 13 Emergency Kits to […]

Kevin Owens Talks With Physical Therapist Who Worked with Special Forces Soldiers [PODCAST]

Kevin Owens sits down with Tara Caberwal, a physical therapist who worked with the Third Special Forces Group. They talk about injury prevention and taking care of your body through intense activity. RELATED: Surviving Sleep Deprivation Kevin Owens Talks With Physical Therapist Who Worked with Special Forces Soldiers Up Next: Your 5 Inch Pocket Knife Could […]