Useful Info (Original Patient Education) JASE Medical

Medical Preparedness for the Senior and Disabled Population

According to the CDC one in four adults have some type of disability. This includes limited mobility, difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions and hearing or severe eyesight limitations. In addition, the Census Bureau reports that 36% (about 18.2 million people) of seniors, age 65 and older have one or more disabilities.

These numbers represent a large section of our population. How many have a medical emergency plan in place, especially if there is no medical care available for the immediate future?

Young woman in wheelchair with dog indoors

Putting together a medical preparedness plan

Depending on the disability, being medically prepared will be highly individualized and tailored to the person’s needs and abilities. A few things to consider are:

Mobility issues– Mobility issues can make it difficult or impossible to access or provide medical care. Limited mobility includes stroke, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, amputations, post-surgery, and vertigo patients. This also includes persons who are bedbound, or use a wheelchair, cane, or walker.

Cognitive/dementia/autism disabilities– Unable to understand or remember directions, such as when to take meds, remembering their name, address, etc. can lead to further injury and declining health.

Hearing and sight limitations– Patients who are unable to see or hear directions (or both) won’t be able to follow through with emergency plans unless adaptive solutions are in place.

NON-EMERGENT MEDICAL PREPAREDNESS WHEN THERE IS NO MEDICAL CARE AVAILABLE

Medical preparedness for seniors and disabled is much like preparedness in the general population with a few differences. Mobility, cognition, and sensory deficits add an additional layer of complexity. Having systems and supplies in place will enable you and your loved ones to handle non-emergent medical issues.

Mobility impaired-If using a wheelchair or mobility device, make sure it receives regular maintenance. Canes usually have tips that need replaced periodically. Have an extra tip on hand. If in a hospital bed, be sure that the bed allows for manual operation in case the electricity goes out.
Blind or hearing impaired– There are battery operated medicine dispensers that can dispense the correct meds at the right time. Flashing and audio signals are available to alert when drugs are dispensed. Keep extra batteries for back up.
Cognitive decline/ dementia/autism– Routines are very important. Having favorite foods, clothing and schedules will be necessary during a medical grid down scenario.

Suggested list of supplies

The following is not an exhaustive list of supplies. Each situation will be different according to the type of disability and age. Use this as a guide and start your own checklist. Review monthly.

Extra portable oxygen tanks with cannulas/masks
At least 3 (6 or more is better) month’s supply of meds and supplements
Jase case
Bottled water
Extra bandages, tape, gauze, etc. especially if prone to injury or falls
If wheelchair bound, make sure to have extra moleskin, pads, pressure relieving supplies and booties.
If incontinent, have several bags of disposable underwear/briefs/pads on hand and a way to dispose of them. Include wipes also.
Dry shampoo- this product will conserve water and is easy to use if the patient is bedbound.
A personal GPS device (watch, pendant or phone) or alert monitor with 2-way communication. Check batteries monthly. Make sure the patient knows how to use it.
Extra eyeglasses and case
Extra batteries for hearing aid, and any extra necessary supplies.
Make sure areas are well lit and paths clear during the night with nightlights to avoid falls.
Consider utilizing a free app, such as the Caring Village app to coordinate care between family and care providers.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION OF HOME

If you are the caregiver for a disabled person have the following in place (depending on the disability):

Contact Information: Have an envelope ready with diagnoses, meds, allergies, phone number of primary care provider, special directions regarding disability (limited mobility, hard of hearing or blind, etc.) family or other contact information. Even if medical help is not readily available, this information will help anyone providing care.
Documents: Have medical records, living will, etc. included in the envelope with contact information.
Grab bag of meds in easy reach- Keep this bag up to date and rotate medications and supplements. Include the Jase case in the bag. If on oxygen, have a portable oxygen tank with tubing and cannula within easy reach. Place contact information in the bag.
Emergency Route to exit home: Have a preplanned exit route established and rehearse the route on a periodic basis. Make sure everyone knows where to meet- under a tree, neighbor’s yard, etc. Notify EMS personnel in advance of people in home with disabilities.
Ways to leave the building-This will depend on the type of disability. If wheelchair bound or not mobile, keep paths that lead to outside clear. This will enable exit by wheelchair or pulled to safety using a chair with no wheels. If blind or hearing impaired most people can be led outside to safety.

When evacuating a cognitively impaired person it will be necessary to remain as calm as possible, and gently guide them outside while reassuring them.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

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The Overlooked Vital Sign

As long as man has walked the earth, pain has been part of life.

Pain is defined as a localized or generalized unpleasant bodily sensation or complex of sensations that causes mild to severe physical discomfort and emotional distress and typically results from injury or disease. It is a complex mechanism that alerts us to injury or illness. Pain isn’t a pleasant experience; however, it can save your life.

Why is pain called the 5^th vital sign?

In 1995, Dr. James Campbell addressed the American Pain Society urging that health care providers treat pain as the “fifth vital sign” (The other vital signs are blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and respiratory rate.) highlighting the need for improved pain care. The tide has turned for the better. Historically, care providers hadn’t adequately managed pain. It is now considered a very important part of a patients assessment and well-being.

Pain can be both physical and psychological. In fact, physical and psychological pain share the same neuro mechanisms and the same regions of the brain where these processes take place. In addition, both physical and psychological pain stems from inflammation and the inflammatory response.

Physical pain-acute and chronic

Acute pain- Acute pain comes suddenly, can be severe and resolves over a short period of time (within a month or so). Injuries, illnesses (such as sore throat), labor and childbirth, dental work, are classified as acute pain.

Chronic pain- Chronic pain is pain that lasts a sustained period, usually lasting 3 or more months. Examples are arthritis, bone healing after break, cancer, back pain, fibromyalgia, autoimmune diseases. Chronic pain can cause tense muscles, lack of energy, depression, and anger, which can lead to psychological pain. An estimated 35-45% of chronic pain sufferers experience depression.

Psychological pain- Rejection, loss of a loved one, loss of job or health and chronic pain are a few ways psychological pain can manifest. These emotions (anger, depression, rejection, loss) can trigger inflammation, which in turn can cause psychological pain. Which then manifests as physical pain.

Assessing pain-verbal and nonverbal/physical cues

Seek medical attention if experiencing abdominal pain, pain from an injury, trauma, pain for unknown causes or a fever for unknown reasons.

Depending on the age and mental capacity of the patient, pain can be expressed in either verbal, nonverbal/physical. Young children, infants, and patients with cognitive deficits (Alzheimer, autistic) won’t be able to adequately report pain. It is important to assess the person’s ability to accurately express their pain. Dementia patients may state they aren’t hurting; however, their body language may reveal otherwise. The same goes for young children. Nonverbal cues should be relied on in these groups. Observe and evaluate.

Verbal expressions- Yelling, crying, tears, hyperventilating, stating they are in pain, moaning, calling out for help are examples of verbal expressions of pain.

Ask:( Verbal patients with no age related (young children and infants) or cognitive impairment)

Type of pain? Stabbing, burning, aching, dull, throbbing sharp, cramping?
Location (is there more than one place)
Duration/activity- How long has it hurt? Does the pain come and go? Is there pain with specific activity- are there activities that make the pain worse? Are there any activities or postures that provide pain relief?

Use the pain scale assessment to determine severity of pain

Nonverbal/physical- Some nonverbal expressions of pain include facial expression of pain, altered gait/limping, rubbing a body area, tense tone/rigidity, decreased movement, guarding a part of the body that is hurting, pacing, rocking, fidgeting, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating. This type of assessment will be necessary when working with nonverbal patients and very young children.

Infants pain communication

Infants- Since infants can’t tell you when they are in pain, it is very important to know the signs of distress/pain.

They may cry or whimper and be unable to settle.
They may be tense, with clenched fists and may keep their arms and legs close to their chest.
They may be fidgety, agitated or have a disturbed wake / sleep schedule.
They may be pale, flushed or sweaty.
They may shut their eyes tightly, furrowing their eyebrows or have larger than normal pupils.

The NIH has developed a neonatal/ infant pain scale, which can be accessed here. This is a handy tool to help determine your child’s level of distress/pain.

Interventions

(Always check with your care provider if the pain is excessive, unknown in origin and before taking any over the counter medications)

Pain scale

Utilize the pain scale assessment tool. Have them point to which face they feel best describes how they are feeling or use the 1-10 severity of pain level tool.

Medication

Since pain causes inflammation, anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help. Pain can cause muscles to tense (guarding) which can make the pain worse. Talk to your care provider about therapies or drugs that may help with this.

Nonpharmacological interventions to relieve pain

Both acute and chronic pain sufferers can benefit from several therapies to relieve pain.

Some of these therapies/interventions are:

Accupuncture– involves the insertion of extremely fine needles into the skin at specific “acupoints.” This may relieve pain by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killing chemicals, and by affecting the part of the brain that governs serotonin, a brain chemical involved with mood.
Companionship can relieve anxiety and take the focus off the pain.
Positioning to relieve pain.
Hot/cold therapy Depending on the type of pain (injury or cramp, for instance) heat or cold can be a powerful tool to alleviate pain.
Massage therapy- Especially effective if tense from pain.
Meditation/prayer can calm the mind and body.
Relaxation/guided imagery positive, guided imagery is beneficial by allowing the body to relax-check out this video on guided imagery
Deep breathing exercises- check out this video on deep breathing to reduce pain.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a procedure in which electrodes, placed on a person’s back, give off an electric signal that stimulates nerve cells through the skin. The numb-like feeling that results. It can help some people overcome pain. TENS blocks pain messages to the brain and modifies pain perception.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

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Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

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Are Generic Drugs Really as Good as Their Brand Name Counterparts?

There has been controversy and misinformation surrounding generic drugs and brand name drugs. Some feel that the generic drug isn’t as effective or doesn’t contain the same ingredients as the branded label. However, most prescription filled are generic. In fact, the FDA estimates that 91% of all prescriptions filled are generic drugs.

What is a generic drug?

According to the FDA, a generic drug is a product that compares to the pioneer, or reference, drug product (usually a branded drug) in dosage, route of administration, strength, quality, safety, and performance. The generic drug must have the same intended use as the pioneer product in efficacy compared to their brand name equivalents.

Timeline (abbreviated) of Prescription drugs

In 1888, the American Pharmaceutical Association (APhA) published the National Formulary to help prevent counterfeiting of branded products.
In 1906 congress passed with the passage of the Federal Food and Drugs Act. This law required product labeling to prevent misbranding and allowed the government to act if a drug caused injury or death.
In 1938 Congress passed the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) in response to the 1937 Elixir Sulfanilamide incident, which killed 107 people.
Drugs manufactured before 1938 did not always undergo safety testing which in turn compromised the integrity of the products performance and safety.
After 1938, any new drugs manufactured were required to be cleared by the FDA before marketed, meaning they had to be proven safe through manufacturer testing before being cleared by the FDA.
The Durham-Humphrey Amendment of 1951– This amendment formed two categories of drugs- prescription drugs (drugs needing medical supervision) and nonprescription drugs (drugs not needing medical supervision).
Thalidomide, a controversial sleeping drug that caused malformed babies in Europe, raised public awareness to safety and efficacy of drugs marketed in the US. This, along with other investigations regarding drug safety prompted congress to pass the Kefauver-Harris Drug Amendments in 1962.

Before marketing a drug, firms now had to provide substantial evidence of the drugs safety and effectiveness before approval.

Published in 1979, the Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations, AKA “The Orange Book” identifies drug products approved based on safety and effectiveness by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act). Drugs available for approval must not have been withdrawn for safety or effectiveness reasons. In addition, the Orange Book contains therapeutic equivalence evaluations for approved drug products. To read more about the FDA role in approving generic drugs check out their site.
The Generic Drug Enforcement Act of 1992 imposed penalties for illegal acts related to abbreviated drug applications and required generic drug manufacturers to include more scientific data concerning quality and bioequivalence. An abbreviated drug application is a generic drug that demonstrates the generic drug is the same as the RLD in regards to active ingredients, of use, route, dosage, strength, and labeling and is bioequivalent to the RLD. A reference listed drug (RLD), is a previously approved drug for which an applicant seeks approval of an equivalent.

Placebo/nocebo effect, colorings or additives

Both brand label and generic drugs can contain fillers and additives (such as food coloring) can cause unwanted or serious side effects or reactions. These fillers or additives could be the cause of reactions patients face with both generic and brand name drugs alike.

A study published in 2015 titled “Impact of brand or generic labeling on medication effectiveness and side effects”-using generic and branded ibuprofen- demonstrated the placebo pill that was labeled as a brand named pill had fewer side effects and was more effective than its generic labeled counterpart.

According to a 2019 research study that compared 8 different pharmaceuticals-generic medications compared to their brand label counterparts “observed that use of generics provided comparable clinical outcomes as the brand products.”

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

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April 4th is National Vitamin C Day!

Each year this powerhouse vitamin is celebrated for all the ways it benefits our health

What is vitamin C?

Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning that it dissolves in water and does not get stored in the body. Since we are unable to produce these vitamins, they must be consumed daily.

Sources- Food and supplements

(Source from NIH fact sheet on vitamin C)

Vitamin C is found in many food sources. Probably the most well known is the citrus family. While citrus fruit contain vitamin C, there are many other sources.

Food	Milligrams (mg) per serving	Percent (%) DV*
Red pepper, sweet, raw, ½ cup	95	106
Orange juice, ¾ cup	93	103
Orange, 1 medium	70	78
Grapefruit juice, ¾ cup	70	78
Kiwifruit, 1 medium	64	71
Green pepper, sweet, raw, ½ cup	60	67
Broccoli, cooked, ½ cup	51	57
Strawberries, fresh, sliced, ½ cup	49	54
Brussels sprouts, cooked, ½ cup	48	53
Grapefruit, ½ medium	39	43
Broccoli, raw, ½ cup	39	43
Tomato juice, ¾ cup	33	37
Cantaloupe, ½ cup	29	32
Cabbage, cooked, ½ cup	28	31
Cauliflower, raw, ½ cup	26	29
Potato, baked, 1 medium	17	19
Tomato, raw, 1 medium	17	19
Spinach, cooked, ½ cup	9	10

Other sources include rose hips (made into tea), sauerkraut, and supplements such as sodium ascorbate; calcium ascorbate; other mineral ascorbates; ascorbic acid with bioflavonoids.

A study revealed Liposomal vitamin C is more bioavailable for the body. Liposomes are tiny, nano-sized bubbles normally made out of sunflower lecithin that mimic the body’s own cell membranes. It is absorbed directly into the cells compared to the bloodstream with supplemental vitamin C.

Health benefits

Increases iron absorption in foods

A recent study concluded that taking supplemental vitamin C with an iron supplement did not increase iron absorption.

Taking supplemental vitamin C along with iron rich non heme (not animal source) foods, such as dried beans, nuts, grain products increased iron absorption.

However, when food sources of both vitamin C and iron are consumed iron absorption increased.

Vitamin C also:

Helps activate B vitamins
Is an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals
Modulates natural killer (NK) cells
and stimulates immune system,
Provides protection against oxidative stress
Reduce heavy metal toxicity
Production of collagen
Aids in wound healing
Natural antihistamine
Lessens duration of colds
Improve insulin resistance and stabilize glucose levels

Dosage

Supplementation should be considered only if you are not able to consume enough vitamin C rich foods. Since there are so many versions of vitamin C on the market the following table, obtained from the NIH should be used as a guide only. Most supplements contain ascorbic acid which as been found to be the purest form.

Age Male Female Pregnancy Lactation

0–6 months 40 mg* 40 mg*

7–12 months 50 mg* 50 mg*

1–3 years 15 mg 15 mg

4–8 years 25 mg 25 mg

9–13 years 45 mg 45 mg

14–18 years 75 mg 65 mg 80 mg 115 mg

19+ years 90 mg 75 mg 85 mg 120 mg

Smokers Individuals who smoke require 35 mg/day more vitamin C than nonsmokers.

If taken as a supplement, vitamin C should be taken in the morning or during the day, not at night, especially in people with GERD as this can make symptoms worse.

Vitamin C deficiency

Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include:

Fatigue, inflammation and/or bleeding of the gums, brittle nails and hair, bruising easily, iron deficient anemia, and joint pain.

Vitamin C deficiency is unusual in developed countries; however some diseases can deplete vitamin C stores and lead to deficiency. Individuals with irritable bowel disease, celiac or other forms of intestinal inflammation are at risk for vitamin C deficiency.

Side effects of vitamin C supplementation

It is almost impossible to get too much vitamin C from diet alone. There are several side effects from taking vitamin C in supplement form. In most cases, excess vitamin C is excreted in urine within 24 hours. Some side effects are:

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Heartburn
Stomach cramps or bloating
Headache
Skin flushing
Insomnia
Fatigue

Who should not supplement with vitamin C?

Consult with your primary care provider about vitamin C supplementation if:

Kidney disease or a history of kidney stones
Hereditary iron overload disorder (hematochromatosis)
Smoker (may need more than stated dose)

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Order Today

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The “Last of Us” Mirrors Reality

In an eerie turn of events the widely popular HBO series “The Last of Us” could be based on an actual case of a fungal infection of Chondrostereum purpureum that occurred in India. In the series a fungus, Ophiocordyceps unilateralis infects and transforms humans into terrifying zombies, known as the “infected”.

The yet to be released June 2023 report of Medical Mycology states that a 61 year old man, a mycologist who had been working with plant fungi and decaying material, had been experiencing recurrent hoarseness of voice, cough, fatigue and lack of appetite for the past 3 months. There was no date given as to when this event occurred.

A CT scan revealed a right paratracheal (on the side of the windpipe) abscess. The abscess was aspirated and sent for evaluation.

After a series of tests were performed it was identified as a fungus, however the researchers couldn’t identify what type and sent the specimen off to the “WHO collaborating Centre for Reference & Research on Fungi of Medical importance” in India. It was identified as Chondrostereum purpureum by DNA sequencing. (D+28). He was put on a course of antibiotics for two months. After 2 years of follow up the patient showed no evidence of reoccurrence. It is believed he was infected by working closely with and repeatedly inhaling spores from the plants he was working with for an extended time.

Until this case, there had been no evidence humans could be infected by this fungus. Fungal infections have historically affected immunocompromised individuals- until now. The man was not immunocompromised- had no history of diabetes, any chronic disease, immunosuppressive drug intake, or trauma. This raises serious concerns and questions about who is at risk.

What is Chondrostereum purpureum?

Chondrostereum purpureum is a fungal pathogen that causes silver leaf infection in trees and shrubs. It mostly attacks members of the rose family but also attacks apples, pears, plums, maples and many other deciduous plants. The fungus infects the wood through wounds in the plant and causes a silvering of the leaves followed by death of the branch.

Chondrostereum purpureum used as a mycoherbicide in Canada- And the United States

Deemed “safe” for humans and animals

(What could possibly go wrong?)

January 4, 2002 ,Myco-Tech™ Paste and Chondrostereum purpureum(HQ1), manufactured by Myco-Forestis Corporation was approved by the Ottawa,Ontario Pest Management Regulatory agency. Applied as a paste, this fungus inhibits the sprouting and regrowth on cut stumps of deciduous tree species susceptible to the fungus and kills them. March 30, 2005, the EPA registered and approved Myco-Tech™ Paste. In 2007 the Myco-Forestis corporation dissolved and in 2008 registration lapsed. At the time, the paste had a very short shelf life of only 3 months.

In 2004 after much research into extending the shelf life, Chontrol Paste, developed by MycoLogic Inc. was approved for registration. The city of Toronto uses this paste for invasive buckthorn control.

In the United States Chontrol Paste has been used in southeast Oregon to control tanoak. This product is available for use throughout the United States.

Pathogenic fungi are an emerging threat

Chondrostereum purpureum is not the only fungi that has the infected humans. Candida aurus has been taking center stage ever since it was discovered that the cases has more than tripled since 2019. Candida aurus is mostly found in hospitals among immunocompromised individuals. It is spread by direct contact with infected individuals, on surfaces such as hospital beds and items and can live for several months. Some hospital disinfectants are ineffective in killing the fungus. It has a mortality rate of between 30 and 60%. It is often multi drug resistant and is fast becoming an emerging global threat, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Fungi are hard to detect in the conventional laboratory setting and often have to be sent to specialty labs for identification. In addition, they have the ability to mutate, just like bacteria, placing them as another antibiotic resistant global health threat.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

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Don’t Get Complacent- Avoid Burnout

5 Tips to get back on track to self-sufficiency.

Its that time of year again. Tax time, Spring break, plans for summer vacation, getting your garden started,playing and working outdoors are all forefront in our minds.

Oh yes, and pending war, famine, next pandemic, social unrest, solar flares, record breaking weather patterns (tornados in the South, epic rainfall and snow in the West), food and gas prices spiraling out of control, bank failures, supply chain disruptions. In fact, probably the most disturbing news so far came from the World Economic Forums’ Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2023 report where 86% Business and 93% of cyber leaders believe global geopolitical instability is moderately or very likely to lead to a catastrophic cyber event in the next two years. A mass cyber event would have far-reaching and untold hardship in ways we can’t even comprehend.

Let us not forget our medical system

Our medical system is now at tipping point leading to total collapse. Hospitals closing, staff shortage, medical device shortage,( Cardiac diagnostic, and monitoring products, Specimen collection – testing supplies and equipment, Radiological devices, General ICU/ hospital products) the inability to perform procedures due to shortages of medications and instruments.

Overwhelmed? Now is NOT the time to shut down

As the war drums continually beat, as high food, energy and gas prices steadily climb to new highs, and as we face the reality that our medical system is in crisis, this isn’t the time to be complacent.

Breaks and vacations are important but don’t live there

Take a break from the noise of all the crises but don’t let this become your “new normal”. In fact, short vacations, hobbies, time with family and friends are vital to overall health and wellbeing. Schedule time away from screens and technology. Information overload causes us to feel we are powerless. This leads to complacency and the inability to think clearly. The survival of our families is dependent on our ability to navigate this unchartered territory.

We are entering a time never seen before in the history of the world.

Our global economy and trade have positioned us in a very precarious position; one where we may feel powerless. This couldn’t be further from the truth. We have amazing, untapped talents and abilities we never knew we had until we decide to get back in the game.

Businessman changing the word impossible into possible

5 tips to get back on the track to preparedness and self-sufficiency

Attitude is everything

Everything we believe we can or can’t do starts with attitude. Attitude can move mountains. By focusing on solutions instead of allowing the media and others to pull you down, step away from the negativity and work out ways to overcome obstacles. If the obstacle is too big, shelve it and revisit at a later date.

Start your day off on the right foot, and continue.

The first hour upon awakening sets the tone for the rest of your day. Stay off your phone that first hour. Instead, meditate, pray, reflect on what you are grateful for and if able get some natural first morning sunlight.

Prioritize your day, week, month and year. Set realistic goals.

Set aside uninterrupted time to prioritize goals. Start by writing down the goals, then prioritizing them. Which are the most pressing and important? Number them, starting with #1 as the most important and pressing. Do you have a goal of paying off debt? Weight loss? Finishing a project or starting a hobby? Do you want to eat better within an already strained budget?

The SMART acronym

A very popular tool for goal setting.

Specific- Narrow down what goal you wish to achieve, take time evaluating the goal.

Measurable- Is the goal measurable? For instance, if you want to lose weight, how much?

Achievable- Is the goal realistic and achievable. Some of this is based on your attitude and ability to achieve the goal. Do you feel you can achieve the goal and do you have the resources and tools needed?

Relevant- Is your goal relevant in your life? For instance, would losing 10 pounds add value to your quality of life?

Time-bound- Make sure your goal has a completion date. This can be modified as needed as you work towards achieving your goal.

Be flexible but stay the course

Life happens, roll with the punches, but always go back and reflect on your reasons for why you are preparing. If you need to step away for a time, go ahead, but don’t make this a permanent way of life. It you have experienced major life changes it is time to refocus and reevaluate your goals and get back on track as soon as you are able.

If it was easy, everyone would do it

The discipline, focus, drive and determination needed to prepare for our uncertain future isn’t an easy road but it will be rewarding and bring peace of mind. You can’t possibly do everything. Find others that are like minded that can help fill in the gaps for you and reciprocate. Check with local emergency responder groups, gardening and livestock communities along with family friends and neighbors for support. We aren’t an island. We need each other now more than ever before.

Be an example. Be a leader

People are watching us even if we don’t realize it. We will inspire others more through our actions than any other way. As more people come together to solve local and regional problems facing all of us, we will all not just survive but thrive while navigating the waters of the unknown,

By the way, have you ordered your Jase Case for each member of your family yet?

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Order Today

Join Our Newsletter

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