Heading to the Slopes? Take these Steps to Avoid Altitude Sickness

After a warmer than usual December, many ski resorts across the nation are finally able to open.

The beginning of January threatened to be the start of a disappointing ski season. Many resorts had reported little to no snow. The situation rapidly changed when the country was gripped with record snowfall and record low temperatures, yielding enough snow to allow resorts to open. The website, onthesnow.com, lists resorts that are open and projected dates for others across the nation.

The anticipation and exhilaration of skiing or snowboarding in fresh powder is unmet in any other winter sport. However, heading to a mountain at a higher altitude than you are used to can result in altitude illness.

Altitude Illness

According to the The CDC Yellow Book (health information for international travelers):

Altitude illness occurs at altitudes of 8,000–10,000 ft (≈2,440–3,050 m). (Sometimes lower altitudes, as low as 6,000 fee or 1829 meters), that can cause hypoxic stress.

Hypoxic stress results from decreased partial pressure of oxygen in the air at high altitudes. The decreased partial pressure of oxygen results in lower arterial levels of oxygen. The tissues that the arteries serve become oxygen starved, leading to serious health complications.

Altitude sickness with health risks, symptoms and treatment outline diagram

There are three types of altitude illness syndromes

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

This is the most common form of altitude illness. It affects 22–53% of travelers in altitudes between 6070 feet and about 14,000 ft ( between 1,850 and 4,240 meters), with higher incidences being described at the higher elevations. Onset of symptoms usually occurs rather quickly- within 2-12 hours after arriving at a high elevation or ascending to a higher elevation.

Symptoms of AMS include:

headache,
nausea,
vomiting,
fatigue,
dizziness,
and insomnia.

Very young children with AMS can develop loss of appetite, irritability, and pallor.

AMS can resolve within 12–48 hours if you do not continue to ascend.

Acetazolamide, taken before ascent can help prevent altitude illness in those predisposed, (history of altitude illness, rapid ascent to destination) and can shorten duration of altitude illness from 3-5 days to 1 day. (Acetazolamide is one of the Jase Case add-ons.)

If not appropriately treated, AMS can lead to HACE and/or HAPE:

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

(HACE is rare form of high-altitude illness, causing cerebral edema and is fatal if not treated) Although HACE presents with similar symptoms as AMS, cerebral edema can lead to:

Altered mental status
Confusion
Drowsiness similar to alcohol
Coma and death if not promptly diagnosed and treated (within 24 hours)

In populated areas with access to medical care, HACE can be treated with supplemental oxygen and dexamethasone. In remote areas, initiate descent for anyone suspected of having HACE, in conjunction with dexamethasone and oxygen, if available. If descent is not feasible, supplemental oxygen or a portable hyperbaric device, in addition to dexamethasone, can be lifesaving. Coma is likely to ensue within 12–24 hours of the onset of ataxia in the absence of treatment or descent.

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

HAPE is characterized by progression of symptoms over 1-2 days

Reduced exercise tolerance
Exertional dyspnea, and cough, followed by dyspnea at rest
Cyanosis
Productive cough with pink frothy sputum
Oxygen saturation values of 50%–70% are common.

Can rapidly progress to

Bronchospasm
Myocardial infarction
Pneumonia
Pulmonary embolism

Immediate descent from high altitude is almost always necessary. If immediate descent is not an option, use of supplemental oxygen or a portable hyperbaric chamber is critical.

Patients with mild HAPE who have access to oxygen (e.g., at a hospital or high-elevation medical clinic) might not need to descend to a lower elevation and can be treated with oxygen over 2–4 days at the current elevation. In field settings, where resources are limited and there is a lower margin for error, nifedipine can be used as an adjunct to descent, oxygen, or portable hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Descent and oxygen are much more effective treatments than medication.

Risk factors for altitude sickness include:

Traveling to the area too fast, not allowing the body to acclimate (allow 3-5 days gradual ascending to destination). This puts you at a lower risk for altitude illness than those who arrive at the higher altitude without allowing the body to acclimate.
Genetics may play a role; this is still unclear how or if it does.
Age, sex, physical fitness or training does not preclude one from altitude illness.

Be prepared- don’t let high altitude illness ruin your trip

Start slow- Slow ascent- over a period of 3-5 days can help the body acclimate to the altitude. The Wilderness Medical Society recommends avoiding ascent to a sleeping elevation of ≥9,000 ft (≈2,750 m) in a single day; ascending at a rate of no greater than 1,650 ft (≈500 m) per night in sleeping elevation once above 9,800 ft (≈3,000 m); and allowing an extra night to acclimatize for every 3,300 ft (≈1,000 m) of sleeping elevation gain.

Prevention through medication- With rates of altitude illness reach as high as 53 percent of travelers, medication such as acetazolamide can prevent or curb altitude sickness and should be in every high-altitude travelers medical preps.

According to the CDC, side effects to acetazolamide are rare, however, seek medical attention if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

With the add-on acetazolamide to your Jase Case, you can prevent or lessen the time away from the slopes. Be sure to have this valuable medication with you when you travel to high altitudes.

Acetazolamide can also treat glaucoma (acute angle-closure).

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

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Looking for the Most Complete Medical Kit? Look No Further

As Jase continues to make waves in the medical preparedness community, we have historically been on the cutting edge of customer service, medication selection and innovation, delivering the highest quality product to our valued customers.

Jase Daily, launched last year, was a pivotal turn in our preparedness model for our patients. By providing a years’ worth of chronic medications for our patients, we provide a buffer from the ongoing supply chain disruptions and drug shortages.

We aren’t stopping there. Over the coming months, we will be adding more products and services to our already extensive medical line of products.

Jase Medical continues to lead.

Some of the ways we continue to serve you and your family with your medical preparedness needs are:

Bioterrorism

Our Jase Case carries enough antibiotics for a bioterror event. Bioterrorism is defined as deliberate release of bioweapons to cause death or disease. They may be developed or used as part of a government policy in biological warfare or by terrorist groups or criminals. This is a very real threat as we move through 2024 and beyond. Doxycycline is the first line of antibiotics usually given in the event of a bioterrorism event. Anthrax, for example, is a widely known bioterror agent. The dose and course of treatment recommended is 100 mg, 1 tablet every 12 hours for 60 days. That works out to 120 tablets. Our Jase Case contains 120 of the 100 mg tablets. We are the only medical preparedness group that delivers that kind of protection.

Add on medications to customize your kit

Add medications tailored to your unique needs and situation. We continue to add to our formulary. Our selection of cases provides the most common medications for each situation.

For instance, our Traveler kit contains medication for giardia (a very common parasite), bioterrorism, urinary tract infections, and more. This well-equipped case can be rounded out with specific medications according to where your travels may take you. From motion sickness meds, pain relievers, allergy, and asthma medications (including epi pens), and even cream for common rashes; are just of few of the medications you can add to your kit.

Take a look at the Student Kit. This would make a valuable addition for the back-to-school college student in your family.

Protect you and your family from drug shortages with Jase Daily

Turn your computer/phone/pad on and it is glaringly obvious that our world is changing. And not for the better. Severe weather (record breaking cold, earthquakes, tornadoes), global supply disruptions, the threat of imminent war, energy grid failure, cyberattacks have and will continue to unfold over the coming months. We are only halfway through January and our world has witnessed record breaking cold, terror attacks overseas, grid down events, like the one that recently happened over the weekend in the Seattle area (cause still not being disclosed) when natural gas lines went offline, threatening millions lives. We are only one event away from drug, medical supply and societal collapse. With a years supply of lifesaving medications that Jase Daily delivers, you can be assured that you and your family will be able to weather the coming storms as we move through 2024.

Place your trust in the original antibiotic kit

As Jase Medical enters its 4th year, we continue to uphold the integrity, value, and hard work of our team. Our highly qualified, board certified doctors and pharmacists and dedicated customer service team are here to assure you receive your medications as quickly as possible. Our high standards are unmet anywhere in the medical preparedness field. This is reflected in our exceptional customer reviews, citing outstanding customer service, prompt delivery and professionalism of our team. We continue to strive to make Jase even better, as we roll out ore products in the coming months. With the After Pay feature, you are assured that you can be covered for any emergency now, not in the future.

- 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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Leave the World Behind- Leave This Movie Behind

I subscribed to Netflix over New Year’s Eve to watch the viral movie “Leave the World Behind”.

The movie is loosely based on a 2020 novel written by Rumaan Alam.

I hold an amateur (ham) radio license, have trained in Ares (Amateur Radio Emergency System), was a home health nurse in some of the more remote areas of Central Idaho, lived off-grid for 3 years (we moved and are working towards off grid living again), attended wilderness medicine classes and have taught medical preparedness and food storage locally over the past 20 plus years. These qualifications give me a perspective that may not be popular, albeit a more accurate view of this film’s validity.

Here is a summary of this movie for those who haven’t seen it: Family rents an upscale home for a vacation. They live in New York, and the vacation home is on Long Island, not too far from NYC. At first, everything seemed idyllic. There is a pool, the home is nestled in the woods, and no nearby neighbors. The lights and internet are working. Over hours, the internet stops working. Late at night, the owner (George, or G.H.) of the house and his daughter arrive, stating New York is experiencing a blackout and asking to stay. Eventually, we learn that George has a high-ranking client in the Department of Defense who warned him of an impending cyberattack. We never learn who the official is and how George knows him; we only know that he is his client.

As the film progresses, the family encounters a series of events and encounters that show what NOT to do if/when a large-scale cyberattack hits a major city.

I have only listed a few discrepancies:

Excessive alcohol consumption. In the film, the adults are constantly drinking. Alcohol impairs the mind, dehydrates, and lowers immunity. These reasons alone are enough reason to limit or eliminate alcohol consumption during a grid-down scenario of any kind. Storing high-proof alcohol for making tinctures is a good idea, however.
Cigarette smoking- The wife purchases a pack of cigarettes for the husband “since they are on vacation”. The reality is that if someone has a nicotine addiction, either up their supply or quit smoking immediately. Just like alcohol use, nicotine withdrawal during times of extreme stress isn’t ideal.
They waited too long to fill up the bathtub for water storage. A cyberattack can take out the controls and electricity in the municipal water system, leaving only a day or so for gravity-fed water to flow out of the faucets. And even then, the water could be contaminated or poisoned.

One sobering true-to-life example was the February 2021 cyberattack on the Oldsmar, Florida municipal water supply- twice in one day. Hackers attempted to increase the chemical sodium hydroxide, known as lye, to 100 times its normal levels. Cyberattacks on our water supply are the deadliest, potentially wiping out entire communities or towns. You can often not see or smell chemicals put into the water and could inadvertently drink the poisoned water. The EPA and other government agencies take this threat seriously and are working to prevent or mitigate these attacks.

Keep plenty of water on hand, at least 3 gallons per person for a week, more if you have room.

The movie attributes the teenage son Archie’s teeth falling out to an infected bug or tick bite, causing Lyme disease. However, this storyline is not plausible. Lyme disease doesn’t cause vomiting or teeth to fall out. Archie did run a fever, however, indicating an infection.

It has been speculated that his teeth fell out because of sound warfare, like the 2016-2017 attack on Cuban Embassy where officials were exposed to weaponized microwaves.

According to the book’s storyline, Archie’s mother’s teeth also started loosening. (I haven’t read the book). The agonizing, undisclosed sound that pierced the ears and caused anguish to the families and was heard several times during the movie gives credence to this theory.

Neighbor sells antibiotics- for $1,000.00. The neighbor sells Archie’s dad some random antibiotics to save his son’s life. This is about the most ridiculous part of the entire movie. There was no information on the antibiotic and what it was effective against. Was it the correct dose? How often to take? Could Archie be allergic to the antibiotic? So many unanswered questions. Antibiotics aren’t to be given randomly. Each one has a specific mechanism of action and use. Don’t play Russian roulette with your family’s health.

Get the Jase Case, prescription antibiotics tailored to your and your family’s needs. It is only a matter of WHEN, not IF, a cyberattack will take down our fragile grid.

- 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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Does Your Sore Throat Need an Antibiotic?

Antibiotics don’t kill viruses; they kill bacteria, mold, or parasites.

They are lifesaving drugs when the need arises. However, overuse has led to antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria that used to be effective with an appropriate antibiotic. Nowadays, we are facing a crisis of antibiotic resistance, leading many healthcare providers to use caution when prescribing antibiotics.

Some bacteria and mold have mutated and developed immunity to common antibiotics, leaving healthcare providers with fewer options. However, with judicious use, there are still several effective antibiotics available. Knowing when to use them and when to treat symptoms is essential.

This is especially true when dealing with a sore throat. While nothing can replace a healthcare provider visit and lab testing, some telltale signs can help determine if you need an antibiotic to treat your sore throat.

There may be a time soon, given all the worldwide unrest you won’t be able to visit your healthcare provider- staff shortage, cyber-attacks on their laboratory and computer systems, medical supply shortage (throat swabs, etc.).

Example of a viral infection leading to a bacterial infection

A viral infection can weaken the immune system and allow pathogenic, opportunistic bacteria to grow. This is called a secondary or coinfection infection. For example, a case of influenza (viral) can lead to mycoplasma pneumonia (bacterial) or even strep throat.

How can you tell the difference if you are without medical care? If medical systems and testing are not available, you must rely on exposure, symptoms, and susceptibility to infection to guide you.

To begin with, let’s look at the difference between a bacterial, fungal, and viral infection.

Bacterial Infection

Bacteria are single-cell organisms that can live in diverse (many different) environments- in soil, air, almost anywhere. (see below) Most are not disease-causing.

Disease-causing bacteria are called pathogenic bacteria. Pathogenic bacteria invade and reside in the host (human or animal) and can cause illness.

Common bacterial infections include:

Strep throat (causes sore throat)
Cellulitis (commonly caused by group B strep)
Lyme disease (transmitted via tick bite)
Urinary tract infections
Bacterial meningitis (caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Group B Streptococcus, Neisseria meningitis, Haemophilus influenzae, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli)
Staphylococcus aureus – the most common form of healthcare facility-related infections

Less common but a public health threat is Mycobacterium tuberculosis (tuberculosis or TB).

Fungal Infection

Fungus are eukaryotic (with a nucleus) organisms that are either single cells, such as yeast, or molds, which are a collection of cells that form long, thin, hairlike threads called hyphae. Just like bacterial infections, they can live almost anywhere: air, surfaces, etc.(see below)

Symptoms of strep throat

(need antibiotics)

Fever
Pain when swallowing
Sore throat that can start very quickly and may look red
Red and swollen tonsils
White patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils
Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth, called petechiae
Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck
Strep throat can lead to rheumatic fever

Note: It is crucial to take an entire course of antibiotics, stay home from work or school until you no longer have a fever, AND have taken antibiotics for at least 12 hours.

The following symptoms suggest a virus is causing the illness instead of strep throat:

Cough
Runny nose
Hoarseness (changes in your voice that make it sound breathy, raspy, or strained)
Conjunctivitis (also called pink eye)

If a virus is the cause of a sore throat, antibiotics will not help.

Fungal (candida, oral thrush)

(need antibiotics)

Candidiasis is an infection caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. Candida usually lives on the skin and inside the body, in places such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, without causing any problems. Candida can multiply and cause an infection if the environment inside the mouth, throat, or esophagus changes in a way that encourages fungal growth.

Candidiasis in the mouth and throat:

White patches on the inner cheeks, tongue, roof of the mouth, and throat
Redness or soreness
Pain while eating or swallowing
Cracking and redness at the corners of the mouth

You are at risk for developing Candida if you:

Wear dentures
Have diabetes
Have cancer
Have HIV/AIDS
Take antibiotics or corticosteroids, including inhaled corticosteroids
Take medications that cause dry mouth
Smoke

Treatment

Candidiasis in the mouth, throat, or esophagus is treated with antifungal medicine. The treatment for mild to moderate infections in the mouth or throat is usually an antifungal medicine applied to the inside of the mouth for 7 to 14 days. These medications include clotrimazole, miconazole, or nystatin. The most common treatment for severe infections is fluconazole (an antifungal medication) taken by mouth or vein.

Common fungal infections include:

Candidiasis- throat, mouth (causes sore throat)
Candidiasis-vaginal can lead to urinary tract infection
Nail fungus
Ringworm
Aspergillosis
Blastomycosis
Candida Aureus (C.aureus)

Viral Infection

Viruses are tiny (much smaller than bacteria) parasitic microorganisms that feed off living cells or tissue in the body. Viruses can quickly spread from one person to another through the same routes as bacteria and fungi. (see below)

Common viral infections include:

Influenza (can cause sore throat)
Common cold (can cause sore throat)
Covid 19 (can cause sore throat)
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) (can cause sore throat)
Hepatitis
Viral pneumonia (can impair the immune system, leading to bacterial infection)
Viral meningitis
Chickenpox

How bacteria, mold, and viruses are transmitted (how they infect the body)

Droplets or aerosol (cough or sneeze)
Body fluids (infected wound -bacterial or sexual contact- both bacterial and viral)
Tick bites
Bug bites
Contact with contaminated surfaces (faucets, sharing utensils or cups, towels or personal items)
Eating or drinking contaminated food or water
Dust or decaying matter
Nosocomial (hospital origin)

A robust immune system can prevent bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Susceptible people are those being treated for cancer, the very young, the elderly, diabetics, and anyone with impaired immune function.

How to tell if your sore throat needs an antibiotic.

Most sore throats are caused by a virus, such as a cold or flu, and do not require an antibiotic—other common causes of a sore throat- strep throat and oral candidiasis (thrush), require antibiotics.

Symptoms and Treatment of Sore Throats

The following is only a guideline in the event there is no medical care available. In addition, consult your healthcare provider for guidance and advice.

According to the CDC, most sore throats, except strep throat and candidiasis, do not need antibiotics.

Sore throat pain relief

Suck on ice chips, popsicles, or lozenges (do not give lozenges to children younger than 4 years).
Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer.
Gargle with salt water.
Drink warm beverages and plenty of fluids.
Use honey to relieve cough for adults and children at least 1 year or older.
Over-the-counter symptom and pain relievers.

Warm/hot water with honey, ginger, and lemon drink can reduce phlegm and soothe the throat lining. In addition, ginger has proven antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.

The Jase Case with add-ons have you covered, with antibiotics and pain relievers for sore throats and many other types of infections.

- 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

Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!

Founder’s Perspective: A Year In Review

I have been reflecting on the past year’s progress and lessons learned. We have made significant strides in our company and continue to expand. As we enter 2024, I am confident that Jase Medical staff are of the highest caliber. Their commitment, integrity, and hard work at Jase Medical have made us the premier medical preparedness website that we are today. We look forward to serving you with new and innovative approaches to healthcare that will strengthen the resilience of the Jase community.

2023 in retrospect

2023 was a landmark year for Jase Medical. Expanding the Jase Case from 7 to 33 possible add-on medications is a testament to the company’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare solutions.

May 24, 2023, our offerings expand.

Following the overwhelming success of our Jase Case emergency medication pack, Jase Daily was introduced. Patients can now receive a year’s supply of daily prescription medications, acting as a buffer against supply chain disruptions and extended drug shortages. 2023 also saw a fourfold increase across departments, including marketing, programming, and customer service, solidifying Jase’s position as a leader in medical preparedness. Our commitment to innovation, resilience, and world-class service reflects Jase Medical’s position as the leader in medical preparedness.

Lessons from Maui: A Testament to Medical Preparedness

The experience in Maui following the devastating fires was a profound and defining moment for Jase Medical. Amidst the ashes and uncertainty, our team witnessed firsthand the critical role of medical preparedness in a crisis. This experience served as a reminder of the importance of Jase Medical’s mission and was a vivid illustration of the real-world impact of our work. Jase Medical emerged not just as a medical preparedness company but as a crucial lifeline emphasizing the need for emergency preparedness in healthcare. We saw firsthand the importance of medical preparedness in times of crisis and uncertainty- and this solidified our volunteers’ resolve to continue making Jase Medical the number one resource for medical preparedness.

Resilience in a year of uncertainty

Our team of dedicated professionals successfully secured new partnerships, including extensive networks of physicians and pharmacies. This expansion enriched Jase’s resources and cemented its position as a trailblazer in the field. The ability to navigate complex challenges, such as supply chain disruptions and medication shortages, is a testament to Jase’s commitment to reliability and excellence.

Pioneering Medical Preparedness on the Web

Jase Medical has firmly established itself as the premier online medical preparedness company. Its unique position stems from an unparalleled combination of comprehensive services and products and exceptional customer service. The depth and breadth of Jase’s offerings are unrivaled, setting a high bar in the industry and offering peace of mind to those we serve.

Anticipating the Future: Preparing for 2024

Looking ahead to 2024, Jase Medical is poised to tackle the increasingly pressing challenges in the healthcare sector. The fragile supply chain, coupled with escalating geopolitical tensions leading to pharmaceutical shortages and an increasingly limited supply of healthcare providers, is why Jase Medical exists. Looking ahead to 2024, Jase Medical is poised to address the increasingly pressing challenges in the healthcare sector. The world is likely to continue experiencing pharmaceutical shortages, limited access to healthcare providers, and escalating geopolitical tensions. We plan to offer even more new services and expand access to medications like insulin and others. In these times of uncertainty, Jase’s role becomes ever more crucial. Preparing for the worst while hoping for the best, Jase is geared up to be at the forefront of combating these global healthcare challenges.

Reflecting on a World in Flux

Jase Medical stands as a mirror to the world we inhabit – a world grappling with fragile supply chains, burgeoning populations, and growing uncertainties. It emphasizes the importance of individual empowerment in healthcare. By providing access to medical professionals, essential medications, and educational resources, Jase empowers individuals to take charge of their health and safety. This philosophy is at the heart of Jase Medical’s mission, reflecting its commitment to being more than just a company – a vital lifeline in times of need.

Conclusion

As Jase Medical continues to grow and evolve, it remains a beacon of hope and preparedness in an unpredictable world. The company’s journey thus far is a story of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to serving the community. With its eyes set on the future, Jase Medical is not just responding to the challenges of today but is actively shaping the landscape of healthcare preparedness for tomorrow. And we are just getting started!

- Dr. Shawn Rowland

Founder & CEO of JASE Medical

Lifesaving Medications

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

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Keep Those New Years Resolutions by Doing This

The 6 Ps to Success

According to a October 2023 Forbes Health survey of New Years resolutions that 62% of the general population felt pressured to make New Years resolutions. Fitness (48%), finances (38%), improved mental health (36%) and losing weight (34%) were the top resolutions cited for 2024.

Many of these resolutions are thrown by the wayside by the end of January. In fact, January 17^th is designated as the unofficial “Ditch New Years resolution day”, a day that many people give up on their resolutions, with the average resolution lasting just 3.74 months. The Forbes survey further revealed that only 8% stick with their goals for one month, 22% last two months and 13% last four months.

New Years resolutions are easy to make, but harder to keep.

Old patterns of life can sneak back into our lives without us realizing it.

Good intentions aren’t enough.

We start with a resolute heart, that this year will be different. However, as we resume our daily lives post holidays, we haven’t established habits that motivate us to push forward and accomplish our goals.

Let’s make this year different.

We have put together a downloadable pdf that will kickstart and motivate you to stay on course.

Download and print this pdf and lets get started. Give yourself at least 30 minutes to prioritize, plan and prepare for your goal.

Prioritize

Under prioritize, write down your 5 most pressing or important goals you want to achieve this year.

Assign them a number- 1-5, 1 being the most important or pressing goal.

As you do this, state why these goals are important and what your desired outcome is.

Example:

Goal-I want to lose 20 pounds by the beginning of summer.

Reason- I will have more energy, fit into summer clothes, and feel better about my appearance.

Number of importance- 1

Do this for each of your goals.

Once you have assigned numbers, it is time to move to:

Plan

Most goals that aren’t met are because of lack of proper planning.

There are 3 parts to planning your goal. The goal must be specific, measurable, and most importantly, realistic.

Take the above example of losing weight:

Specific- lose 20 pounds

Measurable- by beginning of summer

Realistic- Losing 20 pounds over 6 months (by June) is a reasonable and realistic goal

Make as detailed of a plan as possible as to how you wish to accomplish this goal. Leave room for changing tactics but keep the outcome fresh in your mind. Imagine how you will feel reaching this goal. Do this exercise several times during the day. Especially upon arising and right before bed.

If losing weight is your objective, you will need to:

Plan meals- either home cooked or from a restaurant menu.

Home cooked meals will be healthier but require menu planning, grocery shopping and food preparation.

Eating out requires careful planning and deciding beforehand what you are going to order. Otherwise, the smells and atmosphere can cause you to skip your resolution “just this one time”.

Prepare

Planning and preparation go hand in hand. Whether your goal is weight loss, travel, or exercise goals-, proper preparation will set you up for success.

Weight loss could involve weekly weigh-ins and tracking. If your goal is to run a half marathon, proper footwear and setting distance goals to run leading up to the half marathon could be part of your preparation. If travel abroad is your goal, obtaining or renewing your passport well before your trip is necessary.

Position

Positioning yourself for success means having all the tools and systems in place. Go back to reviewing your goals and preparations. Are there any obstacles you see that could keep you from achieving success? If so, how can you mitigate these obstacles?

There will always be obstacles, some we can anticipate and others that we cannot. The most important thing is to have an action plan if your goals go wayside. Being flexible and staying focused on your goal(s) is important. If you go off your diet, are unable to meet your exercise goal, unable to take the trip when you wanted are just a few examples of plans going wayside (which in most likelihood they will at some point).

Persistence

Of all the P’s, persistence is the key to success. If your plans don’t work out the way you want them to, re-evaluate and focus on how you can meet your goal(s). Go back to the plan and preparation exercise and rework your activities until you are able to position yourself for success. Remember, failure is giving up! Discipline and persistence wins the race. Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare? The hare started out far ahead, got distracted and the slow, consistent turtle eventually won. Stay the course. If you get diverted, get back on track. Don’t beat yourself up, use this as a learning experience to help you revise and stay the course.

Progress

Each day, or at the very least, each week reserve time- at least 15 minutes- to review your progress. Focus on what worked, how you could do better and revise as necessary. Keep your goal(s) front and center and remember why you made them in the first place. Spend time visualizing how you will feel once you have reached your goal.

By working through these 6Ps, you will achieve our goals.

Make 2024 your year for positive change. Here is to a healthy and prosperous New Year!

- 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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Next Entries »

Altitude Illness

There are three types of altitude illness syndromes

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Lifesaving Medications

Recent Posts

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Some of the ways we continue to serve you and your family with your medical preparedness needs are:

Bioterrorism

Add on medications to customize your kit

Protect you and your family from drug shortages with Jase Daily

Place your trust in the original antibiotic kit

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Lifesaving Medications

Recent Posts

Join Our Newsletter

I subscribed to Netflix over New Year’s Eve to watch the viral movie “Leave the World Behind”.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Lifesaving Medications

Recent Posts

Join Our Newsletter

Example of a viral infection leading to a bacterial infection

Bacterial Infection

Common bacterial infections include:

Fungal Infection

Symptoms of strep throat

Treatment

Viral Infection

How to tell if your sore throat needs an antibiotic.

Symptoms and Treatment of Sore Throats

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Lifesaving Medications

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2023 in retrospect

May 24, 2023, our offerings expand.

Lessons from Maui: A Testament to Medical Preparedness

Resilience in a year of uncertainty

Pioneering Medical Preparedness on the Web

Anticipating the Future: Preparing for 2024

Reflecting on a World in Flux

Conclusion

- Dr. Shawn Rowland

Lifesaving Medications

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The 6 Ps to Success

New Years resolutions are easy to make, but harder to keep.

Good intentions aren’t enough.

Let’s make this year different.

Prioritize

Example:

Plan

Most goals that aren’t met are because of lack of proper planning.

Prepare

Position

Persistence

Progress

Make 2024 your year for positive change. Here is to a healthy and prosperous New Year!

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Lifesaving Medications

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