Education Series - JASE Medical

5 Ways to Prepare For Medical Emergencies

With relentlessly busy lives, in a world as volatile as ours, you never quite know what may happen tomorrow.

Being as prepared as possible is the only way to safeguard your family against preventable mishaps during an unpreventable emergency. Remember, emergencies come in all shapes and sizes, so the more diverse ways in which you prepare, the better.

Here are 5 things every family should do to medically prepare for the unknowns ahead:

Create a Family Emergency Plan – and not just have a plan in place, but regularly go through and practice that plan, and amend it as needed. Ready.GOV has a thorough page on making an effective plan here. Remember your family may not be together when the emergency takes place, so the immediate priority in that plan should be instructions for establishing communication, and convening with all members of your family. However, it should also be addressed in that plan whether to shelter in place, or rendezvous at a predetermined location. Only about 40% of American households have a plan in place, be sure to count yourselves among them.
Keep Up-To-Date and Accurate Medical Records For All Members of The Family – this includes a list of daily medications each member is on, and other special requirements such as dietary restrictions, known allergies, conditions, disabilities or mental health needs, and any necessary treatments for those conditions. Our Jase Daily prescription supply can ensure you are never without the medications you need. Order your Jase Daily here!
Put Together an Emergency Kit – A comprehensive emergency kit should go beyond just having a first aid kit and a cellphone. Your emergency kit should – at a minimum – include basic things such as:

- Water
- Food
- Flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Dust/Contaminant Masks
- Soap, Hand Sanitizer, and Disinfectant Wipes
- Cash or Travelers Checks
- Copies of Important Documents
- Cell Phone and Chargers/Cables
- A thorough First Aid Kit including Over-The-Counter Drugs
- Extra Supplies of Prescriptions for all members of the Family

Emergencies are traumatic and stressful even when your family is prepared and rehearsed, but they can become deadly if you are without access to life-dependent medications. Get our free 72hr kit guide below:

4. Education – Learn basic first aid, CPR, symptom identification for medical conditions within the family, various survival skills, alternate methods of local travel, alternate methods of communication and staying informed on local, and national events. Follow your local news outlets and local law enforcement on social media as this will usually be the most up to the minute source of information, and instruction. Knowledge is your most powerful tool in an emergency. Having a plan and having a kit are great, but only if you know how to utilize them. Consider taking classes as a family unit. There are both local and online classes tailored to Family Preparedness that you can all complete together so no one has any knowledge gaps and everyone knows what to do, and who will do what.

5. Build A Community Beyond Your Immediate Family – there’s a reason they say there’s strength in numbers. Allocating tasks, and having additional people can help make a common goal more easily achievable. Everyone can be a resource in some capacity. Join local groups online, reach out to neighbors, attend community meetings, and have discussions. If these local meetings or groups don’t exist, create them and foster collaboration! The CDC has some great tips on building community here. If everyone works together, everyone can get through the emergency together.

Tomorrow may be too late

Emergency Preparedness is an ongoing, dynamic task of planning, organizing, training, equipping, and evaluating. It may sound daunting, but the payoff of knowing your family is ready, is well worth the price of admission. Many aspects of an emergency can be life threatening, but the only one you can assuredly combat is making sure you have access to your prescription medications. Order your Jase Case today!

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Interesting Facts About Vitamin A

When we think of food sources of vitamin A and what it does for the body we think of carrots and better vision. While this is true, there are some interesting and often overlooked facts about vitamin A.

What is vitamin A?

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is stored in the liver for up to 4 years. It is a subclass of retinoic acids, a family of lipid soluble compounds that includes retinols, beta carotenes and other carotenoids.

The active form of vitamin A is called preformed retinol It is found in fish, organ meats, dairy products, egg yolks and some fortified foods.
Provitamin A carotenoids are precursors to vitamin A. Foods containing carotenoids are converted through an enzymatic process into vitamin A. Carotenoids are a class of compounds yellow, orange, or red fat-soluble pigments, including carotene, which give color to plant parts such as ripe tomatoes and autumn leaves: There are more than 600 known carotenoids. Carotenoids are found in fruits, vegetables and some fish, such as in the pink color of salmon. It is also found in supplement form. One such carotenoid is beta-carotene.
Beta-carotene converts to vitamin A and is an antioxidant. Antioxidants are manmade or natural substances that protect cells from damage caused by substances called free radicals. It is converted to retinol in the wall of the small intestine.

Function of vitamin A

Vitamin A plays many important roles in health.

Preformed vitamin A – retinol is important for vision, especially night vision, anti inflammatory, enhances immune system function, important for developing fetal endothelial cell proliferation, produces pigments in retina, maintains healthy teeth, skeletal and soft tissue. In food form can be protective against some forms of cancer.

Vitamin A deficiency-

Vitamin A deficiency is considered to be rare except in premature infants, malnourished areas of the world, gastrointestinal disorders such as celiac, pancreatic insufficiency, bile duct disorder and those who cannot convert beta carotene to active vitamin A due to a BCMO1 gene variation– which results in a poor conversion from beta carotene to vitamin A. (It is estimated that approximately 45 percent of the population may have this conversion defect.

Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency:

Night blindness
Dry eyes
Increased susceptibility to infection
Bitot spots- a buildup of keratin in the eyes, causing hazy vision.
Dry scaly skin
‌Keratinisation. Cells become filled with keratin protein, die, and form tough, resistant structures in the urinary, gastrointestinal, and respiratory tracts.
Cause of death after secondary bacterial infection of pneumonia after influenza
Deficiency associated with the risk of recurrent respiratory tract infections in children and adolescents
Deficiency linked to lung defects in developing fetus

Vitamin A toxicity

Most toxicity isa result of supplementation and not food sources.

Symptoms of vitamin A toxicity:

drowsiness
irritability
abdominal pain
nausea
vomiting
increased pressure on the brain

Supplementation

Seek advice of a qualified health professional before supplementing vitamin A or beta- carotene. Vitamin A is stored in the liver for up to four years so there is little chance of being deficient unless you have a pre existing condition that impairs vitamin A absorption or genetic impairment.

In addition, a large scale study called the ATBC study— over 29,000 smokers who supplemented with beta carotene (the precursor to vitamin A) was stopped abruptly because of the high incidence of lung cancer that developed during the study. The researchers concluded that all smokers should not use beta carotene supplements due to this increased risk of lung cancer.

Measles management in children

Excerpt from Infectious Diseases in Clinical Practice:

“In November 2019, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases convened a summit that included multidisciplinary subject matter experts from across the United States to discuss the use of vitamin A in US measles management. The resulting Summit recommendations include that all children in the United States presenting with measles should receive an age-appropriate dose of vitamin A as part of a comprehensive measles management protocol. Multiple studies in populations in which vitamin A deficiency is prevalent have shown that this simple, quick means of improving vitamin A status can dramatically reduce the risk of serious complications and death from measles, with minimal detectable incidence of adverse effects.”

- 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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Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone, and sometimes called “activated vitamin D” or “calcitriol.” Steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol and are lipid-soluble molecules. Examples of steroid hormones include the sex hormones (androgens, estrogens, and progesterone) produced by male and female gonads and hormones of the adrenal glands (aldosterone, cortisol, and androgens). It is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus. Both are necessary for building bone. Vitamin D also plays a role in bolstering the immune system to fight off viruses and bacteria. In addition, research suggests that vitamin D could play a role in downregulating autoimmune disease. In addition a randomized 5 year clinic trial of high vitamin D supplementation reduced the incidence of advanced cancer without a diagnosis of cancer at the beginning of the study. Much interest and research is ongoing in this promising field of study.

Vitamin D is found in two main forms:

Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) – The main source is from plants. Mushrooms, when exposed to UV light produce D2. Fortified cereals are usually fortified with vitamin D2

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) – The main source is from animals- Sources of D3 are egg yolks, cod liver oil, fatty fish-salmon, sardines, herring, tuna, beef liver. In addition, when skin is exposed to sunlight vitamin D3 is produced. The body only produces enough vitamin D3 from sunlight as it needs then stops producing it.

The liver metabolizes vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 and form the active compound known as calcifediol. A study done by the National Institute of Health on post-menopausal vitamin D deficient women showed that vitamin D3 yielded twice more calcifediol than an equal amount of vitamin D2.

Excess Vitamin D3 is stored in the bodies adipose tissue and liver and is converted by the kidneys to the active form of vitamin. Excess vitamin D is almost exclusively from supplement sources.

According the NIH:

The amount of vitamin D you need each day depends on your age. Average daily recommended amounts are listed below in micrograms (mcg) and International Units (IU):

Life Stage	Recommended Amount
Birth to 12 months	10 mcg (400 IU)
Children 1–13 years	15 mcg (600 IU)
Teens 14–18 years	15 mcg (600 IU)
Adults 19–70 years	15 mcg (600 IU)
Adults 71 years and older	20 mcg (800 IU)
Pregnant and breastfeeding teens and women	15 mcg (600 IU)

The 25-hydroxy vitamin D test (a blood test) is the most accurate way to measure how much vitamin D is in your body.

Factors affecting vitamin D deficiency

Older adults skin doesn’t absorb vitamin D as well as younger population. Dark skin also doesn’t absorb vitamin D very well either
Some diseases- celiac, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitits, limit absorption of fats and vitamin D
Obesity and gastric bypass may need more vitamin D

Signs of vitamin D deficiency- up to 42 percent of the US population is deficient

Rickets in children
Osteomalacia in adults
Not sleeping well.
Bone pain or achiness.
Depression or feelings of sadness.
Hair loss.
Muscle weakness.
Lowered immunity to infections-viral and bacterial

Signs of vitamin D toxicity

Vitamin D toxicity is not common, except when extremely high doses of vitamin D is taken in supplement form for a long time (months).

Hypercalcemia
Nausea, vomiting
Can progress to bone pain and kidney stones

How to Improve Your Vitamin D Status

In addition to adequate sunlight exposure, vitamin D requires other nutrients and minerals to work properly. It is always best to get your nutrition from food sources, however long winters and low sunlight may require supplementation. If supplementing with vitamin D, it is best to take with fat since it is a fat-soluble vitamin.

Vitamin K2(MK-7)- activates osteocalcin, which integrates calcium into the bone. Activates matrix GLA protein (MGP) to bind excess calcium and promote arterial flow and flexibility. Food sources include fermented foods, natto

Magnesium- helps convert vitamin D to active form. Food sources include leafy greens, beans, legumes, almonds, cashews

Zinc– synergistic effect- vitamin D enhances zinc action and homeostasis and zinc enhances vitamin D absorption. Food sources include oysers, red meat, poultry

Boron– increases vitamin D in the blood. Food sources include coffee, milk, apples, dried and cooked beans, and potatoes

Cold water fish– salmon, herring, sardines, tuna

- 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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Join Our Newsletter

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Vitamin K1 and K2, They Are the Same, Right?

There is confusion surrounding vitamin K. We know vitamin K as the clotting vitamin, found in large amounts in leafy green vegetables. When someone is on blood thinners they are usually cautioned about their intake of greens and how it can interfere with the effectiveness of the medication. But did you know there is a vitamin K1 and K2?

There are two forms of vitamin K, K1 and K2

Vitamin K is the generic name for a family of similar compounds that are fat soluble, are found in food and are also found in supplement form. These compounds include phylloquinone (vitamin K1) and a series of menaquinones also known as MKs (vitamin K2). Vitamin K2 can be divided into subtypes: short-chain (i.e., menaquinone-4; MK-4- most bioavailable) and long-chain (MK-7, MK-8, and MK-9)

Vitamin K1 is found in spinach, cabbage, and kale. K1 can also be found in fruits like avocado, kiwi and grapes. Absorption of K1 is increased when eaten with fat, such as butter or oils.

Vitamin k2 is found in fermented food (sauerkraut and vegetables), meat, and dairy. Other sources of K2 are chicken meat, egg yolks, beef and salmon. K2 is synthesized by bacteria, and a small amount is produced by the bacteria in the gut. Absorption is also increased when eaten with fats such as butter or oils.

Vitamin K1 is retained in the liver, where it assists with and works with other compounds to manufacture the body’s clotting factors. In contrast, vitamin K2, particularly long chain derivatives, are redistributed to the circulation and are available for other tissues, such as bone and vascular system.

Health benefits of both vitamin K1 and K2

Both vitamin K1 and K2 are vital to health. They work in drastically different ways and on different parts of the body. About 10-15% of vitamin K1 is absorbed by the body compared to 50% of vitamin K2. The Standard American Diet (SAD) intake of vitamin K1 is higher than K2.

Vitamin k1 health benefits

Assists with bleeding and bruising regulation in the body
Acts as an anti-inflammatory and protects against oxidative stress
Is a cofactor to make prothrombin ( clotting factors)
Precursor to K2
Bone health

Vitamin K2 health benefits

Prevents arterial calcification
Assists with blood clotting in similar way as K1
Anti cancer effects on leukemia, , hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), lung cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer and colorectal cancer
Improves insulin resistance
May help prevent bone fractures, especially in post menopausal women

Factors that prevent absorption of vitamin K absorption

Health problems that can prevent your body from absorbing vitamin K, such as gallbladder or biliary disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease
Liver disease
Taking blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin)
Long-term hemodialysis
Serious burns
Consumption of trans fats (k2 absorption)
Broad spectrum antibiotic use (k2 absorption)
Dilantin
Fat blocking medications such as Orlistat

- 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!

“Normal” Won’t be Returning Anytime Soon

5 Steps to Help You Navigate These Challenging Times

You are not alone. We are all feeling tensions both globally and at home. We are on the precipice of World War 3, out of control energy and food prices, still reeling from the pandemic, layoffs, consumer debt hitting record highs, severe weather extremes, supply chains disrupted leading to drug and medical supply shortages- these are affecting all our lives. No one is immune to this assault.

To overcome and eventually prosper in this ever changing landscape, we must be solution oriented. Difficult times are here, and it doesn’t look like our “normal” will be returning anytime soon. Our families, communities and our very lives depend on how we face the challenges we are experiencing and will be experiencing over the coming months and years.

Below are 5 steps to guide you through these rocky times.

Focus on solutions

“We become what we think about” Earl Nightingale
“When you focus on problems, you get more problems. When you focus on possibilities, you have more opportunities.” Zig Ziglar
“Good health is true wealth.” – Urijah Faber “

What challenges are you and your family facing right now? Financial? Health related? Whatever the challenge is there is a solution. We need to acknowledge our problems, shortcomings and unexpected turns our lives take. Absorb and realize the impact these have in our daily living. However it isn’t healthy for you or anyone around us to dwell too long in this. Focus on possibilities. This will lead to opportunities.

2. Plan success = Reduce stress

Solutions start with a realistic plan

Take time out, away from the noise of media, work, and technology each week. Set priorities to work on during the week. Start each day reviewing this list, set aside time for tasks that take precedent over others. Review your plan and goals. Make sure they are realistic and allow enough time to implement them. What can you do NOW that can make your day run smoother and more efficiently? Prioritize your days tasks; work towards accomplishing them. Move undone tasks to the next day. And so on.

Download our Goal Setting PDF to help you make and track your goals!

Finances-a major stressor

The out-of-control gas, energy and food prices have caught many off guard. You are not alone.

Financial Stress Has a Surprising Link to People’s Health, Relationships, Sleep, and More according to a white paper by Thriving Wallet, Discover and Thrive Global. Their survey included 3,000 adults. 90 percent stated that finances played a major part in wellbeing and stress levels.

U.S. credit card debt jumps 18.5% and hits a record $930.6 billion

If you are experiencing financial struggles, there are agencies that can help you budget and plan your finances. Consumer Review lists the top 7 financial consolidation companies. They work with you to consolidate and work with companies you owe money to. Some offer financial coaching and budget planning and clasess on financial education.

Health

If you are having difficulty affording your prescription drugs, paying for insurance and copays, office visits, etc check with your local care provider and county health and welfare offices for any programs you may qualify for.

Physical health-If you are out of shape, work on an exercise and diet program with your healthcare provider. Many chronic health conditions respond positively to lifestyle and food choices. Reduce or eliminate alcohol. Alcohol has empty calories and is a depressant. In some cases, lifestyle changes can reduce or eliminate the need for prescription drugs.

Check out online exercise classes- You Tube has many classes geared for beginner to advanced levels. These are free, easily accessed and can be done around your schedule. Plan meals. Restaurant food is convenient but expensive and in many cases not as good tasting or nutritious as a home cooked meal. Make a meal plan and grocery list and don’t shop when hungry.

Emotional health– If you are experiencing anxiety, are depressed, or feeling stressed talk your healthcare provider. Find meaningful work, volunteer, or take up a hobby. Plan a coffee date with a friend. We are wired for connection. Deep breathing exercises along with mediation or prayer can have profound effects on our health.

Be prepared for minor emergencies

Urgent care visits may or may not be entirely covered by your health insurance. Depending on deductible you may have to pay out of pocket for the visit. As of this writing, the cost of an urgent care visit, without tests or treatments is a minimum of 75 dollars. Having basic knowledge and supplies for minor emergencies can reduce cost, exposure to diseases, travel time and cost(gas). Enroll in a basic first aid and cpr class if you aren’t medically trained. Keep an updated list of medications, medical conditions and allergies for all members of the family readily available. Look into telehealth visits for minor emergencies. Keep your medical supply kit stocked. In addition, a Jase case , contains antibiotics that cover a wide variety of infections, along with a consultation with a doctor if you have questions. This alone can keep you or your loved one out of the doctor’s office and on the road to recovery.

3. Implement plan- the most important step

A well thought out plan will free up time in your day to reach your goals. Taking charge of your finances will reduce stress and free up cash for necessities. Health is wealth, don’t neglect your health! Carve out time each day to put your plan in place. Stick to the plan, revise as necessary. The most important part is consistency.

4. Assess plan-weekly

Set aside time for assessing your plan. Did you reach your goals? If not, why? What barriers did you encounter? What went well? Were you able to free up time in your day for exercise or hobby? Assess your plan at least once a week will help you tweak and improve your plan and reach your goals.

5. Adjust and revise as necessary- or the only thing consistent in life is change

Plans are not meant to be set in stone. What worked well one day or week may not work at all for the following week. Schedules change- planned and unplanned events and life-come and go. If you get off track, jump back in. You will reach your goals!

- 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!

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