Prep - JASE Medical

Measles Cases On The Rise In The U.S.

Why a conquered disease is back, and what we can do. 

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The Measles Resurgence: A Call For Health Preparedness

Measles, a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease – once relegated to history books – is making a disturbing comeback in the United States. According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): the number of measles cases in the U.S. has already surpassed the total for all of 2023.

This surge highlights the need for prioritizing preventive measures to safeguard our health, especially in the face of unexpected outbreaks. About 20% of cases result in the need for hospitalization, and 1 out of 20 children with measles also gets Pneumonia – highlighting the critical need to have antibiotics for Pneumonia on hand should your child become affected.

 

The Contagious Nature of Measles

The highly contagious nature of measles further complicates the situation.The virus can linger in the air for hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes, making transmission incredibly easy. This means people can contract measles by breathing in the virus or by touching a contaminated surface, and then touching their face.

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known to humans. Approximately 90% of people who are not immune and are in close contact with an infected person will contract the virus. This high level of transmission is a main reason why measles can spread so quickly in communities.

Understanding just how contagious measles is makes it important for individuals to take steps to protect themselves and others. Practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and thoroughly, and covering coughs and sneezes can help mitigate the spread of measles and other diseases.

 

Real-World Consequences: The Chicago Outbreak

The recent measles outbreak in Chicago, exemplifies the real-world consequences of this phenomenon. Public health officials are scrambling to contain the outbreak, highlighting the potential for widespread illness and the strain such outbreaks place on healthcare systems.

 

Beyond Measles: Preparing for the Unexpected

The measles resurgence is just one example of how unexpected health threats can emerge. As we navigate a globalized world with increased travel and interconnectedness, the potential for new and unforeseen outbreaks becomes more likely. By prioritizing prevention, strengthening public health infrastructure, and promoting a culture of awareness and preparedness, we can better face these challenges and protect our collective well-being.

 

 

Action before illness

 With the never-ending nature of unexpected health threats, you can take certain measures into your own hands. One way to take control of your health today is by having an array of emergency medications on hand at home, should the need arise.

Lifesaving Medications

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

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Keeping you informed and safe.

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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!

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.

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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:

  1. 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. 
  2. 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!
  3. 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!

Lifesaving Medications

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

Recent Posts

Keeping you informed and safe.

5 Ways to Prepare For Medical Emergencies

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read more

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!

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.

Recent Posts

Keeping you informed and safe.

Measles Cases On The Rise In The U.S.

Measles Cases On The Rise In The U.S.

Why a conquered disease is back, and what we can do.  .  The Measles Resurgence: A Call For Health Preparedness Measles, a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease - once relegated to history books - is making a disturbing comeback in the United States....

5 Ways to Prepare For Medical Emergencies

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Massive Cyberattack Takes Down Pharmacies Worldwide

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Next time we may not be so lucky.United Health group learned Wednesday of a cyber security threat  that had accessed some of their information technology systems. Change Healthcare, one of the nation’s largest health-care technology companies and a subsidiary of...

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!

Don’t Get Complacent- Avoid Prepping 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.

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

  1. 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.
  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

Recent Posts

Keeping you informed and safe.

Measles Cases On The Rise In The U.S.

Measles Cases On The Rise In The U.S.

Why a conquered disease is back, and what we can do.  .  The Measles Resurgence: A Call For Health Preparedness Measles, a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease - once relegated to history books - is making a disturbing comeback in the United States....

5 Ways to Prepare For Medical Emergencies

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,...

Massive Cyberattack Takes Down Pharmacies Worldwide

Massive Cyberattack Takes Down Pharmacies Worldwide

Next time we may not be so lucky.United Health group learned Wednesday of a cyber security threat  that had accessed some of their information technology systems. Change Healthcare, one of the nation’s largest health-care technology companies and a subsidiary of...

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!

Maintain or Attain a Healthy Weight

When you maintain a healthy weight, your overall health and ability to care for the sick and injured is enhanced. Preparedness isn’t just first aid and readiness during adverse weather events and home safety. 

According to the CDC:

  • The US obesity prevalence was 41.9% in 2017 – March 2020. (NHANES, 2021)
  • From 1999 –2000 through 2017 –March 2020, US obesity prevalence increased from 30.5% to 41.9%. During the same time, the prevalence of severe obesity increased from 4.7% to 9.2%. (NHANES, 2021)
  • Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. These are among the leading causes of preventable, premature death.
  • The estimated annual medical cost of obesity in the United States was nearly $173 billion in 2019 dollars. Medical costs for adults who had obesity were $1,861 higher than medical costs for people with healthy weight.

It is my belief that post covid the above rate of obesity will reveal a much higher rate.

Diseases linked to obesity:

  • Diabetes
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Sleep apnea
  • Premature death
  • Certain types of cancer (breast, colon, prostate, and esophageal cancers)

Obesity, and even being overweight puts a severe strain on the body. Plantar fasciitis, excess wear on hip and knee joints, low back pain and even sleep apnea can be a result of excess adipose tissue. 

A vicious cycle can set up in the body, where the hormones ghrelin and leptin are out of balance.

At least that is what happens in an ideal world.

Ghrelin is called the hunger hormone and is secreted by the stomach when the stomach is empty. It regulates:

  • Blood glucose levels through reduced insulin secretion and regulates the synthesis and breakdown of glucose and glycogen.
  • It reduces heat production to conserve energy.
  • It reduces sympathetic activity.
  • It plays a role in regulating bone growth 
  • It is also highly expressed in metastatic cancer cells

Leptin is called an appetite suppressant hormone and is secreted by adipose tissue and balances the ghrelin hunger hormone. Leptin regulates:

  • Satiety
  • Metabolism- energy regulation
  • Immune function
  • Stable mood
  • Mental sharpness

Leptin deficiency can lead to:

  • Recurrent bacterial infections
  • Severe obesity
  • A condition called leptin resistance

What is leptin resistance?

During a normal feedback loop:

High levels of leptin signal your body that there are adequate stores of fat so you eat less and burn more fat. When leptin levels are low, this signals your body (brain)that you need to eat more and hold on to fat reserves in the body.

Leptin resistance happens when leptin which is stored in fat cells isn’t acknowledged by the brain. This results in increased appetite and slower metabolism.

There are many reasons believed for leptin resistance. Genetics, poor sleep habits, processed food, insulin resistance and lack of exercise are believed to contribute to this.

There are no easy solutions.

Anyone who has struggled with weight has already heard the following-

  • Eat more vegetables,
  • Increase activity
  • Avoid processed foods
  • Stabilize blood sugar
  • Etc. etc. etc.

However. There is much more physiology and psychology involved to this than previously thought. If it was that easy, we would all be able to easily lose weight. Emotional eating, when bored, snacking between meals and lack of meal planning can contribute to weight gain. 

Solutions

Check with your primary care provider before initiating any lifestyle changes

- Brooke Lounsbury

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

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

Recent Posts

Keeping you informed and safe.

Measles Cases On The Rise In The U.S.

Measles Cases On The Rise In The U.S.

Why a conquered disease is back, and what we can do.  .  The Measles Resurgence: A Call For Health Preparedness Measles, a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease - once relegated to history books - is making a disturbing comeback in the United States....

5 Ways to Prepare For Medical Emergencies

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,...

Massive Cyberattack Takes Down Pharmacies Worldwide

Massive Cyberattack Takes Down Pharmacies Worldwide

Next time we may not be so lucky.United Health group learned Wednesday of a cyber security threat  that had accessed some of their information technology systems. Change Healthcare, one of the nation’s largest health-care technology companies and a subsidiary of...

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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