With Summer fast approaching, a quick refresher course of the things you and I can do to protect ourselves from mosquitoes and ticks and the diseases they may carry is in order. Read more to see my latest survival VIDEO.
Tip number 1.
Stay Hydrated. 70% of human body is composed of water. Don’t forget. Staying properly hydrated helps your whole body run smoothly. The sun, the wind, even indoor air conditioning does a great job of dehydrating us. Watch for excess caffeine and alcohol intake and make sure to get a couple liters of fresh water into your system each day. I like to fill a ½ gallon jug, put it in the fridge at home or at the office and finish it by the end of the day. Remember, by the time you are thirsty, it is already too late. For tips for staying hydrated on the fly check out Katadyn Water Filters and Purifiers.
Tip Number 2.
Watch the Sun. We need to protect our bodies and our eyes from the harmful rays, UVA and UVB, from the sun. Use a broad spectrum sunblock with a decent SPF and clothing with UPF or Ultraviolet Protection Factor to protect yourself.
Tip Number 3.
Watch for the critters looking to grab a free lunch. Ben’s water-based DEET in the 100 max formula and Ben’s 30 are great at helping to combat ticks, mosquitoes and a long list of insects. I also use Natrapel 8 hour insect repellent with the active ingredient of 20% Picaridin, proven as effective as DEET along with After Bite Outdoor, “The Itch Eraser” are must haves. Please see the latest video on this topic.
Tip Number 4.
Prepare for emergency first aid. Now, the greatest misunderstanding about Emergency First Aid is a timing one. The term implies that it is in the opening moments of the emergency that our thoughts and actions of First Aid kick in. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Emergency First Aid, to be effective, begins long before the actual emergency.
Though it’s true that Emergency First Aid situations have an impromptu aspect, a suddenness that springs upon us when we least expect it, these occurrences need not catch us of guard. A plan (get it, learn it, rely on it) is the first step in any first aid preparedness. (See Memories of Hurricane Katrina…..for more info).
Now a plan serves three purposes.
1. It helps to postpone our sense of panic in an emergency situation. When an emergency hits, our bodies (actually our minds go first) enter the “fight or flight” stage. At this moment, a myriad of chemicals rushes into our bloodstream for the sole purpose of aiding us in the above situation. Stay or go, you will need the energy to do so and this is the natural purpose of these inner chemicals. At that point, you need to ask yourself only one question, “Am I going to use these chemicals or are these chemicals going to use me?” When we have a plan, we use the chemicals; when we panic, these chemicals use us. In the end, if we panic, we perish, as the old survival saying goes.
One way to hijack this rush of chemicals is to have a plan, rehearse it in your mind and be prepared for whatever chance throws at you. (Get it, learn it, rely on it).
2. While a plan gives us a sense of purpose, our goal is to survive alive. Period. When we have a clear picture in our mind’s eye of not only what we want to do (survive alive) but also why we want to do it (life, family, friends), that sense of purpose infuses us with the drive to survive.
3. A pre-thought and practiced plan gives us a blueprint. Plain and simple. A mental step by step, if you will.
As a part of any plan, CPR certification by your local American Red Cross and a basic Wilderness First Aid course, like those offered by NOLS and SOLO is a tremendous first step. My personal certification comes from NOLS and the American Red Cross.
The second part of my plan includes a gear list, gear I use as a part of my “hit-kit” that goes wherever I do.
1. SPOT Satellite Messenger. In an emergency situation, this absolutely enhances your chances of survival.
2. Adventure Medical Kit. Designed by a medical with hospital quality instruments and the EZ Care system.
3. Ben’s and Natrapel 8 hour insect repellants along with After Bite Outdoor. Must haves.
4. A heavy duty Multi-tool like the ones from SOG Knives.
5. A “hands free” headlamp (with fresh batteries) like the ones from PrincetonTec.
As you work with your kit, you will no doubt identify some other accessories that fit your personal needs.
On a final note, don’t forget the Mindups. Close your eyes, picture yourself in the emergency situation, envision it as if you are looking at it THROUGH YOUR OWN EYES. Remember that when you do so, your mind and body believes it to be actually happening. See yourself implementing the plan, using your gear, keeping a level head.
When you practice all of the above, you take the “all of a sudden” out of “all of the sudden.” Doing so is the first step to surviving!
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