Surviving Where The Wild Things Are

From my perch in northern Westchester today, I’m watching snow coming down.  Snow.  On Oct. 15^th.    Who’d’a thunk it?

Which brings me to:  What would you do if you found yourself in the wilderness and something unexpected came up?  A sudden snowstorm and you barely in your skivvies.  A swarm of bees.  A bear.  A bite from a wild animal or snake.  A fall on a trail with injuries.

I’m not trying to scare you out of enjoying Mother Nature, but realistically—you should be prepared and know some basics of First Aid in the Great Outdoors.

Why not take our Wilderness First Aid Class?  (You must have current adult CPR certification or a higher certification that includes Adult CPR.  Bring your current certificate to the first session).

What will you learn in addition to the above?  All kinds of things.  Caring for sudden onset of illness, bandaging, splinting, seizures, head, heat or cold emergencies, burns, poisoning.

This is perfect for Scout leaders and others, and you get a 3-year certificate.

So go bravely and fearlessly and prepared into the wild!

The basics for the Wilderness Basics:  Oct. 23, 24, 25 (call for times to 9140946-6500, ext 258).

Locations:  Red Cross Headquarters at 106 North Broadway in White Plains.

Cost:  $100

(DLR)

Support Group for Military Families

During times of stress, we need each other more than ever.  It is a fact that talking to others who are going through something you are going through — or have gone through something— will help you.  At the very least, you won’t feel so alone.

You can find support groups for just about anything.  And right now, the American Red Cross in Westchester is proud to host a new support group for families of military personnel and/or those in the military who have returned home and have common concerns.

Some of the issues you or your loved one in the military face when coming back include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, marital issues, career issues, re-bonding with children.

This new support group provides a comfortable environment in which to discuss and share ideas, problems, concerns.  You can get information on resources and more help available in support groups, gain valuable insights and understanding.

Our military men and women are strong—indeed, they are heroes.  But even heroes need someone to “watch their back,” or provide help sometimes.

For more information, call Jackie Jones at 914-946-6500 extension 309, or email jonesja@usa.redcross.org

(DLR)

Disaster Preparedness

About half of Americans (51 percent) have experienced at least one significant emergency where they:

• have lost utilities for at least three days
• had to evacuate
• could not return home or communicate with family members
• or had to provide first aid to others

89% feel that it’s important to be prepared for

• a long-term power outage
• a disaster such as a hurricane or earthquake
  • by having the necessary supplies, including a 3-day supply of food and water

Only one in five Americans feel very prepared for a disaster or emergency!

Only 12 percent have taken all three preparedness steps:

• GET A KIT
• MAKE A PLAN
• BE INFORMED

To celebrate National Preparedness Month, we ask: HOW PREPARED ARE YOU?

Who Wants to be a Flu-ent Millionaire?

So you think you know about influenza?  Let’s test you out.  No, you can’t ask the audience or phone a friend.   And I suggest you study up ‘cause we are expecting one heckofa flu season with the pig flu and the other “normal” flues coming our way real soon.

If you get these questions right, you can consider yourself Flu-ent in the Flu.

First of all, What is the real name of the pig virus?

Is that your final answer?

H1N1 is the real name of the “swine” flu.  And when it swings back around it may be more powerful than this past spring.  It has had time to build up the army and prepare for attack.

Will taking antibiotics help prevent the flu?

Boy, you’d be surprised how many people get the buzzer on this one.

No.  It does not help prevent the flu.  Not a bit.  Stop believing that.

Double-question:  When should you get a flu shot?  And how often?

Every year, every fall.  This year, they recommend getting the “normal” flu shot early as you can, then the one for H1N1 as soon as it comes out.

And related bonus question:  Is it possible to get the flu from a flu shot?

NO NO NO NO NO.  It is possible to get the flu after you’ve had the shot because maybe you didn’t get the shot in time for it to build up your immunities, but you cannot be given the flu by the shot.  Please stop believing that one, too.

Bonus answer to a question I didn’t even ask:  If you get a side effect after getting the flu shot – such as a slight fever and feeling achy—that is good news.  It only lasts a few hours in most cases and means that your body recognized the injection and is working properly in reacting to it by making some antibodies, etc.

Who is most at risk for pandemic flu?

Doo dee doo doo, doo dee doo…. Doo dee doo dee DOO!  Doodoodeedoodee…

(Okay, so that is the song from a different quiz show)

Everyone, honey—that means you.   I don’t care how much Kombucha tea you drink, you gotta breath the same air the rest of us do and that virus is just floating out there—everywhere.   And forget that surgical mask—doesn’t do all that much except give you a false sense of security and make you look like a Michael Jackson wannabe.

What are the best ways to protect yourself and minimize risk of catching or giving the flu? (Disqualified answer:  Spending the winter locked in a  sterile Hyperbaric air chambers)

Getting the flu shot (see above) is the best thing you can do unless you have some condition that precludes your ability to have one.

And… the answer for the ONE MILLION DOLLAR PRIZE*:  The other best way to protect yourself is to WASH YOUR HANDS for 20 seconds, several times a day.

You don’t need to be miserable this year, and I don’t want to say “told ya so…”  So bone up on the facts of pandemic flu, and stay healthy this year, and every year!

(DLR)

*which you are never going to get from us anyway