1776PatriotUSA.com

Category: Health & Fitness

  • Health, Fitness, and Preparedness

    Health, Fitness, and Preparedness

    When we think about preparedness, we often focus on food storage, self-defense, and survival gear. But one of the most important things we can do to be truly prepared is to take care of our bodies. No amount of gear will help if we are out of shape, struggling with health problems, or lacking the strength and endurance to handle tough situations.

    Many of us have picked up bad habits over the years—drinking alcohol, vaping, eating processed foods, and not getting enough exercise. These choices take a toll on our health, making us weaker and more vulnerable when we need to be at our best. It’s time to make a change.

    Prioritizing whole, natural foods and cutting back on harmful habits is a must. The better we eat, the stronger and healthier we become. Regular exercise builds muscle, endurance, and resilience—things we will need in any crisis. Whether it’s lifting weights, hiking, doing bodyweight exercises, or just staying active, movement is key to longevity and survival.

    For complete disclosure, transparency, and honesty – I am not immune to all of these things.  At 55 years old, after many years of bodybuilding, weightlifting, and even working as a HIIT instructor at a CrossFit box(gym), I’m getting back into working out and eating healthier. I’ve seen firsthand how easy it is to slip into bad habits, but I also know the benefits of getting back on track. It’s never too late to improve your health and fitness. The stronger and healthier we are, the better prepared we’ll be for whatever life throws our way.

    I’ve lived a life of prioritizing fitness and health. I know how to improve oneself and make health a priority. However, I have also been lazy, slack, and failed.

    Change starts today.

    The time is now.  Your future self—and your survival—will thank you.

    Rourke

  • SHTF: Health & Fitness as a Prep

    SHTF: Health & Fitness as a Prep

    Far too often in the world of preparedness “stuff” is what’s targeted. Lists are made with quantities of guns, ammo, food items, medical supplies, knives, water filters, etc. Rarely is health and fitness even a consideration.

    In the video below I offer a few thoughts on this issue.

  • Retreat Medical Station Part 1 of 2

    Retreat Medical Station Part 1 of 2

    first aid, medical, preparedness, retreat, SHTF

    I previously published this a few years ago and with new people visiting the site thought it would be a good idea to bring it back around. – Rourke

    Being without much-needed medical supplies when you need them is scary. While working as a nurse outside the hospital setting people often looked to me for medical advice. Not having the convenience of a physician or other trained medical personnel when health issues arose made me plan two or three steps ahead for things that could potentially happen. Making sure that I had the necessary first aid supplies and continually updating those supplies was the one thing that I could control. 

    retreat, SHTF, survival, first aid, medical

    For the purpose of this article, let us assume that your first aid kit will be at a climate-controlled retreat location, although keep in mind moving at a moment’s notice could be possible. If your supplies ever have to be moved or are exposed to extremely high or low temperatures remember that this could affect the efficacy of medications or sterility of some items. Rotating your supply and keeping a spreadsheet with expiration dates is a great way to see what items you may want to replace. Supplies that have expired may also have compromised sterility or efficacy, although I would agree that if the SHTF an expired something is better than nothing. 

    There are many things to consider when deciding what kind of first aid kit is best for you. I would recommend getting a standard first aid kit and building on that is one of the best ways to get started. Prepackaged first-aid kits on Amazon with 4 plus star reviews that will get you started and you can personalize to meet your needs are as follows. – – – > https://amzn.to/2OSu0y7  – Hey, first aid supplies in an ammo can….COOL!!!!

    ammo an, first aid kit

    This one is small, less than $20, and has over a hundred reviews.  – – – – > https://amzn.to/37tyMZb

    Both of the above kits can be made better with the addition of a good compression bandage.

    Get one big enough for the number of people you think you will be with and then add a few, you can never be too prepared in the area of first aid as you never know when you will be able to get more or who or what situation you may be faced with. Again, keep in mind that supplies expire and the sterility of supplies or the efficacy of some medications could be affected if past the expiration date. 

    I know that we said this first aid kit was assuming you would be at a retreat location, however, keeping a waterproof bag for transportation of medical supplies handy if such an occasion arises could be a potentially life-saving idea. If you have to leave, leaving first aid supplies behind would not be wise. Also, consider keeping a lunch box or something you can put items that may need to stay cool in just in case. If an ice pack is not available you could use an instant ice pack for transport. They are nice to have for injuries too! This is an instant ice pack that has a 4-star rating and you can choose from a couple of different sizes.  – – – – > https://amzn.to/37tzt4J

    This bag is small and can keep things cool if not exposed to extreme outside heat or you can add an ice pack. Again, you need to consider what you will need to carry and how much.  – – – > https://amzn.to/2wfzqgd

     

    This bag claims to keep things cool for 30 hours and even shows the temp. 30 hours!!!! – – – > https://amzn.to/37q4K91

    medical, first aid, survival, SHTF, first aid, retreat

    These are only suggestions and a way of getting you to think about what you may need and a quick way to get started on your retreat medical station. Watch for an upcoming article about medications to consider and advanced medical supplies. Until then, start making a list, read reviews on products, check expiration dates when you can and ask a lot of questions if you are unsure. 

    Coronavirus: With the influx of concern regarding coronavirus and related viruses, the addition of medical face masks and other PPE(personal protective equipment) would be prudent. Disinfectant materials such as Clorox wipes and antiseptics such as rubbing alcohol should be stocked up. There is no shortage of information available on the Internet for preparing for pandemics.

    Stay Healthy!

    Maine Prepper Girl

    Maine, prepper, girl, MainePrepperGirl

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    ONLY $36.99 with Free Shipping

  • The Minuteman Tier 1 IFAK

    The Minuteman Tier 1 IFAK

    I’ve been working on designing an excellent first aid kit that wouldn’t break the bank. I have so many examples of people who found themselves in situations where they needed immediate first aid but had nothing. Picking up a kit over at the pharmacy in Walmart is better than nothing, but not ideal. No – I wanted something better.

    Enter: The Minuteman Tier 1 IFAK

    The Minuteman Tier 1 IFAK is a compact, portable kit that is budget-friendly and can be placed in vehicles, survival kits, get-home bags, truck boxes, and of course homes. It contains the essential supplies to cover most typical first aid situations up to and including deep cuts and lacerations.

    At $29.99(sold elsewhere for $36.99) it’s affordable. There are similar kits on other websites selling upwards of $75. I am determined to bring value to all my products including one as important as this.

    Oh – yes…..there will be a Tier II Kit.

    See below for more information.

     

    MINUTEMAN Tier 1 IFAK

    (Individual First Aid Kit)

    “Life happens.” Right? Right. Being prepared doesn’t always mean zombies. Being prepared includes dealing with cuts, scratches, colds, bug bites – and a serious case of the Hershey squirts. Being prepared means having a good first aid kit that will allow you to be the hero when life happens and you need to come to the rescue.

    Be the hero.

    IFAK, survival, prepper, preparedness, first aid, kit, inexpensive, Minuteman

    The Minuteman Tier 1 IFAK is more than just a first aid kit. It’s a resource to deal with the most common first aid situations that life presents. Whether you’re camping, hiking, biking, off-roading, or just living life – be ready.

    The Minuteman Tier 1 IFAK was developed specifically to offer the maximum supplies in a small and budget-friendly package. Essential supplies available when needed. Pretty simple concept…..right?

    Here is what you get:

    4″ x 4″ gauze bandage(4), triple antibiotic(5), 2″ x 4″ fabric band-aids(5), burn gel(3), anti-diarheal(2), antiseptic wipes(3), sting relief wipes(3), 1″ medical tape(1), Steri-Strip Skin Clousures(6), 1″ x 3″ band-aid(10), knuckle bandages(6), Falcontac Israeli Battle Dressing(1), Ibroprofun 200mg tablets(8), Cold & Cough Packets(3), splint removers(2)

    All housed in a small, rugged, molle compatible, water-resistant pouch.

    FREE SHIPPING

    “Perfect for the backpack, glove box, office, truck toolbox, vehicle trunk, and anywhere that a first aid emergency may occur.”

    TO PURCHASE – CLICK HERE

  • Retreat Medical Station Part 1 of 2

    Retreat Medical Station Part 1 of 2

    first aid, medical, preparedness, retreat, SHTF

    Being without much needed medical supplies when you need them is scary. While working as a nurse outside the hospital setting people often looked to me for medical advice. Not having the convenience of a physician or other trained medical personnel when health issues arose made me plan two or three steps ahead for things that could potentially happen. Making sure that I had the necessary first aid supplies and continually updating those supplies was the one thing that I could control. 

    retreat, SHTF, survival, first aid, medical

    For the purpose of this article, let us assume that your first aid kit will be at a climate-controlled retreat location, although keep in mind moving at a moment’s notice could be possible. If your supplies ever have to be moved or are exposed to extremely high or low temperatures remember that this could affect the efficacy of medications or sterility of some items. Rotating your supply and keeping a spreadsheet with expiration dates is a great way to see what items you may want to replace. Supplies that have expired may also have compromised sterility or efficacy, although I would agree that if the SHTF an expired something is better than nothing. 

    There are many things to consider when deciding what kind of first aid kit is best for you. I would recommend getting a standard first aid kit and building on that is one of the best ways to get started. Prepackaged first aid kits on Amazon with 4 plus star reviews that will get you started and you can personalize to meet your needs are as follows. – – – > https://amzn.to/2OSu0y7  – Hey, first aid supplies in an ammo can….COOL!!!!

    ammo an, first aid kit

    This one is small, less than $20 and has over a hundred reviews.  – – – – > https://amzn.to/37tyMZb

    Both of the above kits can be made better with the addition of a good compression bandage.

    Get one big enough for the number of people you think you will be with and then add a few, you can never be too prepared in the area of first aid as you never know when you will be able to get more or who or what situation you may be faced with. Again, keep in mind that supplies expire and the sterility of supplies or the efficacy of some medications could be affected if past the expiration date. 

    I know that we said this first aid kit was assuming you would be at a retreat location, however, keeping a waterproof bag for transportation of medical supplies handy if such an occasion arises could be a potentially life-saving idea. If you have to leave, leaving first aid supplies behind would not be wise. Also, consider keeping a lunch box or something you can put items that may need to stay cool in just in case. If an ice pack is not available you could use an instant ice pack for transport. They are nice to have for injuries too! This is an instant ice pack that has a 4-star rating and you can choose from a couple of different sizes.  – – – – > https://amzn.to/37tzt4J

    This bag is small and can keep things cool if not exposed to extreme outside heat or you can add an ice pack. Again, you need to consider what you will need to carry and how much.  – – – > https://amzn.to/2wfzqgd

     

    This bag claims to keep things cool for 30 hours and even shows the temp. 30 hours!!!! – – – > https://amzn.to/37q4K91

    medical, first aid, survival, SHTF, first aid, retreat

    These are only suggestions and a way of getting you to think about what you may need and a quick way to get started on your retreat medical station. Watch for an upcoming article about medications to consider and advanced medical supplies. Until then, start making a list, read reviews on products, check expiration dates when you can and ask a lot of questions if you are unsure. 

    Coronavirus: With the influx of concern regarding coronavirus and related virus’s, the addition of medical face masks and other PPE(personal protective equipment) would be prudent. Disinfectant materials such as Clorox wipes and antiseptics such as rubbing alcohol should be stocked up. There is no shortage of information available on the Internet for preparing for pandemics.

    Stay Healthy!

    Maine Prepper Girl

    Maine, prepper, girl, MainePrepperGirl

     

     

  • Stocking Up For Type-1 Diabetics

    Stocking Up For Type-1 Diabetics

     

    Let me start by saying that if the practices I will describe offend for some reason please just move along. For most anyone with Type-1 diabetes COST and MONEY are factors involved in the treatment – and daily life – of those with the disease.  The bottom line is those with Type-1 diabetes MUST have insulin in order to survive. Without it their glucose levels will skyrocket and they will die. My oldest son has Type-1 diabetes and I am very aware.

    Here are a few ways to stock up on supplies:

    Insulin:

    Insulin is extremely expensive and can only be obtained with a prescription.  I am not familiar with government provided insurance and prescription plans however getting the doctor to overwrite the prescription amount is key. If two vials of Novolog are required for a month convince the doctor that three or four are really required.

    How to convince the doctor? One way is to tell the doctor a larger amount of insulin is administered per day than what really is. Yes – it is a lie. Unless you ask for A LOT more than needed he will likely write it for an extra bottle or two. This is also lifesaving required substance that if something were to happen the patient will die. Period. If the doctor writes the prescription for only the amount absolutely needed call the doctors office towards the end of the month and tell them you’ve run out and need more. They are NOT going to decline giving what is needed to sustain life.

     

    Test Strips/Glucose Meters/Batteries:

    The same system used with insulin can be used with test strips. If blood sugar is checked 5 times per day tell the doctor it is checked 10 times per day. Another method is to purchase what you can with insurance and then look to ebay for more. If no insurance is available ebay can be a huge help. Depending on brand a months worth of testing can be purchased for under $30. This is cheaper than many insurances.

    Another option is to talk to the doctor or pharmacist. They often will have a discount card and/or samples. This is especially true of glucose meters. Search online by the brand meter used and contact the company. They will often send out free ones as they make their money on test strips.

     

    Batteries:

    Most glucose meters use CR2032 lithium-ion batteries. Buying these at the pharmacy is not cheap. I purchase mine at the Dollar Tree – you guessed it – for $1.00.

     

     

    Cartridges:

    Those with a pump require cartridges to dose insulin. Typically these cartridges are disposed of after one use. I use them up to three times with no issues. This allows a building of inventory as prescriptions and shipments are controlled fairly tight.

     

    Syringes:

    Those who take insulin via syringes know that they must use it only once – and throw away. Well – maybe not. Looking at the tip of a syringe it dulls with each use thus severe bruising and scarring can occur. In the past, I have used syringes up to twice – and no more. These shots were done fairly close to each other time-wise and of course were sterilized.

     

    Insulin Delivery Sites:

    Pump users require “sites” to deliver insulin just under the skin. These are supposed to be changed every few days. I typically get a week out of one. Thus rather than a box of 10 lasting 30 days, it lasts 60-70 days. Being these cannot be bought over the counter stocking up is not easy unless extending its usage time. The backup plan for a running out of these is syringes.

    Diabetes is one of those diseases that the reality of any long-term SHTF situation is grave. Believe me, it is not something I enjoy thinking about. The first step is to stock up on needed supplies to prevent any short-term supply interruption from turning into a long-term disaster.

    Rourke