COVER
Happy Holidays! Preparing for Your Future Cuomo: Time to Revamp NYC Emergency Preparedness Winter Pet Safety 101 Holiday Safety Tips for the Home ‘Twas The Night Before a Snowstorm... EMP Preparations for the Average Family Electric Power Blackout: The Power of One
ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION: EMPACT America, Inc. is a bipartisan, non-profit (with IRS 501(c)4 status) organization for citizens concerned about protecting the American people from a nuclear or natural electromagnetic pulse (EMP) catastrophe. EMPACT America has the following missions: • Re-establish the EMP Commission to advise Congress and the Departments and Agencies of the U.S. government; • Implement the EMP Commission recommendations to protect civilian critical infrastructures on an accelerated basis; • Educate the American people on the EMP threat and solutions; • Organize the American people to act effectively in furtherance of their security from the EMP threat at the federal, state, local, and individual levels; and • Initiate pilot programs in Western New York State to increase EMP preparedness among first responders, communities, utilities, businesses, and universities, to serve as examples for the nation, and to show that leadership on national and homeland security need not originate in Washington, that the American people can lead “from the bottom up.”
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JAN.FEB.2013 2013
AMERICA IN THE DARK: 2-DISK SET EMPact America’s America in the Dark 2 disc set will be available for order online through preparehub.org this month.
ON THE COVER: Curt Weinhold is an avid outdoor enthusiast who can capture nature at its best. He started by studying photography courtesy of a Veterans Affairs program at age 27 and since then has spent much free time looking through a camera viewfinder. He is a juried artisan connected with the Pa Wilds program and has Artisan Trail gallery displays in Wellsboro and Emporium. Senior portraits and weddings round out his year. Picture credits include Outside magazine, Pa Magazine, National Geographic Adventure, Washington Post, NY Times, and many local publications. Books of North Central Pa. and his self-published Pennsylvania Grand Canyon is now in its 4th printing.
JAN.FEB.2013
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IN THIS ISSUE:
UPDATING VOIP & 911 INFO p.6
SNOW SHOVELING SAFETY p.8
FIREARMS SAFETY CLASS p.9
FINANCIAL PREPAREDNESS p.10
DESTRESS AT YOUR DESK p.12
EMPACT AMERICA’S EMPOWER MAGAZINE is published by EMPact America, Inc.
Contributors: David Bellavia Kathryn DeLong Ross Howarth Cristina Maxon Michelle McCulloch Amy Thompson
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EMPact America, Inc
EMPact America
www.EMPactAmerica.org
David Bellavia, President
PO Box 124
(716) 435-7873
Ross Howarth, Vice President
Elma, New York 14059
info@EMPactAmerica.org
JAN.FEB.2013 2013
SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST p.14
PALEOLITHIC DIET p.20
WHAT DO YOU THINK, p.16
CONGRESS: UNPREPARED p.22
NATURAL PREPAREDNESS p.18
CDC FLU WARNING p.24
To submit story ideas, event information, or corrections, send an email to webmaster@EMPactAmerica.org
JAN.FEB.2013
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ARTICLE BY AMY THOMPSON
HOW VoIP WORKS
PC
TELEPHONE
VOIP ADAPTER
VOIP PHONE
The ability to access emergency
services
by dialing 911 is a vital component of public
CABLE MODEM
PC
INTERNET
VOIP PHONE
PREPARE BY UPDATING VoIP & 911 INFORMATION
Traditional phone services usually have associated a particular phone number with
a
fixed
address.
safety and emergency preparedness.
Portable VoIP service enables consumers to
It is imperative that consumers of
take their home or business phone service
telephone service be able to reach
almost anywhere. This portability raises a
emergency services regardless of the technology used to place a 911 call.
number of challenges for the emergency services community. There are
E911 systems automatically provide to emergency service personnel a 911
differences between VoIP E911 and traditional E911 service, so there are
caller’s call back number and, in most cases, location information.
things that consumers need to know.
VoIP (voice over internet phone) service allows you to make and receive calls
When you call 911 from a traditional telephone, the call in most cases is sent
to and from traditional phone numbers using an internet connection. It can
to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) that is responsible for a particular
be used in place of traditional phone service. While you may choose to use
geographic area or community. PSAP personnel often can automatically
VoIP service from a single location, like a residence, some VoIP services can
identify your location and direct the closest emergency personnel to that
be used wherever you travel, as long as a broadband Internet connection
location. They also often can automatically identify your telephone number
is available. The some of the most commonly used VoIP providers are Cox,
so that they can call you back if you are disconnected.
Time Warner, Vonage and Magic Jack.
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JAN.FEB.2013 2013
Since VoIP service works differently from traditional phone service, consumers who use it should be aware that VoIP 911 service may also work differently from traditional 911 service. Tips for Subscribers to VoIP Service VoIP service providers, in response to FCC action, are making progress in
If you have or are thinking of subscribing to a VoIP service, you should:
eliminating these differences, but some of the possible differences include: • Provide your accurate physical address to your VoIP service provider to • VoIP 911 calls may not connect to the PSAP, or may improperly ring to the
ensure that emergency services can quickly be dispatched to your location.
administrative line of the PSAP, which may not be staffed after hours, or by
It is important to be aware that mailing addresses do not always correctly
trained 911 operators;
correspond to emergency services jurisdictions. The VoIP provider should be
• VoIP 911 calls may not connect to the correct PSAP and may be routed to a VoIP provider’s 911 call center. The call should then be directed to the correct PSAP by the provider’s call center, but it may delay response time. • VoIP 911 calls may correctly connect to the PSAP, but not automatically transmit the user’s phone number and/or location information; • VoIP 911 calls may not connect to the correct PSAP if the address/location information is not accurate. Customers should take care to provide jurisdiction
given the correct jurisdiction (city, town, village, etc.) information rather than your mailing address, if they differ. • Be familiar with your VoIP service provider’s procedures for updating your address, and promptly update address information in the event of a change. • If your power is out or your Internet connection is down, be aware that your VoIP service may not work. Consider installing a backup power supply, maintaining a traditional phone line or having a wireless phone as a backup.
(city, town, village, etc.) information rather than your mailing address, if they
• If you have questions about whether the phone service you are receiving is a
differ, to their VoIP providers. Customers need to update this information if
VoIP service, contact your service provider for further information.
they change locations, for their VoIP 911 service to function properly; • If you have questions about how your VoIP E911 service works, contact your • VoIP service may not work during a power outage, or when the Internet
service provider and ask for an explanation of the 911 routing provided by their
connection fails or becomes overloaded.
company.
JAN.FEB.2013
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ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY AMY THOMPSON
Winter weather has finally reached us here in the Western New York. A number of accidents arise from trying to clear snow and ice from roads, walkways and cars. Back strain, muscle soreness and sometimes heart attacks have been attributed to shoveling snow.
Avoid caffeinated products as they can raise your heart rate, cause your blood vessels to constrict, and stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. If you are looking to drink something warm drink hot chocolate or herbal teas instead of coffee.
Below are a few tips on how you can keep yourself safe and healthy while you clear off your sidewalk or driveway.
Use proper form when shoveling. Try to lift with your legs, not your back and separate your hands on the shovel to increase leverage. A shovel with wet snow can weigh up to 15 lbs so try to use a smaller shovel and pace yourself.
Warm up your muscles before going out to shovel. Stretch all of your muscles. Dress in layers and wear (ie. Hats, scarf, gloves, snow pants).
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appraopriate
gear
Rest as often as you needed during shoveling. If you are clearing a large driveway or side walk break it into sections. We hope these tips keep you healthy and safe.
JAN.FEB.2013 2013
EMPact America Promotes Gun Education and Safety Article by Kathryn De
long
Recent national traged
ies have prompted a ver y political discussion on gun control. New York bec ame the first state to enact gun control me asures in response to the Newto n, Connecticut shooting with the passage of the NY SAFE Act, which includes provisions to expand the state’s exi sting assault weapons ban, ou tlaw the internet sale of assault weapons, requir e background checks pri or to ammunition sales, increase sentences for gunrelated crimes, and ma ndate a police registry of assault weapons. Shortly after the passag e of the NY SAFE Act, President Barack Obam a signed a series of 23 exe cutive orders intended to curb gun violence.
Our hearts ache for the victims of thes e heartless crimes, but there’s little we can do to end this type of irrational, abhorrent violence. It’s im portant to remember that politicians cannot leg islate morality; they cannot outlaw psychosis and evil. Education, not gun control, is the best approach to curbing gun violence. Having the rig ht to selfdefense is one thing; knowing how to ef fectively, and safely, exercise that right is anothe r. EMPact America held two firearms safety and New York State pistol permit courses in January. Over 300 Western New Yorkers participated in the two, four-hour training sessio ns. Instructor Miguel Rivera, Jr., Co-owner and Vice President of B.C.J.S . Investigations, generously donated his time and vast knowledg e on firearms safety. Rivera covered topics including basic rifle, sho tgun, and handgun safety; range safety; ho me safety; what to do and what not to do during a home invasion ; firearm familiarity; op erating and caring for your firearms; and nomenclature. EMPact America is no t a firearms-related org anization, but we are committed to em ergency preparedness and prevention. Responsible gun owne rs can help prevent dis aster situations and contribute to a safer com munity. JAN.FEB.2013
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ARTICLE BY KATHRYN DELONG
Mint.com is a great website for creating a monthly budget that fits your lifestyle.
A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION THAT PAYS
With every new year comes new resolutions. In
Second, as mentioned earlier, figure out
the preparedness community, we tend to focus on
a budget plan that fits your lifestyle and
things like what to do in a fire, staying safe during a hurricane, and how to protect your vehicle from the snow. But an important aspect of preparedness that
don’t stray from it. At this point, you may be thinking, “how do I figure out a budget that’s right for me?”
people often forget relates to our finances. Are you financially prepared? Do
Tracking all of your expenses for a month is a good place to start. Categorize
you have debt? Would you be able to support yourself and your dependents
your expenses: food, rent/mortgage, utilities, shopping, entertainment, fast
if disaster struck? Do you have a budget?
food, restaurants, gas, credit card payments, et cetera. Weed out everything
This is a topic near and dear to my heart, as I decided that my New Year’s resolution is to find a budget and stick to it. Learning to budget isn’t normally
that’s not a necessity, and go from there. Designate fixed amounts to each of your categories – $200 per month on restaurants, for example.
taught in schools, but it is an extremely valuable skill. Financial preparedness
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Fortunately, it’s 2013 and there are services
depends upon the ability to budget.
available to do all of the tracking and categorizing for you. I prefer mint.com,
My idea of financial preparedness, as an unmarried, childless, twentysomething is different than that of a forty-year-old preparing to send her kids off to college. But there are certain rules that everyone should try to abide by when it comes to personal finances. First and foremost, don’t spend more than you have coming in. This will lead to debt – a particularly stressful burden that nobody desires. Keep your credit card payments under control. There may be an emergency when you need that credit. Debt means that you are not beholden to your money; instead, your money
which is an online application that connects to your bank account to track what you spend and how you’re spending it. It is a very useful tool, especially for people who are unsure of where to start. Once your monthly expenses are laid out in front of you, it’s much easier to create a budget for yourself. Simply put, work backwards. Figure out where your money is going first before you make a plan. Third, whatever amount you decide to allocate towards your savings or emergency fund should be put away at the beginning of the month; don’t wait until the end of the month when your checking account is running dry. Furthermore, only use your savings when you absolutely have to.
is beholden to a creditor. - 10 -
JAN.FEB.2013 2013
e in a rut and unsure of what steps to take Finally, don’t be afraid to seek help if you’r cial woes will only make things worse. to get yourself out. Brushing off your finan
Now more than ever, financial preparedness should be a household priority. The recent legislation passed in order to “avert the fiscal cliff” is yet another burden on American taxpayers. Our government’s insistence that raising taxes is the solution to its spending problem won’t be going away anytime soon, it seems. By “averting the fiscal cliff” now, our elected officials are simply kicking the can down the road. Without real spending cuts, our economy will continue to flounder as Congress continues to siphon off more from our paychecks. enters circulation. Our paychecks Inflation will persist as more money ases; this isn’t an encouraging decrease, while the cost of living incre interest rates set by the Federal trend. Furthermore, artificially low invest and save their money. Reserve aren’t attracting people to none at all minimal interest is better than saving Even so, saving money and collecting . As much as we try to avoid them, unexpected emergencies
happen,
and it’s important to be prepared for when they do. Budgeting might mean having to sacrifice now, but you’ll be thankful in the long-run. Getting
your
finances
in order is a New Year’s resolution that truly pays.
JAN.FEB.2013
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ARTICLE BY CRISTINA MAXON
Like many Americans, I find
I saw a quote on a fitness
my day being taken up by
inspiration blog one day that
things like work, socializing,
really stuck in my mind. Though I
laundry, errands, and other
am unsure of the original source,
tasks- which don’t allow a ton
it’s helped me for months:
of time to donate to the gym or working out at home. I’ve always struggled with my level of physical activity, balancing eating well with a busy life and trying to keep off weight. It is not uncommon for us to think to ourselves “I don’t have time to get to the gym” or “Memberships are too expensive” or even “I don’t have the energy to work out today”.
Many people are quick to put off doing any physical exercises at all because they don’t have the time or energy to do the “perfect work-out”The “perfect” workout is usually thought of as time at the gym, cardio, running, stretching, weight-lifting, fitness classes etc
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“The imperfect-workout you do today is better than the lack-of-workout you did yesterday”. Last summer, that quote inspired a “movement” (literally!) for this couchpotato. I began walking, in regular clothes and sandals, every day. Enjoying the sun and summer weather, I realized my walks were a time of serenity and fitness. I began to increase the speed and distance of my afternoon adventures. I did not stress over the fact- or mentally punish myself -for not running, not wearing sneakers, not going to a gym, I just put on my headphones and walked- every day. I made the experience my own. The above quote and my new found love for walking also helped me to embrace the mentality that ANY kind of movement is better than non-movement.
JAN.FEB.2013 2013
I try to fit in extra effort whenever I can, like: • going up and down the stairs a few extra times even if I only need one thing • parking as far from the store as possible • using a basket instead of a shopping cart (and even using the weight of my items in the basket to do arm curls… when no one is looking!) • keeping my feet off the floor in my car for as long as I can, resting and repeating, as my regular driving includes a 1 ½ hour car trip 3-4 times a week • using household cleaning as physical exertion (stretching to reach the high -up places, doing sit ups in between dishes, etc.) • I even do mini-crunches and leg-lift reps in the tanning bed. I feel like I could be multi-tasking and just lying there is a waste of precious time. There are lots of small ways you can squeeze some mini fitness practices into your day. But my biggest block of time throughout my week is spent sitting at the desk at work. It’s easy to get caught up in the tasks of the day and forget to do simple things like stretching, taking some deep breaths, and drinking water. While these are always great things to do while you’re at work, I’m not an expert. I started wondering what I could do at work to fit in some fitness practices there as well. In my search for a solution to this problematic time of day, I came across this great resource. http://www.yogajournal.com/officeyoga/
JAN.FEB.2013
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ARTICLE BY CRISTINA MAXON, PHOTO: CURT WEINHOLD
PHYSICAL FITNESS IS A TOPIC THAT USUALLY BRINGS IMAGES OF THE GYM, RUNNING SHOES, SPORTS AND DUMBBELLS, BUT WHAT ABOUT YOUR SURVIVAL? What if your car broke down and you had to walk ten miles or more to get help. Could you make the trip? What if you slipped and had to pull yourself to safety using only your upper body strength, would you fall to your injury or death, or survive? More importantly, in a dire situation, would you be physically prepared to fight or take flight for surivial, regroup, and rise to the occasion to continue the fight or flight for an unspecified amount of time, in order to stay alive?
WHAT IS SURVIVAL FITNESS? In order to understand fitness for survival, “fitness” must first be defined. A biological definition of fitness is “an organism’s ability to survive and reproduce in a particular environment.” It has the word “survive” in its definition! Another definition of fitness is “work capacity across broad time and modal domain” (according to survivalcache.com) but what does that mean? It can be explained as the ability to do work and generate power over an undefined amount of time and across many different modalities. Some examples include having to hike with your heavy bug-out-bag, climbing steep hills, pulling someone else to safety, treading water for long periods of time or even swimming to safety. The capacity to be fit and utilize fitness in a set of conditions requires some qualities or skills that can be practiced and developed. These skills are called “The 10 General Physical Skills of Fitness”.
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JAN.FEB.2013 2013
1. Cardiovascular Fitness: capacity of the heart and lungs to supply oxygen-rich blood to the working muscles and the capacity of the muscles to use oxygen to produce energy for movement
2. Stamina: the ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort.
3. Strength: the quality or state of being strong : capacity for exertion or endurance, the extent to which muscles can exert force by contracting against resistance (e.g. holding or restraining a force).
4. Flexibility: the absolute range of movement in a joint or series of joints, and length in muscles that cross the joints.
5. Power: the ability to exert maximum muscular contraction instantly in an explosive burst of movements. The two components of power are strength and speed. (e.g. jumping or a sprint start).
6. Speed:
the ability to move quickly across the
ground or move limbs rapidly to grab or throw.
7. Agility: the ability to quickly change body position or direction of the body, able to move quickly and easily.
8. Coordination: the ability to integrate the above listed components so that effective movements are achieved.
9. Accuracy: the ability to control movement in a given direction or at a given intensity.
10. Balance: the ability to control the body’s position, either stationary (e.g. a handstand) or while moving (e.g. a gymnastics stunt) JAN.FEB.2013
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So many changes are
Too often, our elected officials
coming to our nation and
legislate reactively instead of
very few are positive. Do
proactively.
you feel frustrated by the
occur and our legislators want
ongoing attacks by those
to be perceived as the leader
Tragic events
who wish to stifle your freedoms and Constitutional
who legislates a wrong into a future right. Who could
rights? Do you feel like our legislative leaders are
contest that? It seems selfless and compassionate,
oblivious to the long term consequences of their
strong and hard working right? The problem is they
actions? If so, you are not alone. The most recent and high profile debate centers around new gun control laws set forth by our Federal government in the aftermath of the horrible
are so hasty to submit something in response to tragedy, that they ignore the long term effects. In their eyes, the long term effect equals re-election security.
tragedy in Newtown CT. As a mom of four, I never want to personally
The first legislation fired out in response to the Newtown tragedy came from
experience the tragic losses suffered by parents, relatives and the entire
New York State’s Governor Andrew Cuomo. Immediately, the undermining
Newtown community. Although no one can ever full understand the intense
of Constitutional freedoms was showcased in a bill that would not have
feelings of loss and suffering that the families are enduring, we as a nation
stopped this unprecedented, vicious attack. What it did was punish law
stand with them through their mourning and pray that there is a way to stop
abiding firearm owners. Not one of the provisions in this bill, which was
this unspeakable violence.
introduced and passed in the bi-cameral legislature and signed by Governor Cuomo within 24 hours, dealt with any of the actions that happened that
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE MCCULLOCH - 16 -
JAN.FEB.2013 2013
fateful day in Newtown. Additionally, NY’s Governor waived the 3 day aging period for all bills that pass the legislature to prevent anything from stopping the bills immediate passage. Now I am not a current gun owner, but I do believe that our nation is as strong and exceptional as it is because our Constitution was written to establish a fair governmental structure which protects individual’s freedoms. The US Constitution stands as a model of cooperative statesmanship and showcases the art of compromise. It was created to provide a lawful, secure and free nation which governs the government and restrains its power while protecting it’s people’s rights and freedoms. It was not a document thrown together at a moment’s notice, but one that evolved out of belief and determination that our nation would be stronger and better because of it. We have always trusted that our Constitution would be the constant in our American governmental system; the one thing that would guide us through the best and worst of times. But as with all change that divides one group from another, those that do not honor or respect the Constitution have slowly and precisely been targeting it for extinction. Recently, an article was written in the New York Times by Louis Michael Seidman. Mr. Seidman is a professor of constitutional law at Georgetown University and professes that our nation’s downfall begins with “our insistence on obedience to the Constitution, with all its archaic, idiosyncratic and downright evil provisions.” The article illustrates the mindset and manner in which our Constitution will be attacked in the coming days, weeks and years. You have to wonder, how will his students understand and perceive the importance of the Constitution under his tutelage. More importantly, how many of those same students will use their futures to continue the breaking apart of something that has kept our nation together longer than any other Constitution around the globe. So as we debate the Constitutionality of the emerging gun laws, and whether they would have prevented the past atrocities, we must remember that this is part of a bigger picture. A picture that begs the question, how will these laws change the future and face of our nation? Will the step by step erosion of our freedoms lead to a safer nation, or will we become a nation caught in its own government’s stranglehold?
JAN.FEB.2013
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One of the most important basic needs to survive is food. I know that right now food is readily available and some folks are storing MRE’s but I think that starting to grow your own food source is the best plan. What will happen when you run out of MRE’s? Everyone knows the Chinese proverb, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” The same can be said about growing your own food. Other than being able to feed yourself, there are many benefits to growing your own food. Some of those benefits include: You decide what, if any, fertilizers and pesticides are in your food. When grocery store vegetables are recalled due to EColi, or Listeria your supply is safe. You control the amount of food available to you and your family. You control when the food is harvested. Fruits and vegetables that ripen in your garden have more nutrients and better flavor than store-bought vegetables that are picked early to ripen later at the store. You tend to eat more fruits and vegetables when you grow your own Saves money on your grocery bill. May also save on gas because you can just go to your garden to get that onion or carrot. A garden can provide great learning experiences and exercises for the entire family.
I know the thought of growing your own garden seems like a daunting and time consuming task, but there are many ways in which to garden. You don’t need a huge garden to get started. That can be too overwhelming for a beginner. I am a great example of that. Here are some examples of outdoor gardening styles. You can do just one type, or combine several different types of gardening. Container gardening – Grow items in pots on your patio or porch Raised Bed Gardening – Build raised garden boxes out of 2 x 4s Yard Gardening –Traditional gardening but on a much smaller scale Community Gardening –Neighbors and friends work together, and have a garden together, in a larger area. This was called the Victory Garden or Community Garden during WWII.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY AMY THOMPSON - 18 -
JAN.FEB.2013 2013
During these cold winter months, most gardeners start by going through seed catalogs. Knowing the type of seeds that you are purchasing is important. Most seeds are hybrids and are only good for one season and they will produce plants that are sterile. If you are looking to harvest the seeds in the fall for the next year, buy what are called heirloom seeds. General/Hybrid seeds can be purchased at your local gardening sections of Lowes, Home Depot or your neighborhood farm and garden store. There are also many online companies to order from. You will have more of a variety of heirloom seeds if you use an online store. The company that was recommended to me was Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company. Their website is www.rareseeds.com. The experiences I have had with them so far has been pretty great. If you don’t want to start from seeds, buy starter plants from your local gardening store. Remember, most are not heirloom plants unless noted. My recommendation for a new gardener is to start out small. Start with some herbs or some vegetables that container garden well. An example of a vegetable that works well in containers is a tomato plant. A great herb to start with is Oregano. It grows like a weed and will take over some beds if left unchecked. I have an oregano bed where we used to live that produces so much that I ended up giving much of it away. I dried so much that I never had to buy from a store. We recently moved from the country to a suburb of Buffalo, New York. I was spoiled by being able to go straight to farmers and neighbors for my vegetables, fruits, eggs and milk. Sometimes I traded my herbs for their produce, which in my opinion worked out great. I truly miss fresh eggs, and hopefully I will find a 4-H’r to buy some from up here. Since our relocation here, my husband and I have started our own gardening. We started small and are learning much from our gardening experiences. We started by container and raised bed gardening. Our plan this year is to also include yard gardening. One of the things I’ve learned is that information in books and the internet do not necessarily work as stated. I ended up contacting the folks back home who have gardens frequently. The best way to learn is to talk to people who garden and by experience. Cooperative Extensions and garden clubs host classes during certain times of the year. These local experts will also know what fruits, vegetables, and herbs will grow best in your region. Locally, The Elma CERT group will be hosting a gardening class or classes this spring. Check EMPact America’s web site www.PrepareHub.org in the next few weeks for the information on the class/ demonstration. Check back in the next issue of EMPower Magazine for more information and my experiences as a novice gardener. If you have any recommendations for heirloom seeds or if you have a garden supplier you would like to suggest contact me through my blog, Natural Preparedness, on PrepareHub.org.
JAN.FEB.2013
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ARTICLE BY CRISTINA MAXON
Also referred to as the “CaveMan Diet”, “Stone-Age Diet”, and “Hunter-Gatherer Diet”, the Paleolithic Diet is based on the diet that our species evolved on. Our genes were coded
PALEOLITHIC DIET
These newly edible foods marked the beginning of what some call “Neolithic” foods. They had their advantages, for example. Neolithic Foods could be stored for longer
over thousands of years based on evolutionary and survival benefits
periods of time without spoiling. Also, small amounts of them
directly related to the available foods. So our bodies are literally
contain many calories so transporting this food source also
designed to consume in this way. Today’s “civilized” diets include
became beneficial and easier. Despite the advantages, our
many foods that were discovered, developed and synthesized long
digestive systems and physical compositions did not develop
after the human body had reached the evolutionary point of the modern man. Therefore, much of what we eat today includes dietary components that our bodies are not designed to handle.
while eating things like grains, beans and potatoes. After farming plants and animals developed as well, dairy was soon introduced to the diet as well. Dairy products were introduced to our diets
For example, for millions of years, man survived by consuming meat, fish,
and our genetic coding provided us with some ability to process some
fowl, leaves, fruit and roots of plants. About 10,000 years ago, the diet of
components of dairy but not others. Cows milk, from an evolutionary
the human being was altered permanently by a profound breakthrough:
standpoint, is perfect for a calf. It is perfect for the calf that has a brain
the discovery that cooking certain foods made them edible. Before this
that is only a tiny fraction of its overall body weight- whereas humans
innovation, grains, beans and potatoes were not consumed, as they are
have big brains. Therefore, cows milk is low in crucial nutrients for human
inedible and toxic if eaten raw.
brain development, particularly omega 3 fats.
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JAN.FEB.2013 2013
WHY IS A “NEOLITHIC” DIET DISCOURAGED? These foods are discouraged because they share the following important characteristics: • Toxic when raw- many of these foods are completely toxic when uncooked and can be extremely harmful to our bodies. They include toxins like enzyme blockers, lectins and other highly dangerous toxins. • When cooked, most of these toxins are eliminated, but not all. Sicknesses such as gastroenteritis can be a result of eating undercooked foods containing these toxic qualities.
If your carbohydrate intake is high, like most people, reduce your carb-intake slowly. If you reduce too quickly you may feel tired or unwell. Start with breakfast for the first few days and eat as you normally would for the remainder of the day. Next include a Paleolithic
• These foods are also rich in carbohydrates, and have a high glycemic index (causes the blood sugar to rapidly spike and fall).
lunch in your diet once you’ve breakfast.
such veggies
here’s how to get the ball rolling. Start by shifting your diet one meal at a time, beginning with breakfast. Instead of toast or cereal, substitute eggs for a protein-kick start and fruit early in the day. More food tips, recipes, shopping lists and resources, check out: paleofood.com and paleofoodlist.com and for a great description and more indepth explanation of the basics of the
spinach,
like
tomatoes,
cucumbers, onions, carrots, cabbage, nuts and fruits. One of the salad’s worst enemies (and the reason why many salad-diets
of the toxins in the foods you’ve
Diet a try and begin detoxifying your body,
as
arugula, lettuce and
Your body may be used to some
you think you’d like to give the Paleolithic
a
with mixed greens
HOW TO BEGIN
some time to adjust to clean-eating. If
Enjoy
large salad filled
• They are poor sources of vitamins- especially low in vitamins A, B-group, folic acid and vitamin C, minerals, antioxidants and phytosterols.
been eating for years, it may take
mastered
fail) is the salad dressing. Many people may think the salad is healthy but then overdo it with fatty, highly caloric dressing in excessive portions. The best dressing recommended for the Paleolithic diet is olive oil, as it is pressed from fruit. Lemon juice is also recommended as a flavorful, low-calorie option for salad dressing. Salads are good any time on this diet, but dinner can also include more meats and cooked veggies. As long as you avoid potatoes and follow the food list, eat a big dinner!
Paleo Diet, check out this blog: http://www.earth360.com/diet_paleodiet_balzer.html JAN.FEB.2013
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ARTICLE BY MICHELLE MCCULLOCH
For months, we have watched as Congress has put off it’s responsibilities to work on solutions for the betterment of our Nation. Procrastination and deal making has led to the less than productive outcome of many important legislative bills that were pending action in both the House and Senate. The American people should be able to expect better, but is it our own fault for re-electing incumbents who have proven ineffective both individually and as a body? Within the last couple of months,
Also, on the legislative table, was a
the “Fiscal Cliff” has dominated
bill to financially address Hurricane
our news and financial markets.
Sandy’s
With the importance of this issue,
efforts. Although this bill does not
legislators
been
address issues faced by the entire
working day and night to provide an
nation, it is important for all those
effective solution. A bill was passed
affected by the unprecedented storm.
in the final seconds of the 112th
The bill also included funding for
congress, but it was thrown together
public improvement projects that
with back room deals and lacked the
would provide future protection to the
teeth necessary to comprehensively
electric grid. Unfortunately, the bill
address the nation’s debt and fiscal
was not as lucky to be addressed by
stability.
Even more disturbing,
the House of Representatives and will
is the fact that the House of
now have to be reintroduced in the new
Representatives had no time to
113th Congress. That leaves New York
read the bill to understand its
and New Jersey’s emergency services
contents. With spending cuts not
organizations to fend for themselves.
even addressed in the Taxpayer
This
Relief Act, representatives will
example of ineffectiveness, should
go back to debating spending
explain the importance of preparing
cuts in entitlement programs and
yourself and your family for disasters
increasing revenues by increased
like Hurricane Sandy.
should
have
recovery
important
and
and
rebuilding
unfortunate
taxation.
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JAN.FEB.2013 2013
Do you feel exasperation with our elected leaders when watching the aforementioned issues unfold in the media? We can complain and pontificate all we want about ineffective leadership in our nations capital, but ultimately the votes we have cast in the past election have accomplished nothing but a continuation of the status quo.
This would be presented as a way to avert any discussions on increasing the debt ceiling. Think it’s absurd? One lawmaker in DC doesn’t think so, and has introduced legislation that would bar the Treasury from creating the currency. Representative Greg Walden (R-OR) has taken the threat seriously and is quoted in the Washington Post as saying, “This scheme to mint trillion dollar platinum coins is absurd and dangerous, and would be laughable if the proponents weren’t so serious about it as a solution,” my bill will take the coin scheme off the table by disallowing the Treasury to mint platinum coins as a way to pay down the debt.” Why do our Representatives in Congress not hold themselves to a higher standard? Are they really trying every absurd tactic in the book to circumvent
This past November, Rasmussen reported polling which showed that Congress
doing the work of the people? Is there no pride in a job well done for others
had a 10% favorable rating with the American people.
that are relying on you? After all, our nation’s most critical issues are
The most current
favorability rating on December 27th was even lower, coming in at 5%. Does that statistic make any sense when you look at the fact that 93% of incumbents were re-elected? phenomenon?
What can explain this statistical
Partisanship, money and ignorance! Sadly, incumbents
understand this and base their action or inactions appropriate to their own campaign needs….not ours. In contrast, if you look at company’s who are accountable to their shareholders and their Board of Director’s, decision makers at all levels are held strictly responsible for their work ethic, effective strategy vision and outcomes. Procrastination and blaming another colleague for shortfalls and inactions is not the way for them to produce bottom line results, although it is a way to earn a pink slip. But nonetheless, our government keeps a few tricks up
entrusted to them.
The only way that this entrenched, idle attitude of our elected representatives is going to change is if we the people hold them accountable. Senator Dan Coats stated “consistently governing from the edge of a cliff is detrimental to our country and reflective of a complete lack of leadership in Washington.” We couldn’t agree more!
its sleeve that aren’t available in the private sector; the ability to mint a coin worth $1 trillion dollars to pay its bills. Yes, you read that correctly. There is a loophole in our system that would allow the Treasury Secretary to mint a platinum coin, worth whatever the secretary deems necessary, to be deposited at the Federal Reserve.
JAN.FEB.2013
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CDC WARNS OF FLU OUTBREAK – TAKE STEPS TO PREPARE YOUR FAMILY Article by Michelle McCulloch
This year’s flu strain has wreaked havoc across the nation earlier than expected. At this time, the CDC states that most of the nation is reporting increased cases. Early statistics show that this outbreak may be the worst ever on record. With the increasing numbers, it is important for you to protect yourselves from this strong outbreak. The best way to keep you and your family healthy is to get the flu shot early in the season. Annual shots will protect you against the most recent strains and keep you protected for 9 months. Shots are available at your local pharmacies or doctor’s offices, but are becoming less available as the need increases. Those most at risk are seniors, children and those with chronic health issues. According to the CDC, Most healthy adults can infect others one day before symptoms develop and five to seven days after symptoms appear.
Some people, especially young
CDC’s mobile web site provides a subset of CDC’s most popular seasonal influenza content, tailored for viewing on iPhones, Android, and other handheld devices.
children and people with weakened immune systems, might be contagious for a longer period.
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JAN.FEB.2013 2013
If you are one of the unlucky ones and contract the virus, here are some tips to get you through it.
• If you are within the first 2 days, the anti-viral medication Tami-flu may help reduce and less the severity. Call your doctor when symptoms appear to see if this is appropriate for your illness. • Decongestants can ease discomfort from stuffy noses, sinuses, ears, and chests. • Fevers and aches can be treated with a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®, for example), ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®), or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) (Aleve®).If you have kidney disease or stomach problems, check with your health care provider before taking any NSAIDS. • Getting plenty of rest • Drinking clear fluids like water, broth, sports drinks, or electrolyte beverages to prevent becoming dehydrated • Placing a cool, damp washcloth on your forehead, arms, and legs to reduce discomfort associated with a fever • Putting a humidifier in your room to make breathing easier • Gargling salt water (1:1 ratio warm water to salt) to soothe a sore throat • Covering up with a warm blanket to calm chills • Get some books and great movies to help you pass the hours. As with anything relating to your physical health, please check with your doctor for the best diagnosis and treatment. For more information on the flu virus, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/.
The CDC website offers some helpful flu-activity-tracking apps and information like a “Weekly US Map: Influenza Summary Update”, interactive maps, and more.
JAN.FEB.2013
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