WHEN

Noah Built The Ark

BY DANIEL BIERSCHWALE EBS COLUMNIST

A little over a year ago, Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem experienced a natural disaster coined as “a thousand-year event.”

It’s not the first time our region has experienced disasters on a significant scale. The 1959 earthquake forming Quake Lake and 1988 Yellowstone National Park fires were notable acts of God. Not to mention, the COVID-19 pandemic is a fairly fresh wound our region is still recovering from. I don’t know about you, but it sure felt like it rained for 40 days and nights this spring. Thankfully, we didn’t see another epic flood. But the steady rain, melting snow and the one-year anniversary of the Yellowstone River flood makes it timely to discuss some critical factors in mitigating the impacts of disasters. After all, it wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.

It takes a village

Last year Gallatin and Madison counties signed an agreement to consolidate emergency management services in Big Sky. The agreement established a single agency responsible for Big Sky to create more efficiencies and consistency without worrying about the county boundary. Similar arrangements are also in place for law enforcement, coroner, search and rescue, and 911 dispatch. What this means is that during a large-scale incident in Big Sky, response coordination and recovery activities will not be split between the counties. Gallatin County Emergency Management will play a key role should disaster strike and they will certainly do it through coordinated effort with local agencies.

In times of immediate local response, we are in good hands through the support of Big Sky Fire Department (BSFD) and locally dedicated deputies with the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office. These agencies would work in coordination with Gallatin County Emergency Management to keep Big Sky safe. A recent agreement between Gallatin and Madison counties and BSRAD funded an additional two sheriffs, bringing law enforcement services to 24-hour coverage—a huge win for Big Sky. Additionally, through the leadership of BSFD, the Fire Adapted Big Sky Wildfire HUB and accompanied Big Sky Wildfire Action Guide were launched as preparation resources for the community of Big Sky.

What can I do?

Following the direction of BSFD, the best time to plan for an emergency is long before disaster strikes. Four key steps are outlined in the guide for how you, as a resident of Big Sky, can do your part. The first step is to receive emergency alerts. To receive alerts while you are in Big Sky, sign up for free notifications, provided by the Gallatin County Community Notification System powered by Everbridge. Secondly, make a family emergency plan with accessible emergency numbers, designated meet-up locations, and an identified escape route. The third step is to inventory your home. Lastly, pack a to-go bag. Store enough supplies for yourself, your family, and your pets to last at least three days. Keep the supplies somewhere handy.

On the prevention front, we should all give our homes the best chance for survival. “Own your zone” and prioritize exterior home protection by designing and implementing defensible space and maintaining appropriate landscaping. Last but not least, prepare to leave at a moment’s notice, stay alert, and follow emergency orders.

Plan and prepare for the worst

One lesson our community learned from the pandemic was the need to financially prepare for emergencies. Many thought a flood, earthquake, or fire would surely be the “Big One” in Big Sky. However, the onset of COVID-19 was the eye-opening experience exemplifying the need to “plan for a rainy day.” Despite limited funds on hand, our community forged funding partnerships through Big Sky Relief. The effort demonstrated the true power of how a partnership-driven community can work together and overcome hard times. The lesson moving forward uncovered the need to ensure that our community has financial viability should the “Big One” hit. Since that time, BSRAD funded “Emergency Reserves” have now been established should another event happen at this scale.

Much like Noah, who planned for the “act of God” before it happened, we can all do our part to ensure that when it rains – we are prepared for the emergency.

Daniel Bierschwale is the Executive Director of the Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD). As a dedicated public servant, he is committed to increasing civic engagement and voter education. Many ballot issues impact government services and public funding including subsequent property tax impacts. BSRAD is the local government agency that administers Resort Tax, which offsets property taxes while also funding numerous community-wide nonprofit programs.

Health Buzz

HOW HOLISTIC WOMEN’S HEALTH IS HELPING WOMEN TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR HEALTH

BY DR. KALEY BURNS EBS COLUMNIST

Extensive research has shown that women’s health concerns, particularly the ones related to feminine health or related to prevention, are discredited or not properly addressed in the healthcare system. Unfortunately, women are not always given this individual attention by conventional medicine, leaving them feeling unheard and without viable treatment options, even though they have their own unique set of healthcare needs compared to men. Holistic medicine takes into account all aspects of a patient’s health including physical, mental, and emotional factors. One major way that holistic medicine is offering more options for women is the goal of finding and treating the root cause contributing to their health concerns in order to alleviate symptoms, rather than utilizing medication or surgery as the primary way to treat symptoms.

A holistic approach to women’s health can include a variety of therapies.

Some of the most effective include:

Acupuncture

While acupuncture is known for the treatment of pain, it is also used to improve depression, anxiety, infertility, pregnancy and postpartum care, peri- and menopausal symptoms, and menstrual difficulties. Many recipients with no major health concerns also use acupuncture to enhance wellness and prevent illness.

Advanced lab testing

Many patients are told that their labs are "within normal range," yet they still experience symptoms. Every patient has their own unique biochemistry, genetics, and health condition, which often means a broader spectrum of testing can prove beneficial. Specialty labs serve to narrow down where therapy must be applied to bring back balance to your health.

Bioidentical hormones

Holistic women’s health care often addresses restoring balance to the reproductive hormones, in the context of the whole person. This can also include support for the thyroid and adrenal glands. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) involves using chemically and structurally compounded hormones as close to human hormones as possible.

The holistic practice of women’s health care is the treatment of women through all phases of their lives. Things like nutrient deficiencies, a lack of sleep and high amounts of emotional stress can all disturb hormonal balance and raise inflammation. Consult your holistic health care team and get back in balance.

Dr. Kaley Burns is the founder, owner and naturopathic doctor at Big Sky Natural Health. She embraces a natural approach to health and aims to similarly inspire and guide others on their health journey. Dr. Burns has advanced training application of regenerative and intravenous injection therapy. She also serves as the vice president and CE liaison of the Montana Association of Naturopathic Physicians.