Wendy Williams‘ career journey has been far from smooth sailing as she has faced numerous health challenges‚ among them Graves’ disease and Lymphedema. The media personality took a break in 2022 to deal with her health‚ which‚ according to a recent announcement‚ has further declined as she is now battling frontotemporal dementia and aphasia. To chronicle Wendy’s health journey over the years‚ her team has put together a compelling documentary titled Where Is Wendy Williams? The eagerly anticipated release has reignited interest in the renowned on-air personality‚ prompting a flurry of emotions among her devoted fan base. The new documentary explores the life and challenges faced by Wendy Williams Photo by: Dennis Van Tine/starmaxinc.com‚ ©2018. Wendy Williams at the American Heart Association’s (AHA) 2018 Go Red For Women Red Dress Collection Fashion Show in New York City.(NYC) The first part of the Lifetime documentary debuted on February 24th‚ presenting viewers with an immersive journey into the life of Williams‚ with a keen emphasis on the era after her departure from the iconic daytime talk show due to growing health concerns. RELATED: Wendy Williams Officially Diagnosed With Frontotemporal Dementia And Aphasia Also‚ the documentary sheds light on Williams’ dynamic relationships‚ including those with manager Will Selby‚ publicist Shawn Zanotti‚ and sole child‚ Kevin Hunter Jr. Instagram Following the premiere of the documentary‚  fans seized the moment to express their unfiltered opinions about the project on various social media platforms. Many emphasized that rather than safeguarding Williams’ vulnerabilities‚ the documentary seems to exploit them. “I hope that Wendy Williams gets the help she needs and maybe this show will help with that but something about this isn’t sitting right with me‚” a fan wrote via X. “She can’t consent to being on camera like this. It feels exploitative.” Instagram “I’m not sure who greenlit #WhereIsWendyWilliams.. in my opinion it wasn’t a good idea‚” a second person commented while another fan agreed‚ stating‚ “I’ve seen enough clips of #WhereIsWendyWilliams to know that this should NEVERRRRRRR have aired. It’s disgusting that they’ve captured this lady’s most vulnerable moments like this.” Click for next Article The post Fans Criticize ‘Where Is Wendy Williams’ Lifetime Documentary: ‘Feels Exploitative’ appeared first on DoYouRemember? - The Home of Nostalgia. Author‚ Peace A

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Estimated reading time: 8 minutes Gunshot wounds can be unpredictable and life-threatening. They demand immediate attention‚ especially in high-risk professions like law enforcement or the military. Even in SHTF scenarios‚ such as natural disasters or civil unrest‚ being prepared is non-negotiable. Avoiding these types of injuries is the best medicine‚ but just in case it’s good to have a gunshot wound kit handy. This article will teach you how to create your gunshot wound kit‚ possibly a vital tool in these extreme situations.  Want to save this post for later? Click Here to Pin It On Pinterest! Understanding Gunshot Wounds When dealing with gunshot wounds‚ it’s important to remember that they are not uniform; their severity can vary greatly depending on several factors. Damage caused by gunshot wounds extends far beyond the visible injury. The ballistic trauma inflicted can lead to internal bleeding‚ organ damage‚ and even death if not addressed immediately. The high velocity of the bullet causes a shock wave that can damage tissues and organs not directly in the bullet’s path. Even after the bullet is taken out‚ the remaining wounds carry a high risk of infection‚ as the bullet can introduce bacteria from the skin into the deeper tissues. Gunshot wounds can differ greatly based on the caliber and velocity of the bullet‚ the distance from which the shot was fired‚ and the part of the body hit. To give you an example‚ a wound from a .22 caliber bullet will differ significantly from a wound inflicted by a .45 caliber bullet. This is because a .45 caliber is larger and has more stopping power. However‚ that’s not the only factor‚ wounds to the chest or abdomen can be more life-threatening than those to the limbs‚ regardless of caliber. Types of Gunshot Wounds While the 2 basic gun wound types are generally penetrating or perforating‚ there are others pertaining to different parts of the body. Here is a list of gunshot wound types and the bullets that tend to cause them for reference. Entry Wound: This type of wound is caused when a projectile‚ like a bullet‚ pierces the skin and enters the body. Typically‚ entry wounds are smaller and have a more defined shape compared to exit wounds. Exit Wound: This wound is formed when a projectile‚ after penetrating the body‚ makes its way out. Generally‚ exit wounds are larger and have a more irregular shape than entry wounds. Penetrating Wound: In this case‚ the bullet breaches the body but does not make an exit. This wound can lead to considerable internal organ and tissue damage. These are usually caused by full metal jacket bullets as they are designed to penetrate without fragmenting. Perforating Wound: This refers to a wound where the bullet passes through the body‚ creating both an entry and an exit wound. High-speed bullets are the cause of these types of wounds. Each may require varying types of treatment due to their different characteristics. Contact Wound: This occurs when the firearm is in direct contact with the body at the time of discharge. It often results in burns and powder residue around the wound site. Grazing Wound: This is a superficial injury where the bullet skims the skin without penetrating deeply. A grazing wound is caused by lower-speed bullets or ammo that can ricochet. Fracture Wound: This wound is characterized by the bullet causing a bone to break or shatter within the body. High-velocity ammo or larger bullets are more likely to shatter bones. Cavity Wound: This wound is distinguished by the bullet forming a large temporary cavity within the tissue‚ leading to damage in the surrounding areas. These wounds are generally caused by large mass bullets and shotgun shells. The Essential Components of a Gunshot Wound Kit A gunshot wound‚ regardless of its type‚ is a critical and potentially life-threatening injury. The immediate response and first aid offered can significantly influence the patient’s survival and recovery. Having a well-equipped gunshot wound kit is pivotal in such situations. A gunshot wound kit can be quite extensive and some items might have to be acquired through a hospital supply company‚ but here are the basic items you should have in the kit. Hemostatic Dressings: Hemostatic dressings are the first line of defense against excessive bleeding. These are gauze pads treated with a special substance that promotes rapid blood clotting‚ thus controlling hemorrhage. Tourniquets: A tourniquet is a compressing device used to control venous and arterial circulation to an extremity for a period of time. It is used in emergencies when direct pressure and wound packing fail to stem bleeding. It is commonly a last resort to stop bleeding as it cuts the circulation off completely. Chest Seals: Gunshots to the chest can lead to a collapsed lung (pneumothorax). Chest seals are adhesive devices that prevent outside air from entering the chest cavity through the wound‚ allowing the lung to reinflate and reducing the risk of tension pneumothorax. Pressure Dressings: Pressure dressings are used to apply pressure to a wound and stop or minimize bleeding. These can be used on different parts of the body. Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA): NPA devices are used to ensure airway patency in unconscious patients or those with severe facial injuries. Decompression Needles: Decompression needles are used in the event of a tension pneumothorax‚ a life-threatening condition that can occur with chest injuries. The needle allows trapped air to escape from the chest cavity. Gauze‚ Gloves‚ and Medical Tape: These foundational first aid items are necessary for wound packing‚ protection against infection‚ and securing dressings. Trauma Shears: Trauma shears are used for rapidly cutting clothing to expose the wound for treatment. These are designed to cut through the fabric without risking further injury to the patient. Emergency Survival Blankets: These are used to help maintain body temperature and prevent hypothermia‚ a common risk in trauma situations due to shock and exposure. First Aid Manual: A field guide for dealing with gunshot wounds can be invaluable‚ particularly for those without advanced medical training. Even in heavily charged situations a guide can still help an experienced medic. Additional Useful Items for a Gunshot Wound Kit A lot of these items can be found in a standard first aid kit but can also be great when added to your gunshot wound kit. While these are good to have‚ they are for more general wound treatment and don’t have gun wound-specific uses. As such‚ these are considered “additional” and not necessarily needed.  Tourniquet Holder: A dedicated tourniquet holder could make it easier and faster to grab a tourniquet in time-sensitive situations. Hemostatic Agents: These substances accelerate the clotting process when applied to a wound‚ rapidly halting blood loss. They are generally used intravenously. Splints: In the event of bone injuries‚ splints can immobilize the affected area and prevent further damage. Antiseptic Wipes: These can be used to disinfect the area around the wound before dressing it‚ reducing the risk of infection. Burn Dressings: Gunshots may cause burns due to the heat of the bullet or near misses‚ and these dressings can provide relief and protection. Pain Relief Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers can mitigate some discomfort while waiting for professional medical assistance. Surgical Masks: Wearing a mask during the treatment process can help minimize the risk of infection. Writing Utensil and Paper: Noting down vital signs‚ treatment administered‚ and time of intervention can be of great help to the medical professionals upon their arrival. Using a gunshot wound kit effectively is all about keeping your cool and knowing where everything is. Organize your kit like a pro – have each item in a specific spot for quick and easy access. It can’t be stressed enough that when a gunshot wound needs to be treated‚ every second matters. Importance of Training and Further Education Understanding how to respond to gunshot wounds is a crucial skill‚ one that requires more than just a well-stocked kit. While the contents of your gunshot wound kit are vital‚ they are tools that need a skilled hand to wield effectively. Some items‚ like hemostatic agents or tourniquets‚ require specific expertise to use correctly. Courses such as “Stop the Bleed” provide invaluable knowledge‚ highlighting the correct techniques and processes to follow. Not only that‚ but they empower individuals‚ giving them the confidence and competence to act decisively in a crisis. When people don’t know what to do in a situation‚ they tend to freeze. When people freeze‚ others die. Conclusion Being prepared for emergencies‚ particularly those involving gunshot wounds‚ is a critical responsibility we all share. A well-organized gunshot wound kit coupled with the necessary training can make a life-changing difference in such critical situations. These kits are not just assortments of medical supplies but essential tools that‚ when used skillfully‚ can save lives. The importance of comprehensive training goes hand in hand with possessing such a kit‚ enhancing your confidence and effectiveness in crises. Like this post? Don’t Forget to Pin It On Pinterest! You May Also Like 17 Natural Ways to Heal Wounds Faster 13 Medical Skills Every Prepper Should Learn How to Stop Someone from Bleeding Out 7 Important Tips for Emergency Wound Care 10 Critical Principles Of Tourniquet Use The post How to Build a Gunshot Wound Kit appeared first on Urban Survival Site.

Take a look at the news any day of the week and you’ll see stories of people affected by disasters: from entire communities dealing with the aftermath of tornadoes and large-scale flooding to families rebuilding after house fires and ruptured pipes caused by freezing weather. They all face the daunting prospect of starting over. No matter what the cause‚ each of these people will deal not only with physical loss but with emotional trauma and financial impacts. Even the most prepared among us may someday deal with a catastrophe at the community or personal level that can’t be stopped‚ and we’ll have to decide whether to rebuild in place or start over elsewhere. What’s non-negotiable is starting over‚ and what’s priceless is the mental preparation to do so‚ along with some resources for how to make that happen. What to do BEFORE starting over In the case of a disaster‚ the first step is‚ of course‚ to get yourself and your loved ones to safety. If you are able to do so safely‚ bring other items of value. The second step is seemingly backward: prepare in advance. (That’s why you’re reading this blog‚ right?) Know the most likely natural disasters for your region and prepare accordingly. Those of us in earthquake country are able to mitigate danger and damage somewhat by practicing the “Stop‚ Cover‚ and Hold” drill and by taking steps to properly secure tall furniture‚ pictures‚ and breakable objects. For those in flood- and fire-prone areas‚ staging bug-out bags‚ sentimental items‚ and vital documents for evacuation or above high water levels will be very helpful. Once the shaking stops or the water level drops‚ and it’s safe to enter your home‚ you can begin the process of salvaging and disposal without trying to find those necessities. (For advice on replacing lost or destroyed essential documents‚ go read this article.) Create an inventory A key step in preparing your household for starting over is to create an inventory well before it is needed. Schedule some time to walk your home and property‚ room by room and building by building‚ and document the items you own. You can document your inventory in a simple notebook‚ grab a set of special printable home inventory forms from us‚ pick up a booklet from your insurance agent‚ or use an app that allows you to note information with photo inserts of rooms and valuables. No matter what format you use‚ be sure to include the following in your documentation: Date of inventory Name(s) of individuals doing inventory (Useful if you place an insurance claim and need statements of condition or storage of valuables.) What room or building you are inventorying Each item (with the serial number if applicable); date of purchase (if known); purchase price (if known); whether it was a gift or personal purchase; and approximate replacement value Photos of each room‚ along with individual photos of high-value items Additionally‚ some people choose to create a special section in their inventory document that notes only high-value items and sentimental items. This allows for more detailed descriptions of expensive belongings such as jewelry and firearms‚ which may also need separate insurance riders. During this inventory process‚ be sure to make side notes of sentimental items that need better storage (such as archival boxes for photos) or things that are a “must go” in a planned evacuation; stage these items with your other supplies when the river starts to rise or fire season is imminent. You can tackle that to-do list as you are able – moving photos to acid-free storage boxes or scanning them for backups can even make for a fun family night or weekend. When doing your inventory‚ be methodical about it. Start at one point in your house and work in one direction‚ documenting everything in front of you before moving to the next item. If you’re a tech-savvy bookworm with a large library‚ you can download apps to your device that will let you take a picture of your books’ barcodes and they will inventory for you‚ based on each book’s ISBN. This inventory is a document that you will keep in a safe place‚ along with other vital documents such as identification documents (Social Security cards‚ passports‚ Concealed Carry licenses‚ etc.)‚ legal paperwork (wills‚ powers of attorney‚ healthcare directives‚ divorce decrees‚ parenting plans‚ etc.)‚ and medical documents (vaccination records‚ copies of health records‚ treatment plans‚ etc.) You may prefer to keep these papers off-site in a bank safe deposit box‚ company safe‚ or friend’s safe if you know natural disasters are prevalent in your area‚ but weigh this against the risk of similar problems at the off-site location. An option for home storage is a fireproof safe stored in the safest location on your property – be sure that portable safes are well-hidden from burglars but known and accessible to family members who might have to evacuate. Ensure that large safes‚ such as gun safes‚ are bolted down to prevent the possibility of home invasions where criminals have already cased the location – they may know to bring a pallet jack for the safe. If you made use of digital devices to do your inventory‚ don’t forget redundancy: print copies are always a good thing‚ even if you have it in triplicate via thumb drives‚ a disk‚ and your phone. Drives can be erased‚ disks broken‚ papers burned‚ and phones lost and stolen‚ so the more backups you have‚ the better. All this work might sound like a hassle‚ but having gone through the process of trying to help inventory my family’s belongings after a house fire‚ I promise you it’s worth it to have your documentation done before it’s needed. If you absolutely cannot make the time to do an inventory yourself‚ there are certified inventory professionals you can pay to do the job for you. The downside for preparedness types is having someone aware of what you have stored up; the upside is that‚ should you need to file a claim‚ the inventory professional is an objective person who can testify to the value of your items. Salvage and disposal Since you now have an inventory of your possessions‚ along with the necessities for emergency evacuations‚ let’s move on to the salvage and disposal work after the disaster strikes. This may be as simple as flooding in one room from a broken pipe or a window that leaked during a typhoon; it may be as large as the destruction of several rooms or most of the house due to an apartment fire or tornado. Let’s look at some common scenarios and how to handle them. Smoke Damage From a Fire: Request permission from your fire marshal before reentering your home. Contact your insurance agent/company. Look over all of the damaged areas; take photos if possible. You may ultimately decide to hire a professional fire restorer‚ but knowing what the damage is allows you to start making a plan. Even if you do hire a professional‚ you can help minimize further damage by taking the following steps Open windows to ventilate the spaces and install a fan to circulate air. If it’s cold outside and your heat system is still working‚ keep an eye on your furnace filter. Your heating system will help remove moisture in the air‚ but your furnace can become clogged with soot. If the weather is warm and you have sustained significant water damage‚ it may be better to keep windows closed and run a dehumidifier. Remove brass and copper items and clean them with the appropriate cleaner within 24 hours to prevent etching. Cover carpets after removing soot to keep other soil from being tracked back in during cleaning; cover clean‚ dry items with plastic for protection. Check the labels of clothing and textiles – smoke smells can remain in such items unless they are properly deodorized and cleaned. If dry cleaning items‚ be sure to inform your dry cleaner that the item has been through a fire and may be smoke damaged so they can advise you on the appropriate treatment steps. After deodorizing‚ wash regular clothing; be aware you may have to wash the items several times. One thing my family learned after our house fire was that clothing on plastic hangers was easier to salvage; we simply snapped the melted plastic off the clothing‚ scrubbed off the rest‚ and washed multiple times. Items stored on wire hangers were permanently singed and in most cases were not salvageable. To get smoke odor out of the house itself‚ professionals may need to be involved. If the smell is not properly removed‚ it will return‚ especially during damp weather or on warm days. You may wish to have ducts cleaned and sealed and attic insulation replaced‚ as these spaces can retain smoke odor as well. Water Damage from Flooding or Fire: Some items can be salvaged after water damage‚ while others cannot. Harder surfaces such as concrete‚ plaster walls‚ and cinder block can often be cleaned and disinfected. Dry wet items as soon as you can. Linoleum‚ hardwood floors‚ and subflooring may be saved if you can get them dried out quickly enough. If they aren’t completely dry‚ both carpets and the floors underneath them can begin to mold and mildew and become irreparable. As with smoke damage‚ air circulation helps! Remove wet area rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpeting to help with drying and to prevent staining from colored rugs. Soft items such as drapes‚ bed linens‚ and clothing are often salvageable. Disinfect and wash‚ or have dry cleaned‚ as appropriate to the garment or item. If you have soft furnishings such as mattresses or upholstered furniture that you want to try to salvage‚ allow them to air dry in sunlight and spray thoroughly with a disinfectant. Hard toys and dishes: Scrub and disinfect as necessary. Don’t bother trying to save: Drywall‚ wallboard‚ and batt insulation – these will hold water‚ so toss them to prevent mold and decay. Ceiling tiles: unless the damage is slight‚ dispose of soaked soundproofing tiles. Food and medicine: Anything touched by flood water is a no-go. Also toss wood cutting boards‚ plastic utensils‚ pacifiers‚ and baby bottle nipples. De-laminated furniture: Try as you might‚ you’ll probably never get laminate skins glued flat on particleboard or pressed board furnishings. Large rugs with foam backing: You might be able to save the rug by peeling off the backing‚ but don’t try to dry it with the backing. Wet backing will take a very long time to dry and may grow mold and mildew. Ductwork: The insulation on the ducts can grow mold – replace ‘em. Mold and mildew are clearly a huge threat when water is involved with any soft possessions. Dealing with flood-damaged textiles and sodden papers requires patience‚ protection‚ disinfectant‚ and a lot of air. Go here to read about health and safety hazards after a flood. For more in-depth information on salvaging and cleaning textiles‚ read the NDSU article Flood-damaged Textiles: What to Salvage and How to Clean by Ann Braaten The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration has an excellent article called Emergency Salvage of Flood Damaged Family Papers‚ which addresses salvaging books‚ documents‚ and photographs. For information on replacing important documents‚ read this article. Local libraries and museums may also have a conservationist who can advise you on safely salvaging books and other media. For extensive private collections‚ the American Institute for Conservation maintains a referral list of people you can consult with to save high-value‚ historic‚ and sentimental documents. As you can see‚ the physical damage done by disasters can be overcome to a certain extent. It may take a lot of detergent and elbow grease‚ but in many cases‚ it can be done. In some cases‚ we may have to declare a total loss‚ but if we are as prepared as possible with appropriate records and resources‚ we can be better able to respond as necessary if the time ever comes. So – that’s how we handle the stuff. Now‚ what about the people? After a natural disaster‚ it is vital to recognize that even as we pick up the pieces of what’s left around us‚ we will be battling our way through stress‚ trauma‚ and grief. The physical damage after an earthquake may turn out to be minor‚ but the loss of control and feeling of fear as we watched the floor move in waves under our feet are major. In other instances‚ we may lose everything we value: family and friends‚ beloved pets‚ or irreplaceable symbols of our family’s heritage and travels. On the personal level‚ we don’t need to go through a fire to feel we’ve lost everything; a job loss or severe illness can be devastating as well. Whether we ourselves are dealing with bereavement or are attempting to support others in our community‚ it is important to know and understand the five stages of grief. Knowing these stages and how to access resources to deal with them appropriately can help us cope as we move through the steps of rebuilding. Using such resources also helps us understand how others may be coping; just remember that we each have our own unique strengths‚ challenges‚ past experiences‚ stressors‚ and coping mechanisms‚ which will influence how we react during and after disasters. A group of people can go through an event at the same time‚ even in the very same location‚ and still both perceive and react to it differently. The five stages of grief are: Denial Anger Bargaining Depression Acceptance None of us will go through the five stages of grief at the same speed‚ at the same time‚ or in the exact same way. Some may go through them in different orders‚ spend more time in one stage than others‚ or even circle back through parts of the grief cycle more than once. Being resilient is important to coping in times of change‚ and the five characteristics of resiliency are being positive‚ focused‚ flexible‚ proactive‚ and organized. Having a good support system‚ a plan‚ and a will and willingness to survive are incredible tools during and after a crisis‚ both within your own life and when reaching out to help others through crises. Very often‚ stress can take both a physical and a mental toll on survivors. It is vital that we know how to care for ourselves physically‚ spiritually‚ and mentally as we rebuild after a disaster. For more information about coping with grief and trauma-induced stress‚ look up the following articles: After a Natural Disaster: Coping with Loss by Ronald L. Pitzer &; Sharon M. Danes‚ University of Minnesota Extension‚ rev. 2010. Managing Grief after Disaster by Katherine Shear‚ Ph.D.‚ National Center for PTSD‚ Professional resources for Researchers‚ Providers &; Helpers‚ updated 2016. Anyone recovering from a disaster should also be open to contacting a person in a counseling role or an ecclesiastical leader with training in counseling and post-crisis support as necessary. Oftentimes it can help us just to make initial contact and know that someone is there for us if we decide we need them‚ even if we never sit down for an official meeting or counseling session. Such individuals may also be able to put disaster survivors in touch with organizations that can provide financial and tangible resources‚ in addition to helping with mental health and morale issues. Have you ever had to start over after a disaster? Have you ever experienced a major disaster and had to start over? Or do you know anyone who has? Do you have any tips on salvage and cleanup to share? Any suggestions to help people emotionally? Would you share your story in the comments? Let’s discuss this. About the author: Melonie Kennedy has dealt with the aftermath of a house fire‚ a divorce‚ and flooding from a typhoon. She knows not to ask What next? any more! Visit her online at http://www.MelonieK.com. The post How to Start Over After a Disaster appeared first on The Organic Prepper.

Knives are more than just a tool. They are the most versatile survival gear you can have. If you told ten seasoned survivalists that they could only pick one tool to have on them in a survival situation‚ every single one would pick their survival knife. Knives are a tool that humans have been slowly perfecting for thousands of years‚ and the best survival knife selection we have today is the culmination of what humanity has learned. There are several options to consider when it comes to knives in survival situations: steel type‚ blade type‚ quality‚ etc. This is where we come in. We’ve researched the best survival knives‚ tested them‚ and now the results are in: the overall best‚ a budget option‚ and an upgrade option. If you need to not just use a knife‚ but rely on it with your life‚ one of our recommendations will keep your survival skill sharp. Contents (Jump to a Section) The Best Survival Knife Budget Survival Knife Upgrade Survival Knife Everything We Recommend The Knives We Compared What to Look For How to Use a Fixed Blade Knife for Survival Who Needs a Survival Knife? The Best Survival Knife ESEE Izula Strong‚ Versatile‚ and Effective The literal bare-bones survival knife from the top-tier survival brand is incredibly versatile. $62* at Amazon *Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales. ESEE and Randall are well-known for kick-ass gear and knowing their stuff. The Izula (Peruvian name for the Bullet Ant) is lightweight but built like a tank. With a thick blade and skeletonized handle for reduced weight‚ this knife is heaven-sent for a bug out bag. There are several colors to pick from and a wide variety of accessories (including handles) that you can pick up for the Izula frame. Make it your own and then use it for everything survival-related. If it breaks (unlikely)‚ ESEE has its unbeatable lifetime no-questions warranty. Here is how it measures up: 2.875″ drop point 1095 steel blade‚ 0.16″ thickness 6.25″ length 1.9 ounces Polymer sheath Lifetime no-questions warranty Made in the USA With specs like these‚ it’s easy to see how the ESEE Izula is the best survival knife. Budget Survival Knife Cold Steel SRK Sleek‚ Tough‚ and Inexpensive This big beater is inexpensive enough that you can feel good about abusing the hell out of it. $47* at Amazon *Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales. Cold Steel can put out some beaters for a good price. Our budget pick is the Cold Steel SRK (Survival &; Rescue Knife)- the non-compact model. It is half a pound of steel close to a foot long and 0.2″ thick with a sharp edge on it. For the price‚ you can’t beat it with a stick. But you can beat it with whatever lying around. I have no qualms about using this as a prybar‚ wedge‚ fire poker‚ or whatever other abuse we can dish out. It’ll keep up. Here are the specs: 6.0″ clip point SK-5 steel blade with Tuff-Ex finish‚ 0.20″ thickness 10.75″ length 8.2 ounces Polymer sheath Made in Taiwan Pick up Cold Steel SRK for survival utility on a budget. Upgrade Survival Knife TOPS Brakimo Metal‚ Pressurized‚ and Trusted Edging out a wide field of top-tier survival knives is a knife perfected by experience. $149* at Amazon *Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales. This might be the official knife of Bushcraft Global out in the Columbian jungle‚ but its versatility isn’t lost on the rest of us. With a Scandi hybrid grind‚ micarta scales‚ and a Kydex sheath this half-pound of high carbon steel is already kitted out. The blade shape‚ the bow drill divot‚ the perfect blade width and grind‚ the handle comfort- everything about this knife is a combination of well-thought-out survival versatility. Here are the details: 5.25″ drop point 1095 steel blade‚ 0.18″ thickness 10.0″ length 9.4 ounces Kydex sheath Made in the USA If you are looking for the best of the best‚ pick up the TOPS Brakimo. Everything We Recommend ESEE Izula The literal bare-bones survival knife from the top-tier survival brand is incredibly versatile. Where to Buy $62* at Amazon $68* at BladeHQ *at time of reviewing Cold Steel SRK This big beater is inexpensive enough that you can feel good about abusing the hell out of it. Where to Buy $47* at Amazon $44* at BladeHQ *at time of reviewing TOPS Brakimo Edging out a wide field of top-tier survival knives is a knife perfected by experience. Where to Buy $149* at Amazon $179* at BladeHQ *at time of reviewing The Knives We Compared Our research narrowed the field down to the several knives and brands that we tested: ESEE‚ Benchmade‚ TOPS‚ Morakniv‚ Cold Steel‚ Gerber‚ CRKT‚ KA-BAR‚ Kershaw‚ OKC‚ and more. You can see our full list of review criteria below in the What to Look For section‚ with an explanation for each. We focused on fixed-blade knives‚ which are universally known to be superior to folding knives in survival situations. The survival knives we focused on tended to be thicker and full tang as well to better handle the unknown that it is expected to deal with. We did not consider gimmicky ‘survival knives’ with hidden compartments in the handles or flashy tactical looks. We’re always looking for new and better equipment‚ so if you have a survival knife that you swear by let us know in the comments. We review most of our tested gear annually‚ so we can always get it in the next roundup round and see if it makes the cut and we can see if it will beat out our top picks. What to Look For The best survival knives have several important features to look for: Value Steel Type Blade Type Size &; Weight Quality When you get the right blend of these‚ you can find a survival knife that will cut through all of the bells and whistles that don’t matter. Below‚ we break down what each of these features means for the knives that truly set themselves apart. Value: Cost vs. Benefit The amount of money you spend on something like a survival knife shouldn’t blow out your entire budget. Don’t go overspending or overdo it. If you only have $100 to get started in survival‚ going with a budget pick isn’t the end of the world. Budget according to your risk and your needs rather than just spending lavishly. On the flip side‚ you don’t want to go too cheap or just plain get the wrong thing. That ‘tactical knife’ that has the compass on the hilt and is made of junk steel is not what you need and isn’t a great deal at $20. Get the right tool for the job. You never want to spend too much money on one resource‚ especially something like knives. I know it can be tough; many people (including myself) get into knife collecting. It’s better to diversify your preparedness gear to make sure you are covered for a wide range of scenarios. There is a sweet spot where you get high value with not too high of a price‚ which is where our top pick sits. Steel Type There are virtually unlimited types of steel‚ most of them different in various carbon content. ‘Premium steels’ are difficult to manufacture and a few of them are better for survival. When you are picking out steel for your survival knife- you don’t want to go too brittle or with a steel that is very difficult to sharpen. You also want to keep the steel you select in mind because some require more maintenance with sharpening‚ oiling‚ and cleaning. This is why 1095‚ typically known to be a relatively cheaper high-carbon steel can excel in survival situations. It is hard‚ but also easy to set an edge back onto. Blade Type There are many blade shapes‚ but to narrow it down for you quickly you’ll find that the best shape is the simple drop point. The other shapes you will find include: Clip Point (Bowie) Spear Point Tanto Reverse Tanto Standard Sheepsfoot Hawkbill Trailing Point Wharncliffe Recurve Kukri Nessmuk Dagger Chisel Tip Cleaver Leaf Needle Point So‚ yeah… plenty of types out there. The drop point is the easiest to sharpen‚ used for a wide range of survival skills (including batoning‚ drilling‚ and feathering)‚ and is geometrically strong. The other considerations are blade width‚ length‚ and serration. The ‘sweet spot’ for blade width on a survival knife is close to 0.18″. If you go much wider than that‚ it is difficult to keep a sharp edge on it. Serration should usually be avoided since a saw can cut with serration much better anyway. Let your knife be a knife‚ not a worse saw. Pick up a folding survival saw if you haven’t yet. Size &; Weight While our top pick is as light as a feather‚ you don’t necessarily need or want your big beaters to be lightweight. Full tang knives are typically going to be heavier‚ and the durability that a full tang provides is very important. Weight ranged from a few ounces with our top pick to close to a pound on some of the larger models we tested. Balance and feel in hand are equally as important as small profiles. Quality Shoddy quality isn’t what you need in a survival situation. ‘Mall ninja’ knives continue to sell like hotcakes on Amazon but if you understand knives and what you are getting for that $20‚ you wouldn’t trust your life with a knife sporting a hollow handle and compass on the hilt. Many knife manufacturers have forgiving warranties‚ but none are quite at the level of ESEE. If you snap that ESEE in two‚ just ship it back and get a new one- and color us impressed. How to Use a Fixed Blade Knife for Survival Your best survival knife is also your most versatile tool. Ranger Survival on YouTube has a good explanation of why small isn’t necessarily bad with survival knives‚ and how to use them: Who Needs a Survival Knife? Survival knives are just regular old knives that are engineered to be insanely tough and reliable. Everyone can make use of one of those‚ but they are especially important for survival kits. A solid survival knife is essential for all of these kits: Home Survival Kit Bug Out Bag Get Home Bag INCH Bag While we typically recommend folders‚ you can also use a fixed-blade survival knife in: Everyday Carry When it comes down to it‚ a survival knife is useful anywhere a typical knife or folder would be‚ it is just tougher and sometimes bulkier. How We Review Products: We research thoroughly before selecting the best products to review. We consult experts in the field for a better understanding of what makes the gear great. Hours on end are spent field testing gear in stressful conditions. We assign performance criteria and impartially rate each tested item. After our review process‚ some of the items reviewed end up in our giveaways. Sources and References All of our experience and the testing we do to determine the best survival knife is useless without listing our research sources and references. We leaned on these for the book knowledge that we paired with our hands-on testing and practical military and prepping experience: Bosmia‚ A.‚ et al. (2015). Ritualistic Envenomation by Bullet Ants Among the Sateré-Mawé Indians in the Brazilian Amazon. Wilderness &; Environmental Medicine. Volume 26. Issue 2. Pages 271-273. (Source) Davenport‚ G. (2006). Wilderness Survival. Stackpole Books; Mechanicsburg‚ PA. (Source) Horsfall‚ I.‚ et al. (2005). The effect of knife handle shape on stabbing performance. Applied Ergonomics. Volume 36. Issue 4. Pages 505-511. (Source) The Final Word A fixed-blade survival knife may be the most important tool you can have in an emergency. It is endlessly versatile and can help you with a huge range of survival tasks. It is typically worth the investment to have a reliable knife around every day‚ but you’ll be grateful when you rely on it solely for survival. Here are a few other reads our subscribers have also found helpful: The Best Folding Survival Knife for EDC The Best Survival Knife Sharpener for Your Blades Bug Out Bag (BOB) Guide‚ Gear List‚ and Checklist We presented quite a lot of information‚ but as always: if you have any questions let us know and we would be happy to help. Our research and testing found the ESEE Izula to be the best option given its value‚ steel type‚ blade type‚ profile‚ and quality. Keep exploring‚ stay prepared‚ and be safe. You’ve Been Missing Out Join the 2+ million preppers that rely on our prepping advice by subscribing to TruePrepper. Practical guides and tips Useful survival giveaways Free‚ forever <; 0.4% of people unsubscribe Thanks for subscribing‚ reading‚ and welcome to the club.             The post The Best Survival Knife with a Fixed Blade appeared first on TruePrepper.

Months ago‚ when there was the huge problem with eye drops causing horrible infections‚ I started to pay attention to the eye drops I use. Eventually‚ I found this website that’s been quite helpful in keeping track. At some point‚ I downloaded a food recall app to my phone (here’s the iPhone version)‚ which if […]

Below is an event that actually happened to me. At the time of this incident‚ I’d been a mental health therapist for a few years‚ and after graduating and obtaining my license‚ had studied under Dr. Sal Minuchin for six months‚ one of the premier therapists of our lifetime. I was quite familiar with the fight-flight-freeze response that is hard-wired into our survival instincts. It is my hope that‚ as I walk through my thoughts and feelings as events unfolded‚ that you will be able to recognize what is going on and be able to find resilience during crisis. The Scenario I had eagerly anticipated this hike for months. It was to be my first exploration of Red Rock Canyon‚ and the scenery surpassed even the breathtaking images I had seen online. The vastness of the landscape had a way of humbling you‚ making you realize just how small we are in the grand scheme of things. The plan was straightforward – a couple of miles through one of the smaller foothill trails‚ then back. Since I was unfamiliar with the area‚ I intended to stick to an intermediate trail. I set out early‚ well-prepared with a gallon of water and my survival kit. Another gallon waited in my vehicle for rehydration upon my return. The desert's reputation for quick dehydration isn't exaggerated; I found myself swatting away flies attracted to the moisture near my eyes. Above: Becoming disoriented on a trail is a common way hikers become lost. While soaking in the stunning views‚ I must have missed a turn in the trail. Suddenly‚ I found myself on a wild game trail. Lost in the moment‚ I had lapsed in judgment and strayed off the intended path without realizing it. The passage through the underbrush narrowed‚ signaling that I was clearly not on the trail meant for humans. “Okay‚ no big deal‚” I reassured myself. “I'll just retrace my steps.” Despite my attempt at reassurance‚ panic lurked at the edges of my mind. Nearly half my water was already gone‚ and the thick brush hinted at hidden rattlesnakes. This was in the days before everyone owned smartphones‚ and even if I had one‚ it likely wouldn't have had a signal that far out. Resilience Matters As a Licensed Mental Health Therapist‚ the tables had turned. I now needed not only my survival training but also my mental health training to navigate this unexpected challenge. As I boy‚ I grew up raised by an 82nd Airborne Paratrooper who taught me wilderness survival‚ learned more survival skills in Boy Scouts‚ and was no stranger to hiking and camping. “If anyone can figure this out‚ I can.” I thought. Or rather‚ tried to convince myself…. When we are faced with perceived danger‚ a part of the brain that is called the Amygdala gets activated‚ it sends signals to the Hypothalamus to activate the Sympathetic Nervous System. In Layman’s terms‚ this is your fight-flight-freeze response. When it is active‚ several things happen‚ your heart rate increases‚ your pupils dilate‚ your blood pressure increases‚ and your breathing becomes more rapid. If you are facing down a bear that decided that you look like a tasty snack‚ this would be helpful‚ because it makes your stronger‚ faster‚ and more resilient to pain. Above: First Responders and Military personnel often deliberately place themselves into situations where they must conquer their fight-flight-freeze response. But it also has some negative effects‚ the brain processing speed gets overclocked‚ your fine motor skills deteriorate‚ you can get tunnel vision‚ and the physiological responses in your body feel quite similar to a panic attack. Panic attacks can cause us to freeze or want to take flight‚ neither of which is good in a “lost in the wilderness scenario.” In the same way that Soldiers and First Responders can train to manage that fight-flight-freeze response‚ so too can civilians learnt to apply training‚ including Hikers who get lost in a desert filled with rattlesnakes. Understanding a little bit of mental health first aid can be life-saving skill for those who may encounter a personal emergency or who are trying to help calm someone who has just experienced a life-threatening scenario. “Okay…” I thought‚ “let’s just backtrack a little. See if I can’t find the main trail.” So‚ I walked about 10 minutes back down the game trail‚ and found several forks‚ most of which looked like more game trails‚ not hiking trails. Panic tried to creep in again. “Sit down. Just sit down Sarge. Stop.” I thought. S.T.O.P. In all wilderness survival classes‚ they tell you that when you are lost‚ to remember the acronym S.T.O.P.‚ an mnemonic acronym that stands for: Sit‚ Think‚ Observe‚ Plan. YES‚ that’s it! What had I learned about being lost in the wilderness. STOP. Hug a tree. In this case‚ a desert boulder. So as I sat there‚ I realized that my mind was racing‚ as was my heart‚ and that I had been dangerously close to panic-walking myself further into danger. I didn’t want to be one of those guys who panic walks in circles or further into the wilderness. That’s the thing with mental health first aid. Panic attacks can be mitigated‚ shortened‚ and in some cases eliminated with just a few skills. As I sat on the boulder‚ I focused on my breathing‚ knowing that I needed to get my sympathetic nervous system under control first so I could make clear-headed decisions. Panic can be like an altered State of Consciousness. Some people get tunnel vision‚ most people get racing thoughts‚ and a few people get a de-realization/out-of-body feeling. None of the above is pleasant. “Breathe.” I thought. “In through the nose‚ slow. SLOW. Hold it for a few seconds. Now release through the mouth even slower. Pause. Repeat.” I did this for a few minutes until I started to feel a little calmer. Then I started working on my cognitions. The worst thing one can do is to think thoughts like “I’m gonna die” or “I’m really screwed.” These thoughts‚ and any catastrophic thinking really‚ such as “What if a rattlesnake bites me?” could trigger me right back into panic mode‚ because every thought we have. EVERY thought‚ has a biochemical response in the brain that causes a feeling/emotion‚ and this emotion‚ whether we all want to accept it or not‚ largely determines our behaviors and choices. This is the essence of cognitive behavioral therapy. Learning to control your thoughts‚ will improve your feelings‚ and this will help you make good decisions and choices. But it always starts with a thought‚ even a subtle one. Above: Taking the time to think about your situation will help override the body's initial biochemical response to an emergency situation. “Okay‚ what do we know?” I thought. “I know I can’t be too far off-course‚ no more than a couple miles. I know a few people knew generally where I was going (but not the specific trailhead) and that I expected to be back by nightfall. I know I have survival training and some kit with me that would help me make it through the night if needed. I can do this.” My panic started to fade some more. “Observe.” That was the next step right? Standing up from my boulder I looked around. The brush was too high in some areas to see far. That was a problem. I climbed a bit further up the foothill to find a spot that had a bit of an overlook. Looking down in the distance I could see what I thought was a road. Hard to tell in the desert because the sand and dust covers the pavement in some spots‚ but it looked right‚ and my instincts told me that was the general right direction I came from. “Observe.” I thought again. I started pulling things out of my pocket to see what I had with me. A pocket knife‚ a lighter‚ a small flashlight‚ a few bandaids‚ a small hank of cordage‚ a bit of jerky (trail snack)‚ and about half a gallon of water left. I was wearing light‚ loose clothing‚ but my shirt was a shade of blue that was not normal for the desert landscape. It stood out. I also observed that I thought I had at least a couple hours of sunlight left based on the stacked fingers method against the horizon. “Plan.” I thought finally. “Okay‚ if I head in that general direction‚ travelling down the foothills and to the South East‚ it should bring me to the road. From there‚ I might even see my vehicle‚ but if not‚ I can at least wait till the next car goes by and ask for a ride to the trailhead. If I find a large broken branch I can use it to tap the ground in front of me on these game trail‚ with a little luck I might not encounter any rattlers. But if I do‚ they may strike the stick first and I could use it to flick them away… maybe.” Above: Thinking of‚ and preparing for potential dangers‚ such as aggressive wildlife‚ is an important step when trying to return to safety. Supporting Others In A Crisis It's likely that each of us will encounter emergencies in our lifetime‚ or maybe you will be the first responder for your family and neighbors in the aftermath of a tornado‚ or worse. People will be in panic mode. Anyone can learn to use some of these Mental Health First Aid skills to help others in these situations. First‚ determine that the scene is safe. If it is not‚ that must be your first priority‚ getting everyone to safety. Then‚ assess the group‚ find helpers‚ other people who do not seem to be in panic mode. Ask them to go check on other members of your group. Triage the situation‚ determine who needs your help first‚ then address that person by name. Assure them that they are safe now. Ask them to look around the area and tell you five things they see‚ four things they hear‚ three things they physically feel‚ two things they smell‚ and one thing they taste. It isn’t important that they get four things or three things‚ what you are doing is forcing them to input sensory information into their brain. This has a grounding effect. Next tell them to breathe slowly‚ in through their nose‚ out through their mouth. Really slow. Repeat for several minutes. Then ask them if they are okay‚ as them to describe what they witnessed and how it made them feel. This will help mitigate longer term effects such as nightmares or flashbacks to some extent. It’s not perfect‚ but this is Mental Health First Aid‚ not therapy. Validate their experiences‚ don’t argue with them‚ even if they saw something different than you. “You’re right‚ that was really scary.” Validation also will help mitigate the chances that the experience becomes something worse over time. Above: In the midst of destruction‚ are people who need help mitigating their emotional trauma. After The Crisis The next step would be to prepare them for what is to happen next. “Ok‚ we’re going to try to get you to a hospital (or home if that’s appropriate.)” You may tell them it is normal to be shaken up about the incident‚ and that they may even have bad dreams about it. If the dreams‚ or panic‚ or flashbacks (dissociative episodes) start happening and persist for more than a week‚ it might be a good idea to talk to a therapist for further help. But in many cases‚ the initial symptoms will fade over a week or so. The long term response depends on a lot of factors. As a therapist who works with First Responders and Veterans‚ most of my patients have had a lot of experience with having to use that fight-flight-freeze response to survive dangerous encounters and to help others in danger. While the training these individuals get for how to overcome the freeze-flight part of the response is excellent‚ many are not prepared for the long term after-effects of repeated activation of the Amygdala’s survival mechanism. Some people can be prone to long term panic attacks (or worse‚ nightmares‚ flashback dissociations‚ and more). Any civilian can learn Mental Health First Aid. Search for classes on this in your area‚ it is often free and sponsored by trained professionals in the mental health community. And if you are prone to panic attacks‚ (or worse symptoms) and find that some of the techniques described here are not helping to manage them‚ it may be a good idea to seek help from a licensed therapist. Who will be prone to long term panic attacks is difficult to predict. There seems to be a genetic component‚ but it also has a lot to do with how we were raised‚ and that does not necessarily mean that being raised in a good environment or bad environment makes one more prone‚ but rather how we learned to think‚ how we believe the world “should work‚” how we learned to problem solve‚ and what other life events we have already been exposed to. It’s not a matter of being weak or strong. In fact‚ some of the strongest soldiers‚ bravest fire fighters‚ most resilient officers‚ and most dedicated paramedics have come to see me in therapy for their symptoms. If anything‚ it takes great strength and bravery to ask someone else for help. It is not a weakness or character flaw. Above: Knowing how to help guide someone through the stresses of a crisis can help mitigate some of the negative effects of traumatic events. Conclusion So what happened to Old Sarge? Well I made it down the foothill‚ mostly by sticking to my wits‚ and using the mental health skills that I had developed. Fortunately I didn’t need to spend the night in the desert‚ but if I had‚ I think I would have been ok too. A few times on my descent the game trails got very narrow‚ and the brush so think that I could barely see my feet. I got pricked by more than a few cacti‚ but fortunately‚ no rattlesnakes! Once I made it to the road‚ I could see my vehicle about 1/10th of a mile to the South of where I came out. Not too shabby‚ considering that I could not see above the brush for most of my descent. I was thirst though… if you ever go hiking in the desert‚ bring much more water than you think you will need. I now teach mental health first aid and mental health awareness as part of my content on my YouTube channel‚ Prepping With Sarge‚ in hopes that it helps people manage their mind and emotions for the emergencies they will face. I’ve not returned to Red Rock Canyon since that hike‚ but I hope to one day. I hope I can find the same trail‚ walk it again‚ and figure out where I went off course. I do hike frequently still‚ but now I approach it differently. I always carry a survival kit of course‚ but now I make sure I tell someone EXACTLY where I am starting my hike‚ and when I expect to be back. I carry more water‚ and several ways to purify water. And most of all‚ I try not to get so overcome with the scenery that I lose track of the trail! About Tom Sarge Tom Sarge is a content creator for YouTube and Instagram under the channel name Prepping With Sarge‚ where he focuses on preparedness topics such as Mental Health First Aid‚ Wilderness Foraging‚ and Food Self Sufficiency.  He also manages a Mental Health Channel on YouTube where he teaches people how to manage the effects of trauma‚ anxiety‚ panic disorder‚ and insomnia called The Official Mental Health Matters Channel.  Currently he works as full time therapist for First Responders.   Read More Subscribe to Recoil Offgrid's free newsletter for more content like this. Infographic: Knowing When to Give Up What If You’re Isolated for an Indefinite Amount of Time? Going It Alone: Exclusive Interviews with History Channel's Alone Contestants Self-Defense Against Sexual Assault What If You and Your Family are Threatened by a Stalker? The post Resilience During Crisis: Managing Mental Health appeared first on RECOIL OFFGRID.

Tens of thousands of mobile phone customers lost service Thursday morning. The phone outage affected primarily customers in the eastern half of the country‚ including Houston‚ Dallas‚ Atlanta‚ San Antonio‚ Indianapolis‚ and Louisville‚ though customers in San Francisco had problems dialing 911 in roughly the same timeframe. Some news stations speculated that solar flares caused… The post Prepper Lessons From the Recent Phone Outages appeared first on Mind4Survival.

Lets Talk about the NEWS!!! Fistful of Radio: https://fistfulofradio.com/category/l... Join me on X aka Twitter: @CotteeTalkChat Stray Cat Sanctuary: @straycatsanctuary1945 Please help support the CATS &; this channel: https://www.paypal.me/coffeetalk (friends and family please) David from Coffee Talk: PO Box 1692 Lithonia‚ GA 30058 Would you like to donate Crypto? Bitcoin: 3MCJRj3BUsGzghJKEscv8DTBzYvEdWkNd6 BCH: qzvdwnzyeu0jwhulhw48pc5j3wnt7ldpkgdswgmct5 ETH: 0xE089f68A1f3ffDaB8cFdE265a6DAD75df34bE970 ETC: 0x30C792DF2329afA22bb9F9d803781f5676b1a2c6 LTC: MP3YkPfUCM8mUoiBAp6i63RchtE6q8KwHV ZRX: 0x3EDA3FEcFE7729bF27DAE48D72E2e0C60Cec2FB0 BAT: 0xFF6667433Fa04018f3e287Ad6F886443846EC406 USDC: 0xAbd5483CF99b4d65e6255E764e0CA982Ec307f96 ZEC: t1LHYu45cmhAxBUwbgfS2rRWd6SAFGCFMcG DAI: 0x484b42D96eff229a19bc6f59D6AE256bCC3ee25B #news #politics #currentaffairs #dailynews #podcast #podcasts #podcasting #radio

Venezuela is now refusing to re-admit their own citizens who have been deported. They are not allowing planes to land. Still think they didn't empty their prisons and send them here? LINK: https://www.foxnews.com/us/venezuela-migrants-linked-to-more-crimes-in-u-s-but-maduro-shuts-door-on-all-deportations cash.app/$pinballpreparedness Pinball Preparedness PO Box 93 Sharps Chapel‚ TN 37866 pinballpreparedness@mail2world.com