Emergency Preparedness

Are you prepared if an emergency occurs? Emergencies can strike at any moment without any warning. It's important to be prepared and have a plan in place in case there is a disaster. 

1. Get a kit
Have a emergency preparedness kit ready to go. Gather all the supplies you will need and store them in a backpack or duffle bag. Put this somewhere that is easily accessible so you can get to it without any problems. You should pack enough for at least 3 days. Pick food that has a long shelf life so you don't have to switch it out that often. Some ideas for a preparedness kit includes, food bars, water pouches, ponchos, light sticks/flashlights, gloves, dust masks, first aid kit, a whistle and blankets. You could also pack some clothes as well. It's also a good idea to have a big baggie or envelope with important documents inside like a copy of your drivers license, social security card, insurance cards, contact list, and medications. 

2. Make a Plan
Start now by making a plan for if there is an emergency so you can reduce your anxiety if something does happen. Make arrangements for someone to check up on you if there is a disaster. This person should be from out of town because you will be able to reach a long distance number during this time rather than a local one. Do your research on your communities plan for emergencies. Make sure there are transportation arrangements in place if you do not drive. Figure out the quickest escape route out of your house and neighborhood. Do practice drills with your family and if you are unable to leave the house finds spots where you can take shelter that will be safe. 

3. Be Informed
Think about the disasters that could strike in your area. Are you more likely to have a hurricane occur, an earthquake, or a tornado? Think about the risks and how they could affect you. This will help with your planning. Look into how your community can help you prepare for an emergency. 

Visit red cross for more information and start today by building your own kit. If you do not want to make your own, lots of stores sell already put together emergency bags! 

Source:  redcross.org

Never Stop Protecting Your Skin

As we age, our skin starts to change and there is a higher risk for skin cancer. Over the course of our lives our skin will be exposed to some sort of sun damage. From that one time we forgot to put sun screen on and got a horrible burn to the time we used that tanning bed. It's just how much damage has our skin has endured. But with that being said we really don't know how much damage can trigger skin cancer. It could be from the five bad burns you got when you were younger or the one bad burn you got during older age. Even if you think you will get skin cancer and that there's nothing you can do, you're wrong. Sun protection is important throughout our lives and we should never stop taking care of our skin. 

The first rule is to stay out of tanning beds. You are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer by exposing yourself to the ultraviolet radiation. Just stay away! Second, make sure you are protecting your skin from the sun by wearing sun screen and protective clothing. This includes wearing a hat, sunglasses, and clothing that covers your body. Lastly, check your skin! Make sure to be giving yourself self exams and check for anything that looks out of place. Every year make an appointment with your doctor to get a professional skin exam. 

Besides not getting skin cancer at all, the goal is to be able to discover skin cancer at an early stage, so that it can be treated. You may think it's too late to change the past and getting skin cancer is inevitable but there are so many things you can do to reduce your risk. 

Source: https://www.skincancer.org

Turmeric Smoothie Recipe

A great day to start your morning is by having a smoothie! You can be super creative with this and spice it up a little by adding some turmeric. Since turmeric has so many health benefits why don't we start making it a part of our routine! Make your day healthy! 

Here's an idea of a smoothie you can make....

Turmeric Mango Smoothie

• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 3/4 cup mango cubes, fresh or frozen
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/2 tsp turmeric, ground
• 1/4 cup greek yogurt, non-fat plain
• 3/4 cup milk
• 3 ice cubes

Blend until smooth. 

Source: https://www.curejoy.com/content/