Category: Survival Tips

How to Leverage Frugal Living to Beat Inflation

Learn how to leverage frugal living to beat inflation, save money, and achieve financial stability and financial freedom.

In the pursuit of financial success, many believe that spending lavishly is a sign of prosperity. However, as highlighted in the book “The Millionaire Next Door” by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko, true wealth is not achieved through extravagant spending.

Instead, it is often the result of frugal living, disciplined saving, and smart investing. This book shatters the myth that millionaires are typically flashy spenders, revealing that many of them live modestly, save diligently, and make thoughtful financial decisions.

What is Frugal Living?

Frugal living is a lifestyle characterized by mindful spending and resourcefulness. It involves making deliberate choices to prioritize needs over wants, reduce expenses, and avoid unnecessary purchases.

Frugal living is not about depriving oneself but rather about maximizing the value of each dollar spent. It often involves practices such as budgeting, minimalism, DIY (do-it-yourself) approaches, and seeking out deals and discounts.

The goal of frugal living is to achieve financial stability, reduce financial stress, and ultimately, improve overall quality of life. Let’s delve deeper into the principles of frugal living and how they can help beat inflation and pave the way to financial independence.

10 Frugal Living Tips to Beat Inflation

Inflation is a persistent economic reality that erodes the purchasing power of money over time. While it may seem like an unstoppable force, adopting a frugal lifestyle can help mitigate its effects and ensure financial stability.

Frugal living is not about deprivation; it’s a strategic approach to managing expenses, maximizing savings, and achieving financial goals. Here are some practical frugal living tips with a big impact to help you beat inflation:

#1. Budgeting

Budgeting is a cornerstone of frugal living and financial success. To start, create a detailed budget that lists all your income sources and expenses. This will give you a clear picture of where your money is going and where you can make adjustments.

Identify areas where you can cut back without sacrificing your quality of life. This might include dining out less often, reducing subscription services, or finding more affordable alternatives for your daily expenses.

Utilize budgeting apps or spreadsheets to monitor your spending. These tools can help you track your expenses in real time, set financial goals, and visualize your progress.

Regularly review your budget to identify any areas where you can further reduce expenses or reallocate funds towards savings and investments. Adjust your budget as needed to accommodate changes in your income or expenses.

By actively managing your budget, you can stay on track toward your financial goals and beat inflation by maximizing your savings. Use these money-saving tips and tricks for budgeting and frugal living to reduce expenses and increase savings.

#2. Smart Shopping

Smart shopping is a key strategy in frugal living. You can learn tips on frugal living to beat inflation at the grocery store, manage your grocery expenses, and save money.

Start by comparing prices before making purchases. Use websites, apps, or browser extensions that can help you find the best deals and discounts.

Utilize coupons and take advantage of sales and discounts. Look for coupons in newspapers, magazines, and online platforms. Many stores also offer loyalty programs that can provide additional savings.

Consider buying in bulk for items you regularly use. This can help you save money per unit and reduce the frequency of shopping trips. However, be mindful of storage space and expiration dates.

Avoid impulse purchases by sticking to your shopping list. Plan your purchases based on your needs and budget. If you come across a tempting item, take a moment to consider if it aligns with your financial goals before making a purchase.

You can beat inflation through smart purchase choices that mitigate the impact of rising prices or capitalize on opportunities that outpace inflation.

By adopting these smart shopping habits, you can save money on your everyday expenses and allocate more funds towards savings and investments, helping you beat inflation in the long run.

#3. Reduce Energy Consumption

Reducing energy consumption not only helps lower utility bills but also contributes to environmental sustainability. Here are some tips to reduce energy usage and beat inflation, along with incorporating portable solar panels:

  • Turn Off Lights and Unplug Appliances: Get into the habit of turning off lights when leaving a room and unplugging appliances when not in use. Even in standby mode, appliances consume energy.
  • Use Energy-Efficient Appliances: Replace old, energy-guzzling appliances with newer, energy-efficient models. Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, indicating they meet high energy efficiency standards.
  • Adjust Thermostat Settings: Lowering your thermostat in winter and raising it in summer by just a few degrees can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs. Consider installing a programmable thermostat to automate temperature adjustments based on your schedule.
  • Seal Air Leaks: Properly insulate your home and seal air leaks around windows, doors, and ductwork to prevent heat loss in winter and keep cool air in during summer. This can reduce the workload on your heating and cooling systems.
  • Utilize Natural Light: During daylight hours, rely on natural light as much as possible to reduce the need for artificial lighting. Use curtains or blinds to control sunlight and minimize heat gain in summer.
  • Install Solar Panels: You can beat inflation with portable solar panels to power small appliances, charge electronics, or even provide lighting in outdoor spaces. They can be a cost-effective way to reduce your reliance on the grid and offset energy costs over time.
  • Monitor Your Energy Usage: Use smart home devices or energy monitors to track your energy usage in real time. This can help you identify areas where you can further reduce energy consumption and optimize your energy usage patterns.

By implementing these energy-saving tips and incorporating portable solar panels into your energy strategy, you can reduce your utility bills, minimize your environmental impact, and beat inflation by reducing your dependence on costly grid electricity.

#4. DIY and Repurpose

DIY and repurposing are excellent ways to save money and reduce waste. Instead of buying new items, consider repairing or repurposing things you already own. Here are some tips to help you get started:

  • Repair Instead of Replace: Before discarding a broken item, see if it can be repaired. Many household items can be fixed with basic tools and a little know-how. Look for tutorials online or seek help from friends or family members who are handy.
  • Repurpose Household Items: Get creative with repurposing items for new uses. For example, an old ladder can be turned into a bookshelf, or mason jars can be used as storage containers. Pinterest and other DIY websites can inspire repurposing projects.
  • Upcycle Furniture: Give old furniture a new lease on life by painting, reupholstering, or refinishing it. You can create a whole new look without the expense of buying new furniture.
  • Make Your Decor: Instead of buying expensive home decor items, consider making your own. DIY wall art, throw pillows, and curtains can add a personal touch to your home while saving you money.
  • Grow Your Food: If you have space, consider starting a vegetable or herb garden. Not only will you save money on groceries, but you’ll also enjoy fresh, homegrown produce.
  • DIY Gifts: Instead of buying gifts for special occasions, consider making them. Handmade gifts can be more meaningful and often cost less than store-bought ones.
  • Learn New Skills: Investing time in learning new skills, such as basic carpentry, sewing, or home repair, can save you money in the long run. You’ll be able to tackle more DIY projects and rely less on professional services.

By embracing the DIY mindset and repurposing items, you can save money, reduce waste, and cultivate a sense of creativity and accomplishment.

#5. Practice Minimalism

Practicing minimalism is not just about decluttering your physical space; it’s also about simplifying your life and focusing on what truly matters to you. Here are some tips to embrace minimalism and beat inflation:

  • Declutter Regularly: Take time to declutter your home regularly. Donate or sell items that you no longer need or use. This can help you free up space and reduce the temptation to buy unnecessary items.
  • Quality Over Quantity: Instead of buying a lot of cheap, low-quality items, invest in a few high-quality items that will last longer. This can save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to replace items as often.
  • Mindful Purchases: Before making a purchase, ask yourself if the item adds value to your life. Consider whether you truly need it or if it’s just a fleeting desire. Avoid impulse purchases and take the time to research and think about your purchases.
  • Focus on Experiences: Instead of buying material possessions, focus on experiences that bring you joy and fulfillment. This could be spending time with loved ones, traveling, or pursuing hobbies and interests.
  • Simplify Your Wardrobe: Create a capsule wardrobe with a few versatile, high-quality pieces that can be mixed and matched. This can help you save money on clothing and reduce decision fatigue.
  • Digital Declutter: Declutter your digital life by unsubscribing from unnecessary emails, organizing your digital files, and limiting your time on social media. This can help reduce distractions and focus on what’s important.
  • Practice Gratitude: Take time to appreciate what you already have instead of constantly seeking more. Gratitude can help shift your focus away from material possessions and towards a more fulfilling life.

By embracing minimalism, you can reduce your expenses, declutter your life, and focus on what truly adds value and meaning to your life, helping you beat inflation and achieve financial stability.

#6. Meal Planning and Cooking at Home

Meal planning and cooking at home are key components of frugal living and can help you beat inflation by reducing your food expenses. Here are some tips to make the most of meal planning and cooking at home:

  • Plan Your Meals: Take some time each week to plan your meals. Consider your schedule, the ingredients you already have, and what’s on sale at the grocery store. Planning can help you avoid last-minute, more expensive meal options.
  • Use Leftovers Creatively: Don’t let leftovers go to waste. Use them to create new meals or incorporate them into other dishes. For example, leftover vegetables can be added to soups or stir-fries, and leftover meat can be used in sandwiches or salads.
  • Cook in Bulk: Consider cooking large batches of meals and freezing portions for later. This can save you time and money, as you can take advantage of bulk discounts and reduce food waste.
  • Stock Your Pantry: Keep your pantry stocked with basic ingredients like rice, beans, pasta, and canned goods. Having these items on hand can help you create meals quickly and avoid the temptation of ordering takeout.
  • Limit Dining Out: While dining out can be a nice treat, it can also be expensive. Save dining out for special occasions and try to cook at home as much as possible.
  • Focus on Seasonal and Affordable Ingredients: Purchase fruits and vegetables that are in season, as they tend to be more affordable and flavorful. Look for sales and discounts on meat and seafood, or consider incorporating more plant-based proteins into your meals.
  • Invest in Kitchen Essentials: Having the right tools can make cooking at home easier and more enjoyable. Invest in quality kitchen essentials like knives, pots, and pans, which can last a long time with proper care.

By meal planning, using leftovers creatively, and cooking at home, you can save money on food expenses, eat healthier, and beat inflation by reducing your overall spending.

#7. Transportation

Transportation costs can be a significant expense, but there are several ways to reduce them and beat inflation. Here are some tips:

  • Use Public Transportation: Public transportation is often more cost-effective than driving, especially in urban areas. Consider using buses, trains, or subways for your daily commute or when running errands.
  • Carpool: Sharing a ride with others can help reduce fuel costs and vehicle wear and tear. Coordinate with colleagues, neighbors, or friends who have similar schedules and destinations.
  • Bike or Walk: For short distances, consider biking or walking instead of driving. Not only does this save money on fuel, but it also provides health benefits and reduces your carbon footprint.
  • Consider Fuel-Efficient Vehicles: If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, consider downsizing to a smaller, more fuel-efficient model. These vehicles often have lower maintenance costs as well.
  • Maintain Your Vehicle: Regular maintenance can help keep your vehicle running efficiently, reducing fuel consumption and the need for costly repairs.
  • Plan Your Trips: Combine errands into one trip to reduce the number of times you need to drive. Efficient trip planning can help save both time and money.
  • Explore Alternative Transportation Options: Depending on your location, you may have access to alternative transportation options such as car-sharing services, bike-sharing programs, or electric scooters. These can be more cost-effective than owning a vehicle.

By implementing these transportation tips, you can reduce your fuel and maintenance costs, beat inflation, and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.

#8. Entertainment and Leisure

Entertainment and leisure activities can be enjoyable without breaking the bank. Here are some frugal tips for entertainment:

  • Explore Free Activities: Look for free events and activities in your community, such as concerts, festivals, or outdoor movie screenings. Parks, beaches, and hiking trails are also great options for free outdoor fun.
  • Visit Local Museums and Libraries: Many museums offer free or discounted admission on certain days. Libraries often have free events, workshops, and book clubs. Take advantage of these resources for low-cost entertainment.
  • Utilize Subscription Services Wisely: Evaluate your subscriptions and memberships to determine if you’re getting value from them. Cancel those that you don’t use frequently or can do without. Consider sharing subscriptions with family or friends to split the cost.
  • DIY Entertainment: Host potluck dinners, game nights, or movie marathons at home instead of going out. This can be a fun and affordable way to socialize with friends and family.
  • Take Advantage of Discounts: Look for discounts and deals for attractions, restaurants, and events. Many places offer discounts for students, seniors, or members of certain organizations.
  • Attend Community Events: Check out local community centers, churches, and schools for free or low-cost events, classes, and workshops. These can be a great way to learn something new or meet new people.
  • Explore Nature: Enjoy the great outdoors by going for hikes, picnics, or bike rides. Nature provides a beautiful backdrop for leisure activities and is often free or inexpensive.

By incorporating these frugal entertainment tips into your lifestyle, you can enjoy a variety of activities without overspending, helping you beat inflation and stay within your budget.

#9. Housing Costs

Housing costs can be a significant portion of your budget, but there are several strategies you can use to reduce them and beat inflation. Here are some tips:

  • Downsize: If you have more space than you need, consider downsizing to a smaller home or apartment. This can reduce your mortgage or rent payments, as well as your utility bills and maintenance costs.
  • Refinance Your Mortgage: If interest rates have decreased since you took out your mortgage, refinancing can lower your monthly payments. However, be sure to consider the closing costs and how long you plan to stay in the home before refinancing.
  • Rent Out a Portion of Your Property: If you have extra space, consider renting out a room or a portion of your property. This can help offset your mortgage or rent payments and reduce your housing costs.
  • Consider a Reverse Mortgage: A reverse mortgage allows homeowners aged 62 or older to convert part of their home equity into cash. You can beat inflation with a reverse mortgage by investing the funds wisely to supplement your income in retirement. However, there are risks involved, such as the potential for rising interest rates and the impact on your heirs.
  • Reduce Utility Costs: Look for ways to reduce your utility bills, such as improving insulation, using energy-efficient appliances, and being mindful of your energy usage.
  • Negotiate With Your Landlord: If you’re renting, consider negotiating with your landlord for a lower rent or additional amenities. Landlords may be willing to negotiate, especially if you’re a long-term and reliable tenant.
  • Explore Housing Assistance Programs: Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for housing assistance programs that can help reduce your housing costs.

By exploring these options, you can reduce your housing costs, beat inflation, and free up more money for savings and investments.

#10. Financial Planning

Financial planning is crucial for managing your finances effectively and beating inflation. Here are some key steps:

  • Build an Emergency Fund: Set aside three to six months’ worth of living expenses in an emergency fund. This fund can help you cover unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or car repairs, without relying on credit cards or loans.
  • Pay Off High-Interest Debt: Prioritize paying off high-interest debt, such as credit card debt, as quickly as possible. This can save you money on interest payments and free up more funds for savings and investments.
  • Invest Wisely: Consider investing in assets that typically outpace inflation, such as stocks, real estate, or inflation-protected securities like Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS). These investments can help your money grow over time and maintain its purchasing power.
  • Diversify Your Investments: Spread your investments across different asset classes to reduce risk. Diversification can help protect your portfolio during market downturns and ensure that you have a mix of investments that can perform well in different economic conditions.
  • Review and Adjust Your Plan Regularly: Financial planning is not a one-time activity. Review your financial plan regularly and make adjustments as needed based on changes in your financial situation, goals, and market conditions.
  • Consider Seeking Professional Advice: If you’re unsure about how to create or manage a financial plan, consider seeking advice from a financial advisor. A professional can help you develop a plan tailored to your specific goals and circumstances.

By following these financial planning tips, you can build a solid financial foundation, beat inflation, and work towards achieving your long-term financial goals.

Frugal living is a mindset that requires discipline and conscious decision-making. By adopting these frugal living practices, you can beat inflation and achieve financial independence and peace of mind.

Frugal Living Books & Courses

Here are some of the best books on frugal living and simple frugal living courses to learn how to save money, manage finances effectively, and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.

 

Best Immune System Supplements to Boost Immune System Function

Learn how to boost immunity naturally with immune-boosting herbs, vitamins, the best foods, and immune system supplements to boost immune system function.

In addition to sanitizing your hands and disinfecting your home during a pandemic, you need to boost another important part of your body to fight germs like viruses and bacteria – your immune system.

How Can I Boost My Immune System?

Our modern diets lack many of the ingredients that boost immune system response, but the internet has made it easier than ever for us to access immune-boosting herbs and supplements to boost immune system function in adults and children.

Your body’s best defense against germs is a healthy immune system, so immune system supplements and herbs to boost immune system function are an essential part of your pandemic protection kit.

If you suffer from an immune system disorder or have a compromised immune system, and are asking yourself, “What can I take to boost your immune system response during this pandemic?” this article will introduce you to the best supplements to boost your immune system response.

With access to all the best supplements for the immune system online, there’s no reason why you can’t consume the best immune-boosting foods and the best vitamins to strengthen your immune system response.

10 Best Immune System Supplements To Boost Immune System Function

Wondering what to eat to boost immune system function? In this article, we list the best immune booster supplements and herbs to boost immune system function, so you can learn how to increase natural immunity.

Whether you’re looking for an immune booster for kids or the best immune booster supplements for adults, you’ll learn how to increase immune system function with the best immune-boosting foods, immune-boosting vitamins, and immune-boosting herbs.

#1. Garden of Life mykind Organics Elderberry Plant-Based Immune Gummy

Elderberry is a dark purple berry from European elder trees containing antioxidants. It is considered to be an antiviral with many immunity-boosting benefits and is believed to relieve colds and fight the flu.

The delicious immune-system-support gummies with organic black Elderberry, Echinacea, zinc, and vitamin C. Organic Black Elderberry and Echinacea have been used for centuries in traditional herbal remedies.

Made with Certified Organic and non-GMO Verified real fruit, no animal gelatin, no artificial dyes, added sweeteners or chemicals, the Elderberry Immune Gummy contains no gelatin and no refined sugar. Great for the entire family.

#2. Vive Organic Immunity Boost

The Vive Organic Immunity Boost Wellness Shot is one of the best immune booster drinks available. It contains fresh ingredients like organic ginger, elderberry, turmeric root, and Echinacea, cold-pressed in a concentrated shot to keep your body battle-ready

This immunity drink is one of the best natural supplements for immune system function as it contains a high concentration of ginger and turmeric root to kick start immunity, as well as black pepper and Echinacea with a delicious flavor of pineapple and ginger.

Vive Organic’s Immunity Boost Original is an immune booster shot created by a team of holistic specialists with the strongest, most effective combinations of organic leaves, ginger root, elderberry, roots, flowers, grasses, fruits, and veggies.

If you’re looking for drinks to boost immune system function, Vive Organic’s power-packed blend of ginger root, fruits, and echinacea is the ultimate immune system strength. It beats having to make your ginger immunity shot at home.

If you have a weak immune system and want to know how to strengthen your immune system function, take 1 to 3 Vive Organic Immunity Boost Shots daily for that Vive immunity boost and detox.

#3. Children’s Immune Boosters – Best Immune Booster Supplements For Kids

As a parent, your child’s health is very important to you. During flu season, and even before, it makes sense to give your children the best immune booster supplements for kids.

VitalVits Liquid Vitamins for Kids is a gluten-free and sugar-free children’s immune system booster that provides the best immune system support formulated especially for your little ones.

Fortified with iron and children’s multivitamins like calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A and C, this great-tasting children’s immune supplement provides the nutrients necessary for building and maintaining a strong immune system during important growing-up years.

With a 4-year shelf life, great taste, and liquid formula, this is the best immune booster for toddlers, as it makes it easier and faster for your kids to get all the necessary vitamins for their immune system either with a meal or alone.

So if you’ve been looking for a natural immune booster for toddlers, you’ll find that VitalVits Liquid Vitamins for Kids is the best immune booster for kids because it provides the best immune support for kids’ immune systems.

Note:  When choosing an immune system booster for kids, always consult your pediatrician before you choose immune booster supplements for toddlers.

Looking to boost your baby’s immune system function naturally? Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Immune Support is a safe and effective infant immune booster supplement that is the best immune support for toddlers as it is specifically designed to meet the needs of growing infants and toddlers, aged 2 months and up.

These multivitamin and immune support drops contain no artificial flavors, dyes, drugs, alcohol, or gluten, and provide a natural immune booster for toddlers with vitamins A, C, D, and E plus zinc, the best vitamins for immune system support.

This infant immune booster supplement also contains powerful natural ingredients like dark honey, elderberry, and agave. As the best immune booster for toddlers, Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Immune Support Supplement includes a special dispensing oral syringe, so you can easily measure dosages to administer the syrup.

Note:  When looking to boost a baby’s immune system, always consult your pediatrician before you choose an infant immune booster for babies or toddlers.

#4. Herb Pharm Rapid Immune Boost

Looking for the most powerful immune-boosting herbs to give you a rapid immune boost? The Herb Pharm Rapid Immune Boost liquid herbal formula is expertly formulated with the best herbs for immune system support.

This gluten-free and non-GMO herbal immune supplement contains some of the best herbs to boost immune system response such as Black Elderberry, Echinacea, Ginger, Goldenseal, Horseradish, Osha, Spilanthes, Yarrow, Wild Indigo and Yerba Santa.

Each herb in Herb Pharm’s top-selling immune system support formula is individually extracted to ensure a broad spectrum of therapeutic plant compounds, making it one of the best immune support supplements.

#5. Dr Price’s Immunity Booster Powder

Fortified with immune-boosting vitamins such as natural Vitamin C powder, zinc, and chromium, Dr Price’s Immunity Booster Powder is a Vitamin C immune booster supplement that comes in convenient to-go packets that you can take anywhere.

Unlike many other supplements, Dr Price’s Immunity Booster also contains a unique blend of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) which comprise the building blocks for immune system cells to respond rapidly to invaders.

As you age, your digestive system can become weaker which makes it tougher to digest and absorb supplements and vitamins for immune system support.

Dr Price’s Immunity Booster Powder contains no unnecessary fillers and additives like most pills, tablets, and capsules, so your body doesn’t have to work as hard to break them down and benefit from their use.

This non-GMO, gluten-free, immune support formula is 100% naturally sweetened with Stevia leaf extract and the powdered water-soluble formula mixes with liquid easily for fast and easy absorption, making it one of the best immune health supplements for older people.

#6. Homoeopathic Immune Booster With Echinacea Goldenseal

The Liquid Immune Booster with Echinacea Goldenseal is a homeopathic immune supplement that combines seven powerhouse herbs to build immune system function, including two types of Echinacea, Nature’s most potent natural immunity defender.

These herbs are Echinacea Purpurea Root, Oregon Grape Root, Echinacea Angustifolia Root, Goldenseal Root, Astragalus Root, Lomatium Root, and Usnea Lichen.

This herbal blend can help reduce the duration of the common cold and also decrease the chances of catching a cold by over 50%. Several studies have also shown that Echinacea and Goldenseal can help decrease airway inflammation and expand air passages.

This natural immune booster supplement is the #1 immune and cold weather formula and one of the best things to boost the immune system naturally during an outbreak.

It supports and helps activate your body’s natural defenses by boosting white blood cell (WBC) activity and stimulates the immune system naturally. WBCs are the first immune system cells to recognize pathogens and fight off infection.

This Immune Booster is in liquid form, making it one of the best home remedies to boost immune system function in older people because the body can absorb it better, faster, and at higher amounts than a capsule or pill. It also works for those with a fear of swallowing pills or difficulty absorbing nutrients.

The Liquid Immune Booster is one of the best immune system support supplements to improve your health from the inside because it supports your eyes, nose, respiratory, and immune system for year-round wellness. It also comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.

Note: This product is not suitable for those with overly sensitive autoimmune condition profiles or to be taken continuously for more than 3 weeks at a time.

#7. Tulua Turmeric Ginger Probiotic Shots – Turmeric Immunity Shot

Looking for a turmeric immunity shot with probiotics to help the immune system function? Tulua Turmeric Ginger Probiotic Shots give you turmeric’s immune system benefits with natural immune-boosting foods like ginger and probiotics that support digestive and immune health and reduce inflammation.

Formulated with the patented, award-winning branded probiotic, GanedenBC30, and 1 billion CFU Bacillus coagulans to support digestive and immune function, this immune system booster shot is packed into easy little bottles that require refrigeration upon arrival.

Because this organic immune booster contains cold-pressed pineapple, ginger juice, lemon, and turmeric juices, with probiotics, refreshing coconut water, and black pepper, it is the best immune supplement containing foods that boost your immune system.

Tulua Turmeric Ginger Probiotic Shots are certified organic, kosher, non-GMO, preservative-free, and contain no added sugar or sweeteners. Another turmeric immunity supplement to boost immune system function is the Herbalife Immune Booster.

#8. Ayurvedic Immunity Boosters

Looking for ayurvedic immunity boosters to increase immunity? Here are two of the best immune booster supplements to build immune system function.

If you prefer vegan ayurvedic immunity boosters, Banyan Botanicals Immune Health Now is the best immune system booster to boost your immune system.

This non-GMO, sustainably sourced, vegan, organic herbal immune booster supplement is one of the best immune boosters for adults and contains a powdered mix of herbs for lungs, respiratory, and immune system support.

This herbal powerhouse supplement supports immune system function by bolstering the body’s natural defenses with potent herbs like turmeric, amla, neem, cardamom, and cinnamon, as well as herbs for lungs like vasaka, tulsi, pippali, and ginger that work synergistically to warm, nourish, and strengthen a healthy respiratory tract.

As one of the best natural remedies to boost immune system function, you can take it regularly or you need more support.

Combine ½ teaspoon of this herbal mixture with 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup and blend to make a paste. Take directly from the spoon or add to warm water and drink as a tea. Take it 2 or 3 times daily after meals.

Note: This product is not to be used during pregnancy. If you are nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition, please consult with your healthcare practitioner before the use of this product.

More Natural Ways To Boost Your Immune System

Stop Touching Your Face Hypnosis

Want to know how to stop touching your face so you can increase your resistance to disease and boost your well-being? Studies suggest that people touch their faces as often as 16 to 23 times per hour.

Every time you touch your face, there is the potential for bacteria and viruses to be transferred to the areas around your eyes, nose, and mouth, where they can infect you and cause disease.

Of course, just because you transfer bacteria or viruses to your face doesn’t automatically mean you will become unwell. The purpose of your immune system is to detect and fight off these pathogens.

But at times of increased risk – when pathogens are present in high numbers, or when a novel pathogen arises – our immune system needs all the help it can get.

Do you often find yourself touching your face unnecessarily? Are you worried that it may be increasing your risk of infection?

Touching your face is a subconscious habit, so it’s almost impossible to break using conscious strategies. That’s why hypnosis is such a valuable tool.

Hypnosis works directly with your subconscious to acknowledge your habit of touching your face and redirect it towards new, healthier habits.

Stop Touching Your Face is a free hypnosis session that will help you naturally adopt healthier habits that reduce your exposure to potentially harmful pathogens.

Strengthen Your Immune System Hypnosis

Strengthen Your Immune System is an audio hypnosis session that pulls together the latest understandings of mind-body interactions. It will help you to master the art of deep relaxation, which can reduce the effects of stress in your life.

Strengthen Your Immune System will give you precisely targeted suggestions designed to boost the functioning and efficiency of your immune system. And all you need to do is let your conscious mind float away in delicious serenity.

Download Strengthen Your Immune System and support the protective power of your own body. You can listen on your computer or device or via the free app which you can access when you’ve completed your purchase.

Disclaimer: The information contained on this website is presented to educate people. Nothing contained on this website should be construed nor intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.

It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider. Should you have any healthcare-related questions, please call or see your physician or other qualified healthcare provider promptly.

Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.

This blog contains affiliate links. For more information, read our disclosure.

How To Kill Germs, Bacteria And Viruses In The House Or While Travelling

Learn about coronavirus prevention with a face mask for germs, how to make homemade medical face masks, and how to use natural disinfectants like UV light, vinegar, and alcohol to kill germs like bacteria and viruses in the house.

Every few years, humankind comes across a pathogen that has the potential to wipe out millions of people. From the plague to the Spanish flu, Ebola, H1N1, SARS, MERS and now the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.

In this article, you’ll learn why you must wear a face mask when you go out, how to make your own DIY protective face mask, how to kill germs on hands and in the home, and how to kill flu germs on surfaces.

3 Common Sense Tips To Avoid Catching Germs

In an uncertain and ever-changing world, much is beyond your control, so it’s better to concern yourself with things you can control, such as how to avoid germs like bacteria and viruses.

Here are some coronavirus isolation precautions and common-sense ways to avoid catching germs:

#1. Wear a reusable, washable face mask or plastic face shield for germs

Many airborne pathogens are spread through droplets released by sneezing or coughing. Don’t bet your life on other people caring enough to cover their mouths or noses.

An important coronavirus prevention measure is to wear a protective face mask or scarf to avoid inhaling germ-carrying droplets. According to this article in The Guardian, masks are effective at capturing droplets, which is the main transmission route of coronavirus.

If you’re likely to be in close contact with someone infected, a face mask for germs cuts the chance of the disease being passed on. If you’re showing coronavirus symptoms or have tested positive for the virus, wearing a mask can also protect others.

Will wearing a coronavirus mask help?

Unfortunately, mixed messages from the experts have stigmatized the wearing of masks. According to the Lancet, one important reason to discourage the widespread use of face masks is to preserve limited supplies for professional use in healthcare settings, which is a valid point when supplies are scarce.

The coronavirus incubation period is somewhere between 2 to 14 days after exposure, according to the CDC. Recent evidence suggests 25% of people infected with the new coronavirus don’t have any symptoms or fall ill, but can still transmit the illness to others.

The latest research on coronavirus mode of transmission shows that coronavirus can be spread not just by sneezes or coughs, but also just by talking or possibly even just breathing and, under certain conditions, viral droplets could travel as far as 27 feet!

Live coronavirus can also persist in the air in aerosol form and it’s possible that aerosolized coronavirus droplets can hang in the air and potentially infect someone who walks by later.

That’s why community transmission might be reduced if everyone (including infected people who are asymptomatic and contagious) wears face masks.

According to Wired Magazine, when you look at photos of Americans during the 1918 influenza pandemic, one feature stands out above all else: face masks. Fabric, usually white gauze, covers nearly every face.

Across the country, public health experts recommended universal mask-wearing and some cities ordered residents to wear them under penalty of fine or imprisonment.

Spanish flu in 1918. Police officers in masks.

Experts have proposed that the widespread use of face masks is one of the many reasons why China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan have controlled outbreaks of coronavirus much more effectively than coronavirus in the US and Europe.

In the US and Europe, the number of coronavirus cases and the coronavirus death toll is now higher than in Asia, an outcome that could have been prevented by taking coronavirus precautions such as wearing a face mask.

According to Tom Inglesby, Director of The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, members of the general public should wear non-medical fabric face masks when going out in public in one additional societal effort to slow the spread of the virus down.

From a practical and societal point of view, surgical or self-made masks, if handled properly, will, at worst, not hurt and may, at best, help. They do not have to be n95 face masks.

These simpler, inexpensive masks may suffice to help to flatten the curve, perhaps a bit, perhaps substantially. Importantly: using them will not take away valuable N95 respirator masks from healthcare workers.

The CDC now advises that cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure to slow the spread of the coronavirus in the US.

Surgical masks or N-95 respirators are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidelines.

Want to learn how to make a homemade medical face mask or a DIY protective face mask with a filter pocket to cover your face when going out?

In the video below, a doctor explains how to make the safest face mask that utilizes a HEPA filter, which is much, much better than a cotton mask.

You can also buy durable injection-molded DIY face mask frames for health care providers, elderly individuals, and those with the greatest need. Add your filter media (numerous options) to build an improvised face mask.

This family 6-pack of face mask frames features two of each size: Large for the average male adult, Medium for the average female adult, and small for children.

Face shields may be preferable to face masks

Plastic shields, which are already a critical piece of protective gear for many hospital workers, may be a better disease-fighting tool than a mask, for venturing out in public.

If you don’t have access to face masks or face shields, then tie a scarf around your face when you go out. Here are some tips to tie a scarf properly.

When you return home, soak the scarf or face mask in 20% vinegar and wash it in soapy hot water before drying it. Keep several scarves or face masks handy so that you have enough for everyday use.

#2. Wash your hands frequently with regular soap & water

While most people are making a beeline for hand sanitizer, they don’t realize that frequent handwashing with regular soap is the best way to prevent the spread of germs.

But does alcohol kill germs? Does rubbing alcohol kill bacteria on the skin, and does alcohol kill flu viruses? Yes, the CDC advises using a hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol if you cannot wash your hands, as it can quickly reduce the number of microbes on your hands in some situations.

Alcohol can kill viruses, including influenza and coronaviruses, by breaking down the lipid membrane surrounding the virus and inactivating it. However, viruses that lack this envelope, such as norovirus, may not be inactivated by alcohol.

Unfortunately, hand sanitizers don’t eliminate all types of germs, so don’t depend on them too much. Natural hand sanitizers made with ingredients such as essential oils and aloe, while good for your skin, cannot guarantee that they kill all germs and viruses.

Hand sanitizer dangers include alcohol poisoning from swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers, so don’t use hand sanitizer for kids as they’re likely to put their hands in their mouths. Also, avoid products that contain triclosan.

Instead, help your child understand the importance of covering their mouths and handwashing to help prevent the spread of germs and viruses with the children’s book, Germs Are Not for Sharing.

#3. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily

According to this article on the BBC, viruses like COVID-19 can be spread in tiny droplets released from the nose and mouth of an infected person as they cough.

Some studies on other coronaviruses, including SARS and MERS, found they can survive on metal, glass, and plastic for as long as 9 days unless they are properly disinfected. Some can even hang around for up to 28 days in low temperatures.

According to the CDC, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily is key in preventing COVID-19’s spread.

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How To Kill Bacteria And Viruses In The House

Want to know what kills viruses, how to kill flu viruses, and how to kill coronavirus on surfaces? There are many natural and eco-friendly ways to kill germs and viruses in the home by making use of natural disinfectants.

If you want to learn what kills germs and bacteria, what kills the flu virus, and how to kill the flu virus in houses, read on.

Use UV Light To Kill Germs

Does ultraviolet (UV) light kill germs? Yes, far-UVC germ-killing light kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria, including dangerous viruses like MRSA, H1N1, and Ebola, as well as drug-resistant bacteria within just a few seconds.

How does UV light kill germs? On the UV light spectrum, there are UV-A, B, and C lights, but UV-C is the light that kills germs.

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a disinfection method that uses short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV-C) light to kill or inactivate microorganisms by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA, leaving them unable to perform vital cellular functions.

UVGI is already used in a variety of applications, such as food, air, and water purification. The medical and scientific community already know how to get rid of germs in the air with UV light and regularly use UV light to sterilize hospital rooms and labs.

In hospitals, UV-light-emitting robots zap operating rooms of all pathogens, and Boeing designed a prototype for a self-cleaning airplane bathroom that uses UV light to disinfect after each use.

Scientific studies such as the paper, Far-UVC Light: A new tool to control the spread of airborne-mediated microbial diseases, have shown that far-UVC light efficiently inactivates flu viruses with about the same efficiency as conventional germicidal UV light and can be a very efficient virus killer.

According to the review article, Can UV Light Fight the Spread of Influenza? far-UVC light may offer a low-cost solution to eradicating airborne viruses in indoor public spaces.

Far-UVC light has a very limited range and cannot penetrate through the outer dead-cell layer of human skin or the tear layer in the eye, so it’s not a human health hazard. But because viruses and bacteria are much smaller than human cells, far-UVC light can reach their DNA and kill them.

So if you want to know how to kill germs in the air, Far-UVC lights are the best natural germ killer as they are relatively inexpensive and are likely to be effective against all airborne microbes, even newly emerging strains.

This UV germ-killer light can kill germs on practically any surface, even on porous surfaces. Today, you can buy several portable UV sanitizing devices that claim to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. Here are some of them:

#1. VANELC UV-Light Sanitizer Wand

If you want a germ-killing light device to kill viruses on surfaces, get the VANELC UV-Light Sanitizer Wand, a portable handheld Ultraviolet Disinfection Lamp that can kill 99.99% of harmful pathogens.

Just turn on the UV light and sweep the UV light wand across the surface or stuff you desire to clean. It makes the environment safe and clean in 9 seconds without damaging any surface, makes it non-toxic, has no residue, no odor, and has no secondary pollution.

The ultraviolet light wand comes with a compact design and is lightweight and super convenient to store in a backpack or suitcase for use while traveling and outings. Keep in mind that people, pets, and plants can’t be exposed to UV-C light for a long time, especially the eyes and skin.

#2. UV Germicidal Lamps

Want to know how to get rid of germs in your house? Install an all-purpose UVC-clean lamp in every room.

You can use it to sterilize the bedroom, quilt, pillow, bath towel, bathroom, toilet, kitchen, HVAC duct, and more. The UV Germicidal Lamp is available as a Compact 25W UVC Light Bulb.

Note:  This device emits UVC light, not far-UVC light, and is harmful to people, pets, and plants, so you must remove people, pets, and plants from the room when this lamp is on.

Also, turn off the bulb before approaching the room, do not look at the bulb when it is on, and do not expose your eyes and skin to the UVC light.

#3. UV Air Purifiers

Several HEPA air purifiers also use UV light to sanitize the air entering a room. Most of them are designed to kill airborne viruses and germs such as influenza, staph, and rhinovirus, provide cleaner air, and reduce household odors caused by bacteria, pets, and cooking fumes.

Here are some of the best HEPA air purifiers that use UV to kill disease-causing germs:

#4. HoMedics UV-Clean Portable Sanitizer Bag

The HoMedics UV-Clean Portable Sanitizer uses powerful UV-C LED technology to keep your most frequently used items clean and sanitized while at home or on the go. You can use it to kill up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses 10 times faster than any other sanitizer.

With 4 UV-C Germicidal LEDs at 18 cycles per charge, it surrounds your belongings for sanitizing and disinfecting both sides of your item in just 1 minute with rechargeable LEDs that last for thousands of uses.

The HoMedics UV-Clean Portable Sanitizer is designed to fit a variety of items such as keys, jewelry, eyeglasses, remotes, and makeup brushes, and is a vacation and travel essential or great for use at home or the office.

#5. HoMedics UV-Clean Phone Sanitizer

The HoMedics UV-Clean Phone Sanitizer will keep your phone clean by utilizing UV-C LED sanitizing technology. Transport it in your purse, backpack, suitcase, or gym bag to kill up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses.

With 2 rechargeable LEDs that last for thousands of uses, the UV-C Germicidal LEDs at 70 cycles per charge surround your phone for optimal sanitizing in just 30 seconds per side.

The lighting position ensures maximum coverage and effectiveness and has an advanced safety lock to prevent UV exposure.

The HoMedics UV-Clean Phone Sanitizer is designed to fit a variety of phone sizes including larger models like Google Pixel 3. Carry it on vacation or use it at home or the office.

#6. UV Light Sanitizer UV Sterilizer Box

The UV Light Sanitizer UV Sterilizer Box is a UV-C clean sterilizer and dryer capable of accommodating 12 baby bottles. It can also be used for CPAP, toys, clothes, toothbrushes, beauty tools, tableware, and phones.

This UV Light Sanitizer is a do-it-all machine intended to be used in households, kitchens, hotels, care centers, beauty salons, and kindergartens for baby products, adult and child’s intimate clothing, beauty tools, tableware, and mobile phones.

Use Vinegar Instead Of Bleach

Does vinegar kill germs? The answer is yes! Vinegar can kill germs such as bacteria, viruses, and yeast. Research has shown it can be effective against some bacteria and viruses, including the flu. However, it does not kill dangerous bacteria like staphylococcus.

Vinegar is also biodegradable and can also be used as a safer alternative to bleach for some applications, such as cleaning. Concentrated (20-30%) vinegar has been widely used to replace many harmful and expensive commercial cleaning products.

You can use vinegar to kill flu germs on fabric, so if you want a homemade counter cleaner that kills germs, 20% industrial-strength white vinegar is the perfect natural disinfectant for cleaning and laundry.

Does Rubbing Alcohol Kill Germs?

Does rubbing alcohol kill germs? Yes, rubbing alcohol naturally kills bacteria and viruses, but experts don’t recommend using it to disinfect your home.

Although the CDC advises using an alcohol solution with at least 70% alcohol for disinfecting surfaces, the alcohol evaporates too quickly, and items need to be submerged in isopropyl alcohol for 10 minutes to do their thing.

Remember, that alcohol is highly flammable, and storing a lot of it or using it too liberally can create a fire hazard. Also, remember not to mix these cleaning products.

Do not mix these cleaning products (Source)

Now that you know how to get rid of germs in the house, and more specifically, how to kill flu germs without using harmful chemicals, use these common-sense tips and best germ-killer technologies to stay safe at home and when you travel.

Disclaimer: The information contained on this website is presented to educate people. Nothing contained on this website should be construed nor intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.

Should you have any healthcare-related questions, please call or see your physician or other qualified healthcare provider promptly. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.

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Emergency Preparedness Kit: Your Lifeline When Disaster Hits

Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links. For more information, read our disclosure.

The most important part of off-grid living and emergency preparedness is having an alternate power source with the ability to recharge batteries.

During an emergency or a disaster, it is very helpful to have an extra supply of survival materials. These may include, first aid kits, medicines, food and water, and even money.

It is also ideal to have enough supplies for the next seventy-two hours, equivalent to three days, while other members of the family, rescuers, or emergency responders are focusing their attention to people with urgent necessities.

Whatever the nature of the emergency, it is best to keep an emergency kit always. The items that are present in an emergency kit are easily available.

The Significance of An Emergency Kit

An emergency kit can contain essential items used on a particular occasion and for emergency purposes.

Travellers normally carry an emergency kit that contains money, first-aid kit, flashlight and batteries, candles, waterproof matches, can opener, canned and packed food and potable water.

An emergency kit can also be prepared in homes by homeowners. It could contain the basic necessities, tools, and equipment that can be used in times of emergency or calamity.

An emergency kit can be composed of a storage bag containing the basic entities. It may also contain a first aid kit, essential equipment that can be used in calamities or during dark periods, and communication devices. The size of the kit may vary depending on the number of items that can be stored.

An emergency kit is very important in times of calamities when people are confined in their houses for a few days or staying in an evacuation center.

You should prepare the emergency kit for a minimum of three days. It should also be stored safely and securely. An emergency kit is significant for the survival of a person, a group of persons, or a family in times of disaster.

An emergency kit is similar to a survival kit. Perhaps, the two are interchangeable terms although military operations prefer to call the items packed and stored for emergency uses as survival kits.

Meanwhile, campers use the term bug-out bags for emergency kits or survival kits. Homeowners may prefer to name the collection of items for emergency uses as an emergency kit.

An emergency kit can be customized according to the needs of the users. It may include more than just the basic necessities. However, the things that can be stored should be essential and usable.

To be prepared in times of disasters is a helpful attitude to have. Preparing the emergency kit is one of the helpful ways to overcome the challenges in a survival situation. Aside from the emergency kit, individuals may also have to make an emergency plan.

An emergency preparedness plan can be made for an individual or for the family. It helps a person or a family the proper things to do in case of an emergency. Making an emergency plan may just take less than an hour.

The occurrence of disasters has definitely soared to an alarmingly high frequency. With unexpected destruction caused by a variety of different hazards and ever-occurring emergency situations, it is highly imperative to own a number of essential tools that ensure safety.

Without these tools, tackling emergencies can prove to be quite a challenge. You may be thinking about buying extra supplies that are hard to find. But no, much of the materials found in an emergency kit are the typical home supplies.

The issue is how you can put all these common household supplies into a useful emergency kit. There are three things you need to consider when preparing and putting up an emergency kit.

Consider a basic emergency kit, extra emergency supplies, and an emergency car kit. Also include duplicates of your house and car keys, cash bills, coins for calling payphones, and a copy of your emergency preparedness plan.

Emergency Kit Basics:

Come up with a compact storage or a convenient-to-carry bag for these emergency kit supplies. Store it in places where it is easily accessible.

Since some of the supplies are perishable like water, medicine, and food, make sure to maintain and keep your supplies updated.

You could opt for preserved or canned foods or even dehydrated meals such as Mountain House Classic Bucket meals.

If you have pets and animals you need to store a minimum of 30 to 90 days of stored food and water for each pet, special medications, toys, and the ability to handle pet waste if the pet cannot go outside for 90+ days.

A backup of your basic emergency kit is the extra supplies. These include:

An emergency car kit may include some of the supplies in the basic emergency kits but with the addition of a shovel or snowbrush, road map, anti-freezing agents, rope, flares, and fire extinguishers.

If you have babies you might want to stock up on baby formula, medicines, or prescriptions for family members with disabilities.

Also stock up on extra clothing, underwear, and spare shoes for at least 2 weeks and a manual non-electric portable washing machine.

To repair torn clothing, also pack a sewing basket and accessories. Install water-saving showerheads to save water in the long term.

Place a home fire extinguisher in every room and install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in every room on all floors, as well as an external fire suppression system.

Store enough tarp and plastic sheeting for temporary repair of roof, windows, and siding from storm damage and large-head nails and wood strips to attach them.

You could build a hardened saferoom for protection from tornadoes, extreme weather, and crime and an air filtration system capable of providing positive pressure in a safe room area, with spare filters.

Keep a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit for 4 persons and have enough cash, gold or silver, and anything you can barter on hand.

Download and print recipes for the food you store. Buy maps of the surrounding area, waterproof map cases, a compass, a protractor, rulers, grid squares, alcohol-erase markers, pencils, grease pencils etc.

Alternative Energy Systems:

You might want to have a generator that can power your electronics, freezer, and refrigerator for at least 2 weeks.

Use LED lights as far as possible as they consume less battery power. If you want a diesel generator or a biofuel generator, you’ll also need to store enough fuel to power it for at least 2 weeks.

Depending on your location and what sort of renewable power sources you have access to, you can also opt for different types of renewable energy kits that are capable of running all critical devices indefinitely, such as:

Ensure you have a solar power inverter, spare parts, and the manuals for all these generators as well as computer manuals and backup discs for your laptops so you can fix them yourself.

You might also want to download Kindle books like ARRL’s Small Antennas for Small Spaces.

All your computers and sensitive electronic equipment should be connected to Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), and it’s a good idea to have items like spare extension cords.

To stock up on cheap, spare mobile phones, buy certified pre-owned Gazelle-certified Smartphones.  Also, get extra charging cords and spare batteries for your cell phones. Input all the numbers from your emergency preparedness contact list into each of the cell phones.

You will also require basic defensive firearms with adequate ammunition supply, spare parts, and cleaning gear as well as repair manuals.

Communication Equipment:

Here’s some more communication equipment you might want to get:

First-Aid & Medical Supplies:

As far as medical preparedness goes, unless you are a trained doctor or paramedic, you should never do medical procedures that you haven’t trained for, as you can easily end up killing people if you get it wrong.

Having said that, you should be prepared to deal with minor medical issues, and your first-aid and medical kit should be well-stocked with everything you could require.

In case of an emergency, you don’t want yourself or your family to suffer because of the small medical essentials that you could have easily bought.

So what things should you have in your first-aid and medical kit? Here are some you might want to check off your emergency preparedness checklist.

Cooking & Kitchen Equipment:

Here’s a list of items you might want to include in your kitchen and food supplies:

Now, that you know how to put up an emergency kit, waste no time and start gathering those supplies. Your emergency kit could be your family’s only lifeline during a disaster.

Mini First-Aid Kit: Adventure Medical Kits Pocket Survival Pak Review

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The Adventure Medical Kits Pocket Survival Pak is a comprehensive mini first-aid kit that contains everything needed for an emergency. This adventure medical kit was designed by Doug Ritter who is a popular survival expert.

This survival first aid kit contains all the tools and supplies you need to survive during an unexpected stay outdoors. The survival medical kit also contains a sheath and knife. With this ultralight first aid kit, you can improvise shelter, navigate, and make fire, fish, and more.

All the Adventure first aid kit contents are packed in a resealable and waterproof bag that easily fits into the pants pocket. It is an ultralight medical kit and only weighs 5 ounces.

Features Of The Adventure Medical First Aid Kit

  • Lightweight: This is a lightweight kit that can be carried easily from one place to another.
  • Signaling: This medical kit is designed exclusively for the pocket survival pack. The signal mirror can be visible for over 20 miles.
  • Instructions: The AMK first aid kit comes with easy-to-understand but detailed and practical information. Some of the information includes starting fires, building, travel, and how the items can be used.
  • Durable: It is a long-lasting kit and pak designed for many years of use. It is made from durable LEXAN polycarbonate and retro-reflective aiming.

Pros:

  • Waterproof survival gear
  • Nice look
  • Easy to access
  • Compact and lightweight first aid kit

Cons:

  • Small first aid kit
  • Space is limited

Adventure Medical Kits Pocket Survival Pak Reviews

One of the recent reviews of this emergency first aid kit said, “I bought this kit and I really love the quality. The kit contains everything I need for my outdoor activities. The kit is nice and lovely. I highly recommend it.”

The Adventure Medical Kits Pocket Survival Pak is highly rated on the market. This can be attributed to the high quality and customer satisfaction with this medical first aid kit.

Click here to buy this mini first-aid kit

Emergency Preparedness Planning: How To Prepare Your Family For An Emergency

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Emergency preparedness and emergency planning are the kinds of tasks that few people consider when they think of family safety planning.

But, thanks to global warming, war, natural disasters, and terrorism, no one is truly safe from the possibility of a disaster occurring in their neighborhood. Most people are unprepared to deal with an emergency should one occur in their city or town.

Few of us even know the emergency preparedness definition, understand the importance of emergency preparedness, or know what is an emergency preparedness plan.

Those familiar with emergency preparedness and emergency planning will know that these terms refer to how prepared people are to respond to an emergency.

An emergency could come in the form of a natural disaster such as earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, or unpredictable tsunamis. It could be a terror attack, burglary, or home invasion, which again is unpredictable.

It could be a preventable accident such as a gas explosion, electricity accident, or fire, or even a financial or economic disaster, such as a money crisis or power outage.

How many people do you know who have been through some sort of emergency preparedness training? Perhaps your family has attended a family emergency planning seminar or family emergency response training.

You may have read all the emergency preparedness books and emergency preparedness guides you could get your hands on, and may even have earned an emergency preparedness merit badge in your school days.

You might have installed the most high-tech security and burglar alarm system in your house. You could have a large storage house of canned goods, in case of an outage or crisis, and you may have the most complete emergency kit ever.

But if you don’t have a home emergency preparedness plan for when that dreaded day comes, it will all be to no avail.

Have you been asked these questions before?

  • What’s inside your fridge right now?
  • Is your dog food or cat food edible by humans?
  • Do you have an emergency meeting place for your family?
  • Who’s going to get your kids from school, in case you don’t make it?
  • What’s in your emergency preparedness backpack?

If you find these questions somewhat intimidating, privacy intruding, and uncomfortable to answer, that’s no surprise because most people don’t have a satisfactory answer to any of them.

These are just some of the questions that you will answer when you create an emergency preparedness plan with your family.

Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to prepare your family in case of a worst-case scenario. Remember, when you plan for an emergency, you must consider all possible threats, calamities, and disasters.

Home-related emergencies may include the most common – electrical or fire accidents, physical accidents such as falling downstairs, gas leak explosions, earthquakes, typhoons, and even burglars.

Remember, that emergency preparedness and emergency planning are not just buzzwords, but a practical and realistic way to prepare your family for emergencies.

The degree of devastation and havoc created by natural disasters can be shocking. High-speed winds, torrential downpours, and severe floods are some of the possible events that can cause widespread destruction and loss of life.

Emergency preparedness planning refers to a set of activities or a list of reminders that will familiarize every member of the family with what they need to do in case of an emergency.

It actually just takes less than an hour for you to formulate an emergency plan, have it printed, and give each member of the family a copy. So, gather your folks around and get started with your emergency preparedness planning right now.

Emergency Preparedness Checklist

It is always a wise decision to prepare your home for the possibility of a natural disaster occurring.  Here’s an emergency preparedness checklist to use in case you’re faced with such a situation.

  • Emergency Contacts

The first step is to make an emergency preparedness chart and put it into a binder with all relevant documents and a list of contacts to emergency units like the police, 911, fire department, hospital, clinic, and technicians, in case of electrical appliance accidents.

It’s a good idea to put your emergency preparedness binder near the telephone or in a place where a telephone conversation is commonly held so that every member of the family can access the numbers easily when required.

Make sure you create a speed dial for numbers like 911 on all your family mobile phones and landlines. Another important element in your emergency preparedness plan is a list of contacts living outside your city or State.

In case of a regional disaster, such as a hurricane or earthquake, it may be difficult to stay connected using local lines. Ensure that everyone in the family shares the same list of contacts.

  • Emergency Exits

The most important emergency planning rule is to lay out the emergency exits in case of a home invasion or a natural disaster. This means identifying the fire exit route of your house and having everyone memorize it.

Note that a fire exit is not only intended as an escape from a fire in the building, but also for disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, typhoons, flooding, and even burglaries and home invasions.

First, make sure that every member of the family is present. Then start discussing the plan around the safe exits of the house. Show everyone the locations of the floor drains, gas valves, water pipes, electrical boxes, and fire extinguishers.

Exit doors are usually found in the kitchen, but what if an emergency took place in the kitchen? In that case, would the main door be a better option for an exit? How about in each room? Do the kids have assigned routes to emergency exits?

Discuss all these possibilities with your family so you get an idea of how everyone sees it. For all you know, they may point out important details that never crossed your mind.

  • Safe Meeting Place

The second thing to consider in your emergency preparedness plan is a safe meeting place for your family. When you leave your loved ones at home, how will you contact them in case of emergencies? Where will you meet and who will they call?

It could be your favorite restaurant or it may be a good idea to appoint a relative living nearby as your destination of refuge. You could deal with it on a case-by-case basis.

For example, during a fire accident, determine which house or place of refuge your family members will be staying in temporarily. If there’s an incoming hurricane, recommend that your family members evacuate to a friend or relative in a nearby city or state.

Assign a person who will pick up your kids when you can’t make it and make sure they have a list of health conditions of all your family members, especially a record of allergies. Make a list of your neighbors’ contact numbers and the emergency services in your area.

Don’t forget to brief every family member about this designated safe place where all plan to meet, just in case not everyone is present during an emergency.

Finally, give everyone a family photo or individual photos of all your family members to keep with them at all times. This can be extremely helpful when a family member is missing.

Pets are family members too, so your emergency preparedness plan should include emergency preparedness for pets. Unfortunately, they’re not allowed in evacuation and resettlement areas, so you may have to leave them in a veterinary clinic or with a relative.

  • Secure Doors and Windows

To begin with, you will need to make certain alterations to all the doors and windows at your home. You might want to replace a window with one that is sturdier and install an impact-resistant window.

This can decrease the possibility of your window breaking into little pieces of glass if a tornado hits the area. Another practical idea would be to install impact-resistant shutters to cover the openings in the window.

This would prevent flying debris from entering the house through cracks in the window panes, which could be dangerous for anyone in the vicinity.

Your entrance doors must have a security lock, with an inch-long bolt, and a minimum of three hinges. This will anchor the door frames to the wall so that the door stays intact.

If you have sliding glass doors that are delicate and get damaged easily, you may want to consider replacing them, especially if you live in an area prone to hurricanes or tornadoes.

Doors constructed with plastic glazing, laminated glass, or a combination of both are impact-resistant and can be used as a replacement for sliding glass doors.

  • Preparing the Lot

There are a number of things you must do in case of a hurricane warning. Rid your property of tree limbs and dead, weak trees. If your home is in an area that is likely to get flooded, it’s best to evacuate it before the onset of the hurricane.

If this is not the case, you must purchase the essential 72-hour kits to prepare for the possibility of being stuck in your house for days at a stretch.

  • Stocking Food and Water

When a hurricane or storm forces you to hunker down for days because leaving home is dangerous, your emergency preparedness supply is likely to dwindle if the storm continues for too long.

It’s important to stock adequate food and water in your 72-hrs Emergency Preparedness Kit, to provide your family with the nourishment they need to survive the storm.

That’s why you need to stock up on water and food supplies that will last a minimum of 72 hours. Other essentials include:

Don’t forget to include other personal items of need, such as extra keys for your car and house, medications, diapers, and baby formula.

Listen to the weather reports on your emergency solar portable radio to prepare for any dangerous situations you and your family may encounter. If you have a clear idea of what to expect, you’ll be able to plan properly.

The most important thing is to stay calm. Panic attacks will not help you think clearly when implementing your emergency preparedness plan.

As a final thought, teach your family how to be responsive and manage stress during critical moments. Always check, keep, maintain, and update your emergency preparedness supplies.

You could be storing expired food in your emergency preparedness kit so make sure you constantly check the expiration dates.

To avoid spoilage of food in your emergency kits, make a schedule or calendar of maintenance where you can list the expiry dates of the items and set a reminder on your mobile device to consume the canned foods in your emergency before they expire.

  • Emergency Preparedness For Kids

Call your children’s school and ask about their emergency plans. Remember that children could become stressed during a disaster. Kids are typically afraid of seeing people injured and may be afraid of being alone.

Keep your children calm and assure them that everything will be alright. Teaching emergency preparedness to kids will give them the guidance and confidence they need to think on their feet and cope with unfamiliar situations.

Encourage your kids to get their Cub Scout emergency preparedness pin or Boy Scouts merit badge for emergency preparedness.

Help them fill out their emergency preparedness merit badge workbook and go over their emergency preparedness merit badge answers with them, so they’re mentally prepared if disaster strikes.

Another fun way of preparing kids for an emergency is to introduce them to these emergency preparedness games for kids. You can also watch emergency preparedness videos on YouTube or subscribe to updates from emergency preparedness websites.

If possible, get your entire family to do a free FEMA Emergency Preparedness Course online, so they understand:

  • What is emergency preparedness?
  • Why is emergency preparedness important?
  • The principles of emergency preparedness &
  • Emergency preparedness requirements in different situations

Who knows, one of your kids may even go on to get an emergency preparedness job as an emergency preparedness coordinator or go into emergency preparedness consulting.

These emergency preparedness training courses and emergency preparedness tips may not prove to be adequate in all situations, so add more rules as and when you see fit.

Remember that emergency preparedness plans can help you mitigate the risks and ill effects of a disaster and keep your family safe from harm.

Note: It is very rare for home insurance policies to cover damages caused by either flooding or natural disasters without specific add-ons.

After the above preparations have been made, review your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure you are covered before any severe weather indications.

Renewable Energy: Green Energy Solutions For Your Off-Grid Home

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Are you looking for green energy solutions to power your off-grid home? You don’t have to be an energy consultant to understand the many benefits of renewable energy or green energy.

So, what is renewable energy and why are renewable energy sources better for the environment? Why use renewable energy sources?

The definition of renewable energy is “energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.” This source of energy is not likely to run out, inasmuch as the sun is likely to stop shining.

How do renewable energy sources affect the environment? Firstly, renewable energy sources don’t cause global warming, which is caused by burning fossil fuels, which are non-renewable energy sources.

Another benefit of renewable energy is that it can be decentralized, that is, it can be produced locally. You can turn whatever is available locally – wind, solar, tidal energy, hydroelectric (water energy), geothermal energy or biomass energy – into electrical energy to power your off-grid home.

That’s why it is so easy to power an off-grid home with green energy.

How much energy comes from renewable sources?

How much energy is produced by renewable energy sources today? In 2018, renewable energy sources accounted for about 11% of total U.S. energy consumption and about 17% of electricity generation.

While Iceland generates 100% of its electricity from hydroelectric and geothermal sources, 28% of Denmark’s electricity comes from wind, and the government plans to increase this to 50% by 2020.

Any new homes built in California after 2020 will have to be at least partially solar-powered, Google now sources 100% of its energy from renewable sources like solar and wind, and Tesla plans to install solar panels on 1100 houses in South Australia, creating the world’s largest virtual solar plant.

What are renewable energy sources?

There are many types of alternative energy available that are an excellent substitute for fossil fuels that cause global warming. But most people have a lot of questions about renewable energy sources.

They usually want to know, are renewable energy sources reliable? Are renewable energy sources cheaper and more cost-effective? Can renewable energy sources replace fossil fuels?

How many renewable energy sources are there? What are some renewable energy sources examples and how do they compare to each other?

Here are the main forms of renewable energy, along with the advantages of using each one.

Solar Energy Solutions

Passive solar building design uses the inherent properties of building materials to absorb the sun’s heat during the day and keep the home warm at night. These construction methods have been used by many civilizations since ancient times.

Passive solar heating and passive cooling — approaches known as natural conditioning — provide comfort throughout the year by reducing, or eliminating, the need for fossil fuel.

Yet, while heat from sunlight and ventilation from breezes is free for the taking, few modern architects or builders really understand the principles involved.

In his book, The Solar House: Passive Heating and Cooling, Dan Chiras, brings those principles up to date for a new generation of solar enthusiasts.

Active solar energy solutions like solar hot water systems use a fluid like water to absorb the heat, while photovoltaic (PV) solar panels convert sunlight into usable direct current electricity and are currently installed in over 100 countries.

What are solar energy’s advantages and disadvantages? The benefit of solar energy is that it is in abundant supply and will not run out for millions of years. All we have to do is find more efficient ways to harvest it.

The disadvantage of solar energy is that our current photovoltaic systems don’t convert energy efficiently enough to be considered a feasible energy alternative.

How efficient are renewable energy sources such as solar power systems? Not as much as we would like, unfortunately.

Solar Energy Facts: Roughly 16% of the sunlight that hits the photovoltaic cell is converted into usable energy.


However, there are new breakthroughs happening all the time in the field of solar energy. For example, electrical engineer Aaswath Raman, at the University of California in LA, invented a device that can harness energy from a dark night sky to power an LED, which is immediately practical for lighting and off-grid sensors.

The primary advantage of solar energy is that it is free, and with more efficient models already in production, solar power may become the world’s primary energy source in the future.

Wind Energy

Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing sources of electricity in the entire world. Here are some wind energy facts.

In 2013, the 168 million megawatts of energy that wind turbines produced resulted in the elimination of 95.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. As of the end of 2014, the United States wind power capacity was at 65,879 megawatts.

There are many advantages of wind energy as wind turbines do not pollute or contaminate the surrounding area on which they are built. Wind turbines can be located offshore and some countries use wind farms to supply up to 20% of their electricity needs.

Despite these compelling wind power facts, it does have some disadvantages as wind turbines have been blamed for killing birds that fly into them and they can only generate power in windy areas.

Wind Turbine Facts: A single wind turbine can produce enough energy to power 500 households.

Wind turbine companies now produce small wind turbines or home wind turbine kits and wind turbine generators to generate wind power for homes in remote areas or for those who want to experience off-grid living.

If you live in a place where solar and wind energy are both plentiful, you can get a Hybrid Wind Solar Power DIY Off-Grid Kit for power generation around the clock.


It can be used to power your RV’s, cabins, boats, backup power generation, remote power needs, or around the home such as sheds, barns, and outbuildings.

Hydro Energy Systems

Hydro energy is water energy generated by the movement of water, whether it is falling or flowing down a river. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the term hydropower has referred to generating electricity using water.

Flowing water was used in ancient water mills to power various machines, from saws to cranes and lifts. Today you can get a portable micro-hydro generator kit like the WaterLily 12V to generate power from rivers and charge day or night in any weather.

This water turbine kit is perfect for RVers, boaters, campers, hunters, cabin owners and ideal for base camps, emergency prepping and off-grid living.

Hydropower is an efficient and renewable source of power. However, the building of a dam and reservoir can flood catchment areas, resulting in harmful effects on the environment and displacing thousands of people who live there.

Careful consideration is often given to this before a reservoir system is actually built. Micro-hydro power systems don’t have the disadvantages of mega hydropower dams. You can find a micro-hydro generator for sale online.

Portable water turbine kits like the Pelton Water Wheel or the WaterLily 12V can be used in hilly or mountainous areas to generate energy from small rivers and streams.


Biofuels & Biomass Energy

As one of the primary types of renewable energy used all around the world, biofuels are a sustainable energy resource. They are made from biomass, which is biological material from living or once-living organisms. This includes traditional “fossil fuels” such as gasoline.

However, more readily available biological materials, such as wood, corn, hemp and a wide variety of different species of trees can be used to create biofuels. These biomass energy sources can be grown and harvested, making them a sustainable energy resource.

But, burning biomass for energy does have disadvantages as some of them can release toxic fumes when burned, contributing to air pollution. Also, burning biofuels is not a zero-carbon activity and contributes to global warming because of the CO2 released.

If you do plan to use biofuels, like ethanol, in your off-grid home, you can get the eco-friendly Ignis Ventless Bio Ethanol Fireplace Burner. It doesn’t produce any smoke, soot or dangerous gases, has no chimney, no gas or electric lines and is easy to maintain.


Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is generated by tapping into the thermal energy or heat at the Earth’s core. This energy is harvested by drilling deep into the ground, then pumping in a heat transfer fluid such as water or steam.

The energy that is transferred up to the surface is converted into usable power. Water-based systems are the most effective, but also have the potential to cause contamination in the nearby water table. This means that great care must be taken to not damage the local water supply.

In the book, DIY: How to Make Cheap Air Conditioning Earth Tubes: Do It Yourself Homemade Air Conditioner, you’ll learn how to use earth tubes (or earth-air tubes) – underground tubes that use geothermal energy – to cool or heat temper the air for your home.

It works like cheap air conditioning because you can build it yourself for several hundred dollars and it is free to run (no electricity needed). Being completely passive, this is a sustainable technology based on designs that are 3,000 years old and still used today around the world to cool homes.

If you live in an area where a volcanic activity or geothermal springs are present, you should get these books on using Geothermal Energy for the home.

The continuous growth in sustainable energy technology has made energy source alternatives increasingly viable options.


With such positive results and far less impact on the environment, sustainable energy sources are our best energy option when it comes to a long-term energy supply.

How much do renewable energy sources cost? 

Are renewable energy sources expensive? In the past, installing solar energy systems used to be extremely expensive because of the cost of photovoltaic cells and also complicated because consumers couldn’t figure out the solar energy marketplace.

Over the last decade, the cost of installing solar energy systems has fallen by 70% and solar energy companies are educating and guiding consumers through the process, making solar energy an incredibly lucrative long-term investment.

For budget-conscious consumers, used solar panels are a great way to save money.

But if spending tens of thousands of dollars on a standard solar panel system is not for you and if you want to be “energy independent” and have the fridge, oven and AC on for just a fraction of your usual monthly spend, check out this simple 3D solar array.

This disaster-proof, recession-proof, drought-proof “backyard power plant” is so simple that you don’t have to be an electrician to build it and it requires no maintenance.

Even better, it doesn’t take up a lot of space because its ingenious vertical design means that it needs only 5% of the surface used in conventional solar panel systems.

This device is the cheapest, easiest way to effortlessly make your own personal power plant and have a perpetual source of cheap green electricity for anything heading your way. And the best part: you won’t need to rely on the power grid anymore.

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