Thread: BASIC LIST / SUGGESTED ITEMS FOR LONG TERM SURVIVAL

One Cause, Many Ailments: How One Simple Imbalance Can Lead To Many Chronic Problems

May 11, 2010 by Dr. Mark Wiley

When considering the assessment and maintenance of health, there are radical differences between the methods of Western and Eastern medicine. On a broad scope, it can be said that where Western medicine focuses on content (specific body parts and their associated symptoms), Eastern medicine focuses on context (the symptoms as they relate to and effect the entire body).
Consider this list of 10 ailments. Did you know that all of them can be caused by (or stem from) the same underlying condition? Can you guess what it is? Give it a try; here’s the list:

1. tension-type headaches
2. tempero-mandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
3. “knots” in the back of the neck
4. “rocks” in the shoulders
5. “sore” chest muscles
6. irritability
7. poor sleep
8. chronic “achy” feeling
9. numbness or tingling of the arms and/or hands
10. trigeminal neuralgia (facial pain)

Give up? The answer is Forward Head Posture (FHP). All 10 problems can be associated with this same underlying cause.
FHP Described
FHP is one of the most common postural problems we experience on a chronic basis. It is our modern lifestyle that is responsible for it—as we’ll see in a minute. In essence, FHP is the result of either repetitive forward head movement, or the carrying (holding) of the head in a position that is forward of the shoulder plum-line.
Proper postural alignment finds ankles, knees, hips, shoulders and ears all falling along the same vertical central line. The relatively heavy head must rest directly on the neck and shoulders, like a golf ball on a tee. Yet, FHP finds the head sticking out, jutting forward of the shoulders, with the ears in line with the chest or front of the deltoids.
Cause And Effect
FHP can be caused by many things. Here is a list of five of the more common ones:

1. looking down toward your hands while typing or reading
2. looking into a microscope
3. sitting improperly with shoulders rounded and back hunched
4. driving with your head more than 2 to 3 inches from the headrest
5. carrying a backpack or heavy purse slung over one shoulder

These are not all of the causes of FHP, but enough to make the point. The problem is that repeated forward and/or downward facing postures cause concurrent hypotonic (lengthening) and hypertonic (shortening) of several major muscles (i.e., lavater, rhomboid, trapazious, pectoral), degeneration of cervical (neck) vertebrae and irritation of cervical nerves.
According to literature from the Mayo Clinic, “FHP leads to long term muscle strain, disc herniation, arthritis, and pinched nerves.” (Mayo Clinic Health Letter, V.18, #3, March 2000)
Did you know that pinched or irritated nerves, tightened muscles and isometric contraction (which occurs when the neck must hold upright a forward leaning head), all cause pain as a result of “stagnation of blood, fluids and qi energy). And when there is blockage or stagnation, there is pain.
What You Can Do
Now that we’ve identified a single underlying cause of many problems, the next step is correcting the problem. And what better way to do this than following the simple idea of returning the body to homeostasis: That is, rebalancing what is imbalanced. Here are four simple things you can do to correct (balance) FHP.
• Lying Head Raise: Lay face down on the floor with your hands overlapped and held on your lower back. Lift and extend your head and shoulders up, while squeezing your shoulder blades together. Hold for three seconds, and repeat 15 times. Do this three times per day.
• Chin Tuck: Hold your shoulders straight. Stick your chin out to the front and hold for three seconds. Pull your chin in as far back as it will go and hold for three seconds. Repeat six times. Do this three times per day.
• Chin To Chest Stretch: Overlap your fingers and place both hands behind your head. Use your hands to push your head down so your chin goes toward your chest. Do NOT lower your head and then press with your hands, as this defeats the idea of the stretch. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds and return to the upright position. You should feel a stretch between your shoulders. Repeat three times. Do this three times per day.
• Doorway Stretch: Stand with both feet parallel behind (but in the center of) a door frame. Place one arm 90-degrees along the side of the doorframe facing you. If your right arm is touching the frame, then your right foot takes a long step forward. Be sure to bend your knee, as if you were really trying to walk forward. You should feel a nice stretch across your chest. If not, turn your body to the left. Hold for 20 seconds. Repeat three times then switch sides. Do this three times per day.
Here are a few simple ways to adjust your daily activities to prevent FHP from taking hold in your body—or returning after balance is achieved:

• Make sure the top of your computer screen is level with your eyes, and about two feet away from your face.
• Be sure to carry a back pack squarely over both shoulders to balance the weight distribution.
• If you carry a heavy purse or duffel bag, it is better to sling it diagonally across the torso.
• Have ample lower back support while sitting or lying for prolonged periods, as a lax position leads to slouching, which can lead to FHP.

Conclusion
You may remember from a previous article that we discussed three causes of pain, illness and disease as stemming from a deficiency, excess or stagnation in the body? Well, FHP leads to all three at the same time. Excessive forward head posture leads to lengthening of upper back muscles (excess), which causes shortening of pectoral muscles (deficiency), which leads to impinged nerves (stagnation), which leads to pain. And all this simply because the body does what it has to in an effort to maintain balance.
It’s better to maintain balance on our own and to prevent such imbalances to take hold in the body. When the body does it on its own… it hurts so much more.
— Dr. Mark Wiley

http://www.personalliberty.com/alter...ronicproblems/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBEly...eature=related

Study: Eating Nuts Can Help Lower Cholesterol Levels

May 14, 2010 by Personal Liberty News Desk

Individuals who are suffering from high blood pressure may want to consider supplementing their diet with a moderate amount of nuts, according to a recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

For the research, a team of investigators collected data from 25 separate trials that were designed to investigate the health benefits linked to nut consumption. After analyzing the serum levels of 583 men and women, the researchers found that participants who consumed an average of 2.4 ounces of various nuts each day experienced a 5.1 percent total cholesterol concentration reduction.

When looking closer, lead author Joan Sabate discovered that individuals who added nuts to their diet for an extended period of time reduced their low-density lipoprotein levels—or bad cholesterol—by an average of 7.4 percent.

"Nuts are a food that has been consumed by humans throughout history," said Sabate. "Increasing the consumption of nuts as part of an otherwise prudent diet can be expected to favorably affect blood lipid levels and have the potential to lower coronary heart disease risk."


http://www.personalliberty.com/news/...vels-19771692/

BTTT

How to Start Long Term Food Storage

By Writer Gig, eHow Member
Start Long Term Food Storage


How to Start Long Term Food Storage In lean times, long term food storage makes sense. In case of a glitch in the supply chain, a failed crop or financial turmoil, those with adequate food storage supplies will weather a storm more comfortably than those who are not prepared. Rising grocery prices are one sign that food shortages may be ahead. here's how to get ahead of the curve and stock up for your family.

From Quick Guide: Economic Recession Survival Guide How to Store Food for Long Term Survival

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Begin with the basics, the lowest-cost essentials that are simple to acquire and will help sustain you in times of need. These items, including whole grains, rice and beans, are the bulk of many long term food storage larders. Whole grains and brown rice are superior because they are packed with nutrients, unlike their counterparts.

Step 2

Add dried and frozen meats, as well as fish and poultry, to your stockpile. Try buying your beef by the side or quarter from a local butcher and you will save considerably.

Step 3

Make sure you have an adequate amount of store-able fats, such as olive oil and coconut oil, for inclusion in your pantry.

Step 4

Include dried fruit, peanut butter and other snacks and energy-boosting foods.

Step 5

Acquire food storage containers, such as food-grade plastic pails with gamma seal lids. These are excellent for whole grains, non perishable foods and emergency supplies such as matches, candles and lanterns. As you purchase survival foods and bulk items, store them properly to avoid waste.

Step 6

Find the best sources for price, quality and selection for the food items you need. Check food club stores, local food co-ops, and bulk distributors as well as your grocery store.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2264997_Long-Te ... orage.html

How to Barter in an Economic Collapse

By WriterGig, eHow Member

Barter in an Economic Collapse

How to Barter in an Economic Collapse Knowing how to barter in an economic collapse could be just an interesting concept -- or it might turn out to be a critically important skill to have. Knowing what to stock up on, in preparation for bartering and trade during tough economic times, is the first step. Also keep in mind that what you know is often even more valuable than what you have. Here's what economic collapse barter looks like.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Barter in an Economic Collapse

Step 1 Develop your survival skills and knowledge. Your skills and knowledge may be your biggest asset when it comes to bartering in an economic collapse or societal breakdown. Can you shoot deer? Identify edible wild plants? Cut and chop firewood? Think of skills you have that could help yourself and others in dire times. Learn as much as you can, now.

Step 2 Acquire hand tools and equipment. Tools of all types, from shovels and pickaxes to cross-cut saws and clippers, will be like gold when they are needed.

Step 3 Purchase extras of essential items. Stock up painlessly by getting an extra pack of waterproof matches or case of soap each time you shop. Personal care items, nonperishable foods and medical supplies are also great barter items.

Step 4 Buy extra tobacco, alcohol and chocolate for bartering purposes. Alcohol is not just a luxury--it is used as an antiseptic and preservative in times of need. Chocolate packs energy and nutrients into a small, tasty morsel. Choose darker chocolates for the most nutritive value.

Step 5 Acquire vegetable seeds, salt and spices, sturdy footwear and other important items. Surplus military items, such as wool blankets and mess kits, are relatively cheap now and buying a few extra will give you extra bartering capacity.

Step 6 Learn the true current value of basic items, realizing that original cost may become irrelevant. Salt, if scarce, will be worth more than you paid while luxury items may be nearly worthless. Plasma TVs don't look so great when the electric grid is down.

Step 7 Recognize your weaknesses and needs so when it is time to barter in an economic collapse, you have a good idea of what services or goods you want in exchange for yours.

Tips & Warnings

Stock up on freeze-dried foods and non perishable items now, for future contingencies.

Don't allow word of your stocks to trickle out.

Be discreet about your trading and deals when bartering.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2218968_Barter- ... lapse.html

How to Store Food for Long Term Survival

By WriterGig, eHow Member

Knowing how to store food for long term survival is an essential skill that few have. In early America, food storage was necessary and practiced by all. As cities grew and grocery shopping became the norm, food storage fell by the wayside for many. But now, in uncertain times as the potential for financial crises, food shortages and political unrest becomes more real, many are learning how to store food and other necessities for times of emergency, man-made or natural. Here's how to store food for long term survival.



Store Food for Long Term Survival

Step 1
Create a pantry list detailing what your full home food storage should include, what you already have, and what more you need. Consult the steps below for basic recommendations, although further reading is suggested (book list below).

Step 2
Make a shopping list detailing what you need to purchase (consult your pantry list from step 1). After researching prices and availability, list the best sources next to each item. As you learn how to store food for long term survival, it will get easier and more natural.

Step 3


Purchase and prepare containers for your home food storage. For storage of whole grains and other bulk foods (wheat berries, rice, lentils, beans, raisins) use 5- or 6-gallon storage buckets, available online and in some home supply stores. Smaller (1-3 gallon size) are suitable for sugar, salt, baking powder, etc. Some food items will come in storeable containers, such as canned goods.

Step 4


Compare prices and sources as you shop, noting any changes on your shopping list. For example, I purchased 35 pounds of natural peanut butter from an online food supplier for $2.30/ lb., but I later found natural peanut butter at Trader Joe's for $1.69/lb. I noted this on my shopping list, so as I build my stock of peanut butter (and replace what we eat), I'll head for Trader Joe's.

Step 5
Buy a variety of items as you build your emergency food storage pantry. For example, if your budget is $100 per month, split it between several categories, rather than just buying salt one month and sugar the next. If you were to need your supplies sooner than expected, you'd want a little of everything.

Step 6


Store water, at least 14 gallons per adult, to last two weeks. Rotate this water storage as water only has a shelf life of 6-12 months. If you have a well with a hand pump, you won't need to store water, while water storage its critical for someone dependent on a town water system. In any case, be sure to store a heavy-duty water filter/ water treatment system and spare filters.

Step 7


Choose grains, flour and beans for your home food storage. The good thing about grains is that, when stored properly in sealed containers, they can last for decades or longer. Try food co-ops, health food stores and bulk food distributors. My local health food store gives a 20% discount on bulk orders.

Suggested amounts are for one adult's one-year supply:

Whole grain wheat berries, 350 lbs.
Other whole grains (barley, corn, oats, popcorn, rye), 100 lbs.
Rice (whole, brown, wild) 45 lbs.
Pastas (lasagna, egg noodles, spaghetti, wheat, veggie) 35 lbs.

Step 8


Add cereals, 75 lbs. per adult, choosing from the following: granola, oatmeal, grits, Quinoa, processed cereals ready-to-eat.

Step 9


Acquire the necessary supplies to use your food storage items. If you purchased whole grain berries, you need to buy and learn to use a grain mill. For emergency preparedness, I recommend a manual (hand crank) grain mill in case of power loss. A water filter, fire starter, medical kit, lanterns and warm blankets are also key. See link for grain mill, water filter and other supplies under Resources, below.

Step 10


Purchase 75 lbs. of legumes and beans per adult. Buy kidney beans, lentils, pinto, navy beans, split peas and other varieties as per your taste.

Step 11

Add 75 pounds of frozen beef, chicken and fish per adult to your deep freeze. Purchase a side of beef if possible, to save money. Also stock up on pemmican, beef jerky and dehydrated and canned meats.

Step 12


Build up your store-able dairy products to about 150 pounds per adult of powdered milk, dehydrated butter & cheese and buttermilk powder. Store the equivalent of 25 dozen eggs in powdered form for each person, as well as 24 cans of evaporated and condensed milks.

Step 13


Procure 100 pounds of sweeteners (honey, molasses, cane sugar, raw sugar, maple sugar, maple syrup) for each adult in the house.

Step 14


Store cooking catalysts, to the tune of 60 lbs. oils and fats (olive oil, coconut oil, safflower oil, etc.) and 5 pounds salt with 2 pounds leavenings (yeast, baking powder, sourdough starter) to round out your food storage for long term survival.

Step 15


Include goodies such as dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, coffee, drink mixes and other treats in quantity for your family to enjoy. If things are so rough that you are relying totally on your home food storage, a candy bar or cup of tea may bring comfort.

Tips & Warnings

Read and make a plan before you head off to Costco to start you food storage for emergencies. See the book recommendations under Resources, below, for a excellent list to help you begin the process.
This article will get you started, but doing more reading is crucial for success.

Keep food in a cool, dry location away from moisture and pests.

Store what you eat, Eat what you store.

Use it or lose it.

Never store food in non-food-grade containers.

Resources

Ultimate Family Preparedness Pak http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2882591-10418867

Emergency Food Storage & Survival Handbook: Everything You Need to Know to Keep Your Family Safe in a Crisis http://tinyurl.com/2chn585

Gardening When It Counts: Growing Food in Hard Times http://tinyurl.com/2e72eje

Porkert Manual Grist and Flour Mill http://tinyurl.com/2dmrfeb

Katadyn TRK Drip Gravidyn Water Filter http://tinyurl.com/22pa27o

Food Storage Calculators, Articles and Resources http://standeyo.com/News_Files/menu.food.store.html

Bulk Coconut Oil and other Natural Foods at Wilderness Family Naturals http://www.wildernessfamilynaturals.com ... L=32KO0Nyv

http://www.ehow.com/how_2220971_Store-F ... vival.html

How to Grow a Depression Garden

By WriterGig, eHow Member

How to Grow a Depression Garden During the Great Depression, many grew food for their families, even in small suburban lots. These vegetable-producing patches were dubbed depression gardens by some, and the name stuck. Now that a recession is underway, some are predicting America's 2nd Great Depression. As food and fuel prices rise and jobs are lost, some fear these predictions could become a reality. Like the Victory Garden movement during World War II, families are embracing backyard gardening as a way to improve their personal economic stability and that of the nation. Get ahead of the game by starting your own depression garden now. At the very least, you'll have some delicious home grown produce. And if things get bad, your depression garden might save your grocery bill and feed your family. Here's how to grow a Depression Garden.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Step 1
Make a list of vegetables, fruits and root vegetables to include in your depression garden. Choose vegetables that provide a good amount of nutrition and bulk. I recommend potatoes, onions, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, lettuce and turnips for starters. Strawberries, peppers, watermelons and lettuce are great choices as well.

Step 2
Purchase seeds, seed potatoes and seed onions, as well as fruit tree stock and strawberry plants. For variety, look into heirloom breeds. Heirloom tomatoes and potatoes are worth splurging for; save the seeds each year for the most frugal gardening.

Step 3
Plant seeds in flats indoors to get a jump start on the growing season. This especially applies to tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and herbs, which can be seeded in late winter. A few weeks later, begin to seed broccoli, cantaloupe, spinach and lettuce. Peas, corn and potatoes will do best planted directly in the ground outdoors after the last frost.

Step 4
Prepare the soil in your garden. Turn over the soil, adding compost and well-composted manure in small quantities. Improve the soil with minerals or organic fertilizer. Remove rocks, debris and refuse from the garden.

Step 5
Plant some of your garden in pots or raised beds if you have poor soil conditions or not enough tillable land to fit everything. An herb container garden in pots by the kitchen door is convenient, and tomatoes grow well in large pots with plenty of sun.

Step 6
Enlist the whole family to maximize your garden efforts. Even children can help plant seedlings, and you'll find the quality time together has its own benefits.

Step 7
Eat and preserve your harvest throughout the summer and early fall. Make sure nothing is wasted. Can extra tomatoes, make strawberry jelly, and store potatoes in a cool, dry dark place. Onions likewise can be stored for use throughout the winter.

Tips & Warnings

Encourage your neighbors to garden as well. Swap produce when you have bumper crops of different types.Learn about companion planting and permaculture to maximize your garden yields.

Rotate your crops.

Potatoes must rotate every year and be out of a garden plot for two years before you plant them there again.Resources

Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens

Gardening When It Counts: Growing Food in Hard Times

Mantis garden tiller (free shipping)

Henry Fields Seed and Nursery Co.

Gurney's Seed and Nursery Co.

Ultimate Family Preparedness Pak

http://www.ehow.com/how_2244676_grow-de ... arden.html

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How to Survive a Rice Shortage

By WriterGig, eHow Member

Even the possibility of a rice shortage is frightening considering that nearly 3 billion people worldwide depend on rice as the main staple of their diet. In the U.S., people eat more wheat and corn than rice. However, Asian-Americans and those with Celiac Disease are among those who depend on rice as a main food in their diet. A rice shortage will effect many people, and already people are stocking up for the possibility.

Instructions

Step 1
Determine if your country is a net exporter or importer of rice. If you fall into the first category, exporter, you are less likely to be affected by a rice shortage. The U.S. exports about half the rice it grows, while Saudi Arabia, the Philippines and Nigeria all rely heavily on imported rice to meet their needs.

Step 2
Find out if your country is responding to the rice shortage. Asia has already limited rice exports in order to ensure domestic demand is met. It's quite possible that the U.S. could follow suit. If your country limits exports, and experiences a good crop year, expect a good domestic supply of rice.

Step 3
Stock up on rice while it's available, but don't buy more than your family can use. If you go to Costco to stock up on rice, just take what you really need and leave some on the shelf for your neighbors.

Step 4
Try other grains and starches. Some have dubbed 2008-2009 the "Year of the Potato" in the hopes that those facing a rice shortage will turn to the fast-growing potato to meet their food needs.

Step 5
Learn how to prepare wheat via soaking and sprouting to make it more digestible. Some people with slight wheat intolerances can eat properly prepared whole grains.

Tips & Warnings

Consider building up a year's supply of food as a habit.

Emergency preparedness can really pay off.

Learn about long term food storage and devise a plan that's right for your family and situation.Remember charity.

There are many who are unprepared for food shortages; help them if times get tough.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2268249_survive ... rtage.html

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