PREPARE Magazine January 2014

Encouraging, Empowering and Enriching Your Journey

So What are You Going to Eat Review: Essential Survival Guide

The Impatient Snake

Frostbite vs Hypothermia

Use it or Lose it

Putting Your Best Foot Forward January 2014

Letter from the Editor

The new calendar year has begun. New goals are set.

New plans, hopes and strategies are on the horizon.

This 9me of year is always a good 9me to assess what is working and what isn’t working in our preparedness efforts.

The focus of the January 2014 Digital Issue of PREPARE Magazine may seem cliché, but nonetheless it is a topic that needs to be addressed from and for the mindset of those of us who hope to be more self-­‐sustainable: Prepare Your Health and Fitness. The topics of our health and our fitness are oCen not addressed while trying to learn skills, plan long-­‐term food op9ons, follow the poli9cal climate, and generally prepare for what external sources may bring upon our lives. But this cliché topic for the New Year is a vital key to handling the changes to life ahead and needs to be addressed.

So we are happy to address it with, of course, a preparedness slant.

Many folks are s9ll in the midst of winter weather. So while you’re out there preparing to survive and prac9cing your skills, focus on your health by learning the difference of Frostbite vs. Hypothermia. Also, at any 9me, but especially in the cold weather, it is important to care for your feet by Pu4ng Your Best Foot Forward. If taking preventa9ve and natural medical health into your own hands tops your resolu9ons this year, you’ll enjoy the Review of the Essen>al Survival Guide. Storage food can oCen lack nutrients. So, What are You Going to Eat to stay healthy now that you’ve stocked up?

Being healthy gives us an advantage in survival situa9ons. Are you as Fit as a Fiddle? Maybe this is the year your take the steps toward Becoming Fit to Survive! In doing so, you may want to Find the Mar>al Arts School that’s Right for You. Achieving the goal of beOer health and fitness does take 9me, a change of habits and diligence. Perhaps an addi9onal lesson can be learned in the new series of Apache Knife Figh>ng & BaJle Tac>cs: The Impa>ent Snake. This par9cular story not only teaches a skill but an important life-­‐lesson; to not give up too quickly simply because we are impa9ent.

As many of us know, our physical fitness level does prove the idiom: Use It or Lose It. But the unique approach of using a Bug-­‐out Bag for fitness training can help you maintain or regain beOer fitness. We are intricately and wonderfully created to have each aspect of life affect another. So fitness is not only localized to the physical. It is important to Prepare a Fit Body, Mind and Spirit for the journey the New Year ahead.

Making your health and fitness a top priority in 2014 can boost your preparedness efforts tremendously.

That’s what we hope to accomplish with every issue of PREPARE Magazine; to encourage you to stay the course. So that this topic, when put into ac9on, will enhance all the other areas in which you hope to be more prepared.

Now, Go tackle 2014!In Service and Sincerity,

TABLE OF CONTENTS PREPARE Magazine www.preparemag.com Publishing Mainline Marketing Group, LLC Advertising 800-361-1797, Ext 8 advertising@preparemag.com Subscriptions www.preparemag.com/subscribe subscription@preparemag.com Support Services www.preparemag.com/support support@preparemag.com Community Connections contributors@preparemag.com Chief Vision Officer Joseph Miller

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Letter from the Editor

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Use it or Lose it! !

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Frostbite vs Hypothermia! !

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Fit as a Fiddle!

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So What are You Going to Eat?

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Putting Your Best Foot Forward

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The Impatient Snake! !

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Find the Martial Arts School That’s Right for You! !

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Prepare a Fit Mind, Body, and Spirit! !

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Review: Essential Survival Guide

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Special Thank You

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Managing Editor Donna Miller Legal Compliance J.S. Defner, Esq. Design and Graphics Coolbrees Studio LeverageChile.com Contributing Editors Kelly Thomas Britt M. Additional Contact: P.O. Box 934, Burnsville, NC 28714 Fax: 800-891-0973

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Therefore, you should understand that PREPARE Magazine does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the advertisements in our magazine or the quality of any products, information or other materials displayed, purchased, or obtained by you as a result of an offer in connection with any advertisement.

PREPARE Magazine encourages you to do your own due diligence before purchasing any product, whether it is offered here or anywhere else for that matter, before purchasing.

Please use your own judgment and carefully check out those products that interest you.

Under no Circumstances shall PREPARE Magazine, or Mainline Marketing Group, LLC., be liable for any damages, whatsoever, and in particular, shall not be liable for direct, indirect, consequential, incidental, or punitive damages, or damages of lost profits, loss of revenue, or loss of use, arising out of related to any portion of this Magazine or the content, information, or advertisements contained in it, whether such damages arise in contract, negligence, tort, under statute, in equity, at law or otherwise

Use it or lose it – Strength Training with your Go-Bag

By Survivor Jane

(not to be confused with a good one on sale) is not necessarily going to stand up to abuse.

What concerns me about go-bags is that a lot of us have loaded them up with “anything and everything“ preparedness while not giving much thought; if any, to the weight of the bag or if we could actually walk with it on - let alone pick it up, in time of an emergency (remember, in an emergency evacuation, we may not have access to a vehicle to throw the bag into.)

I’ve noticed that a lot more people are getting more involved in disaster survival and preparedness, which is a great thing. Maybe it’s due to the economy, a loss of job or uneasiness about our erratic weather patterns? Who knows? Whatever the cause, some can’t seem to get enough of all the preparedness items that are out there in the market either. They buy their emergency go-bags and then begin shoving them full of all-things-preparedness they can get their hands on – or that their pocketbooks will allow them to get their hands on. Don’t get me wrong, everyone should have a durable gobag with emergency provisions. In fact, the bag should be able to hold-up under harsh conditions and easily hold the contents that are packed in it just in case of an emergency evacuation. But, keep in mind, when considering a bag remember the old adage “you get what you pay for” – so a cheap bag

Another issue with go-bags is weight distribution and balance. Most of us find pockets and sections in our bags and, like I said earlier, just start cramming anything into them that will fit. By having an uneven distribution of your contents, it could actually make the bag more difficult to carry; cause extra physical strain and fatigue; or worse yet, cause damage to the bag so when the time did come to actually grab the bag and go, you may be in a whole heap of trouble. Case in point, have you ever tried to carry a ripped grocery bag full of groceries? Usually this is a one hand carrying activity, but could quickly turn into a “both hands and arms” carrying activity. That’s the type of ‘heap of trouble’ I’m referring to.

We all need to start thinking “smart packing” not “hey here’s another space that I can shove something into!” The placement of the items in your bag can really make a difference. Also carrying 30lbs verses 20lbs is vastly different, especially over different terrain.

I would suggest that you actually begin using your EDC, BOB, INCH, GHB, Go-Bag (whatever your pet name is for your bag). Start by strapping the bag on and walking around the house just to “try it on for size”; after all, you wouldn’t buy a pair of shoes without trying them on first, right? Walk room-toroom. Then, gradually do some simple chores wearing the bag. Move outdoors and walk to the mailbox, and around the yard. In no time you are

going to know if your bag is loaded correctly or if you need to make some changes (like leaving

out that cast iron pan), after all it’s amazing how much we can actually get by with using skills and knowledge.

After you have made any adjustments, start using your bag on a daily basis and do a little more each day. As you wear the bag it should become easier. Start increasing the distance and terrain while carrying your bag. Then increase your mode; instead of walking, try to jog or shuffle (don’t run with the bag - you don’t want to beat up your joints.) When doing these more difficult tasks, if you find the bag is unmanageable over a longer distance, and yet you can’t live without anything else in the bag, you are going to have to increase your endurance (groan).

Here is a routine that will help you strengthen your endurance (note: as with all exercise programs please consult with your physician if there are any questions as to your health before beginning). These exercises are modelled after the “go-ruck challenge” – as you use your go-bag to perform the exercises. These are perfect for those who are contemplating bugging-out on foot should an emergency evacuation be required.

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Air squats and thrusters: (holding your bag in front of you, air squat and then force the bag above your head while you stand)

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Push-ups wearing your bag

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Crunches with the bag on your chest

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Pull-ups wearing the bag

All of these exercises simulate real-life movements – pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, and will help to increase muscular strength and endurance.

Now it’s a given, these exercises may seem a little extreme for some of us. And that’s okay. Flexibility is key - as well as dynamic stretching.

Doing lunges while wearing your go-bag would be a good addition. You can also try wall sits (backs to the wall in a sitting position), jump squats (not using the bag as this has potential to damage joints), flutter kicks (lying on your back and kicking your legs), planks (a strength exercise that involves maintaining a difficult position for extended periods of time – like say in a push-up position with the body's weight on forearms, elbows, and toes).

We put so much focus on the go-bag itself and forget we are the vessel that will have to propel the bag. I am making this challenge to you: pickup your go-bags, get with your preparedness friends and/or family and create a go-bag exercise group. Start challenging yourself. Practice in numbers which makes us all more accountable and encouraging of one another. And, remember start slow and work up in endurance and distance.

The first step is always the hardest. Keep in mind this challenge could mean the difference between life and death. Just sayin’.

Frostbite vs. Hypothermia

by Bill and Janet Liebsch, FedHealth What to do…

• Handle area gently; DO NOT rub it!

• Remove tight or constrictive clothing (gloves, boots, socks, etc.) and any jewelry.

• Warm gently using body heat or soaking area in warm water (between 100-105 degrees Fahrenheit / 38-41 degrees Celsius) until area is red and feels warm. (Victim may feel a burning sensation or pain as the area warms back up.)

• Loosely bandage area with dry, sterile dressing or cloth.

• If fingers or toes are frostbitten, separate them with sterile gauze or clean cloth.

Staying warm and safe may become a challenge when the mercury drops significantly below normal, especially if you have to deal with power outages.

Exposure to cold temperatures, whether indoors or outdoors, can cause other serious or life-threatening health emergencies. Infants and the elderly are particularly at risk, but anyone can be affected by the most common cold-related problems: frostbite and hypothermia.

FROSTBITE Frostbite (or frostnip which is the early stages of frostbite) is when certain parts of your body are exposed to severe or extreme cold - mainly your fingers, toes, ears, cheeks and nose. Freezing temperatures can form ice crystals in the fluids in and around cells in your body. This damages and dries out cell tissues and membranes, and extreme cases can impact deep nerves, muscles or even bones... or even lead to the loss of a limb.

Things to watch for…

Skin appears white and waxy Numbness or no feeling in that area Possible blisters

• Try not to break any blisters.

Things you should NOT do…

• DO NOT rub or massage the area since this may cause damage to cells!

• DO NOT rub snow on the area!

• DO NOT try to warm with dry radiant heat (meaning don’t warm with a blow-dryer or hold in front of fire or hot stove). Using warm water is best.

• DO NOT try to thaw a frostbitten body part if it has a chance of re-freezing (if you are stuck in the wilderness) since this could cause more damage.

HYPOTHERMIA Hypothermia starts setting in when your body core (the vital organs - heart, lungs, and kidneys) drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). When exposed to extreme cold for a long time, your brain begins to shut down certain bodily functions to save internal heat for the core.

Things to watch for…

Shivering and numbness Confusion or dizziness Stumbling and weakness

Slow or slurred speech Shock (pale, cold or clammy, weak or rapid pulse, etc.)

What to do…

• Gently move victim to a warm place.

• Check breathing and pulse (ABCs... Airway, Breathing, & Circulation).

• DO NOT put hot packs on arms or legs… put them against the body (chest or groin area).

Disclaimer: These procedures are not substitutes for proper medical care. Frostbite should be evaluated by a health care provider and hypothermia is a medical emergency.

• Handle victim gently and DO NOT rub body or limbs.

• Remove any wet clothing and replace with dry clothing and/or blankets.

• If possible, place victim in a sleeping bag or wrap in a blanket, especially if in the wilderness. (Note: Your body heat can help heat victim… so cuddle up if victim says it’s okay!)

• Cover the head and neck with a hat or part of a blanket (75% of the body’s heat is lost through top of the head).

• DO NOT WARM VICTIM TOO QUICKLY, such as putting them in warm water! (If the body warms too fast, it can dump cold blood into the heart and body core causing a possible heart attack or drop in body temperature.)

• If hot water bottles or hot packs are used, wrap in a towel or blanket first then place on side of the chest or on groin (hip) area. (If heat is put on arms or legs then blood could be drawn away from body core - keep heat on the core!)

• Let victim sip a warm, sweet, nonalcoholic drink.

• Keep watching victim’s ABCs. • Keep the person dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck, even after their temperature has increased.

• Get medical attention as soon as possible.

Things you should NOT do…

• DO NOT rub or massage the victim’s limbs!

• DO NOT put victim in a hot bath! It will warm him/ her TOO quickly.

We weren’t sure which graphic to use for hypothermia so giving you 3 to choose from … or feel free to use something else you may have on file. We also have a few more graphic photos of frostbite (showing open wounds) but felt the blisters on hand might be more subtle.

Fit as a Fiddle?

By Sonja Upham, HeavenScent Wholistic Living needs to stay healthy and continue to function properly are not as many people think. The Meat and Dairy Associations would have us to think that calcium and protein are the most important nutrients. Whereas, various other for-profit entities would have us to believe that you can get all the nutrients you need in processed, refined foods. The truth is there are more than 50 essential nutrients, along with enzymes, coenzymes, and other phyto-chemicals that the body needs in varying degrees in order to survive. This life giving fuel is primarily found in whole plant foods.

Well, we have made it through the holidays and many of us have put together our New Year’s “To Do” list, such as lose weight, eat more sensibly, start walking 30 minutes a day, etc. etc. But in the midst of the resolutions that we always seem to have, have we really thought about how very important it is to know how our health can affect our “fitness” for end time preparation? Yes, it is nice to get that last 10-15 lbs. off and to actually like to see ourselves in the mirror. But is this what it is all about?

I would like to submit to you that although it is very important to make sure that we have our food and water supply intact, our health may be even more so. Think about it: if a disaster strikes and we have all of our pertinent supplies ready to go, but we are so overweight and/or have arthritis in our knees so bad that we can’t walk around, how can we help ourselves, or for that matter our family and others around us that may need our help? God forbid that we would need to run, hike or camp in the woods. Or because we have not educated ourselves and put into practice how to use natural remedies, we are stuck on prescription medications that we will not have access to.

Educating ourselves in what I call God’s Natural Healing Methods, we can make sure that we are practicing healthy living NOW so that we can be strong and have the energy necessary for what is ahead. This includes knowing what to do in an emergency when there are no doctors, nurses, hospitals, or prescriptions.

In this article I am going to outline some natural healing methods that I and many others around the world have discovered to be foundational for healthy mind, body and spirit.

Nutrition The adage, “You are what you eat”, is very appropriate here. The most important nutrients our body

Exercise Getting enough exercise is just as important, or maybe more so, as nutrition. You see, without perfect blood circulation and oxygen distribution, many of the functions of the body just will not work very well.

Exercise is essential for the detoxification process to work efficiently. Lack of exercise can eventually lead to many debilitating diseases and even death.

Water Our bodies are made up of 75-90% water. Without water, our brains can’t think, our hearts can’t pump, and our kidneys can start to shut down. Our bodies need water to regulate body temperature, to cushion joints and organs and water is necessary for digestion. Here are just a few symptoms of dehydration: Increased thirst, dry mouth, light headed, headache, feeling fatigued, impaired mental focus, low urine input, inability to produce tears, dry skin and sunken eyes. Make sure to drink 8-10 glasses or more of water every day for ultimate health!

LINKS Sunshine From the plants in our garden to the forest trees and to the lions on the African plain, we all need sunshine. Sunlight can even be traced back to where we get our electricity and power for our cars. Yes, solar power is a basic element for nearly all naturally occurring energy here on earth. Like plants and animals, human beings need sunlight for optimal health. Although many believe that any exposure to sunlight is harmful, it is actually an overexposure to direct sunlight that should be avoided.

Just 15-30 minutes three times per week of sun exposure can increase the conversion of blood cholesterol to Vitamin D in the body, ease tension, strengthen the immune system, improve sleep, lower blood pressure, and much more! So get outside, you will feel so much better!

Temperance Practicing temperance rewards us with mental and moral vigor. Temperance is actually a Godgiven sense to use all He has given us, but in a way that He directs. For instance, our society today is out of

balance. Many eat until they can barely get up from the table. After eating a heavy meal, blood is diverted from our brain to stomach for digestion. This results in feeling sleepy, cranky, and not being able to think clearly.

Temperance would prevent all this. God leads us to develop this fruit. More than just our physical appetites, temperance deals with our minds and morals. The result will be a godly balance in all areas of our lives.

Air Oxygen is our body’s most important physical need.

Take in a deep breath and oxygen is diffused into the bloodstream, where it is transported all over the body via your red blood cells. Fresh air has many health benefits. It improves the brain's ability to function; gives clarity to the mind, improves concentration, and boosts learning abilities. It gives a sense of happiness and well-being by altering brain levels of serotonin. It promotes quality sleep, and kills bacteria and viruses in the air. Why not try some Deep Breathing? The best place for this is outside in nature. Stand erect and draw as much air into your lungs as they will hold. Hold your breath for a few seconds.

And then empty your lungs as completely as possible, using your stomach muscles to gently push out the last bit of air. Repeat the process five or six times. Take a fresh air break several times daily. And don’t forget you can get more bang for your buck if you take your exercise routine out into the fresh air and sunshine instead of in a gym!

Rest An estimated 60 million Americans have trouble sleeping. Today, because of artificial lights, TV, and the internet people are sleeping about one hour less than their great-grandparents did. We are seeing more and more diseases related to the lack of sleep. This is interesting considering that proper sleep is one of the most important elements in the process of healing. The body has 5 sleep cycles in which different biochemical processes happen.

All the time you think you are sleeping, your body is busy at work; healing, processing, storing and improving brain efficiency. Studies show that the most efficient sleep occurs between 9:00 P.M. and 12:00 midnight so forgo the Tonight Show and get some rest and start healing!

Trust Want to live seven years longer? Reader’s Digest has reported that in a nationwide study of 21,000 people, those who prayed and attended religious services more than once a week had a seven-year longer life expectancy than those who never attended services. In another study conducted in North Carolina, frequent churchgoers were found to have larger social networks, social support and more affection for each other than their un-churched counterparts. Social support has been shown to be directly tied to better health. There are some well documented

benefits for those who trust in God and fellowship with others through regular church attendance: Lower death rates than non-churchgoers — regardless of risk factors.

Fewer symptoms and better health outcomes in studies relating to cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease and general health.

Less prone to depression, suicide, alcoholism, and they tend to smoke less, use fewer recreational drugs and are less sexually promiscuous than their un-churched counterparts.

I hope you will take this year to educate yourself and increase awareness of your diet and lifestyle choices and hopefully by this time next year we will all be better prepared physically, mentally and spiritually!

Got Your Preparedness Wheat, Beans & Rice So What Are You Going to Eat?!

By Jim Kennard, Food for Everyone Foundation As we deal with snow, cold and freezing temperatures probably very few of us are thinking of gardens or growing our own food – but maybe we should be! When God cursed the ground it was for our sake, so when he said we were to eat our bread by the sweat of our brow perhaps he was pronouncing a blessing on us. At the very least it was instruction on how we were to live, but today too many of us , if we exercise at all, pay to “work out” in the gym instead of working out in the garden. It is time to change that!

Great and wise men have said every family should have a garden, and that we should “Grow all the food that you possibly can on your own property…grow vegetables and eat those grown in your own yard. Even those residing in apartments or condominiums can generally grow a little food in pots and planters.” Spencer W. Kimball Evidence all around us points to the wisdom of those words. Today much of what we eat comes from places we know not and contains things that sometimes harm us. And a diet of fresh vegetables and fruits would eliminate many of the chronic health problems plaguing our society.

I suggest that now is a good time to begin preparing for your own garden next spring. Why? Because it makes sense to follow wise counsel at any time, but also because, like my friend David says, when times get tough you’re not going to want to live just on rice and beans and wheat.

In talking this week with David, who is known as LDSPrepper, I asked how he became interested in gardening as an important component of his family’s preparedness regimen, and his answer was both humorous and instructive: “Years ago my wife Sue and I were going over our Preparedness list, basically taking an inventory of where we were in the process, and I asked her “What are we going to eat?”, to which she replied “Well, we’ve got

wheat, beans, and rice . . . “. I thought about that for a few seconds and then said “So what are we going to eat?”

She repeated “We’ve got wheat, beans, and rice”, and I responded again “So, what are we going to eat !?”

“As we talked about this we decided that we really needed to have an on-going, fresh and sustainable source of nutritious food if we hoped to maintain any degree of long-term health and activity, and so we determined that we had to get serious about growing a garden.”

And here’s “the rest of the story” as Paul Harvey would say. Sue became a Certified Master Gardener, and for 30 years she worked diligently at trying to grow food for their family. However, until last fall their success was very limited, even though they tried every method they could find. Their amazing success this past year is truly inspiring, and it is documented in some excellent short instructional videos at www.ldsprepper.com.

I recommend you go there and see for yourself what they’ve done (and what you can do) in the back yard of a small lot in a gated community, with homeowners’ association rules dictating what your yard can look like.

So, what CAN we do in the winter in order to be prepared when it comes time to plant our gardens? Let me describe several important things you can begin doing immediately: Certainly, planning next spring’s garden is important.

And the Garden Planting Details Schedule, which is on a single sheet of paper, lists most all of the common garden vegetables and then gives you valuable information in 14 categories including when to plant, where to plant, how far apart to plant, whether to plant seeds or seedlings, how long you can harvest, how much yield to expect, and 8 other important categories of information to guide your decisions. This is available free in the Files section of the gardening groups listed below, as well as in the appendix of The Mittleider Gardening Course book.

Other important areas of planning you should be covering this winter include ways to lengthen your harvest time, and this can be accomplished by growing your own seedlings, and by protecting your plants in the garden.

Seedling production is surprisingly simple, but requires following closely the basic laws of plant growth. Soil temperatures must be in the 70-85 degree range for optimum germination and growth; maximum light must be applied immediately upon emergence; soil must be damp but not soaking wet; and plants must be fed a balanced nutrient mix on a regular basis – preferably with every watering.

Protecting your plants from the cold (and heat in midsummer) can be done simply with hoops and clear greenhouse plastic immediately over the plants (low tunnel), or using something larger, again with hoops and plastic sometimes called high tunnels. A third way, costing more but allowing you to grow crops vertically and increasing yields by 4-6 times in a given space, is what I call the in-the-garden greenhouse. These are built using a set of T-Frames tied together by 2 X 4’s and again covered by clear greenhouse plastic, and they can be used to grow seedlings in late winter/early spring and then to grow ever-bearing crops clear into the next winter. Gardeners in southern-tier states even use them to grow successfully year-round.

A family of 4 can live out of a garden of less than 1/20th of an acre! So start planning and preparing now, and expect to have your highly productive sustainable garden in place

and growing by the time your neighbors begin even thinking about their gardens.

Short videos demonstrating everything I’ve described above are available free on LDSPrepper’s website. Start there, and if you feel you want to join one of the Food for Everyone Foundation’s free gardening groups to learn more and share with others, simply go to MittleiderGardening on Facebook.

So, what are YOU going to eat next year?

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Putting Your Best Foot Forward

By Joe Alton, M.D. (aka: Dr. Bones) of doomandbloom.net The most expensive show doesn’t always mean the best fit. The shoes that your best buddy swears by might not be comfortable on you. Each person is different, and that means no one brand is perfect for everyone.

In case you didn’t know, the preparedness community is chock-full of rugged individualists. Self-reliant types spend a lot of time working on food storage, bug-out bags, and medical supplies, among other things. Let’s take for granted that these items are very important.

Despite this, having all your camo-clad ducks in a row will do little good if you ignore two things: Your feet.

Foot health is not just for the local bunion chiseler; it’s a priority to have a realistic shot at surviving, especially for the long term. Think about it this way: You may be required to do some major running at very short notice in a survival situation. Do you really want to do that running with those hiking boots you’ve never broken in? If you do, your dogs will be howling, and I don’t mean your Chihuahuas.

If you don’t take care of your feet, your feet won’t take care of you. Unless you're Cody Lundin or Fred Flintstone, some major thought should be given to how to keep your feet healthy in times of trouble.

Therefore, let’s take a class called Foot Care 101. If you pay attention, it’ll be an easy A. Your first lesson is taken from the book “Common Sense for Dummies”: Make sure your boots fit well.

Many foot problems originate in poorly-fitting shoes.

There are lots of different brands of boots out there, and there is no time limit at the store for trying them out. This is probably the most important article of clothing that you’ll own in a collapse situation, so spend the time to get the best fit.

Shoe size changes as you get older, or after a pregnancy, or even during a particular day! Your feet are a little larger after a day of walking than other times. Go to the store then. Most of us have one foot that's larger than the other, so make sure that your boots fit both feet. The larger foot is especially important.

Each part of your foot should be comfortable in your new boots: The ball of your foot should fit the widest part of the shoe without feeling too tight.

There should be about 1/2 inch or so from the end of your toes to the end of your shoe.

The upper part of the shoe should be flexible enough to not cause discomfort on your instep.

Your heel should not slip up and down when you walk.

Soles should be thick Vibram or other sturdy material if your purpose is survival.

Highcut boots will help prevent ankle sprains by giving more support and will protect against the occasional snake bite.

Tight shoes might stretch with wear, but you’ll go through a lot of discomfort beforehand.

You might be used to buying shoes online, but you really should physically (not virtually) walk in a shoe first before making any purchase decisions. Spend at least 15 minutes walking around the store; you might get a hint of future trouble spots that should steer you to another shoe.

Heavier boots, like steel-toed, are great if you’re chopping wood (you get to keep all ten of your toes) but are heavy. Remember that an extra pound of weight in your boot is like 5 extra pounds of weight on your back. Getting soft, flexible uppers will help. In

substitute. Some people benefit from the use of insoles.

If it gives you more support and comfort, go for it; Dr. Scholl is a nice guy, and he just wants to help.

Blisters are perhaps the most common foot ailment.

Excessive friction to an area on your foot will cause a blister to form. Usually this is from failing Foot Care 101; in other words, choosing poorly fitting shoes, not having enough socks, and allowing your feet to become sweaty and wet.

wet climates, shoes made from waterproof materials like Gore-Tex are very useful.

A special note: Unless you can count “shoemaker” as one of your survival skills, buy a spare pair or two now before the you-know-what hits the fan. Wear them so that they’re “broken in” and comfortable when you need them.

Another factor in keeping your feet healthy is your socks. Most people hike in the same pair of socks all day, even in the heat of summer. This is as damaging to your feet as it is to your nose (phew!). Sweaty feet are unhappy feet; Wetness increases friction and gives you blisters. Change your socks often and have replacement pairs as a standard item in your backpack. Consider the use of a lighter, second pair of socks (sock liners) under the thicker hiking socks you use for additional protection.

Don’t forget to keep foot powder, like Gold Bond, to keep your feet dryer. Corn starch is a perfectly fine

“It’s just a blister”, you might tell me. Well, blisters need time to heal and continued friction on the area will only continue to do damage and increase the risk of infection. An infected blister is a major issue: It will become more swollen, painful, and red over the course of time. You might even develop an infection or develop an “ulcer” (pressure sore).

To treat a blister, begin by cleaning the area thoroughly with an antiseptic like Betadine. The cleaner you start off, the less likelihood of infection. Should a blister be lanced? If it’s small, the answer is no. If it’s big, put a needle under the fire until it’s red hot; then, pierce the side of the blister and allow the fluid to drain. The skin overlying the blister will serve as a protective covering for the raw skin underneath.

Cover the area with padding, leaving an opening in the middle for the healing area. Moleskin is a good thing to have on hand (even if you’re not a mole).

Duct tape will work almost as well. The less friction to the area, the faster it will heal. A little antibiotic cream to the area might be useful to prevent infection. Rest if you can. If you can’t, change the bandage frequently.

The Impatient Snake Apache Knife Fighting & Battle Tactic 3

By Snake Blocker, Lipan Apache Tribe Underworld and Turtle Island and never explore the sky above or be able to walk with your legs.” Impatient Snake accepted its fate and forever crawled on its belly.

When an Apache baby crawls on its belly, some Apaches call their young ones the Impatient Snake.

In battle, Apache warriors would strike at their opponent with their weapon using a Direct Wind strike towards the enemy’s belly. If an opponent was able to catch and hold onto the wrist or forearm of the Apache; the warrior would jerk back, wiggle and twist the weapons and arm back as fast as possible. The Apache would step back at the same moment using the same side leg as the weapon side. This pull back action would emulate the action of Impatient Snake. That is why the Apache warriors called this the Impatient Snake tactic.

The One Creator made all that is in the Heavens. Next, He created the world we live in. He then began creating the things that roam the earth and sky. He took some clay from Turtle Island’s back and shaped it into a magnificent form. He would create a horse and call out to Downward Wind to breathe life into it. Then the horse would go off and explore the new world. The Creator would take more clay and shape it into a bear, then take some darker clay and give it a beautiful fur coat.

Downward Wind came to breathe life into the form, and the bear would wonder off. The Creator did the same for the wolf, the fox, the eagle, and so on. He began to form the snake and gave it wonderful colors. The Creator then turned to take some more clay and give it large wings and legs, but when He turned back to place the wings and legs on its body, the snake was no longer there. The snake had quickly crawled backwards and was exploring the Underworld. The Creator was displeased with the snake and said, “You are impatient and you did not wait for your wings and legs. Because you are impatient, you will not receive your wings or legs and you must forever roam this world on your belly. You will roam between the

Finding the Martial Arts School That’s Right for You

By Don Alley, Bu Tactical those scenarios are interpersonal conflict. Whether a verbal argument or a lethal force encounter, the consequences of the scenario can range from physical well-being to life and death. If you’re preparing for hard times, this qualifies. Here’s a quick start guide to starting out in personal protection or martial studies.

Understand what your objective is.

Preparedness is a lifestyle, not merely an accumulation of stuff and skills. It is a mindset that predicates the other two as necessities for the mental attribute of being able to persevere against what comes at you.

One of the most important factors in preparedness is preparing your own mind and body, and this selfpreparedness is one of the only ways to directly train for an empowered mindset. In preparing one’s body, there are multiple options: weight lifting, martial arts, running, yoga, and a myriad of other get-fit activities.

They are all useful and wonderful activities that bring great benefits.

When deciding on an activity to get fit, look for a couple things. First and foremost: Do not find an activity that you must mentally push your body to do.

Find one that you absolutely want to do and your mind will end up pulling your body along for the ride.

If running bores you to tears, there will be no motivation to do it. That New Year’s Resolution will become a one-week endeavor. Find an activity that is thoroughly engaging to you, and you will push your body to grow to better proficiency and accomplishment so that you can engage in the activity more effectively.

Secondly, look for an activity that is dual purpose.

Getting fit for fitness sake is alright, but there are many ways to learn a skill, and fitness is a byproduct of that endeavor, not the endeavor itself. In these cases, you are becoming proficient with a skill as a primary benefit. This is where the martial sciences and personal protection come in. Preparedness is being able to cope with various scenarios, and sometimes

When you understand what you want out of the practice, it makes choosing the right training center easier. If you don’t, marketing and sales pressure will define it for you. Personal protection should be the objective of all martial study, not tournament sparring or trophy accumulation. Sport styles will try to tell you they have self-defense application, but as you practice it and get immersed in the school’s culture; your priorities will slowly be adjusted to the school’s tournament purposes.

The seriousness of personal protection as the objective for martial study means it should be the primary focus, not an ancillary skill you get by doing something else. There are a myriad of styles out there.

It is best to find a training center that transcends styles and focuses on real martial fundamentals. These can be very hard to find. The martial ‘flavor of the week’ can be very misleading, and is often an individual’s or small group’s interpretation and packaging of multiple martial disciplines. A training facility that places equal emphasis on percussion (striking), grappling (grabs and embraces) and weaponry is a rare gem. Try to find these.

Practical weapons first.

In a real altercation, most people would prefer to have a firearm or some other weapon to protect them. Open hand is a last resort when consequences matter, not the go-to choice. Therefore, waiting to practice something that is of immediate benefit is pure folly. If the training center you are considering tells you “Weapon training is reserved for higher ranks.”, leave immediately. This may sound harsh, but it is a clear indicator of intent of the training center. If the primary weapons are heavily limited to sai, ‘nunchucks’, or other archaic and often illegal weapons, leave immediately. Look for training facilities that instruct staff and stick weapons ranging from small handheld to full size. These easily equate to modern items such as the tactical pen, flashlight, baton, folding knife, and others.

Don’t shun the gun.

In the United States, almost every state now has some form of concealed weapon permit system that law abiding citizens have access to. It is therefore a readily understood aspect of a personal protection methodology. The bad guys have already taken the right to firearms for themselves, but now the citizens are able to do so through legal means. If you find yourself in a school that shuns the gun, either by diminishing its importance in personal protection, advocating their style as a replacement for the firearm, or recommend that firearm training be avoided, leave immediately. This facility is not training with a realitybased mindset where the weapons on the street will be encountered.

Be aware for martial charlatans.

Ask an instructor his lineage and experience. It is not an insult. If an instructor informs you of the rudeness of your request, he is hiding something. Sadly, the martial ‘arts’ industry as a whole has no governing body or international standard system. There are several organizations that may vet their instructors, but many charlatans simply start their own school and ‘style’ with an imperfect understanding of martial fundamentals. Look for what organizations the training center belongs to and research them for legitimacy. This can be somewhat difficult because martial marketing is prevalent.

Look for the instructor’s name on search engines and read the reviews, with emphasis on the content that meets your objectives. For instance, a review that is 5

stars that says ‘Sifu Smith is an excellent sai instructor’ may not be applicable to personal protection, whereas a 1 star review saying ‘Sifu Smith is awful. He didn’t even spend any time teaching us numchucks’ might not be the negative ranking it seems.

Avoid long term contracts.

A legitimate school will cram as much information into every session they can. There is no need for contracts because the trainee will always want to come back to get more. Enrolling in the next month of training should be a foregone conclusion. Lengthy contract times are an indicator of either a slow paced curriculum, or designed as a money making scheme.

As an exception, an introductory 3 month contract is acceptable, as this package usually includes training weapons, a uniform, and the three months are necessary to create a habit of the practice. When most people take one class and never return, the three month contact can be a great way to force people to stick with a program past the initial pain of a new workout regimen.

There will be many people, some of them instructors, who vehemently oppose the viewpoints in this article.

These are the people entrenched in a style, have an image to maintain, wish to protect their profits and livelihood, or are themselves duped by the martial misconceptions as handed down to them. These points are, however, based entirely on martially fundamental truths, and should be evident as being based in the reality of personal protection training.

Prepare a Fit Body, Mind and Spirit

By Donna Miller of Millers Grain House We know that preparedness is multifaceted. But if you or your loved ones are facing health issues at the same time, then the lifestyle becomes more difficult. Maybe this is the year to put some preventative preparations into place and prepare for yourself a fit body, mind and spirit to face the future at your optimum capacity.

Just by changing some habits; which cost you nothing extra, but help you gain so much more – you can better prepare yourself for the future. Wouldn’t that be a worthy investment?

healthy enough to perform those tasks and more. Life is not as easy after having had a stroke, a heart-attack or while battling cancer. Poor physical health will greatly impede one’s ability to sustain a self-reliant lifestyle.

Daily exercise, one that is as free and easy as walking 10-45 minutes per day, has been shown to increase cardiovascular health, increase blood circulation/oxygen to the brain and to lower stress. Won’t you be counting on your feet to take you places should an EMP occur or gas prices get too high?

Getting into the habit of walking can improve your health now for the days ahead. It’s good practice to do a lot of it.

A Fit Body Our own physical fitness is often something that is easily overlooked in the area of preparing for other contingencies. However, we would be much more capable of addressing a myriad of circumstances if we had good physical health. Let’s address a few things to prepare a fit body.

Deal with stress Stress leads to so many health issues. “Stress” is mentioned first, because it plays directly into the preparedness lifestyle and affects all other areas of health. The topic of 'preparation' alone can cause stress.

That's why the vast majority of people prefer to live with their heads in the sand about it. Even so, we are currently on record as the most stressed population in history.

The vicious cycle of being under stress causes us to exercise less, eat less healthy, and to sleep less. Stress itself causes bad chemical reactions within our bodies which compound further upon the poor eating habits and lack of physical activity that stress causes. But by changing habits such as the ones listed below, we can actually deal with the stresses of life. The odd catch is that this is cyclical. If we do not do the following to the best of our ability, they can cause stress that mounts on top of the stresses that come along with transitioning to a life prepared for “What if______”. So it behooves us to tackle stress by every means possible.

Get some exercise daily.

Sustainable living skills such as gardening, repairs, general upkeep and survival depend greatly upon being

Eat a healthier diet.

I ,for one, can attest to how easy it is to fall off the ‘healthy eating’ wagon – especially when stress and being too busy is involved.

Practicing these habits now, and building a healthy long-term food storage plan, can help you actually relieve stress in the long run.

When we eat foods that are not healthy for us, it taxes the body in an attempt to digest it. We do not operate at maximum efficiency when we consume junk food.

But with all the fads, eating plans and omit “this or that” from your diet plans smacking us in the face now – it may be confusing. Unless you have been diagnosed by a real physician with a specific food you must avoid, then transitioning to real food is your best approach. Real food is simply that. Real. If it doesn’t ‘read’ like a food on the label, it’s likely not healthy for you. Most real foods don’t require labels. Meat is meat. Watermelon is watermelon. But remember portion control and balance.

Even too much real food will be stored somewhere on the body as an energy source. Aka: fat.

Hydrate properly.

Often people think they are hungry when in fact they are simply dehydrated. Improper hydration has also been linked to headaches and depression. When you’re feeling low, mentally fuzzy or hungry try drinking a glass or two of water.

Proper hydration is not always affected by the weather.

You need just as much in the winter as you do in the summer. Proper hydration is affected by activity. The more perspiration you eliminate, the more water you must replenish. Proper hydration can be tricky in dry climates where your perspiration evaporates quickly – so drink up when in doubt or in draught.

Proper hydration differs for everyone. The rule of “8 glasses of water” may not always apply. It’s a start – but it may not give you the best benefit. As a baseline rule, you should drink half your weight in ounces. For example: A person who weighs 150lbs should drink 75 ounces of water a day. This is not rationed water, but water in times of plenty/norm.

adhering to a routine. A few suggestions before retiring for the night are to drink a glass of herbal tea or warm milk, or turn off all electronic screens (computer or television) half an hour before bed, read, pray or listen to soft music, or perhaps a warm bath or shower. Try any (or all) of these each time before bed and after about one week – your body and mind will begin to recognize the signals to relax and sleep.

Another good idea to add to the routine is to set your circadian rhythm. Before electricity, late night TV and Web Surfing (or should I call it ‘snaring’) our ancestors rose with the sun and retired shortly after dark. The natural setting of the rhythm of our sleep patterns is dictated by night and day. You can set your own circadian rhythm and thus reach deeper restful sleep by starting your routine by retiring at the same time each night and waking at the same time each morning.

A Fit Mind Have you ever heard the cliché: "Idleness is the devil's workshop."? This may have just been a saying around where I grew up, but it does apply to our mental acuity.

An idle mind does go to waste, but there is no one to blame but myself if my mind is idle.

Purposeful Mental Acuity Keeping mentally sharp, aware or acute relies solely on me and no one else. If I become lulled by television to thinking I need to be entertained, that is no one's fault but my own. The 'off' button is right there and takes no more effort to use than the 'on' button. If someone else is watching something in which I have no real interest, I can read a book, do a craft or write a letter while still enjoying being in the room with them, or I can go elsewhere.

Sleep Recent studies have linked insufficient sleep to weight gain, increased anxiety and other health issues. We may think we are getting more done by sleeping less, when in fact, statistically it has been proven that a fully rested person is more productive.

If sleep has eluded before going to bed. slumber due to the trigger ourselves to

you try to ‘baby’ yourself a little Just as an infant often drifts off into routine prior to bed-time, we can get to sleep faster and deeper by

Exercise your Mind Keeping our minds active is about learning new things.

This can also engage our bodies in learning skills. If in a sequestered or solitary state of being, you can keep your mind active if you simply decide to do so.

problem. Iron sharpens iron. Even if you don’t agree, people who know the vision of preparation and look at it as a welcomed challenge are a great support system indeed!

Practice this habit rather than relying on entertainment to fill time. Practice keeping your mind sharp with a variety of things: Word puzzles, regular puzzles, board games, good conversation, reading, researching, crafts, hobbies, and so many more things that enhance your mental acuity. There are even exercises to increase memory capabilities and other cognitive skills.

A mind IS a terrible thing to waste. Don't wait until you need a sharp mind to work on it(;) by then it will be out of practice. Keep exercising your mind as you would your body!

Engage Others No man is an island. The human brain can be a powerful thing. It can build us up and bolster us forward into action or it can tear us down and cripple us in fear. I heard a line one time in a movie that as someone said they were ‘lost in thought’ the other person said: "Hold on! That’s a scary neighborhood you don’t want to go into alone!" There is a reason that solitary confinement is one of the cruelest forms of imprisonment. Even if you’re an introvert, you still need social interaction for your healthy mental state.

Many hands make light work. Not only is this emotional support, but physical as well. The help and company of others working toward a common goal is so valuable to what may seem like a long road in an alternate, niche’ lifestyle. Building fences as well as learning and sharing together builds a bond that even difficult circumstances may not be able to break.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. For anyone who has managed stress over losing a job/ income, moving to down-size, pinching pennies and scraping the bottom of whatever reserves you barely feel you may have left just to get by – you – are the tough ones! This is not to say that stress is not a mental and emotional drain: it is. Our mental well-being is affected by stress. So handling that stress constructively by rallying the troops in a group effort or simply letting loose once in a while to have fun with others can rejuvenate you to get back to business with more gusto and vigor than before.

Surround yourself with like-minded people but not only like-minded people or you’ll end up bored and stagnant.

Too many ‘yes men’ does not allow room for learning new things or finding alternate approaches to a shared

A Fit Spirit As you read all the suggestions above and see how intertwined they are to each other (that our stress affects our physical and mental state; that our physical and mental state can help us deal with stress; that sleep can affect them all and all can be affected by lack of sleep) it is clear that we are complex creatures. We are fearfully and wonderfully made.

If we were simply one dimensional or even dual dimensional, what a sad existence this life would be. Each part is interwoven just as our Spirit or Soul is interwoven with each part of how we live to some degree.

Several years ago, I heard a teacher of Scriptures say that Scripture, when it was read, was inspired by God to be multidimensional. He stated that all Scripture has implications that are Past (historical), Present (applicable) and Future (prophetic) simultaneously. This of course made sense to me seeing as God is Omniscient and capable of being both timeless or in all times at once.

We, in our finite human nature, would like to compartmentalize God and Scripture. When we do, we often misinterpret the timeless layers of His Love, His Will and Scripture. This gives some folks an excuse not to Believe in the validity of His Word. But the error is on our part. We pitifully try to make God fit our image as if that is how He would be ‘understood’.

Having a ‘Fit Spirit’ has nothing to do with works by which we think we can accomplish our own salvation. It

has nothing to do with making God fit our image or our understanding. A Fit Spirit is accomplished by being willing to allow Him to work through us once we’ve accepted His Gift of His Son. Out of that should flow the new habits. The desire to help others in need, to be good stewards of our time and resources, to care for His creation and live the life of a Spirit or Soul made fit. But, even when we falter after that acceptance and atonement of His Salvation, as many of us do, we must remember that we are each a Work in Progress. The ability to have and show Grace to others and accept Grace ourselves can go a long way to relieving the stress of this life and bring His Peace which surpasses all understanding.

Review: The Essential Survival Guide to Medical Preparedness

By Vickilynn Haycraft, National Family Preparedness Examiner Would you like to know how to take care of yourself and others if there is no medical help available?

Would you like information on how to prevent illness naturally? And learn how to treat injuries and illnesses without harmful side effects from medicines, or if medicines are not available? These topics and others are found in the book The Essential Guide to Medical Preparedness by Julie Behling-Hovdal with Rebecca Potter, M.H. and Col. Edward Behling (Ret.).

The Essential Survival Guide to Medical Preparedness is described as; “An easy, step-by-step guide to handling injury, infectious disease, chronic illness, pregnancy, childbirth, sanitation, personal hygiene, mental health and much more with essential oils, herbs, basic medic skills, basic reflexology and acupressure, a healthy lifestyle using food storage, and more!”

In this 400+ page book, you’ll find what medical preparedness really means, how to become medically prepared right now and how to deal with issues that require help, when none may be available.

Chapters include: Chapter 1 Medical Preparedness — An Overview Chapter 2 Medical Preparedness Supplies & Skills Chapter 3 First Aid, Wilderness Medicine, & Medical Emergencies Chapter 4 The Importance of Lifestyle in Medical Preparedness Chapter 5 Getting Off Drugs Chapter 6 Infectious Disease Chapter 7 – Women’s Health, Pregnancy, Childbirth, & Infant Care Chapter 8 Sanitation and Hygiene Chapter 9 Handling Stress, Grief, & Despair in a Collapse Scenario

Excerpt from The Essential Survival Guide to Medical Preparedness (page 285-286) Medical preparedness basics for pregnancy and childbirth Imagine a scenario where we experience an economic collapse right here in America. Pharmacy shelves are bare. Hospitals are inaccessible. In such a scenario, pregnant women and their new babies would be at a particularly high risk of potentially life -threatening complications, especially if they and their immediate circle of family and friends were uneducated in natural medicine and holistic healing modalities.

Besides the risk of experiencing pregnancy and childbirth without trained help, Western medicine itself sadly contributes to medical concerns amongst pregnant women and their babies. Today in America, high-tech interventions in childbirth have become the norm.

Upwards of 40% of pregnant women are induced into labor and 34% of babies are delivered via C-sections. Of course induction and Cesarean section have really been helpful and necessary in some instances. The benefits of a high intervention childbirth normal to many women in America and other industrialized nations must be weighed with the risks.

Whether you would like to be prepared to handle the types of issues that frequently arise during pregnancy and be able to help a woman through labor and or deliver a baby if medical care was unavailable, or if you would like to know how to be as empowered as possible to handle health concerns during pregnancy and help labor go as smoothly as possible without relying on drugs and the high-tech Western medical system, this information is for you.”

The Essential Guide to Medical Preparedness is a treasure-trove of practical, helpful information that we can use today and in the case of medical emergencies, especially where there is no other medical help. In this book, you can look up a vast list of issues, illnesses or injuries that you are presented with and you will have a range of natural, herbal and at-home options to consider.

I highly recommend this book for anyone and everyone who is interested in prevention and treatment of medical issues and medical preparedness.

THANK YOU! The Launch of PREPARE Magazine has been a labor of love, sharing of helpful training and ideas, and a partnership with some wonderful people. We are so thankful for the support and kindness of so many people who have joined with us in the journey and contributed to the creation and growth of PREPARE Magazine. We want to share our sincere and humble gratitude for everyone who has shared their support and encouragement. We simply could not have launched PREPARE without you!

On behalf of our readers, subscribers, advertisers, and staff, we wish to extend our heart-felt appreciation to all of you. We believe there is a very special mission for PREPARE Magazine, and are so pleased to be yoked with wonderful people who wish to sow encouragement and help to others in the Preparedness Journey.

Again‌ To all of you who have contributed and shared financial resources, preparedness training, advertising, testimonials, and encouragement, please know that we greatly appreciate you – and look forward to serving on your behalf.

Joseph and Donna Miller

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Our Contributors...

Donald Alley

is a martial science practitioner with over 10 years’ experience. He is a black belt in Jujutsu and a brown belt in Aikido. He is an instructor with the ISBF and a Level 1 Instructor for the US-MTA as well as program coordinator / instructor with Martial Tactical Training of Michigan. He is a certified NRA instructor for Basic Pistol and Personal Protection in the Home. His product line, Bu Tactical, provides everyday carry options for martial devices.

Snake Blocker is a member of the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas, is an accomplished martial artists and Apache Historian. He has served in the U.S. Navy since June 2001 and did tours in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. He is the featured instructor in several videos and promotes his signature line of survival products and knives. Snake has been featured on Deadliest Warrior “Apaches versus Gladiators” and Doomsday Preppers “In the Hurt Locker”.

He hosts “Snake Blocker Survival” on Preparedness Radio Network.

Donna Miller

is a teacher, author, sought-after speaker and trainer. She has been a both guest and host on internet and broadcast radio talk-shows and in television interviews. She enjoys teaching online and local classes & ladies retreats. Donna is happily married and has three adult children, and a daughter in-law. She and her husband (Joseph) are the founders Millers Grain House and YourPreparation Station.

Jim Kennard

is the President of the Food For Everyone Foundation (501)(c)(3) Charitable Foundation. His mission is “To teach the world to grow food, one family at a time with the world-renowned Mittleider Method.” He can be reached for help or problem solving at jim@growfood.com, and the foundation’s website and store are at http://www.growfood.com where you can get the gardening books that teach these things.

Sonja Upham Wellness Educator has been serving the public since 2002. A graduate of the Global College of Natural Medicine, she is now studying to obtain her doctorate in Natural Medicine. In their health ministry, HeavenScent Wholistic Health, , Sonja along with her Husband Dave, use simple natural remedies and lifestyle counseling to address client health concerns, believing that education is key. Sharing her passion for helping others, she is also an author and educator, providing classes on country living and wellness.

Joe Alton, M.D.

(aka: Dr. Bones) is a member of Mensa, collects 19th century medical books to gain insight on off-grid medical strategies and is a co-author, along with Nurse Amy, of “the Survival Medicine Handbook,” a guide for the non-medical professional to staying healthy is situations where help is NOT on the way. The opinions voiced by Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy are for post-apocalyptic settings only; in normal times, seek modern and standard medical care from qualified professionals.

Bill & Janet Liebsch are the founders of FedHealth, a publishing and marketing company formed in 1999 to help the public focus on preparedness and health-related issues. We also are the authors, copyright owners and publishers of "IT'S A DISASTER! ...and what are YOU gonna do about it?" and are dedicated to developing programs that primarily benefit First Responders, schools and volunteers. Get a sample of the content with this free mini-ebook HERE

Ken Youngquist

is the creator of Survivaltek, a website dedicated to teaching the ways and means to survive. From his youth, Ken was captivated by primitive living skills, and in his adulthood was intrigued by the television Series MacGyver. The result has been the study and practice of survival skills and the desire to pass on the mantle of preparedness to others. You can visit and learn more at: http://survivaltek.com/

Survivor Jane

is a preparedness expert, homesteader and speaker. She is the editor of the women’s preparedness website www.survivorjane.com and the author of the newly released book “Where There is No Cosmetic Counter”. Jane is also the founder/creator of the hashtag #PrepperTalk on Twitter, a 24 hour forum that brings people from all over the world together to discuss disaster survival and preparedness.

Vickilynn Haycraft

is the hostess of the Get Real – Get Prepared radio show on PRN. She is the author of: “Wrapping It Up!” and co-author of “Naturally Healthy Cuisine, Real Food for Real Families”. Vickilynn is a sought-after independent product tester and book reviewer delivering accurate, honest, and trustworthy reviews on products and books for the whole family. Subscribe to Vickilynn at: RealFoodLiving.com, National Product Review Examiner, National Family Preparedness Examiner.

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Community Connections General Articles Feature Articles Instructional Articles Photos and Videos Testimonies Preparedness Experiences

Community Connections These groups have meetings in Jan/Feb.

PACIFIC San Jacinto Valley Preppers Menifee, CA Emergency Trauma Assessment Saturday, February 1, 2014, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

The Plan Las Vegas, NV Bug Out Cooking

Canning & Home Food Preservation Saturday, January 11, 2014 - 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

SOUTHEAST Survivalists of North Carolina Franklinton, NC Welding Basics Workshop Saturday, February 1, 2014 1:00 PM

Wednesday, January 8, 2014 10:00 AM

SOUTHWEST Houston Emergency Preparedness Houston, TX Backyard Bee Keeping Saturday, February 8, 2014 2:00 PM

NORTHWEST Colorado Urban Tac9cal Survival Group Broomfield, CO Come learn about prepping and Urban Survival!

Tuesday, February 4, 2014 -­‐ 7:00 PM

MIDWEST Cincinnati Survival/Preparedness Group Middletown, OH Medical & First Aid (Part 1 of 2) Saturday, January 11, 2014 - 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Kansas City area Preppers Network Kansas City, MO Freeze Out Bug Out Bag Campout Friday, January 17, 2014 3:00 PM to Sunday, January 19, 2014, 6:00 PM Coulee Region Emergency Preparedness & Homesteading Group La Crosse, WI

WNC Preparedness Group Asheville, NC CLASS: Real Food Storage 101 Saturday, February 1, 2014 2:00 – 4:00 PM

The Gainesville Gardening & Preparedness Network Gainesville, FL Fermentation Workshop Saturday, January 11, 2014 - 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

NORTHEAST Survivalism & Preparedness of Maryland Frederick, MD Prepping 101 Saturday, February 1, 2014 8:00 AM Orange County NY Preppers Newburgh, NY Radio Communication in chaotic times Wednesday, February 5, 2014 - 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM Virginia Urban Homesteaders League Virginia Beach, VA Beekeeping Course for Beginners Saturday, February 8, 2014 8:00 AM

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