#cpr keeps blood flowing to the brain and often it takes a while for people to wake up at the hospital
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me every single time i write cpr
#whumpmasinjuly#whump humor#whump meme#i say things#cpr keeps blood flowing to the brain and often it takes a while for people to wake up at the hospital#also the chances of survival are super low if you require cpr outside of a hospital setting#but for the drama and aesthetique of it all cpr works exactly the way i want it to all of the time
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Why is it important for everyone to get CPR Training Winnipeg
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical life-saving technique that can make a profound difference in emergency situations. CPR Training Winnipeg equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to act swiftly and confidently when faced with cardiac arrest or other life-threatening incidents. In this article, we delve into the importance and benefits of CPR training, emphasizing how this invaluable skill can save lives and empower communities to be safer and more prepared in emergencies.
The Significance of CPR Training Winnipeg
Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death worldwide, and its occurrence can be sudden and unpredictable. When someone experiences cardiac arrest, their heart stops beating effectively, leading to an immediate loss of consciousness and, ultimately, death if not treated promptly. Performing CPR during those critical moments can keep oxygenated blood flowing to the vital organs, increasing the chances of survival until medical professionals arrive.
Immediate Response Matters
In cardiac arrest cases, time is of the essence. Every minute that passes without CPR reduces the chances of survival by about 7% to 10%. CPR training teaches individuals how to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest and respond effectively with chest compressions and rescue breaths. By initiating CPR immediately, bystanders can significantly increase the likelihood of a positive outcome and prevent irreversible brain damage or death. It is better if you can get AED training Winnipeg as well. It can offer even better results.
Accessibility to Training
One of the remarkable aspects of CPR training is its accessibility. CPR courses are widely available in many communities, offered by hospitals, healthcare organizations, the Red Cross, and other certified providers. These courses cater to various age groups and backgrounds, making it possible for almost anyone to receive training, regardless of prior medical knowledge.
Empowering Individuals and Communities
first aid kit Winnipeg empowers individuals to become active participants in ensuring the safety and well-being of those around them. When more people in a community are trained in CPR, the chances of a timely response in emergencies increase significantly. This creates a network of potential lifesavers, strengthening the overall safety net for everyone in the community.
Boosting Confidence and Reducing Panic
In emergencies, panic is a common response, often leading to inaction or inadequate help. However, individuals with CPR training are better equipped to handle emergencies calmly and confidently. The training instils the knowledge and skills needed to assess a situation quickly and take appropriate action, instilling a sense of empowerment and self-assurance.
Applicability Beyond Cardiac Arrest
While CPR is primarily associated with cardiac arrest, the skills acquired in CPR training are applicable to various emergency situations. Choking incidents, near-drowning scenarios, and other respiratory distress situations can also benefit from CPR techniques. Being prepared to respond to these emergencies can prevent fatalities and minimize the impact of injuries.
Enhancing Workplace Safety
Incorporating CPR training into the workplace can significantly enhance the safety of employees and customers alike. In industries where accidents or medical emergencies are more likely to occur, such as construction, manufacturing, or hospitality, having a well-trained staff can make all the difference. Companies that prioritize CPR training demonstrate a commitment to employee well-being, which fosters a positive and caring work environment.
CPR Training And First Aid Training Winnipeg for Parents and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in the safety of their families and dependents. CPR training provides them with the tools to respond effectively in emergency situations involving their children or loved ones. Whether at home, in the park, or on a family outing, knowing CPR can be the difference between life and death.
CPR and AED: A Powerful Combination
In many CPR training Winnipeg courses, participants also learn how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). An AED is a portable device that can deliver an electric shock to the heart, helping it to reestablish an effective rhythm. When used in conjunction with CPR Courses Winnipeg, an AED can significantly increase the chances of survival in cardiac arrest cases.
Final words
CPR Training Winnipeg is an essential life skill that can save lives and empower individuals and communities to respond effectively in emergency situations. The ability to initiate immediate CPR can make a life-or-death difference, and it is a skill that anyone can learn with the right training and practice. By making CPR training more accessible and widely adopted, we can create safer communities and a more compassionate society where individuals are equipped and confident in their capacity to save lives.
#HCP Courses Winnipeg#CPR Courses Winnipeg#AED Training Winnipeg#CPR Training Winnipeg#First Aid Training Winnipeg#Canadian Red Cross#Canadian Red Cross First Aid App#Canadian Red Cross App#first aid kit Winnipeg
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Things You Should Know About The Lifesaving CPR Procedure
People who have cardiac arrests may benefit from CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) that comprises chest compressions and rescue breaths, and can help save a person’s life if their breathing or ticker stops. When an individual’s ticker stops beating, he/she is in cardiac arrest. The ticker cannot pump oxygenated blood to the rest of the body, including the brain and lungs during cardiac arrest. The victim needs to be attended to right away as death can happen in minutes without treatment. The use of chest compressions in CPR mimics how the heart pumps that helps keep blood flowing throughout the body.
Cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack- people often mix the both. Heart attack increases the risk for going into cardiac arrest since it occurs when blood flow to the ticker is stopped. This person does not need CPR since the individual is still talking and breathing, but what they need is to get to the hospital right away.
Here are a few things you should know about the CPR procedure:
Lifesaving- CPR, if performed in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest can double or triple someone’s chance of survival who’s been struck with a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) outside the hospital.
Cardiac Arrests Frequently Happen At Home- Though 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of hospitals each year- about 7 in 10 of those happen at home. The sad part is about half of the people who experience cardiac arrests at home don’t get the help they need from bystanders before an ambulance arrives. If you come across a cardiac arrest victim, call 9-1-1 right away and then do CPR until medical professionals arrive.
Train in an accredited training center, such as the AHA certified CPR Cincinnati in Ohio to always stay prepared to face any type of out-of-hospital cardiac emergency efficiently.
Formal Training Isn’t Necessary To Perform CPR- Special certification or formal training isn’t necessary to perform CPR, education is what is important. Don’t be afraid if cardiac arrest happens to someone near you, just be confident.
1. Call 911 right away and look for an automated external defibrillator (AED) while you begin CPR. AEDs can electrically shock the ticker and cause it to start beating again.
2. Perform CPR. Start with chest compressions by pushing down hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 pushes a minute.
3. Continue giving CPR until the arrival of emergency medical services or until a person with formal CPR training can take over.
If you want to gain confidence in performing the life-saving procedure, consider taking a class or attending training.
Signs Of Cardiac Arrest:
1. The individual is unresponsive, even if you shake or shout at them.
2. The individual isn’t breathing or is only gasping.
Contribute towards the safety of cardiac arrest victims by getting CPR trained today.
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Tips for Writing Medical AUs
I said I’d make a follow-up post on some things you should know when writing scenes involving medicine, and here it finally is! Most of this is first-aid related and skims the surface of common medical problems–just enough general stuff you’ll need to help you get started with writing a scene. None of what I’ve written here should be taken as actual medical advice. This is strictly for your writing purposes only. If you have an actual medical problem, please see a licensed medical professional.
Fevers:
Low grade fever = the person’s oral temperature (the temperature taken under their tongue) is higher than the standard 98.6 F (or 37 C) but lower than 100.4 F (38 C). Doesn’t usually require treatment, unless the person is uncomfortable.
A fever higher than 100.4 F (38 C) would be treated with a cold compress for the person’s head (or multiple compresses), over the counter fever reducers like ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin, Advil, etc.) or acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol), and rest.
Fevers of around 103 F (39.4 C) are generally more concerning for adults than they are for children. Children are likely to have higher fevers than adults without warranting as much cause for alarm, but the severity varies with the illness that’s causing it. At this point, the person would likely have to see a doctor because such high fevers aren’t caused by simple colds and could indicate an illness that would require antibiotics.
104 F (40 C) or higher usually means it’s time for a trip to the ER, especially if the person is vomiting, isn’t drinking water, or feels confused/delirious. The person would have to be on IV fluids to prevent dehydration and would need to be monitored.
105 F (40.5 C) is usually the highest a person’s temperature will go, unless something is wrong with their hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature. If for some reason the person’s temperature does rise above 105 F, brain damage still wouldn’t occur until around 107.5 F (42 C), which is very rare and unlikely.
One thing I see when people write about high fevers is that they put the ailing character in an ice bath. This is something you would not want to do. The drastic change in temperature would cause a person to go into shock, put them through extreme/unnecessary discomfort, and make them shiver, raising their temperature and essentially doing more harm than good. The water in the bath should be lukewarm, or the person can have cold/ice packs put on them while they’re in bed.
Also, it’s not wise to have the character “sweat out” the fever. They should be stripped of excess clothing and shouldn’t be covered/bundled up. Please don’t have a character with a fever of 103 drink a hot cup of tea either.
Stitches:
Stitches aren’t given without a local anesthetic and pain relievers being provided first, and no, a character shouldn’t magically know how to stitch someone up without having some kind of previous medical knowledge. It’s not as easy as you may think it is, especially if it’s to be done correctly. The person would be given an injection to numb the area, and then the sutures would be put in.
If the wound is small, the person might be given butterfly closures (commonly referred to as Steri-Strips). They can also be used after stitches are removed to support the wound until it heals further.
Broken bones (fractures):
Fractures can get pretty complex because there are tons of different types and everything depends on how the fracture occurred, but you shouldn’t need to know many details aside from some things that are probably already common sense. Regardless of the type of fracture, keeping the swelling down is important, so the character should keep the broken bone elevated, limit physical activity, and keep ice on the area.
Broken bones are diagnosed by a physical examination first followed by an x-ray if the physical examination shows signs of a suspected fracture. The doctor would ask how the injury occurred, look at the person’s medical history, and then feel the area before asking the person to go through a number of short tests to determine their range of motion. If you want to know the in-depth assessments for determining a specific kind of break, you can find great and informative videos on YouTube that show doctors actually performing these physical exams.
Depending on the type of break and where it is on the body, recovery time would vary. For these kinds of details, I would recommend consulting a medical encyclopedia if you have access to one, or check out a website like MayoClinic, which should give you the basic stuff you’ll need to know.
Writing about Strokes:
If you need to write about the symptoms and diagnosis of a stroke, just remember FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time.) Face means you check to see if one side of the person’s face is drooping. Arm means to ask the person to hold both of their arms out in front of them and see if one arm starts dropping lower than the other. Speech refers to whether the person is speaking clearly or if their speech is slurred/hard to understand. Time means the person needs to get help quickly, seeing as timing is everything. A character with some knowledge of first aid would know to keep track of exactly how much time has gone by since the symptoms first appeared.
Writing about Heart Attacks:
The symptoms of a heart attack (or if you’re being fancy–a myocardial infarction) can be obvious or not so obvious. It honestly depends on the circumstances and the person, but the textbook symptoms are: dizziness, clammy skin, and pain in one or more of these places in the upper body: chest, jaw, upper abdomen, or arms. The person could also have a feeling of “tightness” in their chest, back, or neck. They might be short of breath and experience the sensation of “impending doom,” which is a feeling of intense anxiety.
A character with some knowledge of first aid would know to give the person an aspirin and make them chew it, which would help keep blood from clotting and save precious time needed to get the person help. The treatments for a heart attack vary based on what caused it, but the person would be put on supplemental oxygen, given a blood thinner, and either undergo angioplasty (which is when a balloon is inflated inside the artery to open/unblock it. This is typically followed by the insertion of a stent which holds the artery open after the balloon is deflated) or they would have coronary artery bypass surgery, which is when an artery that isn’t blocked is used to bypass the artery that is blocked and restores blood flow to the heart).
Head Injuries/Concussions:
Head injuries are also super varied and complex. Head injuries are usually a pretty serious thing, and even mild head injuries can cause concern. I’m going to specifically talk about concussions here, as those are the most common head injuries you’re likely going to be encountering in your writing.
Concussions, like heart attacks, have symptoms that are not always obvious. It’s possible to have a concussion and not even be aware of it.
No matter how seemingly mild the head injury might seem, your character would be wise to see a doctor. You don’t need to hit your head that hard to cause damage.
If the character is dazed, dizzy, and nauseous/vomiting, they need to be taken to the ER for a CAT scan of their head. The character would take some over-the-counter pain meds and needs to be watched by a friend/family member. If the character isn’t acting alert, they shouldn’t sleep. A doctor would be able to assess the severity of the concussion by checking the condition of their eyes, asking them some questions to figure out how alert they are, and having them perform a few simple physical movements.
Resuscitation and CPR:
There’s a lot of confusion about this topic because of how poorly it is presented in movies/TV. A defibrillator (which is what you would associate with the “crash cart”) isn’t used once a person has already flat-lined/doesn’t have a pulse (also known as being asystole). It’s only used when the person has an irregular heart rhythm like V-fib, which puts them at risk for flat-lining. I repeat, the defibrillator is used to prevent a person from flat-lining. The whole “CLEAR! OMG WE BROUGHT HER BACK TO LIFE” trope is really misleading. It doesn’t work that way. If a person doesn’t have a pulse, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is immediately started, which involves chest compressions, which are quick, rhythmic presses that are done at around a 100 times per minute. After every 30 chest compressions, the person is given a breath of air. Fun fact, to keep a steady pace, doctors and nurses are often taught to do chest compressions to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees.
Doctors/nurses can do chest compressions sometimes up to 45 or 50 minutes before pronouncing someone dead. As you can probably imagine, it’s pretty exhausting, and in the hospital, everyone takes turns doing chest compressions once they get tired, which is part of the reason why there are multiple people in the room when someone flat-lines. They don’t put electrical pads on a person that’s already dead. Don’t believe the movies.
Common misperceptions about hospitals/the medical field in general that I’ve noticed:
Keep in mind that I’m writing this part as someone who has only had exposure to American medical practices (more specifically urban American medical practices). Hospital protocol differs from region to region, so the things I write in this part may apply to American hospitals but not necessarily to hospitals in Canada or Europe. Just thought I’d make that clear first! :)
The role of nurses: In general, nurses (and I’m talking mainly about RNs) working at hospitals are the ones who administer most of the actual care to patients while doctors come up with the diagnosis, outline a treatment plan, analyze lab results, and order medications.
However, even this varies. Registered nurses in New York, for example, are expected to put in IVs, draw blood, and do a lot more hands-on work with the patients than nurses in small hospitals in a less populous state would be expected to do. They also have more patients. Doctors honestly don’t do a heck of a whole lot, but it depends on the specific doctor. Some doctors won’t even physically meet with the patient–-they’ll just ask the nurse for updates and only get involved if they are absolutely needed. Other doctors will be more involved.
My point is, don’t underestimate the role of nurses when writing them into your stories. They are just as important to the patient (if not more so) than the doctor. Oftentimes, they’ll know what’s wrong with a patient before the doctor does. So don’t mess with them. They’re a feisty bunch, especially nurses who have been working in a hospital setting for a long time. It irks me a little when I read stories where the nurses just give water to the patients, sit to chat with them about the weather, and take them for strolls around the unit. That’s not what nurses do. That’s what volunteers do.
The ER:
Think of the emergency room as your starting point when going to the hospital. If your character’s got pneumonia and they’re dehydrated, their first step would be the ER. I think a lot of misconceptions regarding the ER happen in people’s writing because they don’t know the process of how it works and have to rely on movies/TV again. So let’s go through it step-by-step to make it easier to visualize, which will also make your writing clearer and less vague. If you walked into an ER right now with hypothetical pneumonia, this is the process you’d go through:
First, you’d sit in a little waiting area outside of the actual ER. You’d then be called over to provide some basic information and explain what the reason for your visit is. If you haven’t been in the hospital before, you would provide more information than if you were already in the system. This includes medical history, insurance info, etc.
You’d then get your vitals checked by the triage nurse, who would be able to determine the severity of your condition and how quickly you would need to be brought onto the unit. Someone having trouble breathing or chest pain would be brought into the unit almost immediately. (Also, if someone arrived to the hospital by ambulance and didn’t walk in, they’d also be brought to a bed immediately). Broken bones = waiting longer because it’s not prioritized as much, especially if the ER is busy.
If you had a high fever and were coughing/short of breath, it’s fair to say you’d be seen fairly soon, though not right away.
After an examination by the triage nurse, getting put into the computer system, and receiving a hospital bracelet, you’d be given a bed and be expected to endure a little more waiting. You might be seen by a number of people. Most likely, the first person you’d see is your nurse. She/He would ask you about your pain level, ask if you want any pain medication, etc. Then, you’d wait to see a doctor, or if it’s not that serious, you might be seen by a P.A. (Physician’s Assistant), which I would argue is as close as someone can get to being a doctor without actually being a doctor. If you got stuck with a P.A., you could always request to see an M.D., but most people are afraid to say something. (Don’t be most people–-that’s just a general life tip.)
If you were deemed not all that sick and the doctor/P.A was taking their sweet time, you might end up unlucky and run into a medical or nursing student first. You’d know if someone’s a med/nursing student because they’d introduce themselves as one, and they’d likely be fumbling, asking all of the wrong questions, and generally seem awkward and inexperienced. They might try to examine you and fail. You might get annoyed. You’d probably be wondering where the damned doctor is. Interns (first year physicians) also fumble around a lot like students, but you’d only run into them in what are called “teaching hospitals,” which are exactly what they sound like. Teaching hospitals take in doctors that are just starting out and try to transform them into competent physicians. Not all hospitals are teaching hospitals. If you wanted to make certain you were in good hands, you would make sure you met a resident physician or–-gasp–-the elusive attending physician (AKA Mr./Ms. I’m the Real Doctor Here, Unlike These Other People) at some point. (Be warned that the attending physician would be cranky if you asked to see them for a small wound or simple illness/injury.)
But eventually, you’d see some kind of doctor. They’d examine you, decide on a treatment method, and then leave again. If deemed necessary, the nurse would come in to put in your IV, draw blood, and take a urine sample. These are standard things that are done when you come in with a virus/infection. You might also be given a fever reducer in either a pill or through IV fluids if you couldn’t hold down any pills or liquids. After your lab results came back, the doctor would decide if you needed further medication like an antibiotic. Pneumonia usually leads to needing a chest x-ray as well, so your doctor would order that.
The nurse would check in on you periodically, and the doctor would stop by to check your progress as well (unless your doctor was antisocial and had a bad bedside manner, in which case, you would remember this post and request for someone else who would actually be invested in making you better).
If your condition improved, the doctor might consider having you discharged and give you some instructions and a prescription for medication before sending you home. If you got worse and had complications like low oxygen saturation and more difficulty breathing, your doctor might transfer you to another unit better suited to give you more individualized care, like the ICU, for example, and so, your journey through the hospital would continue, and you’d go through much of the same process on another unit as you went through in the ER: get your vitals checked by a nurse, wait to see a doctor, get examined, get put on the doctor’s treatment plan, have your medication administered by the nurse, etc.
Hopefully, that clarifies things a little. Here are some things you also want to keep in mind:
-Nurses and doctors in the ER are calm no matter the situation. They’re not running back and forth yelling and causing a bunch of commotion (that’s what the patients do sometimes). The nurses and doctors have seen it all and nothing fazes them. They’re professionals, and so, they’re trained to deal with emergency situations without flipping out.
This applies to all hospital units, not just the ER. If your character is having a baby and is on the maternity unit, none of the nurses or doctors are going to be dropping everything and running around like the place is on fire. They deliver dozens and dozens of babies a day, so you want to make sure that’s reflected in the interactions of the staff with your character.
-Don’t have your character just walk out of a hospital unit whenever they feel like it. If they’re an adult, of course the hospital can’t force them to stay, but the hospital has to have them fill out an AMA (Against Medical Advice) form and discharge them before they can leave. They can’t just magically escape the hospital. That’d be a huge lawsuit.
-Bedside manner and competence aren’t necessarily the same. A doctor/nurse can be the sweetest, funniest, and most approachable person in the world, but that doesn’t automatically make them good at what they do. Show off their skill sets or lack thereof. What does your character want/need? Do they want the person taking care of them to have a good bedside manner, or do they care more about the quality of care they get? Personally, I’ll take a mean, sassy doctor who is brilliant over an average-skilled happy-go-lucky doctor any day, but that’s just my preference. Some people need someone who is both happy-go-lucky and competent because they need emotional support as well as physical care in order to recover. It all depends on your character.
All right, I know I’ve missed a bunch of stuff, but there’s honestly so much info to cover. If you guys have specific questions you’d like help on in your medical scenes (or you’re just curious), send everything to my inbox, and I’ll try to answer your questions as best as I can. If I can’t answer them, I’ll consult my mom or someone at the hospital and get back to you. Also, if there was something that was unclear, or you found an inaccuracy in anything I’ve written here, please let me know, and I’ll be happy to make the appropriate edits. I want everyone to be well-informed and write amazing, breath-taking medical AUs that I can binge-read.
Happy writing,
-Mandelene
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FDA Keeps A Database Of Medical Device Injuries Hidden From Doctors And Public
This post was originally published on this site
By Christina Jewett
Dr. Douglas Kwazneski was helping a Pittsburgh surgeon remove an appendix when something jarring happened. The surgical stapler meant to cut and seal the tissue around the appendix locked up.
Kwazneski later turned to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s public database that tracks medical device failures and “there was nothing,” he said. Yet when he surveyed leading surgeons on the matter, he discovered that more than two-thirds had experienced a stapler malfunction, or knew a peer who did. Such failures can have deadly consequences.
Kwazneski had no idea the FDA had quietly granted the makers of surgical staplers a special “exemption” allowing them to file reports of malfunctions in a database hidden from doctors and from public view.
“I don’t want to sound overdramatic here, but it seemed like a cover-up,” said Kwazneski, who practiced in Pasco County, Fla., from 2016 through earlier this year.
Kendra Stanley-Mills for KHN After Dr. Douglas Kwazneski witnessed a surgical stapler malfunction, he surveyed leading surgeons and discovered that more than two-thirds had experienced a stapler malfunction, or knew a peer who did.
The FDA has built and expanded a vast and hidden repository of reports on device-related injuries and malfunctions, a Kaiser Health News investigation shows. Since 2016, at least 1.1 million incidents have flowed into the internal “alternative summary reporting” repository, instead of being described individually in the widely scrutinized public database known as MAUDE, which medical experts trust to identify problems that could put patients in jeopardy.
Deaths must still be reported in MAUDE. But the hidden database has included serious injury and malfunction reports for about 100 medical devices, according to the FDA, many implanted in patients or used in countless surgeries. They have included surgical staplers, balloon pumps snaked into vessels to improve circulation and mechanical breathing machines.
An FDA official said that the program is for issues that are “well-known and well-documented with the FDA” and that it was reformed in 2017 as a new voluntary summary reporting program was put in place for up to 5,600 devices.
Yet the program, in all its iterations, has been so obscure that it is unknown to many of the doctors and engineers dedicated to improving device safety. Even a former FDA commissioner said he knew nothing of the program.
KHN pored over reams of public records for oblique references to reporting exemptions. After months of questions to the FDA, the agency confirmed the existence of reporting-exemption programs and thousands of never-before-acknowledged instances of malfunctions or harm.
Amid the blackout in information about device risks, patients have been injured, hundreds of times in some cases, lawsuits and FDA records show.
“The public has a right to know about this,” said Dr. S. Lori Brown, a former FDA official who accessed the data for her research. She said doctors relying just on the public reports — and unaware that many incidents may be omitted — can easily reach the wrong conclusion about the safety record of a particular device.
The FDA has also opened additional — and equally obscure — pathways for device makers to report thousands of injuries brought to light by lawsuits or even deaths that appear in private registries that medical societies use to track patients. Those exemptions apply to risky and controversial products, including pelvic mesh and devices implanted in the heart.
FDA spokeswoman Deborah Kotz confirmed that the “registry exemption” was created without any public notice or regulations. “Any device manufacturer can request an exemption from its reporting requirements,” she said in an email.
Agency records provided to KHN show that more than 480,000 injuries or malfunctions were reported through the alternative summary reporting program in 2017 alone.
Alison Hunt, another FDA spokeswoman, said the majority of device makers’ “exemptions” were revoked that year as a program took shape that requires a “placeholder” report to be filed publicly.
More than a million reports of malfunctions or harm spanning about 15 years remain in a database accessible only to the FDA. But with the agency’s new transparency push, the public may find a public report and submit a Freedom of Information Act request to get information about incidents. A response can take up to two years.
The long-standing exemption program “has allowed the FDA to more efficiently review adverse events … and take action when warranted without sacrificing the quality of our review or the information we receive,” Hunt said in an email.
To those outside the agency, though, the exceptions to the reporting rules are troubling. They strike Madris Tomes, a former FDA manager, as the agency surrendering some of the strongest oversight and transparency powers it wields.
“The FDA is basically giving away its authority over device manufacturers,” said Tomes, who now runs Device Events, a website that makes FDA device data user-friendly. “If they’ve given that up, they’ve handed over their ability to oversee the safety and effectiveness of these devices.”
Doctors, like Kwazneski, who have turned to the public data to gauge the risks of surgical staplers have seen little. He wrote about the “unacknowledged” problem of stapler malfunctions in a 2013 article in the journal Surgical Endoscopy. In 2016, while reports of 84 stapler injuries or malfunctions were openly submitted, nearly 10,000 malfunction reports were included in the hidden database, according to the FDA.
Device maker Medtronic, which owns stapler maker Covidien, has been described as the market leader in surgical staplers. A company spokesman said that the firm has used reporting exemptions to file stapler-related reports through July 2017. Ethicon, the other major stapler maker, said it has not.
The public database shows that Medtronic has reported more than 250 deaths related to staplers or staples since 2001.
Heidi de Marco/KHN Phil Levering (left) says his father, Mark Levering, used to have a calm demeanor but now exhibits signs of aggression due to a brain injury he suffered after a surgery gone wrong.
Mark Levering, 62, nearly lost his life after a stapler malfunction early last year, according to a lawsuit filed by his family. His surgeon has testified that a surgical stapler misfired during his liver surgery at ProMedica Toledo Hospital in Ohio.
Staff performed CPR for 22 minutes while surgeons rushed to suture the severed vein. He emerged from a coma unable to walk or consistently recognize his wife and son. The surgeon, hospital and device maker Covidien have denied allegations of wrongdoing in an ongoing legal case.
Told of the reporting “exemption” for surgical staplers, his wife, Doris Levering, was incredulous.
“Why would this information not be made available to doctors? The true information — I mean the actual numbers …” she said. “People’s lives are at stake. Mark’s life will never be the same.”
The stapler problem
The sheer number of malfunctions made surgical staplers an easy pick for the new alternative summary reporting program at its inception nearly 20 years ago, according to Larry Kessler, a former FDA official and now a University of Washington health services professor.
Surgical staplers have a unique ability to help — or harm — patients. The device is designed to cut and seal tissues or vessels quickly, often during minimally invasive surgeries. When it fails to seal a major blood vessel, medical staff can quickly shift into “code blue” mode to rescue a patient from bleeding to death.
The severity of some of the injuries caught former FDA official Brown’s attention in the early years of its reporting exemption. Her 2004 article on stapler mishaps, published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, accounts for one of the few places in public records where an FDA authority mentions the “alternative summary” program. She found that in the first 28 months of filing to the hidden database, stapler makers filed more than 5,100 reports of malfunctions or injuries.
She also noted that the publicly reported 112 stapler-related deaths in patients aged 22 to 91 from 1994 to 2001 were a “reason for concern.”
In the public data filed since, it would appear that the staplers rarely misfire. In 2011, only 18 injury or malfunction reports were filed publicly. Last year, the number was 79.
Lawsuits detail how quickly a stapler failure can turn a smooth surgery into a catastrophe.
In Michigan, Eugene Snook’s surgeon was in the process of removing part of his lung when he cut but couldn’t seal a major vessel due to a “stapler malfunction,” the surgeon said in sworn court testimony. Snook, then 59, had no detectable blood pressure for four minutes during the 2012 surgery.
The damage to Snook’s artery was so great, his surgeon decided to remove his lung completely, medical records filed in court say. Snook sued stapler maker Covidien, which in court records said there was no proof the stapler was unsafe when it left Covidien’s control and also that the surgeon used it improperly. The case reached a confidential settlement in 2017.
Another surgeon attempting to remove a benign liver growth from April Strange, 33, in 2013, testified that a stapler malfunction caused the woman to bleed to death. Strange, of central Illinois, left behind a husband and two daughters, then 6 and 8.
The stapler was thrown out after surgery, court records say. Covidien argued in court records that Ryan Strange couldn’t prove that the stapler had a specific defect.
Covidien reached an agreement to settle the family’s claims for $250,000, part of a larger settlement in the case.
Doctors initially thought Mark Levering had liver cancer. So when the diagnosis came back as an abscess that needed to be surgically removed last February, it came as a relief to his wife, Doris.
That relief turned to dread the day of surgery. The procedure was supposed to last two hours, she said. But the surgery hit a snag when the stapler “misfired,” according to the surgeon, causing so much bleeding that the minimally invasive procedure was converted to an open procedure so the doctor could suture the vein.
Levering underwent CPR for 22 minutes. A code blue was called, a nurse testified. Levering lost 3 quarts of blood — about half the blood in his body. He was put on life support and would remain in a coma for weeks.
After Levering reopened his eyes, it was clear that the man who used to tend to stray cats and enjoy dinner out with his family was gone. Levering could no longer walk, comb his hair or recognize the letters of the alphabet.
Doris and Mark Levering have sued the doctor, hospital and surgical stapler maker, alleging that the device caused Mark’s bleeding and brain injury. The surgeon has acknowledged in sworn testimony that the stapler malfunctioned, but denied other wrongdoing. The hospital said in a legal filing that its actions were “prudent, proper” and “lawful.”
Covidien denies any defect with the stapler or that it caused Levering’s injuries. A spokesman for parent company Medtronic declined to comment further on any lawsuit but said that “we always make patient safety our top priority” and that the company complies with FDA requirements.
The company’s reports of stapler problems in the public database remain relatively low. But in 2018, with the reporting exemption gone, a spike of reports emerged for Covidien’s staples — not to be confused with staplers. While Medtronic reported 1,000 staple malfunctions or injuries in 2015, the number soared to 11,000 for 2018.
Well-kept secrets
The alternative summary reporting program started two decades ago with a simple goal: to cut down on redundant paperwork, according to officials who were at the FDA at the time.
Kessler, the former FDA official, said the program took shape after scandals over under-reporting of device problems spurred changes allowing criminal penalties against device companies.
Soon, thousands of injury and malfunction reports poured into the agency each month, with about 15 staff members dedicated to reviewing them, Kessler said. Many reports were so similar that reviewing them individually was “mind-numbing.” Kessler went to the FDA’s legal department and to device manufacturers to propose a solution.
Device makers would be able to seek a special “exemption” to avoid reporting certain complications to the public database. The manufacturers would instead send the FDA a spreadsheet of injury or malfunctions each quarter, half-year or year.
That way, Kessler said, reviewers could quickly look for new problems or spikes in known issues. When the program launched in 2000, the list of exempted devices was made public and only a few devices were involved, Kessler said.
“I don’t know why it’s not [made public] now,” he said. “I’m surprised about that.”
Starting in September, KHN filed Freedom of Information Act requests for “exemption” agreements and reports for several medical devices. Health and Human Services officials denied an appeal to provide some of the records quickly, concluding there was no “compelling need” for haste. For one request, the records were estimated to arrive in 22 months.
The FDA did provide some top-level data. It shows that from 2014 through 2017, the overall number of alternative summary reports filed by device makers rose from 431,000 to 481,000.
The FDA declined to provide a complete list of “about 100” devices that have been granted reporting exemptions over the years, but confirmed that exemptions have been used for mechanical breathing machines and balloon pumps, known as intra-aortic balloon pumps, inserted in the vessels of people with circulation problems.
An FDA spokeswoman said “alternative summary” exemptions remain in place for pacemaker electrodes and implantable defibrillators.
Matthew Baretich, a biomedical engineer in the Denver area, said he helps several area health systems analyze device-related patient injuries and make equipment-purchasing decisions.
He said he regularly scans the FDA’s public device-injury reports. Asked about “alternative summary” reports, he said, “I’ve got to tell you, that’s a new term to me.”
Bruce Barkalow, president of a Michigan-based biomedical engineering firm, said he’s the guy government officials, attorneys or device makers call if someone gets a pacemaker and dies in the shower three days later.
In an interview, he said he was not aware of the reports, either. He said they may appear to the FDA to be a “nothing burger,” but the data would be meaningful to his forensic investigations.
The ECRI Institute, a nonprofit leader in medical device safety, declined to provide an engineer for an interview. Educating hospital leaders and health providers, the institute issues an annual “Top 10” in medical technology hazards. Its tagline: “Separating fact from fiction in healthcare.”
Among the institute’s “top medical device subject matter experts,” spokeswoman Laurie Menyo said in an email, “none of them had any familiarity with FDA’s Alternative Summary Reporting Program.”
Even Dr. Robert Califf, former FDA deputy commissioner and commissioner from 2015 to 2017, said in an interview that he was unaware of the program. “Never heard anything about it,” he said. “It’s interesting.”
Companies that get the exemptions tend to be very “tight-lipped” about them, said Christine Posin, a former device firm manager and consultant to device companies.
The relative secrecy around the program can give them an advantage, she said. For instance, sales representatives can print out only the public reports of device problems, ignoring what’s buried elsewhere.
That creates a business opportunity to persuade a doctor to try a different device. “‘We have a good product that does the same thing,’” Posin said a sales representative might tell a physician.
Exemptions keep growing
The FDA has spent millions, convened experts and pledged to improve its work in device safety in recent years. All the while, it has quietly opened new avenues for the makers of controversial and risky devices to file injury and even death reports with little public review.
Pelvic mesh is one example. The fabric-like device has long been used to hold up pelvic organs in women experiencing organ prolapse. In 2011, the FDA issued a “safety communication” saying “serious complications” like pain or infection were “not rare.”
The agency soon reclassified the device, ordered safety studies and saw most mesh makers remove the device from the market.
Behind closed doors, though, the agency has since granted pelvic mesh makers a special exemption from reporting injuries to the public, according to the FDA and mesh makers who were asked about the practices.
Under what the FDA calls the “litigation complaint summary reporting” exemption, device makers can file a single placeholder “injury” report. Attached to the summary report, device makers have sent the FDA a spreadsheet with as many as 1,175 reports of patient injuries, based on allegations in lawsuits.
To someone tallying the overall number of injuries related to pelvic mesh, the report would appear as a single injury. It would take a sharp eye to find the summary report and a special request — taking up to two years to be filled — to get the details on the 1,175 cases submitted directly to the FDA.
According to the FDA, in 2017 alone, eight mesh makers used their exemptions to send nearly 12,000 injury reports to the FDA.
Dr. M. Tom Margolis, a urogynecologist in the San Francisco Bay Area and an expert medical witness for those who are suing mesh makers, said a program that might hinder doctors relying on open FDA data to assess the risks of mesh is “horrible” and “unethical.”
“We need to know the good and the bad,” said Margolis, who treats patients in his urogynecology practice. “If you’re trying to hide complications from me, well that’s … wrong, my God, it’s heinous.”
The FDA issued the same kind of exemption to the makers of da Vinci surgical robots months after Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine researchers pointed out that the company was filing a notably small number of injury reports in the public database. Johns Hopkins professor Dr. Marty Makary noted in 2013 that the handful of reports sent to the FDA at the time were signs of a “haphazard” system that is “not independent and not transparent.”
Within months, the FDA allowed the makers of the robots to file a single report, noting that a spreadsheet sent straight to the FDA summarizes about 1,400 injuries alleged in lawsuits, with some injuries dating to 2004. Since then, the device maker has reported smaller batches of 99 and 130 injuries at a time.
“This is very frustrating,” said Homa Alemzadeh, an assistant professor of computer engineering at the University of Virginia who is working with MAUDE data to create software to identify errors in real time or before they happen in surgeries performed by robots. She said she was not aware of the reporting exemption.
Under another reporting exemption, the FDA is allowing device makers to report hundreds of death cases in spreadsheets sent directly to the agency.
Under the “registry exemption,” device makers can summarize what they learn from registries that tend to be held by specialty medical societies, and track the use of a certain kind of device, according to FDA spokeswoman Kotz.
Kotz said the data in registries often falls short of the level of detail that the FDA seeks for the more thorough death reports that device makers are required to file.
Device makers filing such reports include Edwards Lifesciences, which makes the Sapien 3 valve that’s snaked through a vessel and implanted in the heart. Some hail the device as a breakthrough for saving patients from the trauma of open-heart surgery to replace a valve. Others raise concerns over limited data showing how long the valve will last in the body.
The summary reports offer potential patients few answers. Such reports document as many as 297 deaths or 1,800 injuries in a single filing, with virtually no detail readily available to the public. In all, Edwards has filed more than 1,800 Sapien 3 valve patient deaths as summaries since 2016.
Edwards spokeswoman Sarah Huoh said in an email that the FDA mandated the tracking of every patient who has the valve in the registry to provide “comprehensive evidence for device safety.”
“The approval of alternative reporting protects against duplicate reports coming from multiple sources,” Huoh said.
Another device, the MitraClip, is used to attach two flaps in the heart that are allowing blood to flow backward. The device has been controversial, with some scientists saying it is crucial for a certain subset of patients, and others pointing to the harm it can cause to the heart.
The FDA has allowed Abbott Vascular, which makes the MitraClip, to report as many as 347 deaths or 1,000 injuries in a single filing, also shipping the details straight to the agency, FDA records show.
An Abbott spokesman said in an email that the company has done clinical trials with thousands of patients to establish the MitraClip’s safety. He said the exemption was granted because data in the registry was stripped of patient identifiers, making it hard to know whether the company would be filing redundant reports to the FDA.
Last year, the FDA finalized regulations for yet another summary reporting program. Under the newest system, device makers do not have to seek an exemption or notify the FDA that they’ll be filing a public summary report in MAUDE.
The FDA has deemed the makers of more than 5,600 types of devices eligible to file “voluntary malfunction summary reports.” Among them are some of the riskiest devices the agency oversees, including cardiac stents, leadless pacemakers and mechanical heart valves.
The growing cadre of exceptions to the injury- and death-reporting rules strikes Dr. Michael Carome, director of the Public Citizen Health Research Group, as a retreat by the FDA from making crucial information available for researchers and patients.
“It’s just another example of a flawed oversight system,” he said, “bent toward making it easier for industry rather than making protection of public health the primary goal.”
Kaiser Health News reporter and producer Heidi de Marco contributed to this report.
Kaiser Health News (KHN) is a national health policy news service. It is an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.
The post FDA Keeps A Database Of Medical Device Injuries Hidden From Doctors And Public appeared first on The Chestnut Post.
from The Chestnut Post https://thechestnutpost.com/news/fda-keeps-a-database-of-medical-device-injuries-hidden-from-doctors-and-public/
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Natural Anti-Aging and Longevity Secrets for Health and Beauty
Note: This is a very long article so be sure to use the Table of Contents to your right to navigate to the information you are interested in!
Although aging can be frustrating due to our bodies naturally slowing down over time, anyone who is old enough to have greying hairs should consider themselves lucky.
Thanks to scientific advancements, humans are pushing biology further and we are learning more about the aging process and how to mitigate its negative impacts on our bodies. Aging doesn't have to be painful or debilitating as long as you view your body as a machine and stay on top of its maintenance requirements.
Why Healthy Aging?
When you are looking up ‘anti-aging’, you often find results that show you how to improve your appearance. But what if you are happy with how you look now, and just want to increase the overall health of your skin and body? This is what healthy aging is all about.
You are maintaining your youth and vitality as long as possible, while also focusing on aging gracefully, instead of trying to look young forever. This is done with healthy lifestyle habits, simple changes, on focusing on both inner and outer health.
Average Life Expectancy
The average life expectancy for men and women in the United States is 78.7 years. For men specifically the life expectancy is 76, and for women it's 81. The truth is that although the average life expectancy is increasing, it's increasing at a much slower rate than in the past.
However, there are more people who are living well past 100 and they're doing it with energy and style. If you aspire to live a long, vibrant, and rewarding life then there are steps you can take to increase your longevity.
What are the Enemies of Staying Young?
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Sugar
One of the reasons inflammation occurs is from a rapid rise in blood sugar, which causes biochemical changes in the cell. When blood sugar goes up rapidly, sugar can attach itself to collagen in a process called “glycosylation,” or the Browning Reaction, increasing inflexibility and inflammation. C-reactive protein (CRP), which is a protein in blood plasma, is not found in foods. However, its levels in the body rise in response to inflammation.
The body makes CRP from interleukin-6 (IL-6), a powerful inflammatory chemical. IL-6 is a key cell communication molecule, and it tells the body's immune system to go into asperity, releasing CRP and many other inflammation-causing substances.
Simple Carbohydrates
Staying away from sugar and high-glycemic (simple) carbohydrates, which the body rapidly converts to sugar, is one of the best ways to decrease inflammation. C-reactive protein (CPR) is a key factor of inflammation.
In a major study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, people with elevated CRP levels were four and one-half times more likely to have a heart attack. Not only is elevated CRP more accurate than cholesterol in predicting heart attack risk, but high CRP levels have turned up in people with diabetes and pre-diabetes and in people who are overweight.
A recent study by Simin Liu, M.D., Ph.D., of the Harvard Medical School found that women who ate large amounts of high-glycemic (or diabetes promoting) carbohydrates, including potatoes, breakfast cereals, white bread, muffins, and white rice, had very high CRP levels. Women who ate a lot of these foods and were also overweight had the highest and most dangerous CRP levels.
Saturated Fats
Saturated fats are found primarily in animal products, including dairy items, such as whole milk, cream, and cheese, and fatty meats like beef, veal, lamb, pork, and ham. The fat marbling you can see in beef and pork is composed of saturated fat. Some vegetable products, including coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and vegetable shortening, are also high in saturates.The liver uses saturated fats to manufacture cholesterol.
Therefore, excessive dietary intake of saturated fats can significantly raise the blood cholesterol level, especially the level of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), or “bad cholesterol.” Guidelines issued by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), and widely supported by most experts, recommend that the daily intake of saturated fats be kept below 10 percent of total caloric intake. However, for people who have severe problems with high blood cholesterol, even that level may be too high.
Excessive Sun Exposure
Exposure of up to 20 minutes in the sun is imperative for Vitamin D activation. It is the sun that is so important in cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder. BUT, excess sun exposure without a sunscreen of at least SPF of 15 can damage the skin by starting the inflammation process.
Scientists agree that one of the most significant factors contributing to aging is chronic inflammation. This inflammation process is due to an excess of free radicals which produce harmful oxidation or “oxidative stress” that can damage cell membranes and cell contents. These free radicals cause inflammation.
Hypertension
The main factor in most cases of high blood pressure is an increase in resistance to blood flow. This can occur if the diameter of your arterioles becomes smaller. Your heart has to work harder to pump the same amount of blood, and the pressure at which the blood is pumped increases.
Sympathetic tone is constantly too high, arteries are constantly constricted, and blood pressure remains elevated to levels that can eventually damage the heart and arteries, kidneys, and other organs. Because the sympathetic nervous system deals with fear and uses adrenalin and noradrenalin as its chemical messengers, it is not surprising that anxiety is a factor in hypertension.
Alcohol
Alcohol stimulates the inflammatory process within the body. Drink only in moderation.
Sedentary Lifestyle
To build and maintain muscle strength and bone mass, start (or continue) a regular program of weight-bearing exercise, such as walking or weight training. A cardiovascular workout is imperative in order to maintain weight and oxygenation of red blood cells. Maintain a healthy weight for your age and sex.
Smoking
If you smoke, stop. Nothing you can take as a supplement can counteract the negative effects of smoking on your health and longevity. Stopping the habit can! Tobacco, in the form of cigarettes, is the most addictive drug in the world. Nicotine is one of the strongest stimulants known, and smoking is one of the most efficient drug-delivery systems.
Smoking actually puts drugs into the brain more directly than intravenous injection. It is true that one of the “benefits” of smoking is the brief relief of tension; unfortunately, within 20 minutes the tension is back stronger than before, demanding another fix. Learn to STOP Smoking NOW!
Excessive Stress
Stress can kill you. It is the underlying factor which can undermine anyone suffering from an illness, fear, or just plain insecurity. The mind and body altercation brought on by our own self affliction. Anxiety is a vague, uncomfortable feeling of fear, dread or danger from an unknown source.
For some it may be a one time episode. Other become constantly anxious about everything. A certain amount of anxiety is normal and helps improve our performance and allows people to avoid dangerous situations.
High Cholesterol
Too much cholesterol in the blood is what creates a problem. A risk factor for both heart attack and stroke, high blood cholesterol increases the chance of plaque or blockages developing in arteries. Lowering blood cholesterol can slow or stop the buildup of plaque. While your risk of cardiovascular disease depends on many factors from genetics to lifestyle habits, keeping your blood cholesterol levels within ideal ranges can greatly lower your risk.
Healthy Antiaging – Increasing Your Lifespan and Improving Your Appearance
Over the course of this article we'll share many ways to increase your life span, feel healthier, look younger and have more beautiful skin. Many of these steps or tactics require lifestyle changes. In order for these changes to be effective and to truly become part of your day-to-day routine, you'll want to tackle one change at a time.
Lifestyle experts suggest that it takes two to three weeks to create a new habit. As you read through the next longevity and anti-aging tactics, identify a few that would be easy to integrate into your life.
Focus on one of them at a time. When you've adopted them and made them part of your life, you can add another tactic. Eventually, you'll be living the healthier life that you desire – and potentially adding decades to your life span.
To help you streamline the process of adding years to your life, the longevity and anti-aging habits are organized by category. These categories include:
1. Diet
2. Stress
3. Lifestyle
4. Mindset
5. Body and Skin Care
6. Bonus: For Healthy Aging You Must Understand Antioxidants and Free Radicals!
7. Bonus: DIY Products for Skin Care and Anti-Aging
Your Food – Garbage In – Garbage Out
Let's get started with diet because the food and nutrients you put into your body make a big difference in your health, longevity and appearance.
Adopt a Plant-Based Diet
There are many ways to change your diet in order to live a healthier lifestyle, with incorporating more healthy food choices being at the top of the list. By simply making better food choices, such as adding more fruits and veggies, eating whole grains, and cutting back on animal products like meat and dairy, you have made the first great step.
While it is not mandatory for a healthy aging process, there have been studies to show the benefits of a plant-based diet.
Want to Give it a Try?
If you are interested in trying a vegan diet for the purpose of healthy aging and anti-aging, keep reading this section.
Veganism has taken the world by storm the past few years for good reason. Documentaries like Cowspiracy and Earthlings have revealed how detrimental harvesting animal products is for the animals, the environment, and human health. With meat and cheese substitutes popping up in grocery stores around the world, it's never been easier to still enjoy the flavors and textures of animal products without the added cholesterol, saturated fats, and chemicals that are pumped into the livestock.
Plant-based diets have innumerable positive effects on our bodies and their longevity. People who have adopted a vegan diet have been able to reverse heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other illnesses that take a toll on our bodies. Contrary to popular belief, vegan diets are actually much more inexpensive than animal products anyway since fewer resources are needed to produce those foods.
Since a majority of Americans are deficient in fiber, even participating in meatless Mondays can give your body a dose of vitamins and nutrients it needs to stay youthful. Although many skincare companies will claim that their products can magically rejuvenate your skin, remember that our skin is an organ and reflects the health of our insides. If you feed your body what it needs, not only will you have a lot more energy, but you will also be rewarded in your physical appearance as well.
Stay Hydrated – Drink More Water
Water is the ingredient to all life on Earth. Bodies are mostly made of water, so you have to take special care to replenish your reserves every day. Every function your bodies do every second behind the scenes is all possible thanks to water. The benefits and its anti-aging properties are overwhelming.
It can be challenging to drink sufficient amounts when coffee or soda is the more appealing choice, but the health benefits are worth it. Drinking water can boost your metabolism, aid in weight loss, and improve the appearance of your skin.
Circulatory systems are the highways of our bodies and blood is what transports nutrients and removes waste from every cell. By maintaining a healthy circulatory system, you're helping your body fight aging. Thicker blood has a hard time squeezing through our vessels, so drinking water can speed that process up greatly.
Have you ever eaten a meal with a substantial amount of calories and felt hunger pangs? Many people confuse this empty feeling with hunger so they consume more, even though they don't need the calories. When our bodies require water, our stomachs simulate a hunger sensation to alert us to drink more. If you often feel hungry but are interested in losing weight, try drinking one glass of water before and after every meal to prevent overeating.
Eat dark chocolate
Dark chocolate has antioxidants and other beneficial ingredients that can reduce your risk of heart disease. You don't need much – 40 grams of chocolate a day will significantly reduce your risk.
Skip the breakfast cereal
Breakfast cereal is usually a bowl full of refined grains and sugar. These are almost immediately absorbed into your body and cause a spike in blood sugar. Read more about how sugar can negatively impact your health.
Eat your veggies and fruits
You might be surprised to learn that simply eating vegetables at every snack and meal can reduce your risk of stroke by 26 percent. That's five simple servings of fruits and veggies each day. And if you eat a colorful variety of produce, you get more cancer-fighting benefits. Variety is good for your health. If you are a parent, incorporating veggies into your child's diet is crucial. Here are some tips for getting your child to eat more vegetables.
Stay on top of your blood sugar
High blood sugar levels double your risk of heart disease. Reduce your risk by going on a low-sugar diet. This means steering clear of products with added sugar and not eating simple carbohydrates. Studies have shown that low sugar diets reduce the risk of anxiety and depression as well as reducing your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other deadly diseases.
Eat berries
The antioxidants in berries (including blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries) have been shown to offer a number of health and longevity benefits. They can prevent stroke and cancer and help keep your mind sharp as you age.
Eat your curry
Turmeric is a compound in curry. It's found to be fantastic for your brain health and it helps reduce inflammation. It's also been shown to fight prostate cancer. Add this tasty spice to your veggies and enjoy better health and delicious food.
Get enough Vitamin E
Vitamin E (tocopherols) is the most abundant fat-soluble antioxidant in the body.
One of the most efficient chain-breaking antioxidants available, Vitamin E primarily defends against oxidation and lipid peroxidation, which is the creation of unstable molecules containing more oxygen than is usual. Research has demonstrated the broad role of vitamin E in promoting health.
Vitamin E may affect aging, infertility, heart disease, Alzheimer's, and diabetes.
Vitamin E works together with other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, to offer protection from some chronic diseases. Evidence exists that vitamin E can help prevent atherosclerosis by interfering with the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), a factor associated with increased risk of heart disease.
In 1993, The New England Journal of Medicine published two reports, which found that people who took vitamin E supplements had fewer deaths from heart disease.
Another component of Vitamin E is tocotrienols. Tocotrienols are potent antioxidants which work against the damaging of fats by oxidation. Human studies have shown that, in addition to their antioxidant activity, tocotrienols have other important functions, especially in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. Test tube and animal studies indicate a possible role for tocotrienols in protecting against breast cancer and skin cancer.
Like vitamin E, tocotrienols may offer protection against atherosclerosis by preventing oxidative damage to LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol oxidation is believed to be one of the triggering factors for atherosclerosis.
Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, salad dressings, margarine, wheat germ, whole-grain products, sunflower seeds, cashew nuts, spinach, green peas, sweet potatoes, bean sprouts blackeyed peas, almonds and peanut butter.
Recommended doses of Vitamin E tochopheryl are 400 IU before age 40 and 800IU from age 40 onward.
More magnesium please
French researchers have discovered that people with high magnesium levels in their blood may be up to 40 percent less likely to die of any cause. Magnesium reduces your risk of a heart attack and your risk of developing diabetes could be cut by 33 percent when you take a daily supplement.
Magnesium has also been shown to reduce depression and prevent migraines. You can take a supplement. However, magnesium is also found in dark leafy greens, nuts and seeds, fish, and bananas.
Take a daily multivitamin
There are conflicting studies about the effectiveness of multivitamins. However, a report from Harvard Medical School advises people to take a daily multi and to make sure they're getting enough calcium and vitamin D for a longer life.
Drink coffee
Coffee has been shown to reduce your risk of heart disease. Researchers at Brooklyn College discovered that four cups of coffee a day lowers your risk of dying of heart disease by 53 percent. If you don't like coffee, you can get similar health benefits from drinking tea. And green tea is phenomenally healthy for you, too.
You are what you eat and when you eat a healthy diet, you improve your vitality and your longevity. However, it's not the only part of the long life span equation. Your attitude makes a big difference too. Next, let's take a look at how to change your mindset so you can live longer.
Your Mindset
Laugh
Laughing helps keep your heart healthy. It improves blood flow, reduces inflammation in your arteries and may actually reduce cholesterol and blood clot formation. If you don't laugh much, make a point of laughing. Find a humor website to follow, call a silly friend, read a funny book and watch funny videos. Laughter relieves stress, too.
Become an optimist
Positive thinkers live longer. In fact, people who are chronically negative, fearful, and worry live an average of 16 years less than optimists. How do you become an optimist? Surround yourself with positive people. Learn to become more aware of your thoughts. Practice gratitude.
Learn something new
Learning new skills and acquiring knowledge helps you keep your brain strong. If you're going to live to 120, you want to be able to think clearly and appreciate your long life. Exercise your brain.
Get married
Study after study has shown that married people live longer than singles. It probably corresponds in part with the next tactic.
Have more sex
People who have more sex live longer. In fact, according to a report in the American Journal of Cardiology, men who have sex two or three times a week have 45 percent lower risk of heart disease.
Connect spiritually
Studies have shown that people who belong to a spiritual community and regularly attend services live longer and happier lives. Being part of a community, feeling like you have a purpose and a support group all help a person experience less stress and feel more optimistic about their life. These sentiments have health benefits and can lengthen your life.
Mindset is part of the mental and emotional health equation. Reducing stress is a very specific component of having a positive mindset and healthy emotional well-being. Next, we'll look at how you can reduce stress and the impact that stress can have on your life.
Stress
Stay calm and be patient
Stress, particularly angry stress, can cause you to have a stroke. In fact, men who express anger frequently are more than two times as likely to have a stroke. Find ways to defuse your anger quickly and learn to let go. Your health depends on it.
Embrace your creative side
Expressing your creativity in the form of playing music, engaging in a hobby, painting, singing, writing or any other creative endeavor can help you unwind.
Meditate
Studies have shown that people who meditate daily can add five or more years to their life. You don't have to meditate for hours, either. Twenty to thirty minutes a day makes a big difference. Start small. Try to meditate five minutes a day and gradually increase your time.
Volunteer
Volunteers live longer. Find a cause that is near and dear to your heart and get involved. It reduces stress, connects you to your purpose, and surrounds you with positive people.
Make time to exercise
On top of a healthy diet, exercise is paramount to preventing disease and maintaining full mobility as we age. Doctors recommend 30 minutes of exercise every day because it keeps our hearts strong and improves circulation so our entire bodies can get the nutrients they need.
Exercise actually provides an abundance of longevity benefits. It improves your outlook and reduces depression. It also improves blood flow and cellular function. And when it comes to stress, the endorphins that are released during exercise help you better manage stress and exercise reduces cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that over time can cause damage to your body.
Taking care of your body doesn't mean you have to turn into a gym rat. Studies have shown that dog owners live longer, most likely due to the cardiovascular exercise they must do each day to walk the dog. If you want an easy way to be held accountable for daily exercise, consider adopting a pet to reap the benefits of having a loving companion who will motivate you to reach your fitness goals.
If you are fully committed to slowing down your aging, consider incorporating some strength training into your exercise regimen. This can include using resistance bands and doing pushups, planks, and squats.
Again, a gym is not necessary to take care of your body since strength training exercises can be completed at any time in any place simply by utilizing the weight of your own body to build muscles. Strength training can improve your joints, relieve stress, and fix your posture, all of which are important to looking and feeling youthful.
Be social
Make good connections with people and develop friendships. People with social connections and strong ties with friends and family have a lower stress level. They have stronger immune systems and both can help you live longer.
We've talked about diet, mindset, and reducing stress. But that's not all that you can do to live a longer, healthier, and happier life. There are simple lifestyle habits that you can adopt to add years to your life. Let's explore this area next.
Lifestyle
Drink less alcohol
A study at Harvard suggests that drinking more than three 4-ounce alcoholic beverages in a 24-hour period increases your risk of atrial fibrillation, which often leads to a stroke. The general rule of thumb is to have no more than 4-5 drinks per week and no more than one drink each day.
The good news is you don't have to give up alcohol entirely. However, some drinks are healthier than others and any alcohol should be consumed in moderate amounts. If you choose wine instead of beer, you get the same calming benefits of alcohol with added antioxidants and nutrients.
Get more sleep
Are you sleeping enough? In 2002, The Scripps Clinic Sleep Center released a study on sleep and longevity. They studied the habits of one million Americans and found that people who slept between six and a half and seven and a half hours a night live the longest.
Other studies have shown that people should try to get between seven and nine hours of sleep to improve their health. However, it's difficult to argue with a study that looked at a million people.
Visit the doctor
Make an annual check-up part of your life. If you catch the symptoms of diseases like heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer early you have a much better chance of treating them successfully.
Floss your teeth
Gum disease is related to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. People with gingivitis and periodontitis have a mortality rate that is 23 to 46 percent higher than those who don't. Flossing daily helps keep your mouth healthy.
Get a pet, and play with them
People who have pets tend to be happier people. They exercise more and aren't as prone to depression.
Eat breakfast
A study by the University of Massachusetts found that people who skipped breakfast or who waited more than 90 minutes to eat after waking, were 50 percent more likely to become obese. Obesity is directly related to your likelihood of developing many conditions including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Don't go to work when you're sick
Did you know that if you go to work when you're sick, you can double your risk of having a heart attack? Stay home. Your co-workers will thank you.
Stop smoking and steer clear of second-hand smoke
Smoking and second-hand smoke increases your risk of lung cancer and can raise your diabetes risk by 40 percent.
Get some sunshine every day
Get outside and get some fresh air and vitamin D. You'll reduce your risk of depression and give your body what it needs to stay mentally and physically strong.
Maintain a healthy weight
Extra pounds put you at risk for heart attack, diabetes, cancer and other diseases that not only deplete your quality of life, they also shorten it.
The reason why so many diets fail is because they can make you feel deprived. Life is all about balance, so finding a middle ground is better for long term diet success. Many things people enjoy often have healthier substitutions that offer better nutrition without sacrificing the taste.
Instead of eating white or milk chocolate, try choosing chocolates with higher cocoa contents to increase antioxidant intake. Dark chocolate also tends to have less sugar and saturated fat, which makes it more diet friendly.
Potato chips are addicting because of how salty, rich, and crunchy they are. While healthy people can still enjoy potato chips in small portions, if you have a hard time controlling yourself, try eating baked varieties with reduced sodium instead. Your heart and waist will thank you!
Have kids later in life
Contrary to what you might expect, you'll live longer if you wait to have children. According to Boston University's New England Centenarian Study, women who have children after age 40 have a greater chance of living to 100 than women who give birth earlier in life.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Chemicals are everywhere. They're in the food you eat, the air you breathe, and the products you use in the house and on your bodies. Exposure to harsh chemicals can cause serious damage and should be avoided whenever possible.
If you can afford it, opt for organic foods to better fuel your body. Although going organic can be pricey, think of it as an investment in yourself. If you're going to develop a disease, the cost of healthcare to treat it greatly outweighs the upfront costs of preventative care.
Instead of using bleach and other toxic chemicals in your house, a vinegar and water solution is much cheaper, safer, and just as efficient at sanitizing. Make sure you read the labels of any products you purchase and always choose ones with more natural ingredients.
If you live in a city, taking vacations to rural areas where there is fresh air can really do your body and mind good. Not only will you feel relaxed, but you can absorb clean air to purify your lungs and skin for an all-around more youthful appearance and attitude.
Body and Skin Care
Burn at least 1100 calories each week
Find an exercise program, team, or club that supports you to get rid of your belly fat. Scientists at Duke University learned that when people burn 1100 calories a week, it prevents the accumulation of belly fat. This is the most dangerous type of fat for both men and women. It causes systemic inflammation and heart disease.
Lift weights
In addition to burning 1100 calories a week, at a minimum, add strength training to your workout. It strengthens bones in women and helps prevent osteoporosis. It also lowers blood pressure and reduces your risk of stroke. Strength training has also been shown to provide cognitive benefits and it can relieve stress.
Use Sunscreen
Millions of people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year because they spend too much time outside without sunscreen. Not only could sunscreen save your life, but it will prevent the ultraviolet rays from damaging your cells and DNA.
People can get a leathery look to their skin by not using sunscreen. Although Americans value the appearance of a tan and often achieve it by laying in the sun unprotected for hours at a time, this will only lead to a temporary improvement in their self-esteem. You are much better off embracing your natural skin tone and soaking up the sunshine in small doses.
If you struggle with crow's feet, wearing protective eyewear outside can help improve the appearance of the skin around your eyes since you won't have to squint in the bright sunshine to see better.
Upgrade Your Skincare Routine
Although most of skin appearance can be improved by diet and drinking more water, there are steps you can take to really glow. Exfoliation and moisturizing can help your skin look youthful. You don't have to spend a fortune on skincare products, either! Baking soda and coconut oil are cheap and common household items that get the job done.
While you shower, you can take a teaspoon of baking soda and wet it enough to form a thick paste. You can spread it all over your face and gently rub in circles to exfoliate. Since your pores will be open in the steam, the baking soda will cleanse your skin and stimulate better blood flow.
Exfoliation encourages the growth of new skin cells and this can improve the appearance of any skin type. Even using baking soda on scars can help your body heal until it's barely visible.
After you shower, your skin will be more at risk of drying out. Moisturizers work best at the end of your cleansing routine to seal the moisture inside your skin. Coconut oil has many uses for the body, one of which is maintaining smooth skin. Take a dab of coconut oil and massage it into your skin for desirable results. By massaging, you will increase the circulation in your skin, which allows your blood to supply nutrients and remove toxins.
Get Enough Beauty Sleep
Yes, yes, I know we discussed sleep up under Social, but, it's important, so bear with me, please!
Have you ever noticed that older people seem to sleep all day but still complain of fatigue? They're not crazy. The more we age, the less REM sleep we get, which is the most restorative stage our bodies experience while sleeping. Although the quantity of sleep is larger, the quality is usually quite poor.
When we sleep, our bodies go into housekeeping mode so we can wake up feeling energized and detoxified. Getting enough restful sleep is crucial to your anti-aging battle, so any measure you can take to mitigate the natural deterioration of the quality of your sleep is important.
To ensure more restful sleep, stop drinking water at least an hour before bedtime to prevent waking up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. Make sure your room is dark and cozy by your own preferences. Try to avoid using the television to fall asleep since the brightness and volume can drastically change throughout the night and disturb your sleep. Although we all love our pets like family, if you have an animal in your bed, the quality of your sleep will suffer as well.
Smile
Although this may sound like counter-intuitive advice due to wrinkles that can form, smiling really does improve your appearance. Have you ever noticed how people radiate when they smile? That's because smiling produces good chemicals in our bodies that reduce stress.
Even if you have wrinkles, smiling can bring a youthful brightness to your face. Besides, you should have a lot to celebrate in life, so relax and rejoice. Aging is natural and happens to everyone, so you should never let shame or self-consciousness prevent you from enjoying each day.
For Healthy Aging, You Must Understand Antioxidants and Free Radicals!
As much as you care about the outside of your body, it is the inside that tells the tale. Older people are living longer and some younger folks are dying. What gives? The answer could lie in how we treat our bodies inside and out. It is a package deal. Our bodies work as a whole machine.
There are reasons why our bodies’ age and how some people are truly growing older gracefully to the tune of 100 years or more. The tools to accomplish this have been in front of us all the time.
It's important for you to learn about free radicals and how they affect our bodies. You will also discover that substances called antioxidants are charged with fighting the damage done by free radicals and turning back the biological clock to keep us healthy.
Free Radicals
What are Free Radicals?
The name sounds like a group of people at a peace rally. But, these little chemical elements are less than peaceful. They affect the inner environment and change our bodies for the worst.
We have two ages for our bodies. Have you ever seen those shows that ask people to guess someone’s age? Their appearance reflects the way they have been treating their bodies and makes them seem older to others. This is the biological age of your body.
How old you really are is your chronological age. Certain activities that we participate in can make us look a lot older than our chronological age. Age is truly just a number in these cases.
Free radicals are responsible for how rapidly we age.
What are free radicals? They are by-products of cellular metabolism. On the smallest level, our cells replenish themselves and produce energy to run the processes of the body.
When this happens, certain molecules are left behind. These are called free radicals. They are missing an electron and therefore will go looking for another one somewhere in the body. A molecule in need of an electron is unstable and will latch onto anything that has an electron it can steal away.
Free radicals aren’t always bad things – sometimes the body creates them during metabolism or the immune system uses them to fight an infection. A healthy body can handle free radicals, but if the immune system gets run down or weakened, or if you don’t have enough antioxidants in your system, damage can occur.
Environmental toxicity, pesticides and cigarette smoke can create free radicals. Ultimately free radical damage leads to aging and possibly some diseases too (their role in certain types of cancer, strokes, and heart disease is still being investigated).
Free Radical Damage
The missing electron is the key to what free radicals are after. They roam around inside your body looking for another electron. Free radicals steal electrons from cells, DNA, enzymes and cell membranes. Removing these electrons changes the composition of the structure it was stolen from. Cells are damaged and therefore don’t function normally. Enzymes can’t do their jobs as catalysts for cellular reactions.
Changing DNA is always a bad sign. Compromising the integrity of cellular membranes leaves them vulnerable to attack by viruses, bacteria and other invaders. All of these results are caused by free radical damage. Free radicals are not just by-products of cellular processes. They can be introduced into our bodies from other places.
Foreign substances like cigarette or cigar smoke, radiation, drinking alcohol, air and water pollution or ingesting artificial products can lead to higher levels of free radicals in the body. Certain gases and even sunlight can affect the free radical levels in our bodies.
Scientists have investigated the idea that free radicals are responsible for many diseases in the body that affect us as we get older. As such, the problems that plague us as we get older are a result of the free radical damage done to our bodies.
Diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease and autoimmune diseases have some of their roots in free radical damage.
Tips to combat free radical damage:
Try to eat a minimum of three portions of vegetables and at least two portions of fruit every day, including at least one citrus fruit – as citrus fruits contain a great source of antioxidants!
A certain percentage of antioxidants are lost while cooking – so while you needn’t be extreme, try to eat raw fruit and vegetables as much as possible.
Herbal teas contain great sources of antioxidants – but always purchase from a reputable source. Keep cells hydrated with lots of water too!
Red wine can also help – only one glass a day is enough to give antioxidant benefit, so don’t exceed the limit.
Nuts are also a good source of antioxidants – but don’t overdo portions, as the fat content cancels out health benefits!
Always wear sunscreen to protect your skin against free radical damage and aging.
Stop smoking and avoid second hand smoke inhalation, as this can lead to free radical creation within the body.
The Aging Process
This leads to another question: Are we aging more quickly than before?
The answer lies in the amount of free radicals in our bodies. The body has a defense mechanism that helps defend it from free radicals. Certain levels of free radicals can be managed. Cellular damage is repaired by the body.
Sometimes, our bodies can be overcome with too many free radicals and things go a little haywire. This condition is called oxidative stress. At this point, we become sick while our bodies are being overtaken by free radicals.
This is not an invasion by the body snatchers. The balance can be reversed with a little antioxidant power. Ever wonder why some people age more gracefully than others? They have more cellular protection than others so they don’t fit the preconceived appearance of someone their age. And, isn’t that what we all want?
What are Antioxidants?
Types of Antioxidants
When the inner body is in trouble from free radicals, antioxidants come to our rescue. Their main job is to fight free radicals and win. Antioxidants have been thrust to the forefront of the health scene as a sort of “anti-aging super substance.”
They are quite amazing. The nature of antioxidants is to neutralize free radicals in the body. Antioxidants are molecules that have an extra electron to share with the roaming free radicals. In their presence, they latch onto free radicals so they won’t steal electrons from other vital places.
There are several different kinds of antioxidants. They are categorized by the area of the body where they work. Antioxidants our bodies use: water soluble and fat soluble. If you know anything about the body, it is 90 percent water. There is a significant water composition to our blood.
Our cellular membranes are protected by a double layer that is made of lipids. One side is hydrophobic (water hating) and the other side is hydrophilic (water loving). Cellular membranes need protection from free radical damage too.
Antioxidant Benefits
Antioxidants help the internal environment of our bodies to stay in great working shape. You can change the outside with surgery and chemicals but if the inside is a wreck, you won’t live as long as you’d like. Antioxidants are vitamins, minerals and other substances that keep cells repaired and lower the levels of free radicals in the system. Our immune systems are given a boost when antioxidants are around. This prevents diseases.
Our skin is an organ. In fact, it is the largest organ of the body. Antioxidants improve the look and feel of the skin which promotes a youthful appearance without benefit of outside sources. You can slow the aging process and live longer with constant ingestion of antioxidants.
Where to Find Antioxidants
Your Food
Antioxidants, as was stated earlier, do not originate in the body. They come from our food. Some people take supplements, but supplementation is not the natural form for these molecules. The natural form provides not only antioxidants but other health properties for the body.
Eating a daily diet rich in the foods that contain antioxidants will do wonders for your inner body. If you are someone who likes variety, antioxidants can be found in a number of different food groups. Besides, eating these foods more and more will also change your body composition. You’ll have more energy, lean muscle and lower disease incidence. Antioxidants can be further divided into these categories: phytochemicals, anthocyanins, carotenoids and trace minerals. Each can be found in the foods we eat.
When searching for antioxidants, try to choose foods that have no pollutants, pesticides or other compounds added to them before eating. This reduces the amount of free radicals you are introducing into your body along with the antioxidants.
Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals are only found in plant substances. Two of the main antioxidants here are Vitamin C and Vitamin E. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of each is 400IU. This entire amount can be obtained from food.
Vitamin C is commonly found in citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, green peppers, cantaloupe, and strawberries. Broccoli, spinach, cabbage, collards and kale are a few of the leafy greens that contain Vitamin C. This vitamin is water soluble.
Water soluble antioxidants work primarily in the blood and other areas of the body where water is the primary substance to build up the body’s defenses against free radicals. They reduce the incidence of age-related diseases including lowering the risk of cancer.
Vitamin E is also an antioxidant. It can be found in legumes, nuts, seeds, cold water fish, whole grains, sweet potatoes, vegetable oil, nut butters, mangos, avocados and other vegetables.
Vitamin E is fat soluble. This antioxidant works in and around cellular membranes that are composed of fats to fight free radical damage. Bad cholesterol is less likely to stick to arterial walls and form plaques when fat soluble antioxidants are in sufficient quantities.
Trace minerals
Trace minerals like selenium and zinc help antioxidants do their job. They are not technically antioxidants but they help to boost immunity. These minerals are found in Brazil nuts, dairy products, fish, chicken, red meat, whole grains and seafood. In their presence the risk of arthritis and skin cancers are reduced.
Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins are phytochemicals but only exist in certain fruits and vegetables. They add the rich color to purple and blue fruits and vegetables. Blueberries contain antioxidant anthocyanins in large quantities. They are also present in red grapes.
Carotenoids and Vitamin A
Carotenoids are another antioxidant substance. They reduce the risk of heart disease and coronary artery damage. Carotenoids boost immunity and can work to reverse some free radical damage. Some common carotenoids are beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein.
Beta-carotene is most notably found in carrots. And we all know that carrots are legendary as improving eyesight. Other sources of beta-carotene are: brightly colored veggies, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, dairy products, eggs and liver. Beta-carotene converts to a form of Vitamin A called retinol.
Lycopene is most notably found in tomatoes. Grapefruits and watermelon also contain lycopene. The antioxidant reduces heart disease and the incidence of prostate cancer.
Lutein is a substance that is added to multivitamin formulations. Green leafy vegetables, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables contain this antioxidant. It is instrumental in preventing blindness. Examples of foods: kale, collards, corn, carrots, peas, tomatoes, lettuce, oranges and egg yolks.
Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that displays some of the same properties as carotenoids. It is found in brightly colored fruits and vegetables as well as leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale and collards.
Top 20 Food Sources of Antioxidants
USDA scientists analyzed antioxidant levels in more than 100 different foods, including fruits and vegetables. Each food was measured for antioxidant concentration as well as antioxidant capacity per serving size.
Cranberries, blueberries, and blackberries ranked highest among the fruits studied. Beans, artichokes, and Russet potatoes were tops among the vegetables. Pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts ranked highest in the nut category.
USDA chemist Ronald L. Prior says the total antioxidant capacity of the foods does not necessarily reflect their health benefit. Benefits depend on how the food's antioxidants are absorbed and utilized in the body.
Still, this chart should help consumers trying to add more antioxidants to their daily diet.
Rank Food item Serving size Total antioxidant capacity
per serving size 1 Small Red Bean (dried) Half cup 13,727 2 Wild blueberry 1 cup 13,427 3 Red kidney bean (dried) Half cup 13,259 4 Pinto bean Half cup 11,864 5 Blueberry (cultivated) 1 cup 9,019 6 Cranberry 1 cup (whole) 8,983 7 Artichoke (cooked) 1 cup (hearts) 7,904 8 Blackberry 1 cup 7,701 9 Prune Half cup 7,291 10 Raspberry 1 cup 6,058 11 Strawberry 1 cup 5,938 12 Red Delicious apple 1 whole 5,900 13 Granny Smith apple 1 whole 5,381 14 Pecan 1 ounce 5,095 15 Sweet cherry 1 cup 4,873 16 Black plum 1 whole 4,844 17 Russet potato (cooked) 1 whole 4,649 18 Black bean (dried) Half cup 4,181 19 Plum 1 whole 4,118 20 Gala apple 1 whole 3,903
Another Food of Note
Antioxidants are found in the above-mentioned foods in larger quantities. Another source of antioxidants is chocolate. Chocolate has gained a bad reputation over the years but it has its humble roots in the Meso-American societies of the Aztecs, Incas and Mayans.
The cacao bean from which chocolate originates was highly prized. Many early civilizations used the beans as money. A man’s wealth and status were determined by his cache of cacao beans.
The bean was ground into a powder and used in a drink. The drink was prized by royalty and soldiers. Those who drank it noticed that they had increased libido, stamina, strength and less hunger. Part of this is due to the antioxidant properties of the bean.
Today, the chocolate with the highest antioxidants is dark chocolate. It also contains the highest percentage of pure cacao than any other chocolate.
If it worked for the Aztecs it can also work for us centuries later. Choose dark chocolate that has no other add-ins like nougat, nuts, cream or caramel. Eating a small amount of chocolate every day is healthy for the body.
Let's Not Forget Tea!
Did you know that Green and black teas have 8 to 10 times the amount of antioxidants found in fruits and veggies, by one estimate? All teas from the camellia tea plant are rich in polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant.
According to WebMD, the bulk of research shows that regular tea drinkers, people who drink two cups or more a day, have less heart disease and stroke, lower total and LDL (often called “bad”) cholesterol, and that they recover from heart attacks faster.
Some laboratory tests also show that black and green tea may help boost metabolism to aid weight loss, block allergic response, slow the growth of tumors, protect bones, fight bad breath, improve skin, protect against Parkinson's disease, and even delay the onset of diabetes.
Green tea, black tea[, oolong tea — all of these come from the same tea plant, Camellia sinensis. The leaves are simply processed differently, which gives rise to the different types/colors. The leaves of Green tea withered and steamed, not fermented, while Oolong and Black teas undergo a crushing and fermenting process.
But what about Roobios?
Red and green rooibos teas originate in South Africa, but the are not technically a tea due to the fact that rooibos does not come from the same camellia senensis plant, but is, instead, from the legume family – and this gives it a different chemical makeup.
Rooibos tea is becoming more popular in Western countries, particularly among health-conscious consumers, due to its high level of antioxidants such as aspalathin and nothofagin, its lack of caffeine, and its low tannin levels compared to fully oxidized black tea or unoxidized green tea leaves.
According to Chris Kilham, the Medicine Hunter, “Research conducted in Japan shows that rooibos possesses antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity. Translation – it is powerfully protective. Additionally, rooibos appears to have anti-allergic properties.”
His article on Rooibos tea is fantastic, you should take a minute and read it here: Red Tea, Even Better for You than Green Tea?
Supplements
Supplements are used to provide vitamins and minerals that you might miss in your daily diet. Being on the run with family and career can make it hard to get all of our antioxidant foods in each day. Some people use supplements.
While it is recommended that a multivitamin be taken each day, taking other supplements can be toxic in large doses. Before using supplementation to take in antioxidants like Vitamin C, E, A, and trace mineral, check with a physician. Although antioxidants found in food provide cellular protection, using too many supplements can actually work against the body.
Exercise – Yep, It helps with free radicals too!
Some athletes are concerned with free radical damage. Exercising increases cellular metabolism and therefore increases the levels of free radicals.
Are they at risk for oxidative stress or premature aging?
The good news here is that if you exercise on a regular basis, your body will compensate for the increase in free radicals with enhanced cellular response. It seems that the body rises to the occasion since exercise is supposed to be good for the body. There is no evidence to suggest that athletes need to ingest higher amounts of antioxidants.
The downside is that if you are a person who exercises sporadically, you could be doing more harm than good. The increase in free radicals from the exercise is not matched by the body.
That is one explanation for why you end up with stress fractures, broken or fractured bones and other “badges” of your weekend warrior status.
Free radicals can lead to premature aging and diseases in the body because of the damage they do to cells and other body tissues. They are in search of an extra electron and will steal it from anywhere.
But, the body is not left without its defenses. To enhance those defenses, antioxidants from our food boost immune response, repair cells, neutralize free radicals and slow the aging process.
You can help the antioxidants do their job by reducing your exposure to outside sources of free radicals. There isn’t much you can do about cellular metabolism as it is a necessary process of life.
Other sources include: pollutants in air, water and soil, cigarette smoke, x-rays and too much sunlight. Stay looking and feeling young with foods rich in antioxidants.
10 DIY Products for Skin Care and Anti-Aging
1. Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey Mask
This first DIY product is going to be good for both acne and anti-aging purposes. It uses baking soda as its main ingredient, but then you will add in some apple cider vinegar, which can brighten your skin and really add some youthful appeal to it. The honey is a wonderful addition, providing nutrients that your skin craves, especially during the summer.
You can also add some other ingredients to this mask, from essential oils to lemon juice, so don’t be afraid to customize it if you need to.
What You Need
The first step to making the apple cider vinegar and honey mask is to gather your ingredients. There are only three ingredients that are mandatory, then the rest depend entirely on you and what you’re looking for. Here are the three ingredients to make sure you have for the mask:
Raw honey
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
Apple cider vinegar
Make sure the honey is raw, preferably from a natural health food store, not a sugar-filled honey from your regular grocery store.
Making the Mask
Once you have collected the ingredients you need, it is time to put them all together. Masks and scrubs are really easy to make, so no need to worry! Since you are using apple cider vinegar, which is very acidic, you should also have some water on hand to dilute it. Do this in a glass first, then add the diluted vinegar to a bowl with your baking soda and honey.
The amounts you use for the mask depend on how thick or thin you want it. It is recommended that you start with a small amount of baking soda in the bowl, then add the diluted apple cider vinegar and honey slowly, mixing as you go. You can start or stop whenever you are happy with how it turned out.
2. Bentonite Clay Mask
This next product is another type of mask, but this time it is going to use bentonite clay. It is all-natural, easy to make, and uses just a few simple ingredients. Bentonite clay is a type of clay made of various minerals. The clay itself might seem intimidating, but it is actually wonderful for your skin. You will feel refreshed and see that your acne has improved when you use this simple mask.
What You Need
To make the bentonite clay mask, you will need the following ingredients:
Bentonite clay (powder form)
Apple cider vinegar
Essential oils (oil profiles are here)
Get your dried, organic herbs, organic essential oils, bulk spices, loose leaf organic teas and aromatherapy supplies at the place where we shop – StarWest Botanicals!
Keep in mind the essential oils are optional, but they are added to cover the scent of the vinegar. The clay will help a little with the bitter vinegar scent, but oils can really help much better. Test them out with the vinegar first to figure out with scents go together.
Making the Mask
Once you have these ingredients on hand, it is time to make your clay mask. The bentonite clay should be in loose powder form, so don’t worry about having to knead it or soften it. This will be a very easy facial mask to make. All you need to do is mix equal parts bentonite clay with apple cider vinegar in a bowl, making sure it is mixed well. Keep in mind it will feel very thick, since it is a clay mask.
You can then drop in your essential oils. To avoid overpowering it with scent, use just a few drops at a time. You may also want to use a carrier oil, added at the same time, like jojoba or olive oil. Mix it together once more and the clay mask is done.
If you have any left over after this one use, you should transfer it to an airtight container and store it somewhere that is room temperature.
Using the Mask
The bentonite clay mask is used just like any other mask. It is going to be very thick, so keep that in mind when applying. Apply it to your face, being careful to avoid your eyes. Let it sit about 10-15 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water. If you haven’t used this mask before, you might want to choose a shorter wait time.
3. Coconut Oil Moisturizer
The next DIY product you should know about is actually not something you need to make. This is simply using coconut oil as a moisturizer. However, we will provide some different options for adding a little something extra to moisturize your face even more.
Why coconut oil? Simple. It is amazing! Coconut has so many health benefits, not just for your skin, but for your hair, body, and even your teeth. It is naturally moisturizing, so just coconut oil alone will work wonders for you. Take a look at how you can make your own coconut oil moisturizer for anti-aging.
What You Need
Coconut oil
Essential oils (optional) (oil profiles are here)
Carrier oils (optional) (carrier oil profiles are here)
Get your dried, organic herbs, organic essential oils, bulk spices, loose leaf organic teas and aromatherapy supplies at the place where we shop – StarWest Botanicals!
For the coconut oil, you need to read the label very carefully. There are different types, so you want to be sure you choose the organic, virgin, unrefined coconut oil. If it says refined, avoid it, as that is overly processed and might contain other additives you don’t want on your skin.
You can then choose any essential oils or carrier oils you want, or you can just use the coconut oil on its own. Here are some fun combinations if you decide to go this direction:
Lavender oil, rose oil, and olive carrier oil
Geranium oil, chamomile oil, and jojoba oil
Lemon oil and sweet almond oil
Get your dried, organic herbs, organic essential oils, bulk spices, loose leaf organic teas and aromatherapy supplies at the place where we shop – StarWest Botanicals!
Making the Moisturizer
Once you have decided what to use for your moisturizer, you can start making it. If you are just using plain coconut oil, all you have to do is melt it by running the jar under warm water, then apply it to your skin. However, if you are adding oils, you should put the coconut oil and other oils into a blender to whip it, then place in an airtight container.
Using the Moisturizer
Once you are done making your whipped coconut oil moisturizer, just apply it to your skin whenever needed.
4. Aloe and Tea Tree Acne Gel
This is a unique DIY face product you might not have considered. It is a type of aloe vera gel, but one that sues some other ingredients to provide anti-aging benefits. The sun is harsh on your skin, so using this before and after sun exposure will really help to minimize those sun spots, and fine lines and wrinkles.
What You Need
For this aloe anti-aging gel product, you will need the following products:
Pure aloe vera gel
Tea tree oil
Essential oils (oil profiles are here)
Get your dried, organic herbs, organic essential oils, bulk spices, loose leaf organic teas and aromatherapy supplies at the place where we shop – StarWest Botanicals!
Make sure you are using pure aloe vera gel with nothing added to it. Some drug stores have it, but it is often easier to find online or at natural health food stores. You will then want some tea tree oil, along with your choice of essential oils. Use any combination you want, depending on what scent you would like for this product.
The aloe is good for reducing inflammation, as well as killing bacteria, which helps with your acne.
The tea tree oil is great for both acne and anti-aging benefits.
Making the Gel
This gel only requires mixing the ingredients and storing it properly. It helps to make it directly in the airtight container you intend to use for storing it, so that you know what amount to make. Start by filling up the container between ½ and ¾ full with your aloe vera gel. Next, add in the tea tree oil and essential oils, then stir to mix well. That’s it!
Using the Gel
This gel is not used like regular aloe vera gel for just sunburns, though it definitely can be. Instead, you can use it at any time when you want to provide a cooling effect on your skin. It can be used to minimize lines and wrinkles, works great as an after-sun gel, and helps with irritation of the skin as well.
5. Oatmeal and Cinnamon Scrub
If you are looking for a facial scrub that will provide exfoliation, but in a more gentle way, then this is the scrub for you. The primary ingredients are oatmeal and cinnamon, but we are going to give you some variations as well.
The cinnamon is wonderful for your skin, especially if you are acne prone. Cinnamon powder can actually dry out your pimples to reduce them without having to pop them. It can also help bring more oxygen to the surface of your skin, which helps to open your pores and give you a more youthful appearance.
There is oatmeal in this face scrub, which is perfect for providing a coarse exfoliation that isn’t too harsh, even for sensitive skin.
What You Need
The two basic ingredients you need for this scrub are:
Cinnamon powder
Dry oats
You will also need a liquid in order to combine the ingredients and turn it into a scrub you can use on your face. You can definitely use just plain water, using just enough to turn it into an exfoliating scrub. Another option is to use part water and part lemon juice for a refreshing scrub.
Making the Scrub
As you might have guessed, all that is needed to make this scrub is add some oats and cinnamon powder to a bowl, then add in your liquids. Start with a just a small amount of water, mixing as you go. This lets you know how much you need according to the consistency you are looking for.
You want a consistency that is thick enough to stick on your face, but not so thick that you can’t move it around and scrub properly.
Using the Scrub
Once you have made your scrub, you can then use it on your face. You should wet your face first, then grab some product in your hand, and rub it onto your face. Scrub it generously on your nose, forehead, chin, and cheeks, being careful to avoid your eyes. Rinse it with cool water once you have exfoliated.
6. Almond and Shea Butter Night Cream
While scrubs and masks are great additions when you want something that works for both anti-aging and acne, you may also want to consider a cream. You can make your very own night cream that is applied at night before bed so that you wake up refreshed with soft, silky skin.
This night cream uses a variety of ingredients, but primarily almond oil and shea butter, which really give your skin a nice glow, brightening, and soft feeling.
What You Need
Here is a list of what to get for your almond and shea butter night cream:
Almond oil
Shea butter (purchase quality, raw shea butter here)
Vitamin E oil
Coconut oil
Raw honey
Get your dried, organic herbs, organic essential oils, bulk spices, loose leaf organic teas and aromatherapy supplies at the place where we shop – StarWest Botanicals!
As always, get everything pure, natural, and organic. The coconut oil should be unrefined, virgin coconut oil, and you want your honey to be raw. If you can get local honey, even better. The shea butter and vitamin E oil will help to soften your skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Coconut oil further helps to give you a thicker consistency, with moisturizing for your skin as well.
Making the Cream
To make your night cream, add the shea butter, melted coconut oil, and honey to the bowl first. Combine these ingredients well, then mix in your vitamin E oil and almond oil. You can also use some essential oils if you want more scent, but it isn’t required. Transfer the night cream to an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Using the Cream
The best way to use your night cream is to apply it before bed, after you have washed your face. Just be careful to avoid your eyes and mouth when using the cream. Try to remember to use this cream every evening, and you will have soft, silky skin that looks more youthful than ever before.
7. Custom Face Oil
This is a fun product because it is completely customizable. You can choose whichever ingredients you want to use for this face oil, which is going to moisturize your face and give you a more youthful appearance. It is ideal if you have dry skin, struggle with lines and wrinkles, or you have acne scars that you want to minimize.
What You Need
The first thing you want to choose with the custom face oil is the essential oil. This can be anything you like, but here are some good oils to consider: (oil profiles are here)
Rosemary
Lavender
Lemongrass
Rose
Chamomile
Get your dried, organic herbs, organic essential oils, bulk spices, loose leaf organic teas and aromatherapy supplies at the place where we shop – StarWest Botanicals!
Next is the carrier oil, since you need it to dilute your pure essential oils. Here are some options: (carrier oil profiles are here)
Jojoba oil
Avocado oil
Sweet almond oil
Argan oil
Grapeseed oil
Finally, you have the choice to add an oil to soften and moisturize your skin. Try some of these:
Evening primrose oil
Vitamin E oil
Rosehip oil
Making the Oil
To make this face oil, you just need to combine the oils together in a small container or bottle with a dropper. You can then apply it to your skin by using a cotton ball dipped into the container. Since it has essential oils, make sure the container or bottle you use is airtight and stored in room temperature.
8. Witch Hazel Natural Face Toner
Facial toner is a type of cosmetic product that helps to cleanse your skin, tighten it, and reduce your pores. Pores can often detract from a nice complexion, plus large pores are at risk forgetting clogged and leading to acne. This witch hazel face toner can help with both acne and anti-aging.
What You Need
This is a really simple and natural facial toner that will help you shrink your pores and help with anti-aging and acne, but won’t be too harsh for your skin. It uses these ingredients:
Witch hazel
Essential oils (oil profiles are here)
Cooled tea
You need to add a liquid to the witch hazel in order to turn it into a toner, which is where the cooled tea comes in. While you can use any tea you prefer, green tea is usually a good choice. Make sure it has completely cooled before making the toner. You can also use any essential oils you want to add more benefits and scent, but those are optional.
Making the Toner
To make this healthy toner for your face, start by brewing the green tea, then letting it sit and get cool. Once it is cool, pour the tea into a spray bottle, followed by a healthy dose of witch hazel drops and your essential oils. You can add a carrier oil as well, but it is only necessary if you are using essential oils.
Give the spray bottle a good shake and it’s ready to use on your face.
Using the Toner
When your toner is done, all you need to do is spray it onto your face, being careful with your eyes, nose and mouth. If you prefer, you can spray it onto a cotton pad and rub that around your face. You will feel your face tighten almost immediately, which feels great. Use the toner after washing your face, but before using moisturizer or sunscreen. It will dry on your face, so there is no need for rinsing.
Get your dried, organic herbs, organic essential oils, bulk spices, loose leaf organic teas and aromatherapy supplies at the place where we shop – StarWest Botanicals!
9. Geranium Body Butter
Before we get to the end of this report, we wanted to make sure to include a body butter! Body butter is a creamy, thick butter you can apply to your skin in lieu of moisturizer. It is a little thicker than moisturizer and best when you suffer from really dry skin. It is also wonderful for anti-aging since it reduces dryness and has lots of natural ingredients in it.
This is a floral body butter using geranium and other floral scents, providing scent and a host of other benefits for your natural beauty.
What You Need
To start with, you of course need to gather the ingredients for this body butter. Here is a list of what you need:
Shea butter (purchase quality, raw shea butter here)
Jojoba oil (or other carrier oil)
Geranium essential oil
Lavender essential oil
Rose essential oil
You can also add in any other oils you want, whether they are floral or not. The carrier oil is recommended to go with geranium, but of course you can also use other carrier oils like olive oil or sweet almond oil. The shea butter is what gives this body butter its thick, creamy consistency.
Making the Body Butter
To make this body butter, you first need to melt your shea butter. It is much easier to do this in a double boiler, instead of attempting to microwave it. Heat it up in the double boiler until it melts, then remove it from the stove. While the shea butter cools, you can go ahead and start adding your carrier oil and essential oils. The amount used depends on how much shea butter you have.
When it is completely cooled and mixed together, carefully transfer the butter to an airtight container. Place it in the fridge to chill, then remove it and put it in a room temperature location. Chilling it will help it reach a creamy consistency.
Using the Body Butter
You will use this body butter just like any lotion or moisturizer by grabbing some with your fingers and rubbing it onto your skin.
Get your dried, organic herbs, organic essential oils, bulk spices, loose leaf organic teas and aromatherapy supplies at the place where we shop – StarWest Botanicals!
10. Honey Lavender Face Scrub
We have just one more face scrub to show you, which helps with your acne and anti-aging. This one is bound to be a fan favorite, since it uses lavender and honey in it. These ingredients combined with others you need for the scrub really provide a refreshing, relaxing, invigorating feel. You will use this scrub and feel like you just had a facial at a fancy spa.
What You Need
For this face scrub, the exfoliant is going to be baking soda instead of salt or sugar. This is best when you have bad acne scars or irritation on your skin, since it is finer and a little gentler on your skin. You will need the following ingredients to make the honey lavender acne face scrub:
Baking soda
Raw honey
Lavender essential oil
For the honey, using Manuka honey is ideal because it is a natural anti-inflammatory. This will reduce the effect of acne breakouts, plus is wonderful for anti-aging. However, you can also use another type of raw honey.
Making the Scrub
To make the face scrub, start by combining the honey and baking soda in a bowl. This is good to do first because you are making a paste and need to know what consistency you want. Pour the baking soda in the bowl first, then gradually add honey, mixing it well, until you have a good paste. Next, you can add in your lavender essential oils and mix well.
Using the Scrub
When using this type of scrub, open up your pores first by placing a warm and wet towel or wash cloth on your face for a few minutes. Next, add the scrub mixture to your face, avoiding your eyes. Use circular motions in a gentle fashion all over your nose, cheeks, chin, upper lip area, and forehead. You can massage it for a few minutes. Rinse it off with cool or warm water.
Pulling It All Together
You now have a bunch of different ways to lengthen your life, feel better and improve your skin and appearance. It might look like an overwhelming list. However, anything is manageable when you take it step-by-step. Identify one item on the list and create a plan to integrate it into your life. Once it has become a habit and you feel ready, add another tactic.
Consider starting with something that you know you can achieve. For example, maybe you make an appointment to get an annual check-up. That's easy enough to accomplish. As you begin to modify your lifestyle and embrace healthy habits, you'll feel more confident in your ability to make big changes. You'll feel empowered to take the necessary steps to live a long, healthy and beautiful life.
What is Aging?
Some scientists and physicians suggest that aging is a ‘disease’. This is not a fair description. Aging is not a disease but part of the process of life itself!
You cannot reverse aging but you can help slow it down to an optimal level which nature intended. So, how long should we live for? This is a subject of much debate and disagreement.
Some scientists claim extraordinary times…200+ years. However, this is really in the realm of science fiction.
The position of Xtend-Life is that it is possible to live to the projected maximum human life span of 120 years. To achieve this, your life has to be well balanced! In other words, your lifestyle, your diet, the amount of exercise you do, the environment you live in and your nutrient intake have to be as close as possible to optimal.
To learn more about how aging occurs and ways to slow down your biological clock, visit Xtend-Life's Overview of Anti-Aging research page today.
Why do we promote this?
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FOX4’s Kerri Stowell, others trained in CPR, help save Chiefs fan who suffered massive heart attack
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — When a man suffered a massive heart attack during FOX4’s Red Friday morning show special, quick action helped save his life, action taken by FOX4 traffic reporter Kerri Stowell and several others who began giving CPR.
Doctors say Dan Boos likely would have died without CPR. Stowell said she was thankful to be in the right place at the right time. She learned CPR as a lifeguard, but said it was truly a team effort that saved Boos’ life.
The group took turns, relieving one another when someone got tired. Nobody had time to stop and think about what had happened, they just knew that every second counted.
Reliving Red Friday
Before the Kansas City Chiefs home opener against the San Francisco 49ers, FOX4 hosted dozens of fans for a special Red Friday show at our studio, featuring super fans like Dan Boos. He arrived in his custom Chiefs bus, the avid tailgater hadn’t missed a home game in 29 years.
While we learned a lot about Boos and other fans that day, we also learned that the warnings signs for a heart attack can come on fast and without warning.
“I don’t remember my arms going numb or anything like that. I just remember not feeling good and going down,” Boos recalled.
That morning it was 68 degrees outside, but Boos was seen on camera wiping sweat off of his forehead, a potential sign that something was wrong. Moments after his interview ended, he collapsed.
“There was no pulse. There was nothing. It was the freakiest thing. Nothing. And that’s when I yelled, ‘call 911!’” wife Terri Boos told FOX4.
“When he arrived at Saint Luke’s Hospital, he was as sick as he could be without not making it,” Dr. John Saxon said.
“The information we knew at that moment was that he had collapsed, people had witnessed it, and there was a bystander who did CPR very quickly.”
Dr. Saxon is the cardiologist who performed Boos’ emergency surgery. He said CPR kept Boos’ blood flowing to his brain for close to an hour, all the way from FOX4 to the operating room.
“He had come up from the ER and had no blood pressure and no pulse, so the entire way up from the ER he had to get chest compressions,” Dr. Saxon said.
“There must have been eight or 10 people around and they were all taking turns, and the nurse said ‘say something, talk to him.’ And that’s when I knew it was really bad because they were trying to get him to hear me to get him to fight because he wasn’t going to make it,” Terri Boos said.
A major heart artery was completely blocked. Dr. Saxon showed us where he placed a stent – re-establishing blood flow. Still, his chance of survival was low. Doctors said it was around five-percent.
“Five-percent is nothing and he made it through 24 hours. And the next day, we are going to see how he does, and he made it through another 24 hours. They were amazed. They were truly amazed,” Terri Boos said.
Boos became known as “The Miracle Guy.”
“I woke up in the hospital 12 days later,” Boos said. “Each one started telling me what happened, and at the time I was still a little unconscious, not 100-percent, so I was just happy to be there and see my family. I thought about my daughters and my wife a lot. It gave me the strength to keep going.”
Focused on family and health
Now, Boos has changed his diet and goes to physical therapy three times a week. He’s also committed to sharing his story – hoping it will help someone else.
“I’ve got a second chance. I know how much it meant to me when you stepped in and helped save my life,” he said.
“CPR saved his life. Along with the doctor, but CPR saved his life,” Terri Boos said.
Boos says he has a new perspective on life now. He hangs on to the Patrick Mahomes jersey he was wearing the day he nearly died, the one paramedics cut off of him. It’s a reminder that life is short and to live each day to the fullest, with his bride of 31 years.
“I just can`t imagine life without him. He`s pretty much the one that holds us together,” Terri Boos said.
“Just knowing that I have a second chance and I`m capable of pretty much doing anything I set my mind to is pretty huge,” Dan Boos said.
CPR made the difference for him. There’s also a test you can take to find out if you are at risk for heart disease. CardioScan looks at the plaque buildup in arteries and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. It costs $50, and you get the results back in about an hour.
Warning signs of a heart attack
What happened to Dan Boos was as frightening as it was sudden. Here are some common warning signs of a heart attack:
For men:
Severe chest pain or pressure
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Pain in one or both arms
Stomach discomfort that feels like indigestion
Dizziness or feeling like you’re going to pass out
Cold sweat
The symptoms are the same for women, but women are more likely than men to have symptoms unrelated to chest pains, such as:
Jaw pain or pain that spreads to the jaw
Sudden fatigue or unusual fatigue lasting for several days
Sleep disturbances
Nausea or vomiting
A woman’s symptoms may occur more often while resting – even asleep. These aren’t necessarily the only warning signs, but doctors recommend that if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms that you call 911 immediately.
from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/2019/01/09/fox4s-kerri-stowell-others-trained-in-cpr-help-save-chiefs-fan-who-suffered-massive-heart-attack/
from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2019/01/10/fox4s-kerri-stowell-others-trained-in-cpr-help-save-chiefs-fan-who-suffered-massive-heart-attack/
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Being weak, small or old is not necessarily a weakness in a disaster situation if you have enough knowledge, skills and the proper mindset to survive. Skills and knowledge take time to acquire, and so is the mindset that makes you strong and able to survive when the world around you is falling apart.
Knowledge is a supply that you can carry with you freely. It doesn’t weight anything and it can’t be stolen. If you want to stay safe, you need to know how to stay healthy and deter those people who think you’re too weak to protect yourself.
Read this article for a bunch of helpful tips that will help you stay safe and sound in time of need!
7 First Aid Survival Tips for Seniors
Knowing how to recognize and treat common sicknesses and injuries is a skill that any prepper should master. Being a senior might make the things worse, as rapid treatment could make the difference between life and death.
Chances are good that many people won’t know symptoms or have any supplies to treat injuries, so you can potentially save lives just by using what you know and what you have in your first aid kit. Here are a few tips that may help.
Have a First Aid Manual
First aid manuals are full of how-to’s, pictures, and lists of symptoms for common ailments such as dehydration or infection. Having a manual to refer to can help keep things clear in your head or help you identify maladies faster than you normally would.
Carry one with you in your survival kit and in your bug-out bag. While you’re at it, toss in a book of homeopathic remedies and edible medicinal herbs.
Take a First Aid/CPR Class
These are often offered for free at your local emergency services offices or home extension offices. They teach you how to treat a variety of injuries and ailments including cuts, burns, breaks, dehydration, infection, punctures and eye injuries. Encourage your friends and family to take the course with you.
CPR may be a separate class but is well worth your time. You’ll learn how to revive somebody who isn’t breathing and/or doesn’t have a heartbeat. Even if you can’t revive them, keeping oxygen flowing to their brain will help them survive without brain damage until you can get them to a hospital.
Have Emergency Contact Cards or Bracelets
These can be as simple as index cards that you keep in your wallet. Bracelets can be made at local pet stores that you can wear on a bracelet. List your name, emergency contact info, medical conditions, allergies, and medications.
3 Second SEAL Test Will Tell You If You’ll Survive A SHTF Situation
Numbers and medication names can be difficult to remember if your injured or even scared, so having them written down may save your life or the life of a loved one.
Keep Your Emergency First Aid Kit Stocked
We’ve already discussed what you should have in your kit but make sure that everybody in the house knows that it’s for emergencies only.
It won’t do you any good in a SHTF situation if somebody robs all of the band aids and hearing aid batteries out of it instead of getting those from the regular household supply.
Keep Tabs on Local Weather Events
If you’ve lived in an area all of your life, you likely know what types of severe weather events to expect. Know the difference between storm watches (weather patterns are such that a storm may form) and storm warnings (an event has already formed and is on the way).
If you’re traveling, educate yourself on the types of weather events that you may encounter in vacationland. Check their local weather before you leave so that you’ll know what to expect and can be prepared regardless of where you’re at.
Be Tech-Savvy
In a time of emergency, text messaging and data services such as internet connections may be more reliable than traditional phone calls. If you know how to use these services, you may be more apt to have a means of communication than if you’re relying on a phone line.
Stay Hydrated
Your body loses water through breathing, sweating, urinating and defecating. If you don’t replace this water regularly (2-3 liters per day), you’ll die quickly. Knowing the signs of dehydration are crucial so that you can recognize it in yourself or in others. They are:
Dark colored urine with a strong “pee” smell
Not urinating as often as usual
Fatigue
Brain fog
Dark or sunken eyes
Your skin doesn’t “snap back” when you pinch your arm
Mood swings
Slow capillary refill – when you squeeze down on your fingernail, the white should go away immediately when you release it. If not, drink!
Being thirsty. This may seem like a no-brainer, but if you’re feeling thirst, you’re already dehydrated.
Decrease in sweating
Swollen or shriveled tongue
It’s also imperative that you maintain adequate nutrition because your body requires minerals and vitamins to properly absorb water, maintain healthy blood pressure and just survive.
Self-Defense for Seniors
When it comes to defending yourself, you have a couple of advantages that may make up for your slightly slower reflexes. First, the older you are, the more an attacker is going to underestimate you. They going to be more likely to assume that you’re an easy mark just because you’re older or perhaps physically challenged.
Second, they’re going to expect you to be afraid. If you don’t show fear, it’s possible that you can throw them off-kilter long enough to buy yourself a few extra, precious seconds.
There are a few things that you can do to make this time count.
Take a Martial Arts Class
Though this may sound silly to you, the health benefits of martial arts are out of this world. It helps prevent muscle atrophy and bone loss and it keeps your connective tissues healthy. It also has the added benefit of giving you some extra skills that you can use to defend yourself if SHTF.
No matter what your fitness level is or what your physical abilities are, there are martial arts classes designed to meet your needs. The secret is to find a good trainer, and if there isn’t a senior’s martial arts class in your area, talk to a sensei about starting one. If you’re interested, most likely other seniors in your area are, too!
A huge advantage to a senior’s martial arts or self-defense class is that you’ll meet other seniors interested in learning to defend themselves. It’s likely that some of them will be doing it for the same reason that you are – prepping for SHTF.
Put out some feelers and you may just find some valuable allies that will be willing to join forces with you. That can be invaluable.
Learn to Use Your Brain as a Weapon
If your home is invaded in a survival situation, it may be more pertinent to use your head rather than your fists to defend yourself until you can gain the upper hand. For instance, trick the person into believing that you’re weaker than you really are.
Find non-traditional weapons that are handy such as your cane, a lamp, or even an ashtray. Make your first attempt count because you may not get another shot.
Offer to get your “money” from your purse and reach for you weapon instead. Don’t bother pulling it out; a gun will fire just fine though the bottom of your bag.
Consider Buying Non-Traditional Weapons
In addition to your standard guns, there are common items that have now been weaponized to help older people level the playing field. There are stun canes that look like a regular cane but actually have stun-gun capabilities when engaged. There are cell phones like that, too.
Just about anything can be used as a weapon. Canned food, keys, a pen, lamps, rocks; really whatever you can get your hands on will be better than nothing but again, make your first move count by aiming for the throat, nose, head, groin or eyes if possible.
Carry your standard weapon, too. Pepper spray or your gun won’t do you any good if they’re in the upstairs drawer. It’s time to survive so be ready at all times.
Bring as Little Attention to Your Place as Possible
If your place is already boarded up and unattractive-looking, don’t bring any more attention to the fact that you’re there than necessary. Make trips outside during times that nobody is likely to see you.
If you can, build a path that’s blocked from public view in advance. Using shrubbery or fencing will allow you a greater amount of privacy to come and go on your property undetected.
If you’re cooking with wood, try to use your stove before dawn and after dusk, times when the smoke is less likely to be seen.
Plan in Advance
The worst time to figure out how you’re going to respond in any given situation is when you’re actually in that situation.
Have an action plan based upon numerous scenarios and practice what to do in each situation. By doing this, you’ll identify possible holes in your plan and you’ll also be prepared to act instead of react when faced with the real-life problem.
Sometimes the best self-defense is to back down and escape. It’s OK to run if you need to; if you’re faced with certain death or the need to leave your home, by all means, leave! If evacuation is part of your plan, you may want to hide a stockpile away from your home in a place such as a storage unit.
Also, pack a bug-out bag with all of the necessary supplies that you’ll need to get you to your bug-out location.
Take a Weapons Course or Join a Shooting Club
Knowing how to use your weapon is one thing but being comfortable with it is another. Taking a weapons course is a great way to safely learn how your gun works and how best to use it. You’ll also learn its shortcomings, which is just as important as knowing its strengths.
Joining a local shooting club has a few advantages. First, the more you load and fire your gun, the more comfortable you’ll be with it when it comes time to defend yourself. Gun clubs are also great places to meet like-minded people.
If you’re interested in being part of a community prepping network, chances are good that you’ll meet fellow preppers at a gun club. Just cautiously feel around. If nothing else, you might make some friends.
There are many ways to learn how to defend yourself but the most important thing to remember is that you need to stick to the plan of attack (or escape) once you’ve committed to it. Train your skills and use your age as an advantage to stay safe!
This article has been written by Theresa Crouse for Survivopedia.
from Survivopedia
Don't forget to visit the store and pick up some gear at The COR Outfitters. How prepared are you for emergencies?
#SurvivalFirestarter #SurvivalBugOutBackpack #PrepperSurvivalPack #SHTFGear #SHTFBag
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The importance of HCP courses in saving lives
The importance of HCP courses in saving lives
When a person has a heart attack or a stroke, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is used to maintain brain function until a more effective device can do the same thing. In order to protect the patient's blood flow, the heart must be artificially maintained. CPR Training Winnipeg involves applying adequate pressure to the chest with the palms of the hands while doing at least 100 compressions. By doing this, the heart is supported as it pumps blood throughout the body. To assist the breathing process as well, this action should be alternated with breathing into the person's mouth or utilizing a device to pump air into the person's mouth.
What can you learn by following HCP courses Winnipeg?
It just pauses the process of tissue degradation and potential long-term brain damage; it does not mean the individual is spared from tragedy.
While seeking expert assistance is crucial to achieving any kind of long-term resolution, timely CPR Training Winnipeg administration may even save a patient's death and brain damage.
It acts as a heart and keeps pumping blood, particularly when breathing is uncomfortable, unnatural, or otherwise irregular.
Taking HCP classes
In order to offer HCP and other First Aid Training Winnipeg, it has become customary to seek the services of hospitals and private clinics. However, with the internet serving as the new manual, there are numerous online courses available that teach not just the principles but also include interactive modules like videos and other tools, as well as questions for clarification. HCP Courses Winnipeg This makes the overall experience productive. Following are some benefits of taking classes online:
The most of them are free, but you should always verify the legitimacy of the website and the advisor. Poor HCP performance might put more people at risk. Additionally, you must be a motivated and engaged student. When executing the act, there are a number of angles that must be correct, and it is essential to gain a full view of the act in progress. And in order for it to happen, you need to be a careful spectator.
The ability to study at one's leisure and in the comfort of one's own home makes online courses somewhat superior to workshops. You can buy a First Aid Kit Winnipeg to get the best possible learning experience.
New techniques are updated often, and the outdated ones are modified to better fit fresh discoveries. Online, this information is extremely simple to update. One of the few reputable websites where you may take exams and learn from experts is the American Heart Association. You may also visit a number of websites that are affiliated with reputable medical trusts online.
Your ability to do HCP will increase, and you'll also get the self-assurance of a leader and the ability to take action when it counts.
They provide the person the ability to aid others in urgent circumstances while waiting for medical assistance.
Using HCP courses Winnipeg to save lives
Now is the time to get familiar with HCP Courses Winnipeg since you never know when it may be necessary, and you might play a crucial role in saving someone's life.
The emergency treatment known as HCP, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is done when someone has cardiac arrest (the heart stops beating) or respiratory arrest (cessation of breathing). By applying pressure to the victim's chest, artificial circulation is created, allowing oxygenated blood to be delivered to the brain. As the most basic type of HCP, the American Heart Association currently solely recommends chest compressions for lay rescuers who may wish to assist but are unable to or reluctant to do rescue breathing.
This life-saving skill may be learned in a variety of ways. The American Heart Association provides a self-teach alternative, a package complete with a DVD, practice manikin, and reading material, available in adult or baby sizes. You may also pick an instructor who will give you lessons on a one-to-one basis. If you have a computer at home, you may access CD-ROM or DVD, Teleseminars, Webinars, web, and eLearning sites online to save time and energy. There is a live teacher component to the online alternatives.
#AED training#AED Training Winnipeg#Canadian Red Cross#Canadian Red Cross App#Canadian Red Cross First Aid App#CPR courses#CPR Courses in Winnipeg#CPR Courses Winnipeg#CPR training#CPR Training in Winnipeg#first aid courses#First Aid Courses Winnipeg#First Aid Training in Winnipeg#HCP Courses in Winnipeg#HCP Courses Winnipeg
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F.A.S.T. Thinking Helped Lane Save His Mom
Editor’s note: Stroke awareness is always important, and there’s extra emphasis on spreading the word in May, which is American Stroke Month. For instance, a survey released Monday showed that one-third of of U.S. adults have had symptoms consistent with a mini-stroke, but only 3 percent called 911 for help. Yet while facts and statistics make the point quite persuasively, the message is perhaps best told through the story of Lane and Flo Matte.
Flo Matte is a Friday morning regular at the Impressions Hair Salon in Moss Bluff, Louisiana. It’s a great chance to get her hair done and to catch up on all the happenings around town.
On the last Friday of January, she was scheduled to have foot surgery. That shook up her routine. She went to the salon on a Thursday afternoon instead.
Then she did something even more unusual: In the middle of her appointment, she called her son, Lane.
“Can you come pick me up?” she said. “I don’t feel good.”
The words didn’t sound right to Lane. They seemed slurred, as if she was calling from the dentist’s office with her mouth packed in gauze.
Immediately, a voice played in Lane’s head. The voice of an American Stroke Association public service announcement about how to spot a stroke “F.A.S.T.” The commercial is on heavy rotation at Super Talk 1400 out of Lake Charles, the conservative talk radio station Lane listens to all day, every weekday.
Lane knew that speech difficulty is the S in the acronym F.A.S.T. He asked Flo to hand the phone to her beautician, Vicky Dupuis, to run through the rest of the letters: F for face drooping and A for arm weakness.
Vicky noticed no drooping, but saw splotches on Flo’s face. She couldn’t tell if either arm was weak. Some people might’ve doubted the severity of the situation. Not Lane. Knowing that the T stands for time to call 911, he did exactly that, sending an ambulance to Impressions for a woman possibly suffering a stroke.
Lane’s instincts were correct. Flo suffered what’s known as a “warning stroke,” technically called a transient ischemic attack or TIA. A TIA is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. The warning is that it could be an indicator of a full-blown stroke on the horizon.
Flo had another TIA while at the local hospital, prompting the ER doctor to say Flo needed to be flown to New Orleans for more advanced care. Minutes later, a helicopter team walked in … completely by coincidence. It was a few weeks before Mardi Gras and the flight paramedics dropped in to deliver a king cake as a gift for the hospital staff. Since they were already in place, they jumped into action, getting Flo the advanced care she needed right away.
After a week of testing and observation, doctors adjusted medications to control Flo’s blood pressure and she returned home. Flo, 74, has been doing fine ever since. There’s a saying in stroke care that “time lost is brain lost,” and everyone’s speedy actions seem to have prevented any long-term damage.
“I don’t think I took a deep breath until she was discharged,” Lane said.
Ever since, Lane’s been spreading the word that without the F.A.S.T. commercial, there’s no telling what might have happened to his mom.
He started by sending a letter to my organization, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.
“I wanted to thank you so very much for creating that Public Service Announcement,” he wrote. “Had it not been for that commercial, and how frequently it was aired, I most likely would have just went and picked her up and brought her home like she asked. It is highly likely that your Public Service Announcement saved my mother’s life, and for that I cannot thank you enough!”
A scanned copy of the note happened to reach my team while we were in Houston for the International Stroke Conference, the world’s premier event dedicated to the science and treatment of this disease. Our volunteer president, Dr. Steven Houser, read it minutes before delivering the opening address.
Dr. Houser’s speech focused on the growing concern around the fact that stroke – the No. 2 killer worldwide, and No. 5 in the United States – is becoming a bigger problem. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show a rising death rate from stroke each of the past two years.
The latest data shows an increase of about 20 deaths per day from stroke.
Scientists and medical professionals are doing their part to reverse this trend. Other people, can, too. All it takes is knowing the warning signs and being prepared to act on them.
Like Lane did.
Lane spent 20 years as a police officer, working primarily on cases involving domestic violence, severe child abuse and sex crimes. He’s seen a lot of awful things and been trained to deal with them. He also was trained in CPR.
But stroke?
“All I really knew was that it was a problem with a blood vessel in the brain and that it could be fatal,” he said.
He left law enforcement in 2014. His father died and Lane took over his business, Bob’s Rental Properties. He’s spent the past three years running the office from a building behind his mom’s house.
Whether he’s in that office or in his truck visiting his properties, Lane listens to talk radio. Just like he can tell you each radio host’s view on various issues, he can also recite their most-played commercials.
So when Lane sent his letter to my organization, he also contacted officials at the radio station to thank them. Producers and hosts already knew him – he’s a frequent caller – so they asked him to share his story on the air. He’s also posted it multiple places on Facebook.
“Had I not heard that commercial so often, when she said to pick me up, I would’ve done exactly that – picked her up, took her home, laid her down to rest and said, `See you tomorrow,’” Lane said. “Who knows what would’ve happened if I’d done that.”
A second wave of publicity followed when he received a thank-you note from my organization. A third wave is likely to follow the publication of this story.
Lane is keeping the story going. As with his career in law enforcement, “I never wanted to be a hero, I just wanted to do my job and help people.”
His message is simple: Everyone is at risk of a stroke. And anyone can help minimize the damage.
All it takes is remembering four letters: F.A.S.T.
“Know what to look for,” he said, “and call 911.”
-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
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F.A.S.T. Thinking Helped Lane Save His Mom
Editor’s note: Stroke awareness is always important, and there’s extra emphasis on spreading the word in May, which is American Stroke Month. For instance, a survey released Monday showed that one-third of of U.S. adults have had symptoms consistent with a mini-stroke, but only 3 percent called 911 for help. Yet while facts and statistics make the point quite persuasively, the message is perhaps best told through the story of Lane and Flo Matte.
Flo Matte is a Friday morning regular at the Impressions Hair Salon in Moss Bluff, Louisiana. It’s a great chance to get her hair done and to catch up on all the happenings around town.
On the last Friday of January, she was scheduled to have foot surgery. That shook up her routine. She went to the salon on a Thursday afternoon instead.
Then she did something even more unusual: In the middle of her appointment, she called her son, Lane.
“Can you come pick me up?” she said. “I don’t feel good.”
The words didn’t sound right to Lane. They seemed slurred, as if she was calling from the dentist’s office with her mouth packed in gauze.
Immediately, a voice played in Lane’s head. The voice of an American Stroke Association public service announcement about how to spot a stroke “F.A.S.T.” The commercial is on heavy rotation at Super Talk 1400 out of Lake Charles, the conservative talk radio station Lane listens to all day, every weekday.
Lane knew that speech difficulty is the S in the acronym F.A.S.T. He asked Flo to hand the phone to her beautician, Vicky Dupuis, to run through the rest of the letters: F for face drooping and A for arm weakness.
Vicky noticed no drooping, but saw splotches on Flo’s face. She couldn’t tell if either arm was weak. Some people might’ve doubted the severity of the situation. Not Lane. Knowing that the T stands for time to call 911, he did exactly that, sending an ambulance to Impressions for a woman possibly suffering a stroke.
Lane’s instincts were correct. Flo suffered what’s known as a “warning stroke,” technically called a transient ischemic attack or TIA. A TIA is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. The warning is that it could be an indicator of a full-blown stroke on the horizon.
Flo had another TIA while at the local hospital, prompting the ER doctor to say Flo needed to be flown to New Orleans for more advanced care. Minutes later, a helicopter team walked in … completely by coincidence. It was a few weeks before Mardi Gras and the flight paramedics dropped in to deliver a king cake as a gift for the hospital staff. Since they were already in place, they jumped into action, getting Flo the advanced care she needed right away.
After a week of testing and observation, doctors adjusted medications to control Flo’s blood pressure and she returned home. Flo, 74, has been doing fine ever since. There’s a saying in stroke care that “time lost is brain lost,” and everyone’s speedy actions seem to have prevented any long-term damage.
“I don’t think I took a deep breath until she was discharged,” Lane said.
Ever since, Lane’s been spreading the word that without the F.A.S.T. commercial, there’s no telling what might have happened to his mom.
He started by sending a letter to my organization, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.
“I wanted to thank you so very much for creating that Public Service Announcement,” he wrote. “Had it not been for that commercial, and how frequently it was aired, I most likely would have just went and picked her up and brought her home like she asked. It is highly likely that your Public Service Announcement saved my mother’s life, and for that I cannot thank you enough!”
A scanned copy of the note happened to reach my team while we were in Houston for the International Stroke Conference, the world’s premier event dedicated to the science and treatment of this disease. Our volunteer president, Dr. Steven Houser, read it minutes before delivering the opening address.
Dr. Houser’s speech focused on the growing concern around the fact that stroke – the No. 2 killer worldwide, and No. 5 in the United States – is becoming a bigger problem. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show a rising death rate from stroke each of the past two years.
The latest data shows an increase of about 20 deaths per day from stroke.
Scientists and medical professionals are doing their part to reverse this trend. Other people, can, too. All it takes is knowing the warning signs and being prepared to act on them.
Like Lane did.
Lane spent 20 years as a police officer, working primarily on cases involving domestic violence, severe child abuse and sex crimes. He’s seen a lot of awful things and been trained to deal with them. He also was trained in CPR.
But stroke?
“All I really knew was that it was a problem with a blood vessel in the brain and that it could be fatal,” he said.
He left law enforcement in 2014. His father died and Lane took over his business, Bob’s Rental Properties. He’s spent the past three years running the office from a building behind his mom’s house.
Whether he’s in that office or in his truck visiting his properties, Lane listens to talk radio. Just like he can tell you each radio host’s view on various issues, he can also recite their most-played commercials.
So when Lane sent his letter to my organization, he also contacted officials at the radio station to thank them. Producers and hosts already knew him – he’s a frequent caller – so they asked him to share his story on the air. He’s also posted it multiple places on Facebook.
“Had I not heard that commercial so often, when she said to pick me up, I would’ve done exactly that – picked her up, took her home, laid her down to rest and said, `See you tomorrow,’” Lane said. “Who knows what would’ve happened if I’d done that.”
A second wave of publicity followed when he received a thank-you note from my organization. A third wave is likely to follow the publication of this story.
Lane is keeping the story going. As with his career in law enforcement, “I never wanted to be a hero, I just wanted to do my job and help people.”
His message is simple: Everyone is at risk of a stroke. And anyone can help minimize the damage.
All it takes is remembering four letters: F.A.S.T.
“Know what to look for,” he said, “and call 911.”
-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
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