14 Important Items to Have During an Emergency

If you're heading out with children, you need to keep some essential items in hand to ensure a pleasant outing. Below are essential items for your family emergency kid recommended by the American Red Cross and FEMA which will help protect yourself and your family during an emergency.

1. A prearranged meeting place
While technically not included in the kit, communication is the first thing to take into consideration when preparing for an emergency. During a natural disaster or a terrorist attack, cell phone signals and landlines can be jammed or out of order. In which case, it is ideal to have a prearranged spot where everyone in the family knows to meet. It may be somewhere close to the children's school or at a centrally located family member's house. Just in case be sure to keep a contact sheet of important numbers.

2. A favorite toy or stuffed animal
It's not only about the clinical items that you will need to keep your family alive. You will also need to think about comfort and security. In the event of an emergency, grab a nearby toy to throw in your kit. This will hopefully keep kids distracted. 

3. Nonperishable food
FEMA advises that you plan a three-day supply of food for the whole family. Opt for staples like canned meats, canned fruit and vegetables, hot and cold cereal, powdered milk and high energy foods like peanut butter, dried fruits, and granola bars. Don't forget the can opener!

4. Fun food
Kids don't always eat what we give them. While canned green beans are convenient for storage and serving, a four-year-old might refuse to eat them - even in an emergency. So, having a few treats on hand could make all the difference with a hungry child. Opt for fruit snacks, cheese or peanut-butter sandwich crackers, ready-made gelatin pudding and things of the sort. 

5. Water
Water is at the top of the list for an emergency kit. Store about one gallon per person, per day (for drinking and hygiene) and storing enough for two weeks at home. Bear in mind that young children and older adults are especially vulnerable to dehydration, so it's better to overstock water than be under-supplied. Don't forget that just like canned food, you cannot keep bottled water around for too long before the quality is compromised. Be sure to have fresh water replaced every six months.

6. Vitamins and medications

In an emergency, access to medications may be limited. So pack a one-month supply of chewable vitamins and the prescriptions your family relies on. 

7. Disposable plates, utensils and paper towels

A disaster may result in tainted tap water. So stock your kit with disposable plates and utensils. It will feel more like camping and less like chaos.

8. Fleece blankets  or zip-up pajamas

Stock up a blanket per person. Remember that small children have a tougher time regulating their body temperature than adults do so make sure you prepare adequate blankets or sleeping bags to keep them comfortable. You'd also need hats and gloves for each child, which will help against cold weather. 

9. Hand crank flashlights

Natural disasters would likely mean a loss of power, possibly for weeks. But if you have manually powered flashlights, lighting up your home after sundown won't be an issue.

10. Hand-crank radio

You'll be thankful that you don't have to rely on batteries to power a radio that delivers important information, like whether it is safe to go outside. 

11. Whistle to signal for help

A good, old-fashioned whistle will make kids feel empowered. Just be sure to have a talk with young children about when to use the whistle and where to find it.

12. Matches in a waterproof container

Your emergency kit should most definitely include all-weather matches which can be used to light a cooking device, sterilize first aid implements and light candles. 

13. First aid with medications

A good first-aid kit is paramount in an emergency situation. It should include items to treat and clean minor wounds, stop serious bleeding and secure broken bones and sprains, as well as a comprehensive first aid manual.

14. Waterproof document storage

In the event of a flood or a fire, you want to make sure that your important documents are safe. So invest in a water and fireproof file storage system to ensure your insurance papers, birth certificates and so on can escape the damage. 

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Important Sinusitis-Relief Tips to Fly in Comfort

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.

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Sinusitis arises when the air spaces (sinuses), which are normally filled with air, become blocked and get filled with fluid. This, in turn, causes symptoms such as facial pain or pressure, nasal stuffiness, nasal discharge, loss of smell, and congestion or coughs. Fever, fatigue, and dental pain could also be experienced at times. When flying, the air pressure inside the head increases, and if the sinuses are congested, this means there is an unbalanced amount of pressure, which can lead to pain. So, to reduce discomfort, you need to tackle the congestion problem to enable the body to deal with the pressure properly.

Here are a few important medical tips to consider before your next flight:

1. Use a saline solution
One of the essentials you need to carry with you on the day of your flight is a saline solution. Fill a small bottle with it and take it with you to your seat. Use it approximately every hour, to minimize the effects of the drying air conditioning within the plane's cabin.

2. Buy a decongestant spray
Decongest your nasal passages by buying some decongestant spray (Oxymetazoline or Phenylephrine) from a drug store and keeping it handy before your flight. Use it one or two hours prior to your flight taking off to ensure proper sinus ventilation throughout. Alternatively, you may use an oral decongestant (Pseudoephedrine or Phenylephrine). It's important to be careful when using these, as they can sometimes cause more dry air to enter the nose. If a nose bleed occurs, a decongestant spray may help to slow it down.

3. Hydrate yourself well
It is recommended that your body is well-hydrated throughout the flight to overcome the effects of dry and poor ventilation at a high altitude. Drinking five to eight glasses of water before and during very long flights will ensure healthy moisture levels in your body, especially in the nasal system.

4. Steam the sinuses
With the lack of humidity on the aircraft, it is easy for your mucus flow to decrease and cause bacteria and viruses to build up as a result. This could worsen or increase the risk of sinus infections. Breathing in the steam from herbal tea can also assist with moisturizing nasal passages before a flight. So while you're waiting at your gate, enjoy a warm cup of herbal tea and feel your sinuses clear out in no time.

5. Avoid caffeine and alcohol
It goes without saying - if there's a lack of humidity in the place, dehydrating your body by drinking alcohol or caffeine is a big no-no. Although drinking coffee is hugely popular at airports and on planes, it does no good to your body, since it contributes to a loss of moisture and hydration - something that should be avoided in the case of sinusitis. Drinking lots of water instead of coffee is always a better idea.

6. Pop your ears
I bet you might have heard of the chewing gum advice and in actual fact, it works. Chewing gum or sucking on a hard candy can really help you to relieve pressure during a flight, because they cause the ears to pop. You can also do this by faking a big yawn every now and then. If this still doesn't work, you may want to consider the advice in the next step.

7. Perform the "Modified Valsalva" maneuver
The "Modified Valsalva" is an exercise you can perform to help the body deal with the cabin pressure on the plane, especially during takeoff and landing. To do it, close your mouth, gently pinch your nose shut using the thumb and forefinger, swallow, and blow into the nose without releasing the thumb and forefinger. This is a way of clearing your sinuses and eardrums and regulating the pressure in your head.
Important: It is advised not to blow strongly when performing the maneuver, and to complete it several times per minute during liftoff and landing, during which the changes in pressure are most felt. It could also be helpful to perform it a few times an hour when the plane is in the air.
If you are particularly sensitive to flight pressure, you may opt for the use of EarPlanes, which are practical products you can wear in your ears to reduce ear discomfort during the plane's ascent and descent. They are typically inexpensive and can be bought from drugstores and kiosks found in the airport.

8. Wear warm clothes
When you're aboard a plane, make sure you are warm enough throughout the flight. Seeing as the temperature tends to be quite cool on an aircraft, your immune system could weaken, making you more susceptible to viruses and infections. It's also a good idea to be warmer during your journey to avoid extra discomfort and fatigue.