Tornado Update

Last night Diane and I were chatting about the most recent outbreak of tornados across the country and felt that an update to our two earlier articles (April 16 and 30) was needed. During my research this morning I found this information on Wikipedia which provided a nice recap of the past two months. In addition, located a good preparedness article:

• http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/edu/safety/tornado.pdf  Tornados … Nature's Most Violent Storms – A Preparedness Guide. I strongly recommend that you print this guide, read it and prepare yourself and your family.

April 2011 was the most active month on record, capped by an extreme tornado outbreak that killed over 340 people in the final week. By contrast, the first three weeks of May were remarkably quiet with no major outbreaks and only isolated tornadoes. However, that pattern abruptly changed as a strong low pressure area and associated dry line and cold front tracked eastward.



EF3 tornado that struck Reading, Kansas



On May 21, a small system of thunderstorms began to develop in Brown County, Kansas. At the same time, another system formed to the southeast of Emporia, Kansas. The Brown county system developed into a tornado over Shawnee County, Kansas, and touched down over Topeka, Kansas, for several seconds causing minor damage nearby. Meanwhile the Emporia system continued to move to the northeast, where an EF3 (Enhanced Fujita Scale) tornado heavily damaged the town of Reading, Kansas. One person was killed there, several others were injured and at least 20 houses were destroyed. After hitting Topeka it hit several towns including Oskaloosa, Kansas, doing extensive damage to that community. Several other tornadoes touched down in the region that evening.



A moderate risk of severe weather was issued for much of the Midwest south to Oklahoma for May 22. The first tornadic supercell that day developed in the mid-afternoon hours over the western Twin Cities with a swath of damage, especially in and around Minneapolis, Minnesota. An intense tornado also tracked towards Harmony, Minnesota, that afternoon and a tornado emergency was issued. Late that afternoon, a very large and intense multiple-vortex tornado resulted in catastrophic damage in Joplin, Missouri EF-4). It was the deadliest single tornado in the U.S. since at least 1953.



Once again, a moderate risk of severe weather was issued for two regions on May 23 - the southern Plains and the lower Great Lakes - although the tornado threat was lower with the main threats being damaging wind and large hail. Such was also issued for May 24 across the southern Plains, centered around eastern Oklahoma, with strong to violent tornadoes considered to be a major threat.



Please join us in keeping these folks in our thoughts and prayers and give generously, if you can, to the American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/).



We will continue to monitor this year's tornado season and provide updates as needed. With regard to preparedness, this week in Hurricane Preparedness Week and we will post an article this week.



Almost a post script...the weather folks are predicting more severe storms today and tomorrow in many of the same areas hit since this past weekend.

The need for Better Sleep

The movie line, '… sleep is over rated…' could not be more wrong if one tried. It is like recharging your cell phone battery, forget and it stops working. Same happens to you, just a little slower. And the impact on your body can be deadly.


Do you want to be productive, mentally sharp, emotionally balanced, and full of energy all day long? The way you feel during your waking hours hinges on how well you sleep at night. The cure to sleep difficulties and daytime fatigue can often be found in your daily routine. Your sleep schedule, bedtime habits, and day–to–day lifestyle choices make an enormous difference in the quality of your nightly rest.





Can you relate to these problems?

• Your partner kicks in his or her sleep, waking you up.
  
• Your partner likes it hot, but you like it cool.
  
• Your partner snores, keeping you up at night.
  
• Your partner tosses and turns.
  
• Your partner loves to cuddle, but you like your space while you sleep.
  
• Your sleep schedules don't match.
  
• Your bedroom feels more like an office than a place to sleep.
  
• Your CPAP machine makes too much noise and keeps your partner awake.
  

My darling wife deals with most of these items on the list, especially the last one.

Here are some tips from the Better Sleep Council for maintaining a healthy sleep cycle and ensuring the best night's rest:

• Make sleep a priority by keeping a consistent sleep (bedtime) and wake schedule, including weekends
  
• Create a bedtime routine that is relaxing. Experts recommend reading a book, listening to soothing music or soaking in a hot bath.
  
• Transform your bedroom into a haven of comfort. Create a room that is dark, quiet, comfortable and cool for the best possible sleep.
  
• Evaluate your mattress and pillow to ensure proper comfort and support. If your mattress is five to seven years old, it may be time for a new one. In general, pillows should be replaced every year.
  
• Keep work materials, computers and televisions out of the bedroom; it should be used for sleep and sex only.
  
• Exercise regularly, but complete workouts at least two hours before bedtime.
  
• If you sleep with a partner, your mattress should allow each of you enough space to move easily. Couples who've been sleeping on a "double" (full size) may think they have enough room, until they learn that each person has only as much sleeping space as a baby's crib!
  
• Avoid nicotine (e.g., cigarettes, tobacco products). Used close to bedtime, it can lead to poor sleep.
  
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol (e.g., coffee, tea, and soft drinks, chocolate) close to bedtime. It can keep you awake.
  
• Finish eating at least two to three hours before bedtime.
  

AMERICANS GET PHYSICAL AFTER A GOOD NIGHT IN BED

New findings show better sleep linked to improved physical performance. While weary, overextended Americans are turning to "quick fixes" like caffeine and performance-enhancing supplements, which claim to improve everything from their daily workout to their sex lives, they are losing sight of what experts say is essential to improved performance: a good night's sleep. In fact, according to the 2008 Better Sleep Month (BSM) national survey, sponsored by the Better Sleep Council (BSC):

• Respondents getting nine hours of sleep or more are more likely to engage in higher-intensity workouts (biking, running, weight lifting, etc.).
  
• Seven in 10 (70 percent) report that they are not getting the recommended amount of sleep needed each night (7.5 hours or more) to perform at their best each day.
  
• "Sleep deprivation impacts us physically, which can negatively affect our coordination, agility, mood and energy," says Dr. Bert Jacobson, professor and head of the School of Educational Studies at Oklahoma State University (OSU) and the lead author of the new study Grouped Comparisons of Sleep Quality for New and Personal Bedding Systems. "Research shows that sleeping better and longer leads to improvements in athletic performance, including faster sprint time, better endurance, lower heart rate, and even improved mood and higher levels of energy during a workout." (Better Sleep Council)
  

17 Healthful Sleep Tips (from sleepbetter.org)

1. Retire within two hours and rise within one hour of the same time every day, even on weekends.
   
2. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol, which suppress deep sleep, within three to six hours of bedtime.
   
3. Avoid heavy meals within three hours of bedtime.
   
4. Use your bed for resting or sleeping, not for office work, watching television or playing video games (unless it helps you to doze off).
   
5. Exercise moderately for 30 minutes a day, but no later than three hours before lights out, unless exercise relaxes you, then it may actually help you sleep.
   
6. Sip warm milk or herb tea before bed to raise body temperature and to help induce sleep. Chamomile tea is a good choice.
   
7. Snack on protein and complex carbohydrates up to one hour before bed to enlist the aid of these naturally calming compounds.
   
8. Nap no later than 8 hours before you are planning on going to bed to avoid sleep interference.
   
9. Put work aside two to three hours before sleeping.
   
10. Write out a "worry list" or "to-do list" of bothersome matters before bed to help your mind disengage.
    
11. Make the bedroom into a sanctuary. Try aromatherapy, or bring the freshness of the outdoors inside with air-dried sheets and sunned pillows and comforters. Linen sprays scented with soothing lavender or rose offer another option.
    
12. Pamper yourself with massage, meditation, soothing music, yoga, positive imagery, biofeedback, a warm bath or other techniques that help the brain kick back and unwind.
    
13. Keep the bedroom quiet, dark and cool.
    
14. If you fail to fall asleep within 25 minutes, get out of bed and read for a while, selecting soothing rather than stimulating material.
    
15. Consult a doctor before taking melatonin, which may produce insomnia if given at the wrong time, or other sleep-aids, which may prove ineffective, unhealthy or habit-forming.
    
16. Dim lights two to three hours before bedtime and get out in bright sunshine for five to 30 minutes as soon as you arise to help set your brain's internal clock to your sleep-wake schedule.
    
17. If slumber continues to elude you, consider a visit to a sleep specialist.
    

Recommended links for more information on Better Sleep:

Better Sleep Council http://www.bettersleep.org

http://www.bettersleep.org/pdfs/BetterSleepGuide_English.pdf

Sleep Council  www.sleepcouncil.com

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/ncsdr

http://www.4women.gov/whw/healthinfo/

Sleep Products Safety Council

http://www.safesleep.org/



In summary folks, find what formula works for you to prepare for bed and to a good rest each and every time. Be good to your body, yourself and love ones – take this serious– please.

Mental Health Month 2011

By Diane Forrest

 
Today, Monday, May 23 - we are highlighting Mental Health.   I was a bit overwhelmed when asked to write this, I was thinking about Mental Illness... and all the pages of stuff I could write about. However Mental Illness and Mental Health are not the same. Mental health is how people think, act and cope with life and the stressors and challenges that are part of the human experience. The state of one's mental health can influence the ways in which they look at themselves, their life and others around them. It also strongly influences an individual's potential for achieving their goals and is an important tool in obtaining and maintaining a feeling of wellbeing.

Did you know that 1 in 4 adults struggle with a treatable mental health condition each year?  They could be family members, friends, veterans, or colleagues quietly struggling with depression, ADHD, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, or some other mental health issue.

If not dealt with properly, the stresses of everyday life can build up to a point that drains your ability to rest, have energy, be productive, concentrate, have relationships, and enjoy life.

Some ways to promote good mental health include:

• Address coping skills such as:
  
• Stress management techniques (i.e. yoga, breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation)
  
• Mindfulness, (i.e. "living in the moment")
  
• Lifestyle behaviors (i.e. physical activity, writing, having a support network)
  
• Setting realistic goals, evaluating different lifestyle choices and techniques that help both body and mind to improve mental health wellness
  
• Help individuals find support groups and wellness events in their local communities
  

There are many stressors in the world today. Things like the economy, wars, the cost of gas, the problems with employment, kids. It's hard to relax with all we have to worry about. It is important to take time out for yourself. Soak in a tub, take a walk, pet your dog or cat, stop and smell the flowers. Watch a funny movie.





Take slow deep breaths and just relax.....After all, tomorrow IS another day!


 
Top 10 Tools

1. Connect with others
   
2. Stay positive
   
3. Get physically active
   
4. Help others
   
5. Get enough sleep
   
6. Create joy and satisfaction
   
7. Eat Well
   
8. Take care of your spirit
   
9. Deal better with hard times
   
10. Get professional help if you need it
    

 
Mental Health Month: 3 Ways to Advocate for Mental Health

1. Get Social – spread the word about mental health.
   
2. Be Supportive – Look for mental health support groups in your area.
   
3. Raise Money – Donating to local or national mental health in your area.

This Week, May 23rd, on Keeping it Simple ...

Greeting fellow KISBYTO readers and it’s that time again to highlight was on our agenda to share with you this coming week.  The month of May is winding down, but there are still a couple important health-related topics.

• Mental Health –Did you know that 1 in 4 adults struggle with a treatable mental health condition each year?  If not dealt with properly, the stresses of everyday life can build up to a point that drains your ability to rest, have energy, be productive, concentrate, have relationships, and enjoy life.

• Better Sleep – How many of us have frequent difficulties getting a good night’s rest?  I for one do, and I retired over a year ago. We will share some of the latest information on helping you get a better sleep and more frequently.
• National Missing and Exploited Children – Can you imagine having one of your children missing?  It is every parent’s nightmare, yet every day, more children disappear without a trace.
• Blood Pressure -   Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the circulating blood against the blood vessels and far too many of us have high blood pressure/hypertension.
• Sun Screen Day – How often do we see the commercials on TV or hear them on the radio station about ensuring you protect your skin and apply sun screen lotion or spray. Last week while aboard the cruise ship, there were several reminder broadcast, yet you could see many forks you simply ignored those warning and look like a lobster.
• Hamburger Day – Our first long, holiday weekend of the summer is coming up and folks are already getting ready for the big cook-outs, BBQs, special sauces being mixed as they cook their favorite, special meals to start the summer off on the right foot. Yummy!
• Correct posture – We all know better, but how often do you find yourself hunched over your computer keyboard, typing away, moving that mouse, and jotting down notes.  Most of us are guilty – our backs send those little messages to the brain, ‘hey dummy, listen up…”.  And that is just one example.

 A big thanks to all who visited us last week, we sincerely appreciate you taking time to see us and hope you continue coming back - and please spread the word!

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) 2011

This week we are honoring the Emergency Medical Services (EMS).   Who are they? What do they do? EMS are a type of emergency service dedicated to providing out-of-hospital acute medical care and/or transport to definitive care, to patients with illnesses and injuries which the patient, or the medical practitioner, believes constitutes a medical emergency.  The term emergency medical service evolved to reflect a change from a simple system of ambulances providing only transportation, to a system in which actual medical care is given on scene and during transport. In some jurisdictions, EMS units may handle technical rescue operations such as extrication, water rescue, and search and rescue.

History

Documentation of the first EMS is found in the Bible with the story of the Good Samaritan.   Luke 10:34 (NIV) - "He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him."  The first known hospital-based ambulance service operated out of Commercial Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio (now the Cincinnati General) by 1865.  This was soon followed by other services, notably the New York service provided out of Bellevue Hospital which started in 1869 with ambulances carrying medical equipment, such as splints, a stomach pump, morphine, and brandy, reflecting contemporary medicine.

Purpose

Emergency medical services exists to fulfill the basic principles of first aid, which are to Preserve Life, Prevent Further Injury, and Promote Recovery.

This common theme in medicine is demonstrated by the "star of life". The Star of Life , where each of the 'arms' to the star represent one of the 6 points. These 6 points are used to represent the six stages of high quality pre-hospital care, which are:

• Early detection - Members of the public, or another agency, find the incident and understand the problem
• Early response- The first professional (EMS) rescuers arrive on scene as quickly as possible, enabling care to begin
• Early reporting- The first persons on scene make a call to the emergency medical services and provide details to enable a response to be mounted
• Good on-scene care - The emergency medical service provides appropriate and timely interventions to treat the patient at the scene of the incident
• Care in transit- the emergency medical service load the patient in to suitable transport and continue to provide appropriate medical care throughout the journey
• Transfer to definitive care - the patient is handed over to an appropriate care setting, such as the emergency department at a hospital, in to the care of physicians

Members:

• First Responder
• Ambulance Driver
• Ambulance Care Assistant
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Emergency Medical Dispatcher
• Paramedic
• Critical Care Paramedic
• Nurse
• Doctor

EMS does more than just provide a taxi service to and from the hospital.  They are usually the first responder to an accident or any emergency situation.  They assess the situation, provide initial care to stabilize the injured or ill person and perform life saving techniques while transporting to a medical facility.  I had several occasions in which I relied on the EMS here to transport my husband to the hospital.  This was not an easy task.  He weighed around 220 pounds, dead weight. It took 2 EMTs and me to transfer him to a stretcher, then they had to maneuver their way out of the house, which was also complicated considering the turns they had to make.  Once they got him into the ambulance they would initiate oxygen and start an I.V. for fluids before racing him to the hospital.  Not only did I call them during emergency situations, but also on special occasions when he wanted to get out of the bed for holiday celebrations.  They would help me transfer him to his wheelchair, then return to put him back in the bed.  Not only did they not charge for this service, but they did it willingly and cheerfully.

Being a part of the EMS team is not an easy job.   They work 12 to 24 hour shifts, all kinds of weather, and any time of the day or night.  The conditions in which they find their victims is not always the best.  And on top of that they are in charge of doing all they can to save lives while also dealing with confused, upset or irrational people.  They all deserve our respect and gratitude for the hard work they do.  So as we honor them this week, reach out to them, give a pat on the back, and let them know how vital they are to your community and how much they are appreciated.

National Waiters and Waitresses Day 2011

May 21^st this year recognize two important days, Armed Forces and National Waiters and Waitresses Day.  Each hold a special spot in my heart and soul - our service member for all their sacrifices and all that they do; and the servers who make my life that much more enjoyable as I frequently eat out and enjoy their company and friendships.  For the most part, they are hardworking, solid individuals; and of many are college students trying to better their life's.

.

Armed Forces Day 2011

We have often heard that a picture is worth a thousand words. Today, I am going to let these pictures do the talking.

This is a day to salute sharply to all of the men and women in all branches of the service who protect our country and you. 

They can be called upon at a moment's notice to perform a risky and perilous mission for freedom and country. 

They train diligently both physically and mentally so they will be prepared to prevail in any mission they face.





Just how did it all begin? Well, each branch of the military had their own day of celebration. But, on August 31, 1949 then Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of Armed Forces Day. President Harry Truman also announced the holiday in a presidential proclamation on February 20, 1950. 

All branches of the military were asked to celebrate on this day and they complied on the first Armed Forces Day which was held the following year on May 20, 1950 (the third Saturday of the month).

Read this again - please.

Thank you for all you do!