Hello again Folks!
I trust we didn't all eat ourselves to death over Christmas and we remembered to drink more water throughout the day. Right?
Well anyways, I was having a great conversation with my beautiful wife about work (her work, she is a Nurse) and she mentioned something about some heavy monitor that took two female nurses to pick up and that got my wheels turning.
LADIES! This one is mostly for you, although MEN can use everything I discuss in their workouts as well.
Today's topic: STRENGTH TRAINING a.k.a Resistance Training
This usually scares most women away, because they see what those female bodybuilders look like and they use the excuse: "I do not want to look like the Lady Hulk!". Trust me YOU WON'T! Those ladies use medical grade supplements and get paid to work out and eat like freaks.
Stregnth training helps prevent Osteoporosis, Cancers, and Heart Disease. Don't believe me check any medical website covering those topics!
So do you have to lift weights? No, unless you prefer to. You can do "bodyweight" exercises like squats, lunges, push ups, pull ups, etc. And with bodyweight exercises, you need NO gym membership and can do them anywhere and can Google the phrase "bodyweight workouts" and find thousands of them.
If you do choose to use weights or powerbands (large rubber tubing with handles on them), make sure you completely understand how to use them. If you are at a gym, ask a trainer (but be ready for their sales pitch). Buddy up: get someone to go with you, and help hold you accountable.
Here are a few total body workouts:
Bodyweight (circuit: perform each exercise for 30 - 60 seconds, then move to the next, until complete, Rest, then repeat the circuit 2-3 times)
- Push ups (can be done from the knees)
- Squats
- Crunches
Weights/Bands (circuit: perform each exercise for 8-10 repititions, then move to the next, until complete, Rest, then repeat the circuit 2-3 times)
- Bench Press (push ups if you are using the PowerBands)
- Squat
- Pull Up (pull down with band anchored to a door while sitting on the floor)
- Weighted Crunch (with band still anchored to the door, kneel facing away from the door, hold the handles over your shoulders and bend at the waist crunching in a downward motion)
Folks all it really takes is you to get out of your way. Make a plan and then stick with it.
If you have a medical condition or previous injury please ask your doctor for alternate exercises to put less stress on your condition. And as with any exercise regimen, always speak with your doctor prior to starting any program.
This week's SuperFood: Spinach
There is a reason Popeye ate it. It does amazing things for your body. It is a nutrient dense, low calorie food packed full of phytochemicals that make your bodies cells work like they are suppose to. I like it raw, because cooking it wastes a lot of nutrients.
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2626/2
Anyways, that's all for this week. If you have anyquestions or comments please feel free to leave them.
Take care!
-DragonSoldier
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Fitness and Nutrition #3
So after my technical difficulties I am back. I had a small fire in my garage and had to get rid of the bulk of my fitness equipment. This also jacked up my cable and internet. Grrrrr!
Anyways, I made it through and all is well. On to the weekly topic.
CARDIO....most folks hate hearing this word, yes even the usual gym rats dislike this word. I bring this topic up because I watched the most recent doomsday prepper show, which was 3 different New York City preppers' escape from the city. 1 young lady did the 13 plus mile trek on foot with her B.O.B. on her back. Another gentlemen did the same, but he met his family at a rendezous point in the outer part of the city. And another gentlemen tried the trek on foot, but quickly decided to switch to a stolen bike, then paddled his inflatable canoe across the river to New Jersey.
What's my point here? CARDIO WAS THE KEY!
I mentioned this before, you must practice footmarching with your B.O.B. or when the time comes to actually do it your adrenaline will get you to a point where you are in trouble.
So what does practicing this, help you determine?
- Your current physical state. Maybe a mountain bike should be on your bugout checklist.
- How does this method of bugging out effect your hydration plan?
- Footwear. Combat boots may not be your new footwear of choice during a bugout situation.
- Foot care. What to do when your feet start breaking down. Great site for footcare kits: http://www.zombierunner.com/store/categories/foot_care/ I used to run ultramarathons, foot care is critical!
- Fuel. When your bugging out on foot, water is important, but you also need to eat. Practice eating while footmarching or you could look into the fuel gels like GU, or CliffShots.
- Comfort of your B.O.B. It may not be as comfortable after 2 to 10 miles.
Lots of variables come into play when your bugout vehicle is Tango Uniform, so make sure your prepare for that scenario just like we do for every other scenario. The bike is a great back up vehicle, but you must practice that as well.
Hope everyone is doing well and please feel free to leave comments or questions. Let me know what fitness preps you are up to.
Until next time.
-DragonSoldier
Anyways, I made it through and all is well. On to the weekly topic.
CARDIO....most folks hate hearing this word, yes even the usual gym rats dislike this word. I bring this topic up because I watched the most recent doomsday prepper show, which was 3 different New York City preppers' escape from the city. 1 young lady did the 13 plus mile trek on foot with her B.O.B. on her back. Another gentlemen did the same, but he met his family at a rendezous point in the outer part of the city. And another gentlemen tried the trek on foot, but quickly decided to switch to a stolen bike, then paddled his inflatable canoe across the river to New Jersey.
What's my point here? CARDIO WAS THE KEY!
I mentioned this before, you must practice footmarching with your B.O.B. or when the time comes to actually do it your adrenaline will get you to a point where you are in trouble.
So what does practicing this, help you determine?
- Your current physical state. Maybe a mountain bike should be on your bugout checklist.
- How does this method of bugging out effect your hydration plan?
- Footwear. Combat boots may not be your new footwear of choice during a bugout situation.
- Foot care. What to do when your feet start breaking down. Great site for footcare kits: http://www.zombierunner.com/store/categories/foot_care/ I used to run ultramarathons, foot care is critical!
- Fuel. When your bugging out on foot, water is important, but you also need to eat. Practice eating while footmarching or you could look into the fuel gels like GU, or CliffShots.
- Comfort of your B.O.B. It may not be as comfortable after 2 to 10 miles.
Lots of variables come into play when your bugout vehicle is Tango Uniform, so make sure your prepare for that scenario just like we do for every other scenario. The bike is a great back up vehicle, but you must practice that as well.
Hope everyone is doing well and please feel free to leave comments or questions. Let me know what fitness preps you are up to.
Until next time.
-DragonSoldier
Interesting Article fixing school violence
http://www.policeone.com/active-shooter/articles/2058168-Active-shooters-in-schools-The-enemy-is-denial
This is spot on assessment and solution of how to handle mass shootings in schools. Schools are Soft Targets (little to No defense) and are preferred targets of criminals and terrorists around the world. Remember the school attack in Beslan, Russia. Osama bin Laden said that the Beslan attack was a rehearsal for nation wide attacks to come to the US. He also said, that western children are "noble" targets. Time to arm teachers like they do in Israel or have a small armed security force at every school in America. That is how you fix this problem. You don't take away the guns of law-abiding citizens, as that will only cause the crime rate to skyrocket!
-DragonSoldier
This is spot on assessment and solution of how to handle mass shootings in schools. Schools are Soft Targets (little to No defense) and are preferred targets of criminals and terrorists around the world. Remember the school attack in Beslan, Russia. Osama bin Laden said that the Beslan attack was a rehearsal for nation wide attacks to come to the US. He also said, that western children are "noble" targets. Time to arm teachers like they do in Israel or have a small armed security force at every school in America. That is how you fix this problem. You don't take away the guns of law-abiding citizens, as that will only cause the crime rate to skyrocket!
-DragonSoldier
Friday, December 14, 2012
Sorry folks!
Sorry folks! I have had major technical difficulties here at the homestead. I will post my usual topics next week. Again so sorry! Thanks for your runderstanding!
-DragonSoldier
-DragonSoldier
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Plague Cruise
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/dec/13/christmas-cruise-plague-ship-norovirus-outbreak
I posted an article last week about the Norovirus in the UK. Here is another one from the Queen's neck of the woods.
I posted an article last week about the Norovirus in the UK. Here is another one from the Queen's neck of the woods.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Nuclear Weapons Effects- tomorrow
Due to extreme Home Cookie Making in my house, I am postponing this post until tomorrow. It was a hard decision, but cookies with the girls rules out!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
NKorea readies its Long Range Missile for Test
http://washington.cbslocal.com/2012/12/05/report-north-korea-could-launch-rocket-by-next-week/
They have already tested this type of missile before only to be internationally embarrassed with a misfire. However, it seems like the source seems to think that they got all the kinks worked out.
If they were to launch a missile at the US and successfully get an air burst detonation over Los Angeles, the radiation would be the least of our problems. The Electro Magnetic Pulse would do widespread damage to the eletrical grid as well as every electrically powered device would be rendered useless, and yes this includes your cars and smart phones.
Tomorrow, I will post my weekly CBRN discussion, and instead of covering filters for APRs as I previously mentioned, in light of the NKorean missile test, I will instead discuss Nuclear Weapons Effects. I should have it up by 8pm tomorrow.
They have already tested this type of missile before only to be internationally embarrassed with a misfire. However, it seems like the source seems to think that they got all the kinks worked out.
If they were to launch a missile at the US and successfully get an air burst detonation over Los Angeles, the radiation would be the least of our problems. The Electro Magnetic Pulse would do widespread damage to the eletrical grid as well as every electrically powered device would be rendered useless, and yes this includes your cars and smart phones.
Tomorrow, I will post my weekly CBRN discussion, and instead of covering filters for APRs as I previously mentioned, in light of the NKorean missile test, I will instead discuss Nuclear Weapons Effects. I should have it up by 8pm tomorrow.
Prepper Fitness #2
A newer trend that is making personal trainers lots of money is "Functional Fitness". In a nutshell its the use of fitness to make you better at specific functions. For instance a golfer won't do 500lbs power squats, he will work on his core muscular strength to improve his golf swing, or a Soldier won't train like an Olympic Marthoner (although some do), he will ruckmarch with a heavy rucksack or do pull ups while wearing his body armor.
So how do we make functional fitness work for us?
1.For starters, look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself some questions. Can you carry that bugout bag on your back for 10 to 20 miles? Can you chop a tree down with an axe and then carry the wood back to your camp?
2. Review your preparedness plan. Any heavy lifting involved? Any long distant walks involved? Can you load your preps without injuring yourself?
3. Get fit! Start with your core muscles and major muscle groups, work on these groups for 2 to 3 weeks to get your body prepped for the functional exercises that you will incorporate.
4. Use your preps as the resistance!
Here are a few examples:
a. Ammo Can lifts. Hold a small ammo can in both hands over your right shoulder, then press up and move the can to the left shoulder, repeat to the right shoulder and that's one rep. Try for 10 reps per set.
b. Farmer's Walk. Grab a 5 gallon bucket full of rice, walk with it down your drive way with it in one and switch to the other hand on the way back up to the house. Try that a few times.
c. Rice Bucket Hug and Twist. Bear hug the same rice bucket and stand with feet shoulder width apart. While hugging the bucket, twist left, back to center, twist right, back to center, that's one rep. Try for 10 reps per set.
d. Duffle Bag Drag Plus. Take a military OD green duffle bag, fill it with about 30 to 50 pounds of non-breakable stuff. Attach a rope or strap (about 25ft) to the top of the bag. Place the bag on the ground and extend the rope out to the full length. Stand with feet wider than shoulder width and pull the bag to you with alternating arm pulls. When you get it to your position, pick it up, put in on your back, run to the bags original position, drop it, extend the rope and repeat. 5-10 reps per set.
e. B.O.B. Foot March. This is common sense. Wear your B.O.B. and go for a walk. Don't just mosey... PUSH YOURSELF, THE ZOMBIES ARE COMING! Ha! Start with 1-2 miles and slowly build up to were you are comfortable with 10 miles on any terrain.
Nutrition Tip: Cut sodas from your intake. They are poison for the machine that is our body. Don't just switch to Diet or Zero cal. these are actually worse for you and further SLOW your metabolism. Oh and the Super Cancer Fighting Food I mentioned last week: BROCOLLI! http://www.phytochemicals.info/plants/broccoli.php
In closing, remember to discuss any workout regimen with your doctor, drink plenty of water before, during and after your workouts.
-DragonSoldier
So how do we make functional fitness work for us?
1.For starters, look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself some questions. Can you carry that bugout bag on your back for 10 to 20 miles? Can you chop a tree down with an axe and then carry the wood back to your camp?
2. Review your preparedness plan. Any heavy lifting involved? Any long distant walks involved? Can you load your preps without injuring yourself?
3. Get fit! Start with your core muscles and major muscle groups, work on these groups for 2 to 3 weeks to get your body prepped for the functional exercises that you will incorporate.
4. Use your preps as the resistance!
Here are a few examples:
a. Ammo Can lifts. Hold a small ammo can in both hands over your right shoulder, then press up and move the can to the left shoulder, repeat to the right shoulder and that's one rep. Try for 10 reps per set.
b. Farmer's Walk. Grab a 5 gallon bucket full of rice, walk with it down your drive way with it in one and switch to the other hand on the way back up to the house. Try that a few times.
c. Rice Bucket Hug and Twist. Bear hug the same rice bucket and stand with feet shoulder width apart. While hugging the bucket, twist left, back to center, twist right, back to center, that's one rep. Try for 10 reps per set.
d. Duffle Bag Drag Plus. Take a military OD green duffle bag, fill it with about 30 to 50 pounds of non-breakable stuff. Attach a rope or strap (about 25ft) to the top of the bag. Place the bag on the ground and extend the rope out to the full length. Stand with feet wider than shoulder width and pull the bag to you with alternating arm pulls. When you get it to your position, pick it up, put in on your back, run to the bags original position, drop it, extend the rope and repeat. 5-10 reps per set.
e. B.O.B. Foot March. This is common sense. Wear your B.O.B. and go for a walk. Don't just mosey... PUSH YOURSELF, THE ZOMBIES ARE COMING! Ha! Start with 1-2 miles and slowly build up to were you are comfortable with 10 miles on any terrain.
Nutrition Tip: Cut sodas from your intake. They are poison for the machine that is our body. Don't just switch to Diet or Zero cal. these are actually worse for you and further SLOW your metabolism. Oh and the Super Cancer Fighting Food I mentioned last week: BROCOLLI! http://www.phytochemicals.info/plants/broccoli.php
In closing, remember to discuss any workout regimen with your doctor, drink plenty of water before, during and after your workouts.
-DragonSoldier
Sarin...anyone?
http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/05/15706380-syria-loads-chemical-weapons-into-bombs-military-awaits-assads-order?lite
Looks like Assad isn't playing nice anymore! But this move makes me think about what the Sec. of State said last week: "if you use Chemical Weapons, we are coming in". Maybe Assad is is baiting us into sending more troops into the region...Just a thought.
By the way Sarin(GB) is a military grade Nerve Agent, that is non-persistent. Forces would use this to kill the enemy, but be able to retake the terrain after a period of time (depending on the temperature) as it evaporates fairly easy.
Good times!
-DragonSoldier
Looks like Assad isn't playing nice anymore! But this move makes me think about what the Sec. of State said last week: "if you use Chemical Weapons, we are coming in". Maybe Assad is is baiting us into sending more troops into the region...Just a thought.
By the way Sarin(GB) is a military grade Nerve Agent, that is non-persistent. Forces would use this to kill the enemy, but be able to retake the terrain after a period of time (depending on the temperature) as it evaporates fairly easy.
Good times!
-DragonSoldier
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Sandy Cough
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Sandy-Cough-Cleanup-Dust-Debris-Mold-Air-Quality-181054771.html
Even once the storm passes and the calm has settled in, you must protect yourself from the moldy unhygienic conditions that will no doubt exist.
Even once the storm passes and the calm has settled in, you must protect yourself from the moldy unhygienic conditions that will no doubt exist.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Prepper Fitness and Nutrition #1
Most Americans don't have a gym in their home or can't afford a gym membership or personal trainer. So how can we get in shape or stay in shape to do everyday things like rake the yard, change a tire, bring in the groceries or something extreme like chop down a tree with an axe?
The answer is YOU! We can use our own bodyweight as resistance. Bodyweight workouts are highly effective and focus on the major muscle groups, which incidentally burn the most fat. That's right the large muscle groups like your Chest, Upper Back and Leg muscles are fat incinerators, when they are working hard and growing. Having said that your core (abdominals, obliques and your lower back) need to be strong to keep you injury free.
Here are a list of basic exercises that can kick start any workout regimen, whether you're a beginner, or have lifted before, these are always good "go-to's" and can be done just about anywhere.
- Push-ups (many variations)
- Pull-ups (various grips)
- Squats
- Lunges
- Bridge (a static exercise for your core)
- Crunches
- Russian Twists
A good rule to follow is 8-10 reps for 3-4 sets for both men and women, heck even the kids can do this. My daughters do.
Lastly, always check with your Doctor before starting an exercise program and DRINK WATER (that's your nutrition tip this time around) HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE.
Next week I will cover specific Functional Exercises for us Preppers to practice and some foods to eat that actually fight cancer cells.
Until next time, God bless and Check Your Kit!
-DragonSoldier
The answer is YOU! We can use our own bodyweight as resistance. Bodyweight workouts are highly effective and focus on the major muscle groups, which incidentally burn the most fat. That's right the large muscle groups like your Chest, Upper Back and Leg muscles are fat incinerators, when they are working hard and growing. Having said that your core (abdominals, obliques and your lower back) need to be strong to keep you injury free.
Here are a list of basic exercises that can kick start any workout regimen, whether you're a beginner, or have lifted before, these are always good "go-to's" and can be done just about anywhere.
- Push-ups (many variations)
- Pull-ups (various grips)
- Squats
- Lunges
- Bridge (a static exercise for your core)
- Crunches
- Russian Twists
A good rule to follow is 8-10 reps for 3-4 sets for both men and women, heck even the kids can do this. My daughters do.
Lastly, always check with your Doctor before starting an exercise program and DRINK WATER (that's your nutrition tip this time around) HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE.
Next week I will cover specific Functional Exercises for us Preppers to practice and some foods to eat that actually fight cancer cells.
Until next time, God bless and Check Your Kit!
-DragonSoldier
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Prepper Fitness
So after some conversations on other sites ( http://www.prepperlink.com/ and http://virginia.preppersnetwork.com/ ) it sounds like I would be a little more useful in using one of my other skills...Certified Fitness Trainer. I have been a CFT for almost 10 years and have even served as Master Fitness Trainer at an Armed Forces HQs facility. Most of those 10 years was as an independant trainer out of my garage, which is well equipped. Having said that, I will include a fitness topic each week in addition to the weekly CBRN discussion. If you are located in the Fredericksburg, VA area and want more of a personal training approach, just message me. I promise you I am the most affordable trainer in the area and probably one of the best.
So look for the Fitness discussion each week and please comment and share with your friends.
God Bless and Check Your Kit!
-DragonSoldier
So look for the Fitness discussion each week and please comment and share with your friends.
God Bless and Check Your Kit!
-DragonSoldier
Monday, November 26, 2012
Norovirus spreading in the UK
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2238630/Winter-vomiting-bug-cases-52-cent-compared-year.html
GRAB YOUR HAND SANITIZER AND N95 MASKS!
I will be keeping an eye out for this one to hit the US as fast and as hard as it hit the UK this winter. Practice your preventative measures...wash your hands regularly, keep your hand sanitizer handy.
Stay Healthy my friends!
-DragonSoldier
GRAB YOUR HAND SANITIZER AND N95 MASKS!
I will be keeping an eye out for this one to hit the US as fast and as hard as it hit the UK this winter. Practice your preventative measures...wash your hands regularly, keep your hand sanitizer handy.
Stay Healthy my friends!
-DragonSoldier
Sunday, November 25, 2012
An HAZMAT release ealier this year
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Hazmat-crews-at-Darigold-plant-for-possible-ammonia-leak-163412946.html
So this was no attack, and it falls into the category of a "Release Other Than Attack" or ROTA for short. These happen from time to time due to human error or failure of the infastructure. This is a definite Bugout scenario, because Ammonia is a deadly chemical in large exposures and concentrations.
I would highly recommend knowing your surroundings. If you live near an industrial complex, find out what is made there and what is stored onsite. Its public knowledge.
So this was no attack, and it falls into the category of a "Release Other Than Attack" or ROTA for short. These happen from time to time due to human error or failure of the infastructure. This is a definite Bugout scenario, because Ammonia is a deadly chemical in large exposures and concentrations.
I would highly recommend knowing your surroundings. If you live near an industrial complex, find out what is made there and what is stored onsite. Its public knowledge.
Questions
Hello again!
Every Sunday I will open it up to questions or concerns. So let's hear it: What's on your mind? Protective gear questions? Decontamination questions? Contamination avoidance? Potential of attacks? Talk about Hurricane Sandy (I am originally from Louisiana, so I have so experience in that area too.). Free of charge discussions. You ask and I will do my best to give you accurate answers or personal opinion. I look forward to your questions.
Every Sunday I will open it up to questions or concerns. So let's hear it: What's on your mind? Protective gear questions? Decontamination questions? Contamination avoidance? Potential of attacks? Talk about Hurricane Sandy (I am originally from Louisiana, so I have so experience in that area too.). Free of charge discussions. You ask and I will do my best to give you accurate answers or personal opinion. I look forward to your questions.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Basic Respiratory Protection
AIR...it's what we breathe and everybody is doing it!
Warning: Air Purifying Respirators do not provide Oxygen or Air. They filter the air already present, but do not provide 100% protection from all hazards.
In the event of an attack, volcano eruption, building collapse or any other event that injects contaminants into our air, it is important to protect your respiratory system.
The previous statement is something we know to well as preppers.
But what may confuse us is all the variations of protective masks out in the market place. Now, let me first say that I will not endorse any product, but will answer any questions concerning equipment you have or may purchase.
The most basic form of respiratory protection is the clothing you may be wearing; T-Shirt, Bandana, socks, etc. They would serve as a rudimentary particulate filter for short term exposure, primarily to escape to a clean air environment. You can even increase the protective factor by wetting the cloth or in extreme cases, urinating on it.
Moving on, you may have heard of the disposable masks, like the popular N95. These will protect you from airborne particulate but not chemical gases or vapors, and it doesn't offer full face protection so please don't use them in a toxic environment. These are an inexpensive and effective option for pandemic situations.
Half Face Air Purifying Respirator (APR), like the 3M 7000 series mask, will purify air of particulate matter, many gases and vapors, but does not offer full face protection and is limited by the type of filter cartridges you purchase.
Full Face APRs, like the M40 series protective mask used by the US Military made by MSA offers full face protection and filter air through a canister filter. You can often find these types of APRs at military surplus stores, but they may need maintenance. You can find similar protective masks from various companies in the market place for a fraction of the cost of the new military grade protective masks. Just make sure that you research the types of filters they provide and look for NIOSH approved products only. I will discuss filters next week.
A cool variation for the APR is the Powered APR (PAPR). The PAPR system is a good option for those that may be claustrophobic in a regular APR, like children or the elderly. It is also the best option for those of us who have facial hair (Duck Dynasty/ ZZ Top beards). As the PAPR provides "positive pressure", which means if you have a bad seal against your face, due to a beard or mishaped head, it will just blow purified air out of the openings, thus preventing any contaminants from entering your mask.
The downside of the PAPR is the cost. It can be a bit more expensive than if you just purchased the protective mask, but I would say that it is a must if you have small children or infants. The Israelis have great PAPR systems for children and infants.
Well that's all for this week. Please feel free to comment or ask questions (this is why I am on here folks). As I mentioned before, next week I will discuss the types of filters for the APRs.
Until next time...God Bless and Check Your Kit!
Warning: Air Purifying Respirators do not provide Oxygen or Air. They filter the air already present, but do not provide 100% protection from all hazards.
In the event of an attack, volcano eruption, building collapse or any other event that injects contaminants into our air, it is important to protect your respiratory system.
The previous statement is something we know to well as preppers.
But what may confuse us is all the variations of protective masks out in the market place. Now, let me first say that I will not endorse any product, but will answer any questions concerning equipment you have or may purchase.
The most basic form of respiratory protection is the clothing you may be wearing; T-Shirt, Bandana, socks, etc. They would serve as a rudimentary particulate filter for short term exposure, primarily to escape to a clean air environment. You can even increase the protective factor by wetting the cloth or in extreme cases, urinating on it.
Moving on, you may have heard of the disposable masks, like the popular N95. These will protect you from airborne particulate but not chemical gases or vapors, and it doesn't offer full face protection so please don't use them in a toxic environment. These are an inexpensive and effective option for pandemic situations.
Half Face Air Purifying Respirator (APR), like the 3M 7000 series mask, will purify air of particulate matter, many gases and vapors, but does not offer full face protection and is limited by the type of filter cartridges you purchase.
Full Face APRs, like the M40 series protective mask used by the US Military made by MSA offers full face protection and filter air through a canister filter. You can often find these types of APRs at military surplus stores, but they may need maintenance. You can find similar protective masks from various companies in the market place for a fraction of the cost of the new military grade protective masks. Just make sure that you research the types of filters they provide and look for NIOSH approved products only. I will discuss filters next week.
A cool variation for the APR is the Powered APR (PAPR). The PAPR system is a good option for those that may be claustrophobic in a regular APR, like children or the elderly. It is also the best option for those of us who have facial hair (Duck Dynasty/ ZZ Top beards). As the PAPR provides "positive pressure", which means if you have a bad seal against your face, due to a beard or mishaped head, it will just blow purified air out of the openings, thus preventing any contaminants from entering your mask.
The downside of the PAPR is the cost. It can be a bit more expensive than if you just purchased the protective mask, but I would say that it is a must if you have small children or infants. The Israelis have great PAPR systems for children and infants.
Well that's all for this week. Please feel free to comment or ask questions (this is why I am on here folks). As I mentioned before, next week I will discuss the types of filters for the APRs.
Until next time...God Bless and Check Your Kit!
Friday, November 23, 2012
So being new to the blogosphere and to the "prepper arena", I wanted to show some love to the Virginia Prepper Network. Please visit their site, they have some great articles:
http://virginia.preppersnetwork.com/
http://virginia.preppersnetwork.com/
Well Hello There!!!
So here I am finally jumping into the blogosphere. Yes, I am new to blogging, but I am not new to the world of scary things like nerve agents, radiological material such as dirty bombs and nuclear detonations, biological attacks and other metylethylbadstuffs out there. I am committing to one post each week with sprinkles of goodstuff in between. I will cover various topics from global trends to US Domestic Preparedness Programs, and tips and tricks that you can do to better prepare your family for the threat of potential attacks, epidemics or accidental releases of industrial hazardous materials. I am not here for fame or fortune, I am here to share the knowledge that the US Military crammed into my little brain. Occasionally, I will discuss other basics preparedness topics as well as sharing a joke or two. Please feel free to ask questions and please share the blog with your family, friends and coworkers. I look forward to gaining new friends throughout this journey.
Until next time...Check Your Kits!
Until next time...Check Your Kits!
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