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Helping Others Help Themselves
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Dec 09, 2012
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Greetings!
Grab the Popcorn. APN on Countdown to Apocalypse! Find out about the power of Herb, and no, we're not talking about the kind you smoke. Plus, a new twist on Hamlet by Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy..."To bleed or not to bleed?" That is the question....at least certainly in a post collapse scenario.
Our new server
The APN is now up and running on our new server. Everything seems to be running smoothly now, We apologize for any inconvenience last week.
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 Grab the Popcorn!
by Robert Hawkins
The media build-up of programming based on a "Doomsday" Theme has been nothing short of phenomenal. Shows all about end times, impending disasters, and mystical prophecies coming true are all over the TV, and it's gratifying to see that producers of these shows know who to call on for "expert" advice on self-reliance, self-sufficiency and Prepper preparedness. Case in point, APN President Hugh Vail recently appearing in The History Channel's H2 program, "Countdown to Apocalypse". The Friday night series premier episode, "Prophets of Doom", included Hugh, along with several others noted for their insight & expertise, to describe some of the preparations many have achieved. The hour-long show is a presentation focusing on end times fears, famous prophecies & behind the scenes insight into biblical doctrine history, all set to a uncertain & troubling future.
While colorful & scary as most of these shows are, the program presented Hugh's efforts toward establishing the American Preppers Network, and with some of his personal prepping accomplishments very fairly. It's great that the APN has risen to the forefront, recognized by the media as a keystone preparedness organization.  | | Click to View Episode |
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The Power Of Herb
by Marjory Wildcraft
 | | Most herbs in the Mint family are tough; basil, rosemary, and mint. |
A friend of mine, Maria, now has a huge bountiful garden. But in the beginning she got started by simply growing a few herbs on a window sill.
Just a few simple herbs made a huge difference. Maria called me one day ecstatic about her success "Marjory" she exclaimed, "You won't believe it. I am feeding my family the same old stuff I always cook. My now husband is raving about how good the food tastes and the kids are diving for seconds. They all think I have new recipes, but I am only adding a few fresh herbs".
Starting with a few plants on a windowsill can teach you a tremendous amount, and these are lessons you need to learn even if you'll be managing acres of land someday. By watching your herbs you'll start to notice how the leaves sag when the plant needs water, or how the leaves pale when they needs more sun. If you put on too much fertilizer you'll see the leaves turn yellow. What you learn from these little guys will be true for the plants in your large garden, or huge calorie crop plantings.
Another advantage of starting small is your failures will be small. Oh yes, there will be a time when you accidently kill your plants. Don't worry about it - it happens to everyone. Just toss the dead plants in the compost pile, start over with new ones, and remember what you learned.
Here are some other quick tips to help you succeed:
- Buy plants with as big a pot as you can comfortably fit on the windowsill (a bigger pot contains more soil and is less susceptible to watering irregularities).
- Select robust plants that can withstand the abuse of a beginner such as basil, rosemary, and oregano.
- Get in the habit of talking to your plants; they love it and are totally non-judgmental.
 | | My windowsill is a living spice cabinet. So easy and convenient. |
One of the joys of growing your own food is developing the lifetime relationship with living beings - the plants and animals you eat. As you sow and reap, saving seeds and breeding animals, you get to know a species well. You enter the life-spiral dance of tending and nourishing, and in exchange, you are tended and nourished.
There is another big and surprising reason to grow herbs. Stay tuned, I'll cover that in a follow-up newsletter article.
Marjory Wildcraft can show you exactly how she grows nutritious, healthy, delicious food. Her informative DVD set is a compilation of knowledge gained over years of practical application and research that would make a PhD's head spin.
(note: You can contact Marjory at her website: www.GrowYourOwnGroceries.com)
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SELL YOUR STUFF CHEAP!
Actually, don't sell your stuff cheap, sell your stuff efficiently with an APN CLASSIFIED AD! We have ad space just right for you! Affordable, Expressable, Successful! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Drop Jenny an email now RIGHT HERE! |
 Collapse Medicine
....SHTF Medical tips
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 TO BLEED OR NOT TO BLEED
by Joe Alton, M.D. aka Dr. Bones ofwww.DoomAndBloom.netMany of us in the preparedness community are concerned with collapse scenarios that involve civil unrest. Suspension of the Rule of Law, such as in the aftermath of a major disaster (e.g., Hurricane Katrina), we have to be prepared for traumatic injuries from a society gone rogue. One of the most important medical supplies to have on hand in this circumstance would be those that stop bleeding. In studies of casualties in the recent wars, 50% of those killed in action died of blood loss. 25% died within the first "golden" hour after being wounded. Therefore, the question we must pose is, to paraphrase Hamlet, "To bleed or NOT to bleed". Ever since there have been traumatic injuries, we have been concerned with the death from hemorrhage. The Egyptians mixed wax, barley, and grease to apply to a bleeding wound. The Chinese and Greeks used herbs like bayberry, stinging nettle, yarrow, and others for the same purpose. Native Americans would apply scrapings from the inside of fresh animal hides mixed with hot sand and downy feathers. These treatments would sometimes save a life, sometimes not. The control of major hemorrhage rightly belongs to the emergency physician, paramedic, and trauma surgeon, but what if you find yourself without access to modern medical care? You may find yourself to be the end of the line with regards to a loved one's survival. Although the thought of dealing with trauma yourself may be unpleasant, the issue cannot be ignored. You will have to learn to function as a survival medic if you want to keep it together, when things fall apart. In the last decade or so, there have been advancements in clotting agents (also known as "hemostatic agents") that give us an additional tool for the medical woodshed. Knowledge of their appropriate use in an emergency will increase the injured patient's chance of survival.
Although there are various types of hemostatic agents on the market for medical storage, the two most popular are Quikclot and Celox. They are two different substances that are both available in a powder or powder-impregnated gauze.
 Quikclot originally contained a volcanic mineral known as zeolite, which effectively clotted bleeding wounds but also caused a reaction that burned the patient and, sometimes, the medic. As a result, the main ingredient was replaced with another substance that does not burn when it comes in contact with blood.. The current generation of Quikclot is made from Kaolin, the same stuff you find in Kaopectate and is so common that it is said to be what makes Georgia clay red. It does not contain animal, human, or botanical components. Contact between kaolin and blood immediately initiates the clotting process by activating Factor XII, a major player in hemostasis. The powder or impregnated gauze is applied and pressure placed on the wound for several minutes. Quikclot is FDA-approved and widely available; the gauze dressing is easier to deal with than the powder, but can be relatively expensive. Quikclot has a shelf life of 3 years or so, less if the packages are left out in the sun. One negative with Quikclot is that it does not absorb into the body and, some believe, can be difficult to remove from the wound. This was certainly true of previous generations but it is claimed to no longer be as big an issue, especially if you use the gauze dressing. Use an irrigation syringe to flush the wound after the gauze is removed. If more than one gauze is required, don't remove the first one: Place the second gauze on top. In the The Journal of TRAUMA® Injury, Infection, and Critical Care , (Volume 68, Number 2, February 2010), the kaolin gauze was found to be as safe as standard surgical gauze. Celox is the other popular hemostatic agent, and it is composed of chitosan, an organic material taken from purified shrimp shells. As such, those allergic to seafood could possibly have a reaction to Celox. This "powder" product is actually made up of high surface area flakes. When these tiny flakes come in contact with blood, they bond with it and form a clot that appears as a gel. Like Quikclot, it also comes in impregnated gauze dressings, which are, again, relatively expensive.
Celox will cause effective clotting even in those on anti-coagulants like Heparin, Warfarin or Coumadin without further depleting clotting factors. Chitosan, being an organic material, is gradually broken down by the body's natural enzymes into other substances normally found there. Like Quikclot, Celox is FDA-approved. This study by the U.S. government compares Celox favorably to some other hemostatic agents: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18211317 Both Quikclot and Celox gauze dressings have been tested by the U.S. and U.K. military and have been put to good use in Iraq and Afghanistan. To see both of these items in action, go to YouTube: "Celox demonstration" and " Quikclot demonstration". From a purely natural hemostatic agent you can grow at home, consider Cayenne Pepper. Cayenne Pepper has similar blood clotting capabilities as the items described above, and you can keep a self-sustainable supply of it in your garden. Unfortunately, it does leave a burn reaction and is big trouble if it gets in the medic's eyes. Although effective, you shouldn't use these items as a first line of treatment in a bleeding patient. Pressure, elevation of a bleeding extremity above the heart, gauze packing and tourniquets should be your strategy here. If these measures fail, however, you have an effective extra step towards stopping that hemorrhage. Be sure to include one or both in your medical supplies.
Celox FAQ:
Quikclot FAQ:
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| Food Preps & Recipes | | |
 Canning Carrots
By JALAPENO GAL77 We love carrots, but we hate the canned ones you buy at the store because they are always mushy and flavorless. So we decided to start canning our own.
Canning carrots is SUPER easy!! We picked up 5 pounds of carrots for $2.50. In our area a can of carrots cost about $1.75 so we already saved money. You can do this or you can 'can' your own home-grown carrots. You must use a Pressure canner when canning certain vegetables because they need a higher temperature to kill any botulism in the food. A Water Bath Canner just can't get that hot. I am posting a link to two different Pressure canners for you to look at. Pressure canners range from $100-$200 for a good one. The great thing is they last for many years and will easily pay for themselves, especially if you grow your own food. Click here for more... |
Nuclear, Biological, Chemical...and Fire Safety Tips
Brought to you by ILC Dover
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Quick Tip #6
from Camden, NJ fire department
Cooking Safety
- Never leave cooking unattended
- Always wear short or tight fitting sleeves when you cook
- Keep towels, pot holders, and curtains away from flames
- Never use the range or oven to heat your home
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The Self-Reliance Corner
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Each week you'll receive videos, images or quotes promoting the concept of Self-Reliance and individual responsibility. It's our hope these messages will help with our mission of attaining "Freedom Through Teaching Others Self-Reliance"
Developing Self-Reliance (1951)
Old Time Video explains Self-Reliance. Very good video. Our grandparents knew the importance of individual responsiblity
 | | Developing Self-Reliance (1951) |
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APN Classifieds:
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Evergreen River Ranch Land For Sale
Nebraska: Johnstown, Brown County
240 Acres This priceless property is one of Americas most exquisite pieces of private land. Tucked securely in the remote Nebraska Sandhills, it has not been available for purchase in nearly 100 years. Untouched by the public and located in one of Americas least populated counties, it is easily accessible. Make it your private sanctuary, a safe haven for your family and your finances. Plenty of water and trees on site! Call Sharon Pelc: (308)236-6139 Click here for more information |
 Georgia Home & Acreage Blue Maxx construction with 10" thick concrete walls! 29.71 wooded acres with a 4,946 square foot home
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 Real Estate for Sale - Remote and/or off-the-grid, Thousands of properties NATIONWIDE, Costa Rica, Panama, Mexico. FREE catalog. www.unitedcountry.com, 800-999-1020 Ext 486
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Post your ad here!
Let APN help you sell your prep related gear, supplies, real estate, or announce a meetup or event to our entire network of subscribers. Affordable rates. Contact us at Advertise@PreppersNetwork.com |
Upcoming Events:
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 Quartzfest 2013
Quartzfest* www.quartzfest.org is a Ham Radio gathering in Quartzsite AZ during the RV show in January (Jan 15 - 26th). Quartzfest is a 10 day event full of seminars and workshops on Ham Radio and operational techniques, Alternative Energy (mainly solar) and RV'ing and to my knowledge is the only event of its kind in the world. This year we're hoping to add seminars on Prepping and Survivalist Techniques. Go here for more information.
If you can attend as a speaker for this event, please contact Steve and Angel at Organizer@quartzfest.org |
 Self Reliance Expo
Big Thanks to Ron Douglas for inviting the APN to the Mesa, Arizona Expo last month. Watch for upcoming expos at SelfRelianceExpo.com |
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Do you know of an event?
If you are putting on or know of events that should be listed in this section, please let us know... drop us a note here. |
EDITORS NOTE:
In our last newsletter we had an ad for a Lovely Filipina seeking a Good Prepper Husband. Unfortunately due to the wording of that ad, some people mistook it for one of those "mail order brides" advertisements. Jhayne is not a mail order bride, nor did she pay for that ad placement. She is a personal friend of mine and I was doing a favor to help her find the love that she seeks. Fortunately she has gotten several responses, and some seem very promising to her, so for now we have taken her ad down.
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Facebook Users Important Notice:
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We need your help
W  e'd like to ask you to do something for us... Due to changes with Facebook, they are only allowing our posting and sharing to reach about 10% of our followers without paid ads. So here's how to be sure you get facebook updates from us:Go to our facebook page, click on the 'like' button and be sure you check GET NOTIFICATIONS. You will need to do this even if you have already 'liked' the page.
It is important that you click "Get Notifications" in order to get updates.
We're hearing from others that this new "notification" option really does work. It's a way to get ALL of our posts. Please share this so everyone knows the "trick". Thanks!!
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 Sharing Preparedness with the World.
The APN receives several casting calls and media interview requests each week. For many of these requests we are able to find someone willing to participate, but often times it does get difficult to find people in certain areas. For this reason we have set up a section on the forum for you to browse the requests and respond to any of them that might interest you. If you wish to participate with any documentaries or media interviews you can follow the link here (note, you must be logged into the APN forum to access that link)OPSEC is importantThe APN certainly does not want anyone to provide any more information  than what they personally feel comfortable providing. However, everyone's personal situations are different. Some people live in very safe and secure neighborhoods and feel comfortable talking with the media, while others do not. Evaluate your own personal situation and choose the type of media interview you are comfortable with, whether it be radio, newspaper or TV. Avoid discussions of Cash, Guns, and Gold. Also, avoid political, extremist or militia type discussions. Don't give fodder for the fire. Instead, stick to good sound prepping ideas and disaster preparedness tips. Interview the Interviewer. Make sure you know who you are talking to  and who they work for. Some requests ask preppers to show what kind of gear and supplies that they store. If you are uncomfortable providing that kind of information, then do not proceed with the interview. Some requests ask that you provide your real name, others do not. Remember, only choose the requests that you are comfortable with. We provide additional tips when talking with the media on this page (Note, you must be logged into the APN forum to access that link)
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We want YOU to write for US!
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 Would you like to sharpen your Writing Skills? - Are you interested in helping others learn?
- Do you regularly do Preparedness oriented projects?
- Would you like to start building your name in the Preparedness Industry?
If you said yes to any of the above, keep on reading!
We're always looking for enthusiastic writers! We have a couple different available:
- Guest Author: Send us an article every once in a while, you get full credit in your article.
- Disaster Experiences: Submit a story for our Disaster Collection! Extremely similar to the Guest Author program, just with a focus.
- Contributing Author: Our Contributing Authors have a permanent spot on the website. Each of their articles uniquely identifies them. They commit to 2 articles per week and get to join the whole authoring team in our back channel community!
If you want to give it a shot, click on the links above! To apply to be a Contributing Author you will need to submit your first trial article as a Guest Author.
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Get Long Term Food Storage the Easy Way!
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| Thanks for being a Member of The APN! We hope you have a fantastic week!
The APN Staff |
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