You can't deny that the media is pushing this agenda. I've been talking about this coming and after seeing this on ABC news (I know I know- the news is toxic and full of crap) you can't really turn a blind eye to what is being planned.
Regardless of your stance on the virus, I think we can all agree that the measures taken on lockdown affect everyone variously. But proper preparation for this "second wave" that they are clearly being made known is important.
Check out the screen shots that were shared with me:
So now what? If you have a large family it can be a lot of pressure to think about this. How do I prepare for three months worth of things?
Let's talk it out below, and if you have some ideas- send them my way so I can share them with the communtiy!
1)Prepare financially & have cash on hand
I think we all have been affected financially during the first lockdown. Start thinking now about what three months of no or reduced income would mean to you—and preparing to move as much of your work life online as possible. That goes double if your business depends on public spaces, especially restaurants. What shifts are you able to make? Is it possible to get a loan right now for your business that can later be handled? Making sure to have cash on hand is also imperative.
2)Have your necessary Supplements/ Required Medication on hand
If you take vitamins, supplements, or do happen to require any prescriptions now is a good time to get those in order and see if you need additional ones to prep to have on hand. If your child requires an epi pen, time to check that it is up to date and any other time sensitive meds do a quick double take.
Every Dr is different on giving additional prescriptions so you will need to use personal discretion in that regards to having refills ready. If you are due for a physical in order to have your prescriptions refilled be sure to schedule that now.
3)If you haven't already started, grow some veggies
Try your hand at growing some simple veggies. You can get a lot of "started" plants at Home Depot/Lowes and nurture them quick and easily! Being self sufficient in this way is so valuable and we oftentimes over look how easy it can be!
4) Buy a chest/large freezer
We made this decision a couple of years ago actually since we have such a large family and we buy meat in bulk when we see it on sale. If you are able to get a chest freezer, snatch one up. With all of the talk of there being "shortages" on meat (which we know is not the full truth) this is a great tool to have on hand.
5)Stocking up on meat
Are you able to go in with your family/friends and purchase meat in bulk from a local farm? You will probably find local sources to be much more reasonable. There are options for 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, and even a whole cow where they will do all of the processing for you. Make sure to save those beef bones to make bone broth and freeze this as well.
6)Purchase a generator & have ample gas on hand
If power were to go down on the grid having a generator to keep all of your stock of meat and electricity functioning is vital. Oftentimes you can find used ones for good prices.
7)Have the ability to cook without electricity
We have natural gas so if the power were to go out we can still cook thank goodness. We also have a gas grill. Do you have an option to cook that doesn't involve electricity? You can do something as simple as getting a charcoal grill or some small butane stoves. Having the options available is always better than looking back and thinking "if only I would have...."
8)Have Shelf Stable Food on Hand
I think this looks different to everyone depending on your dietary needs, so I'm not going to provide a huge detailed list, just share some things we personally will be making sure to have on hand:
Shelf stable salami and summer sausages
Canned tuna
Canned chicken
Canned vegetables of your choice
Asstd canned sauces (marinara, alfredo, pesto, etc)
Dried herbs & spices
Beef Jerky
Wax coated shelf stable cheeses
Condiments
Olive Oil
Boullion (to make easy soups)
Bottled water/gallons of water
Protein Bars
Dried Fruit
Whey Protein powders
Shelf stable coconut milk/coconut creams (good sources of fat & hydration)
Drink powders (we will get Ultima electrolyes- doubles as extra hydration)
Nut butters
Salt
Gluten Free snack options for the kids
Gluten Free pasta for the kids
Rice for the kids
9)Have the necessary toiletries available & household cleaners
We all saw what happened with toilet paper and paper towels! If you have a baby like we do diapers and wipes were even hard to come by. Be better prepared this time around, but use your discernment to not overstock as well and leave others without. Body wash, shampoos, conditioners, female toiletries, bars of soap,etc.
For the house make sure you have ample amonuts of dish soap, laundry detergent, bleach, and more to have the house and laundry covered.
10)First Aid Kit, Standard Medications, & More
Have a good first aid kit on hand, potentially even a couple of them depending on the size of your family. Rubbing alcohol, peroxide, antibiotic cream, and Bactine antibacterial spray are a few things we will be stocking up on for cuts, etc. Standard over the counter cold medications and pain meds if you take these are good to have on hand. Thermometer,
It's not a bad idea to have a nebulizer on hand for any type of respiratory issues. We use it to disperse saline and also colloidal silver if any of our kids have chest congestion.
11)Batteries & Flashlights
Circling back to the potential to lose power, make sure you have a few good quality flashlights and of course ample batteries for them as well as items in your house that may require batteries.
12)Don't forget your pets!
Whatever type of pet you may have make sure you have their needs covered as well!
13)Personal Protection
Whatever this may look like for you, I think it's important to address that. Never in a million years did I think I'd be a gun owner. But with properly understanding our rights as Americans, this shift in the world, and just knowing we have to have a protection mindset first and foremost- we changed that thinking. We have proper safes in place and have taken safety classes. We have taught (the ones that understand) our children about the safety measures of these type of things as well.
Whatever that may come, you can never be upset at being prepared as best as possible. I think we all had a varying experience with the first quarantine time period to realize that all of this affected our mental health. Make sure to make the time to be active, socialize with like minded folks, and also to be proactive in doing whatever is best to preserve your mental health as well. Incorporating daily physical activity and also sticking with a routine can help to alleviate some of the stresses of the feelings of "unknowing"
Disclaimer: All information provided in this newsletter is meant for educational and informational purposes only. The statements in this newsletter have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Viewers are advised to do their own research.