by Prepare Magazine | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog
The Disney Measles Outbreak is a hot topic. It has been supposed that the measles were virtually eradicated in the USA a decade ago. But there is more to this than meets the eye.
The CDC is “very concerned” about the potential for wide spread measles outbreak. A spokesman is quoted as encouraging for higher enforcement of vaccination regulations. This is of course linked the 
the recent Disney Measles Outbreak. In another article and video interview specifically related to the Disney Outbreak, the Orange County Health Officials identified 19 infected individuals (all of whom were at the theme parks within a certain time period). Of those 19, they identify that 8 were not vaccinated. If you do the math correctly, that means that 11 of the people who were infected were vaccinated. That percentage rate of contraction is fairly high for being vaccinated against it. It is important to learn more about the CDC’s stance, history and recommendations for measles vaccination.
What can be done if someone gets the measles? Well, contracting the measles may actually have a few side benefits. Historically and via medical testing, many terminal and debilitating diseases may be prevented if measles, while managed, can run their course as suggested by Dr. Viera Scheibner, Principal Research Scientist (Retired) with a doctorate in Natural Sciences from Comenius University. There also may be other homeopathic options for prevention and treatment.
Now before it’s believed that I am taking sides, please note that officials have not yet (as of this writing) identified patient zero and thus verify if he or she were or were not immunized. So the argument for or against being vaccinated is not my point. No matter which side of the pro-vaccinate or anti-vaccinate argument I may fall on, there is not substantial evidence to even begin to form an opinion in the Disney Measles Outbreak case. There is, however, a deeper underlying issue than a pro or anti vaccination argument.
Beyond the actual outbreak what is further astounding is the volatile arguments between those who choose to vaccinate and those who choose not to vaccinate. Coincide this argumentative attitude along with the ‘facts’ put in the spin cycle from either side and we have the deeper issue that tears a country apart than the resurgence of this childhood disease once though irradiated.
As a Nation, America must learn to deal with things that affect our health, well-being and future as a country or we will face a totalitarian regime under which none can flourish. Homeopathic, Naturopathic, CDC and Medical Researchers should be encouraged to compare notes and become a cohesive team. These entities and more, must cast a broader net to find a more vast selection of options.
As a people, choosing to vaccinate, not to vaccinate or partially vaccinate; we too must work together, with respect. Respect for the freedom to choose, as well as consideration of others to protect them and ourselves if our freedom puts them in harms way. Enough with the fighting over who is right – read all the signs, all the research and find multiple options that will work. Then allow us all the freedom from which to choose.
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Popular Questions
What are the main causes behind the Disney measles outbreak?
The Disney measles outbreak was primarily linked to unvaccinated individuals who visited the park. This situation highlights the risks associated with low vaccination rates, as measles is highly contagious. The outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining herd immunity to protect vulnerable populations.
How can families protect themselves from measles during outbreaks?
Families can protect themselves by ensuring that all members are up-to-date on their measles vaccinations. It is also advisable to avoid crowded places during outbreaks, especially if traveling to areas with reported cases. Staying informed about local health advisories can further help in taking necessary precautions.
What role do vaccination rates play in preventing measles outbreaks?
Vaccination rates are crucial in preventing measles outbreaks, as high coverage helps achieve herd immunity. When a significant portion of the population is vaccinated, the spread of the virus is significantly reduced. Communities with low vaccination rates are at a higher risk for outbreaks, making public health initiatives essential.
What symptoms should one look for if exposed to measles?
If exposed to measles, individuals should watch for symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash. These symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure. Early recognition and prompt medical attention can help manage the illness and prevent further spread.
How did the Disney measles outbreak impact public health policies?
The Disney measles outbreak prompted a reevaluation of public health policies regarding vaccination requirements. Many states considered stricter vaccination laws to enhance community immunity. This incident also sparked discussions about the importance of educating the public on the benefits of vaccinations to prevent future outbreaks.
by Prepare Magazine | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog
It may be cold outside, but this is the perfect time to be thinking about Garden Landscaping Maintenance. Why? Because it is something you’ll need to prepare for. That’s why. In this guest post, you’ll find useful tips and tricks to making the most of your garden landscaping maintenance plan.
Making sure your garden sees a good amount of work in terms of landscaping is a very important aspect of improving the curb appeal of your home, as well as its aesthetic value and comfort. It will cost you, but this will definitely be money well spent. Improving your home in this manner will have amazing results if you approach the subject with care. You can either hire some gardening professionals or you can get the job done yourself.
Using a landscaping company will be of great use to you, as they will have a lot of practical experience you would not possess in most cases. You can work on hiring professionals for assistance, but on the other hand you can also work on things by yourself, assuming you do a good bit of research as well as being ready to roll up your sleeves and do some hard work.
Having a garden and landscaping expert on your side can be a great advantage, as well as a treasure trove of information and ideas. Most people today are quite busy with their lives and work, so it may be pretty hard to find the time to deal with things on your own. If you work on designing a low maintenance solution for your needs, then you will have far less trouble taking care of everything, but that requires some smart preparations to get it going.
You can use flagstone slabs for flooring and landscape paths, as they will be of low maintenance while at the same time possessing that lovely natural look. You may want to also work on purchasing a lawnmower as well as a string trimmer and other gardening tools of your choice. Although they will set you back initially, you will have great need of them further down the line as your landscaping will need maintenance.
If you have a more complex design for your landscape, then you may need to have some help in terms of maintenance and other details. Landscaped gardens look absolutely amazing, but they also require a good deal of care to keep that way. Ornamental pergolas, gazebos and other additions can be a wonderful project to add to your already wonderful-looking landscape. A pond will attract a lot of attention, as well as some well-organized flower beds, but they will all need your attention. Make sure you do so regularly and keep things under control with regular trimming, mowing and other smaller work that needs doing.
If you don’t have the time, then you may need to look for professional help in terms of a landscaping company. This will give you the edge you need while at the same time giving you a better chance to enjoy your free time.
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Guest Author Bio: Ella Andrews is blogger and content writer great flair for decoration and interior design. She is always searching for new challenges. Therefore her present article is focused on some outstanding garden landscaping tips ideas. For more helpful tips and hints for your garden visit: Chelsea garden clearance
Popular Questions
What is the fastest way to improve Garden Landscaping Maintenance without making beginner mistakes?
The fastest way to improve Garden Landscaping Maintenance is to simplify the process and control one variable at a time. Start with the most important baseline: define the goal, identify the main failure point, and test one change before making another. Keep short notes so you can connect the outcome to the adjustment you made. This prevents guesswork and helps you build a repeatable method instead of chasing random fixes.
What should you check first when Garden Landscaping Maintenance is not working well?
Check the most immediate bottlenecks first: setup errors, missing inputs, bad timing, or inconsistent follow-through. Before buying anything new or changing the whole system, confirm that the basics are being done correctly and consistently. A small diagnostic checklist usually reveals the real problem faster than broad trial and error. Once the weak point is clear, make one correction and watch the result before adjusting anything else.
What common mistakes make Garden Landscaping Maintenance harder than it needs to be?
The most common mistakes are changing too many variables at once, skipping the basics, and judging results too quickly. Many people also copy generic advice without adapting it to their exact situation, which leads to weak results and confusion. A better approach is to work from a simple baseline, make measured changes, and give each change enough time to show whether it helped. That makes progress easier to track and repeat.
by Prepare Magazine | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog
When preparing for when the SHTF – toilet paper is like gold!
How much toilet paper does one person actually need when SHTF (Shtuff Hits The Fan)? It seems that toilet paper is one of the hottest commodities due to the catatonic state of fear one falls into thinking “What if we run out of TOILET PAPER?!” This thought is often followed by a pail flushing of blood from the face, a glazing over of the eyes and the sheer terror of trying to figure out if leaves and twigs would really do the job when SHTF.
Let’s face it. After the outhouse came in, we’ve become far more accustomed to quilted, cushioned softness than our ancestors. But this is a disposable commodity, so we need to plan if suddenly it was not as readily available. In future posts, we may explore other options that are a bit more eccentric, yet none-the-less still quite effective for the more daring of derrieres. For this post, however, we will look at how to effectively figure for the stocking up of TP from a ‘trying to live life as normal’ scenario.
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First, we would like to offer a painless way to figure out how much is necessary to stock up for your selected amount of storage time. For sake of argument for this portion of the exercise, we are going to assume that you are using this method of planning for when you have adequate plumbing and a flushing toilet. So, for the ‘life as normal’ type of planning, we want to share an easy way to take the guess-work out of figuring just how many rolls of the treasured tissue on a tube are needed on hand in your home if the trucks just suddenly stopped delivering to the stores indefinitely. Please don’t faint at the thought.
Behold…simple math is our friend. We’ll just use it in an unorthodox way.
Easy Steps: Select the one bathroom that is most frequented in your home, a new roll of toilet paper, a post-it and a pen or marker. Upon starting the new roll of toilet paper, put the date on the post-it and then on the wall. When the roll is at an end, mark the date on the roll.
See the images below for the start and finish:
If you’ll notice then the number of days between the start and the finish (in this case it was 6 days).
Now here comes the math.
We figure this one bathroom as if it’s used by only one person (even if there were guests) and round days up a full day to make the weeks easier to figure.
1 bathroom = 1 person
used 1 roll
in 7 days
.
So in this case, if there was only one person in the home, this person would need to store 4 rolls for 4 weeks, 8 rolls for 8 weeks…and so on. If the goal is a year’s supply of toilet paper on hand then one person needs 52 rolls for one year. Then simply multiply by the number of individuals who will be sharing the home/bathroom.
Here are a few scenarios:
- 4 people storing for 4 months would be 4 (rolls) X 16 (weeks) = 64 rolls of toilet paper at a minimum for this household.
- 4 people storing for a full year would be 4 X 52 = 208 rolls of toilet paper is the minimum amount needed for a household of this size for a full year.
Another option is to run this ‘tally’ in each bathroom of the home. Provided people are home most of the time this will give you an adequate estimate for how fast TP gets used by your household. For example: if there are 3 bathrooms and 6 people and it takes 3 days to go through 3 rolls for all 6 people you can figure that this way:
3 days = 3 rolls. Multiply by 2.5 to get the week’s worth of TP for your household (plus a little bit more for padding…). This home goes through 7.5 rolls of TP a week. Then simply multiply by the number of weeks you want to have on hand.
- 7.5 rolls x 4 weeks of storage = 30 rolls of TP
- 7.5 rolls x 52 weeks of storage = 390 rolls of TP
Each household’s results will vary depending upon the methodology of using TP. Do you crumple or fold? Do you count squares or rotations of the roll? Do you use it in place of facial tissue or to stop shaving nicks and cuts? The roll of toilet paper (pun intended) is more important than it’s end result.
There are two factors, however, that cannot be accounted for when planning for how much toilet paper to stock up. They are in fact immune to your stress over being without and will indeed take full advantage of an opportunity to help you become unraveled once you think you’ve gotten it all figured out. We’ve caught them in the act and yet, even as scared as one might be about running out of TP we can’t help but realize they really don’t care and might be able to teach us a thing or two about ‘where to go’ when we have to do without. You see, there’s really just no planning for this kind of attack. Your best-laid plans are useless against their cuteness.
Popular Questions
How can I calculate the amount of toilet paper I need when preparing for SHTF?
To determine how much toilet paper you'll need when SHTF, start by tracking your usage in your most frequented bathroom. Use a new roll and note the date when you start and when it runs out. This will give you a clear idea of how many rolls you use in a week, which you can then multiply by the number of weeks you want to prepare for.
What is a good method for estimating toilet paper needs for my household during a crisis?
A practical method for estimating toilet paper needs is to assess usage across all bathrooms in your home. For instance, if you have multiple bathrooms, track how many rolls are used over a set period, then calculate the average weekly usage. Multiply this by the number of weeks you want to stock up for, ensuring you have a buffer for unexpected needs.
How many rolls of toilet paper should I store for a family of four during an emergency?
If you have a family of four, a good rule of thumb is to plan for 52 rolls per person for a year. This means you would need a minimum of 208 rolls for the entire household. Adjust this number based on your family's specific usage patterns, and consider storing extra for peace of mind.
What factors should I consider when estimating my toilet paper needs for SHTF?
When estimating your toilet paper needs, consider how often each member of your household uses it and any alternative uses you might have for it. Also, think about whether you have guests frequently, as this can increase your consumption. To wrap up, account for any unexpected situations that might arise, such as illness or increased usage during stressful times.
Is there a simple way to track toilet paper usage in my home?
A simple way to track toilet paper usage is to mark the start and end dates on each roll you use. This will help you see how long each roll lasts and give you a better understanding of your household's consumption rate. You can then use this data to make informed decisions about how much to stock up on for future emergencies.
by Prepare Magazine | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog
Many sites that are not mainstream media are supporting this Notable News: “The Government orders Survival Kits for Banks.” While some sites will share potentially real documentation of the order for these kits (such as the section of the article below found on FreeBeacon.com )…
December 10, 2014 1:00 pm
The Department of Treasury is seeking to order survival kits for all of its employees who oversee the federal banking system, according to a new solicitation.
The emergency supplies would be for every employee at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), which conducts on-site reviews of banks throughout the country. The survival kit includes everything from water purification tablets to solar blankets.
The government is willing to spend up to $200,000 on the kits, according to the solicitation released on Dec. 4.
Other articles are focusing more on the reasons and content of the kits and what that may mean for the survivalists and conspiracy theorists such as these portions of an article found about the topic on WeasternJournalism.com
Preppers sometimes get a bad rap, especially the hardcore survivalists who stockpile tons of packaged food and ammunition in underground bunkers. But what about the apparent prepper mentality of U.S. government officials now awaiting bids on a solicitation they recently made for “emergency preparedness” survival kits for banks?
and
The Treasury Department doesn’t specifically say why it feels the kits are needed. But the contents of each survival kit are specifically named in the government’s solicitation for a contractor to provide them:
• 2400-calorie food bar (minimum 5-year shelf life)
• 3-pack 8.5 oz. water (minimum 5-year shelf life)
• 50 water purification tablets (minimum 5-year shelf life)
• Reusable solar blanket 52” x 84”
• Dust mask
• One-size fits all poncho with hood
• 12 hr. light stick
• 1 pair of latex gloves
• Whistle with lanyard
• 33 piece personal first aid kit
• 5 Wet Naps
• Dynamo rechargeable lantern with AM/FM radio
• Air-Aid emergency mask
We of course would like to see the exact information of this on the Treasury Website to verify the existence of the order. However, if it is true rather than use this information for some form of panic or paranoia that the Government knows that ‘something is up’ like so many of the tones set by other media and fear-mongers, we prefer a different approach to using this information.
If you have a family member or a friend who kind of wonders why you prepare or perhaps gives you some guff for it, this is a fantastic opportunity to show that you are not alone, nor are you a conspirator, nut-job or alarmist. If indeed you direct them to reputable sites that prove our Government does take preparedness seriously itself, and that being prepared is not all about bunkers, arsenals and only for the anti-social recluse, you may just win some of them over to see the light.
Take this opportunity to FACT find and rather than spread fear and distrust, use the information to help save the lives of those you love. Encourage them into action rather than frighten them. You’ll appear more sane and they’ll be more likely to grow more capable rather than simply react.
You have the power to help others. Wield it wisely.
by Prepare Magazine | Apr 5, 2025 | Preparedness planning
A sign for the times. PREPARE. Notice – there is not a warning associated with that. Just prepare. For what? You may ask. For things to be atypical. We would reply. Hopeful but not typical.
We look forward to the days ahead with an actual sense of hope. Even though the hope may not be fixed on the typical status quot that historically it may have been in decades past, it is a sense of hope even of greater depth and satisfaction. The hope of a big bank accounts, luxury cars, stable jobs, a trustworthy representation within government and systems that work may be things of the past – but hope doesn’t have to become dim or grow smaller as we watch the ‘typical’ dim in our rear view mirror. Hope can be very different than what we thought it would be.
This may seem like an odd thing to be putting up on a blog. Especially a blog about preparedness. Isn’t preparedness a synonym for doomsday now days? Sadly it has been made to be connected, however, it is not an accurate assessment of what we prepare for. We prepare for hope. We prepare for sustainability. We prepare for a life more abundant and free through the difficulties rather than because of the circumstances. This is a very different way of looking at a brighter tomorrow.
Circumstantially there are many reasons to lose hope and have our emotions distracted by the negative. Reigning in our thoughts, taking them captive and focusing on what is true, noble, pure, lovely and hopeful can help us to circumvent what may appear to be chaotic circumstances around us.
It is our hope that you will see the sign of our times as a call to hope. A call to prepare with hope. A future that is more community connected, self-sustaining and grounded in depth of character. These are things to hope for. These are things to aspire to. These are just some of the things to share with others in despair. Hope can be a sign for our times.
Speaking of signs – if/when you go to an expo or a gathering or a teaching event – here is a sign to look for and find us:
We are very greatful to BuildASign.com for working with us to create this sign. They were great to work with and use of their site was easy!
In the sea of dooms-dayers, fear-mongers and panic pushers, we hope to stand apart. Our plan was that this banner would help to depict hope not fear. The folks at BuildASign.com helps us create a simple yet clear message. There is no negative connotation in the word “PREPARE” at all. It is an action verb. A call to action. The attitude behind it – is up to you.
Popular Questions
What does A Sign for the Times: PREPARE mean in today's context?
A Sign for the Times: PREPARE emphasizes the importance of readiness without fear. It encourages individuals to prepare for a future that may not align with traditional expectations, fostering a sense of hope instead of despair. This preparation is about building resilience and community connections, focusing on sustainability and abundance rather than the typical markers of success.
How can I prepare with hope as suggested in A Sign for the Times: PREPARE?
Preparing with hope involves shifting your mindset to focus on positive outcomes and community support. Engage in activities that promote self-sufficiency and sustainability, such as gardening or local volunteering. By fostering connections with others and sharing resources, you can create a network of support that thrives even in challenging times.
Why is the concept of preparing often misunderstood in A Sign for the Times: PREPARE?
Many people associate preparing with doomsday scenarios, which can overshadow the true intent of the message. A Sign for the Times: PREPARE seeks to redefine preparation as a proactive and hopeful approach to life’s uncertainties. It encourages individuals to focus on creating a fulfilling and abundant life, rather than succumbing to fear and negativity.
What actions can I take to embody the message of A Sign for the Times: PREPARE?
To embody the message, start by cultivating a positive mindset and focusing on what you can control. Engage in community-building activities, share knowledge, and support local initiatives that promote sustainability. Additionally, practice mindfulness to help navigate chaotic circumstances, allowing you to remain grounded and hopeful.
How does A Sign for the Times: PREPARE relate to community and self-sustainability?
A Sign for the Times: PREPARE highlights the significance of community and self-sustainability as essential components of a hopeful future. By preparing together, communities can build resilience against challenges and foster a sense of belonging. This collective effort not only enhances individual well-being but also strengthens the fabric of society, creating a brighter tomorrow for all.
the recent Disney Measles Outbreak. In another article and video interview specifically related to the Disney Outbreak, the Orange County Health Officials identified 19 infected individuals (all of whom were at the theme parks within a certain time period). Of those 19, they identify that 8 were not vaccinated. If you do the math correctly, that means that 11 of the people who were infected were vaccinated. That percentage rate of contraction is fairly high for being vaccinated against it. It is important to learn more about the CDC’s stance, history and recommendations for measles vaccination.
