5 Steps to Health-Related Emergency Preparedness
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 If SHTF and the doctors are busy saving peoples’ lives then many of the issues noted below will become low-priority, but they will definitely matter to you! Prepare now so you’re all set, health-wise, for societally-impacting disasters!

STEP 1: GET YOUR SHOTS
Vaccine-preventable illnesses are just that – preventable! In places where public health is impacted by war or other disasters these illnesses invariably crop up .
Childhood vaccines

• Vaccines were one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century, and have saved and prolonged millions of lives.
• Recommended childhood vaccines can be given one-by-one or sometimes in combination (less pokes) and include: Diptheria, Haemophilus Influenza, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Human Pappilomavirus, Measles, Meningitis, Mumps, Pertussis (whooping cough), Pneumonia , Polio, Rotavirus, Rubella and Tetanus.​
• Unless they are proven to be allergic or cannot receive live virus vaccines because they are immune suppressed, ALL CHILDREN should be vaccinated against vaccine-preventable diseases.

• ​The vaccines that are approved and recommended by the CDC have been tested up down and sideways and have been deemed to be effective and safe.
• Sorry to be blunt, but in my opinion refusing or forgetting to get your child vaccinated is basically akin to child neglect.

Yearly influenza vaccine

• True, they are not always effective.
• True, they wear off in one year
• BUT – if you get your shot, and get it early in the season (ie – October) then you’ll be way better off than everyone who didn’t get the shot.
• Just get the shot.

Hepatitis A & B vaccines

• Hepatitis A is a foodborne illness that can be transmitted by eating fruit, veggies or other foods that have been contaminated with germs in manure/stool. It is, unfortunately, more common than you would think. Getting Hepatitis A can cause severe jaundice, abdominal pain, illness and even death.
• Hepatitis B is a blood-borne illness transmitted via body fluids (blood, mostly) and can lead to chronic liver disease and death.
• These diseases are preventable if you get the vaccine series (2 shots for Hepatitis A, 3 shots for Hepatitis B).
• Just get the shots.

• Tdap (tetanus, whooping cough, diphtheria)

Tetanus can get into your bloodstream after exposure to dirt in a wound (not just from a rusty nail), and cause a life-threating reaction that leads not just to “lock jaw” but potentially also to paralysis of your diaphragm and respiratory failure. Tetanus can be prevented with a vaccination once every 10 years.

• Whooping cough is a prolonged illness which usually doesn’t kill adults but can be fatal in children, and is very contagious. Immunity after getting the vaccination only lasts 5-10 years.

Diphtheria is a super rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection and it’s part of the combination vaccine and there’s not really any downside to getting protected against it.

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Shingles vaccine

• The new 2-shot series (Shingrix) is very effective and is recommended for adults age 50+

Pneumonia vaccine

• Kids get this vaccine series during early childhood (see above).
• For adults there are two shots -- the Prevnar-13 and Pneumovax 23 vaccines
• Recommended for adults age 65+, and for certain immune-suppressed patients of any age.

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STEP 2: PREVENTATIVE CARE
Don’t put it off! What if a major disaster is headed your way and your body is brewing something bad that will eventually kill you? Better to take care of it now instead of becoming a cautionary tale!

Colonoscopy: This procedures, although rated “not fun” by many, not only diagnoses colon cancer but can also prevent it by removing pre-cancerous polyps at the time of the exam.

• Recommended every 10 years for low-risk adults after age 50
• Recommended every 3-5 years for adults in higher-risk categories (ie., those with a personal or family history of colon cancer or pre-cancerous polyps)

Mammogram: This exam screens for breast cancer.

• Many breast cancers are very treatable if caught in the early stages.
  
• Recommended every 1-2 years in women ages 45-74.

Pap smear: This exam screens for cervical cancer and pre-cancer in women who are or have ever been sexually active.

• Recommended every 2-3 years in low-risk women age 21-65
• Recommended every year in women with recent history of abnormal pap smear

Prostate exam: A physical exam and/or a PSA blood test screen for prostate cancer – the most common cancer in men. Sometimes cancer can be present for years before it becomes apparent.

• Get yearly prostate physical exams starting at age 50.
• Talk to your doctor about whether a PSA blood test is recommended for you.

STEP 3: DON’T PUT THINGS OFF
I totally GET procrastination and empathize with the human tendency to put things off for tomorrow. But what if the world literally falls apart tomorrow – then it will be TOO LATE!!

Stop Smoking!! It’s easier to quit now, when help is available.

• Cold turkey is an option, but there are lots of quit aides available, too.
• Use the nicotine patch or nicotine gum, a nicotine vape, or take doctor-prescribed medication to help reduce your cravings (Chantix is by far the most effective option).
• I know it’s SO hard. But maybe it’s finally time.

Get those elective procedures scheduled.

• Fix those hernias – they can potentially kill you!
• Get your gallbladder removed if you have known gallstones (cholelithiasis). A gallbladder attack can also kill you.
• Get an IUD, vasectomy or a tubal ligation if you don’t want more babies.

STEP 4: TAKE CARE OF YOUR EYES
If you can’t see, you’re at a major disadvantage. What if you lose your glasses in a storm, flood or earthquake. Imagine how helpless you will be if you can’t see!

Cataracts: If you have been diagnosed with cataracts - get them fixed!

• This surgery is quick, easy, effective and covered by most insurance plans!

Near-sightedness: Get regular eye exams and make sure that your glasses or contact prescription is up to date. Consider Lasik surgery if your distance vision is poor.

• True, Lasik is is not covered by many insurance plans, or at least not fully, but you can consider it an investment in yourself.

• Yes,  you’ll still need readers for up-close vision, someday, but reading glasses are easy to find while a prescription for distance vision in exactly your required range will be VERY tough to find if the Optometrist is no longer available! 

STEP 5: TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEETH
What if you could never find a dentist ever again?? It would be really good to at least have had a recent cleaning, had any broken or problem teeth dealt with, and/or to have dentures that fit. Bad teeth and lack of dental care can lead to misery, infection and early death!

• Get your teeth cleaned every 6 months
• Get those wisdom teeth removed if that has been recommended. I’m talking to you, 20-somethings!!
• Deal with broken teeth, lost fillings and cavities ASAP.
• Make sure your dentures or partials fit you well.

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