Don't overlook the stress factor

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Don't overlook the stress factor as we get closer and closer to roll over. The stress will be different for different people/reasons. If you are just getting it Dec 29th and are out fighting in the crowds for items or survival, there will be a different stress and level of stress than if you are digging in and hunkering down due to a looming hurricane on the horizon. I spent two days working my butt off getting ready for Floyd. And I can tell you, none of it had anything to do with prepping for food and water, etc. It was just physical labor of getting everything safe, put away, animals cared for, etc. Then Floyd decided to change his itinerary and not come and visit with us. I am still so stressed out over all this. What would my stress levels be if Floyd had come in and done lots of damage? So get yourselve prepared well in advance so you can weather the storm with minimum stress. You don't need a divorce on top of y2k.

Taz...who would like to go to bed for a week. If she could find the bed under all the stuff lugged into the house for safe keeping.

-- Taz (Tassie@aol.com), September 15, 1999

Answers

Taz,

I know what you mean! But don't take everything back outside yet, you may have to lug it back in for Gert. Look how far ahead you are in preparing for the next one. Also, how nice NOT to have to face cleanup. I hated cleaning up after hurricanes (I grew up in Miami), debris everywhere, much of it sopping wet plant material and downed trees that had to be cut up and hauled off.

I have a question for you regarding the packets you made up for dehydration. (I know this is an old thread, but I was looking at it today.) Did you use unsweetened Kool-Aid? If so, would you mix it up with the usual cup of sugar per packet? I was thinking not, since there was a little sugar in your recipe, but wanted to make sure.

Take a nap and sweet dreams. You've earned it.

-- Jill D. (jdance@mindspring.com), September 15, 1999.


I would probably mix it with the sugar it calls for. Sugar provides quick energy and certainly makes it more palatable for kids. If you were hauled into the hospital terribly dehydrated, they would probably give you D5W (5% dextrose in water) in addition to the elecrolytes. The main thing is getting the fluid in and the electrolytes. I would think the sugar would be a bonus providing there were no sugar problems with the patient. Also providing how much fluid you are giving. Don't want too much sugar going in especialy if not urinating.

-- Taz (Tassie@aol.com), September 15, 1999.

Hang in there Taz! :)

In my opinion (fwiw) half-strength Gatorade is best for re- hydration. This is what I was told as a firefighter. Too much salt/sugar can actually worsen the dehydration in the tissues. Pedialyte (or generic version) is also considered excellent. Take care! Oh, they also used the diluted electrolyte solution (drink) when I helped out at a medical tent for an Ironman distance triathlon (10-12 hours duration!) - the doctor really stressed to not overdo the concentrated solution.

-- Kristi (securx@cs.com), September 15, 1999.


(1) Stress. I definitely agree with you that much of the stress is doing all the other "stuff" that needs to be accomplished before the big event. Exhaustion is a real possibility. Last minute filling of water containers, final packing, etc. And then too, there is the stress of not knowing what will happen (which we can feel now!).

(2) Rehydration. I have successfully used half (or even lower) strength lemonade or limeade for rehydration while long distance bike riding in hot climates. It is my personal preference over gatorade or similar drinks.

-- Mad Monk (madmonk@hawaiian.net), September 15, 1999.


I have both St. Johns Wort and wine.

-- tc (trashcan-man@webtv.net), September 15, 1999.


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