Katrina - Have We Learned Anything at All?

On this second anniversary of the disaster now known by a single word - "Katrina"

all of us in disaster response look around and shake our heads. One year ago we saw misstep after misstep, failure after failure. As we look back over a landscape that is still scarred by the aftermath of flooding and looting to see both despair and rebirth we ask ourselves: Are we any better prepared today?

Two recent reports by the National Academies of Science clearly stated that Americas hospitals and emergency rooms are no more prepared now than one or even five years ago. Worse, hospitals have failed to integrate emergency medical services (EMS) into their planning and response operations. This first link in the chain is not broken it is simply unhitched.

what happens the next time Mother Nature roars? We cannot yet mitigate an earthquake or a hurricane, a tornado or a volcano. We have yet to learn how to immunize our planet against the next great pandemic or the next plague.

Why is it after we see one of the great cities of America laid low and sunk beneath the waters of its own shores that we have yet to do any meaningful planning? This is not our governments fault. Money is available and spent every day for training. Why we must fight to get any hospital to train to avoid the next catastrophic failure in the wake of unavoidable disaster?

On those occasions when healthcare does choose to train, it is discouraging to see a room more than half empty. In a profession that loudly proclaims a dedication to patient safety and customer care, to see so few people interested in preserving the most necessary of community resources, healthcare, is demoralizing beyond words. Disasters can seldom be avoided. On the other hand, catastrophe can almost always be averted with conscientious planning and practice. The difference between a disaster and a catastrophe is that while disaster is when needs exceed resources, catastrophe is when needs exceed all ability to respond.

Equally disturbing is the territorialism among the specialties, each one laying claim to disaster medicine. Most healthcare delivered after a disaster is a simple the daily practice medicine under the worst conditions. These groups fail to realize that Disaster Medicine is primarily practiced before the disaster ever strikes. Disaster Medicine Specialists are part and parcel of planning for the community disaster response and the elimination of profession-specific silos of authority and knowledge. Rather than embracing the concept of board certification in the new specialty of Disaster Medicine, these territorial and fractious groups seek to stake their claim. They have learned nothing.

The good news, Disaster Life Support (DLS) has become the national standard for preparedness of individuals, families, businesses and healthcare professionals, Healthcare First Responder training (HFR) has become the ruler by which hospitals and other healthcare institutions are measured. While it is frustratingly difficult to get these audiences to come to class, it is immensely rewarding when they finally understand how important it is to be prepared, to be aware and to be able to protect themselves, their families, their communities, and their patients. Much like the early days of CPR, it will take time for the nation to understand the importance of every man, woman and child knowing what to do when the wind blows, the buildings falls, or the whole planet sneezes at once. Until then, we who teach these most precious skills will continue to strive to ensure that everyone goes home alive at the end of the day.

Will the Gulf coast and New Orleans recover?

Certainly in time.

The bigger question is will we ever learn to be D.I.S.A.S.T.E.R. R.E.A.D.Y. & P.L.A.N.?

Dr. Maurice A. Ramirez is the founder and president of the consulting firm High alert, LLC.. He serves on expert panels for pandemic preparedness and healthcare surge planning with Congressional and Cabinet Members. Board certified in multiple specialties, Dr. Ramirez is Founding Chairperson of the American Board of Disaster Medicine and serves the nation as a Senior Physician-Federal Medical Officer in the National Disaster Medical System. Dr. Ramirez has a new book: You Can Survive Anything, Anywhere, Every Time. His website is http://www.High-Alert.com

Stress Meditation Yoga Meditation Meditation

Installing Asphalt And Fiberglass Shingle Roofing

Asphalt shingle roofing is the most popular type of roofing and there are plenty of reasons for it too. Asphalt shingles are quite easy to install and hardly need any maintenance. Fiber glass roof shingles are on the other hand fire resistant. Both fiber glass and asphalt are available in a wide range of colors and signs.

Asphalt shingles are very cost effective they start at $.80 per square and go up according to the various factors like the height, geographical conditions and the slope of the roof. They are inexpensive and last for 15 to 20 years. Of course the life of the shingles also depends on other factors like the quality of the shingles, the thickness and the maintenance too. Weather plays an important role in the life of the shingles. In hot weather they tend to get spoilt faster. It is really important that you choose the correct person for installing your roof. Installing a new roof is very expensive and if the roofer is not an expert he may ruin the roof and you will always have trouble with it. Anyone may start a roofing business but few have the necessary knowledge and skills of it. There are some tips for what you should look for in a good roofer.

How to select a good roofer

To begin with a good roofer must be experienced. In this field experience counts and a roofer who has at least 15 years experience is the best one. A novice cant have that at knowledge which an experienced roofer will have.

Next you should also see to it that the roofer of your choice is available, if he is not available there is no point in waiting for him if your roof needs immediate attention.

A good roofer will always be able to give you reference of his previous work done. If he says he cant then it means he has something to hide. After getting the references do check them out. Once you have inspected the roofs and found them pretty well done then the next thing you must do is talk to at least two references that the roofer has given. You must find out from them if they are satisfied with the roofer and would they give him a repeat work. Next ask them if their roof has ever leaked and if it has did the roofer attended to the leak promptly and did he charge for it? Did he do the work aesthetically without damaging anything and within your budget?

You should also find out if he has at least $1 million of liability insurance and covers workmens compensation.

When you hire a roofer you must clarify with him how he is going to install the new roof. Will he install it on the previous one or lay a new one. You should not have more than two layers and if the present layer is curled or damaged you should not install another layer on it without removing the damaged one.

You should also know the guarantee period of the roofing. It should be at least one year, however three years is always preferable. You should also enquire about the shingles that he will use. You may enquire about its quality and all other relevant details. Dont forget to discuss the trash too. You must know how and who will remove the trash and how he will protect your plants, lawn and driveway while he is at the job. Last of all dont forget to discuss the payment schedule. One third as upfront is the normal routine and the rest when the job is done.

You must also enquire if the underneath plywood decking need to be replaced. Dont get it replaced if it is in perfect condition. Also get the roof jacks and pipe boots checked. Thus get all the relevant information and select a roofer only when you are full convinced of his capabilities.

As Long Island, LI Roofing Contractors, and Northern Virginia Roofing contractors we take great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts.

Meditation Timer Yoga

Packing for the Perfect Trip: Luggage Tips and Reminders

Call it luggage; call it baggage - suitcases, duffels, trunks, carryons, checkthroughs -- every traveler has bags to lug around. Here are some tips for happy toting, no matter where your journey leads.

Too many bags, or too few? The more items of luggage you have (and the smaller they are), the easier it is to lose track of one or more if them. On the other hand, if you jam everything into a couple of huge bags they'll be impossible to lift, and the loss of one bag could put a big dent in your vacation. Try to find a happy medium.

Carryon luggage. Even though your carryon may fit the scanner at the security checkpoint, it still may not fit in the overhead or under seat storage areas. Check with your airline before you fly for specific maximum dimensions -- some aircraft fit larger bags than others. You are usually allowed one carryon bag plus one personal item such as a purse or briefcase, and shopping bags do count towards your allowance. The Federal Aviation Agency has useful information on this and other related topics at http://www2.faa.gov/index.cfm/apa/1079

Stowing strollers. Parents often ask about checking strollers before they fly. Strollers and infant carriers can be taken to the gate, and checked as you board the plane. The item(s) will be waiting for you when you disembark.

Visibility at the carousel. Sometimes it seems that everyone buys their luggage at the same store, and half a dozen people scramble for the same bag when it emerges at baggage claim. Distinctive luggage tags, stripes of colored adhesive tape, and/or colored baggage straps (available at all luggage stores) all help make your bags unmistakable.

Label your luggage inside and out. Every bag should have a luggage tag. The airline will supply a paper tag if you need it. Include some form of identification inside the bag, too, in case you lose the outer tag.

Checked baggage inspection. As we mentioned in a recent article, the transportation Safety Administration (TSA) now inspects all checked airline luggage. In many cases, the luggage goes through a scanning device, but at some airports all luggage must be hand-inspected. The TSA asks that you not lock your bags, as the locks will be removed if they have to inspect your luggage by hand. If you just want to hold the zippers closed, even a simple twist-tie will work. To reduce the possibility of casual theft, buy plastic cable ties at the hardware store -- you'll need a stout scissors or clipper to open them, though (round-nosed scissors are now allowed in carryon luggage). To read more, visit the TSA's consumer web site at http://www.tsa.gov

Split your contents between several bags. If you lose a bag, the airline usually returns it to you within 24 hours, but what happens if your cruise ship departs a few hours after you land? Divide your belongings between several bags, so if one bag is lost, everyone still has at least a few items to wear when your ship sails.

Create an inventory. Make a complete list of the contents of each bag and carry the list on your person as you travel. If a bag is lost or items are missing, the list will make a loss claim much easier. To be even safer, leave a copy of the list at home, too.

Rolling; rolling; rolling. How did we travel before the days of wheeled luggage? A new set of wheeled bags may be one of your most savvy investments. Tall people should beware of short wheeled bags with short handles, though -- they can be murder on your back.

Copyright Jennifer Marx, PassPorter Travel Press. all Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your web site and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links, and the resource box are unchanged.

About the Author: Jennifer Marx is the author of over 40 print books, including the award-winning, best-selling PassPorter Walt Disney World guidebook. She is married to author Dave Marx and mom to two kids who love Disney. Read more of Jennifer's articles on Disney and general travel at http://www.passporter.com and in the popular Disney discussion forums.

Denise Austin Pilates And Yoga Equipment

Beating Disney World Hotels, the Secret Savvy Travelers Know

Have you been to Walt Disney World? No? Then when you go the first time, by all means take advantage of the plethora of Disney Themed Resort Hotels. Each of them is fantastic in their own way.

The Contemporary Resort has the Monorail going right through the lobby. The Grand floridian is posh and stylish. The Wilderness Lodge is rustic and outdoors like. If you like the South Seas the Polynesian has the best of Hawaii and Polynesia. For that feeling of being in Africa, the Animal Kingdom Lodge cant be beat.

Each of these resorts is a multi-million dollar themed experience that cant be beat. The trouble with most of these resorts is that they cost a fortune to stay at, if you can even get a room. Prices can range from $250 to $600 a night for a standard room. Granted these are the best resorts Disney has. One of the problems with these resorts, or any hotel for that matter, is the lack of space you find in your room. Its a hotel after all. Typical hotel rooms have no more than 500 to 800 sq ft. and two beds. If you have more than 3 children it becomes a challenge. You either must book another room or an expensive suite.

Heres the little secret. Private owners have second vacation homes close by Disney world only a short distance from the entrance. These homes are just like a normal home and have bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, garage, and everything a typical home would have. You can rent these home just like you rent a hotel room and, they are a lot cheaper than the Disney world resort hotels. Homes generally rent from $100 to $300 a night and many have a private pool.

Still want to stay at a favorite Disney Resort? Heres a trick. Book just 1 or 2 days at your favorite resort and experience the resort to its fullest. Book a vacation home for the rest of your vacation and save money. Im willing to bet that youll love the Disney Resort, but feel more at home in the vacation home.

If you have a group larger than four people, youll really enjoy the space a vacation home gives you. Usually youll have 3 or 4 bedrooms. Children can play outside near the pool or watch TV in the living room. You can cook your own food and not only eat healthier, but also save money on meals.

The biggest disadvantage that vacation homes have is something that Disney has a monopoly on. That is the luxury of having the monorail come right to your hotel. With a vacation home you must rent a car and drive a bit, but the savings and the extra space are worth it.

Next time you go to Walt Disney world try a vacation home. I think youll enjoy the experience.

Scott Ames owns a vacation home near Walt Disney world and has been going to Disney Theme parks since 1971. His vacation home is for rent by the week and more information can be found at: http://www.orlandogatherings.com

Theories Of Yoga And Meditation