Survival Guru » Outdoors http://survivalguru.com Prepare Today. Survive Tomorrow. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:02:04 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 How to Survive – Poison Ivy http://survivalguru.com/outdoors/how-to-survive-poison-ivy/ http://survivalguru.com/outdoors/how-to-survive-poison-ivy/#comments Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:58:03 +0000 The Survival Guru http://survivalguru.com/?p=172 poison-ivy-1What is Poison Ivy

Poison Ivy is one of the most most common poisonous plant species found throughout the United States. These plants cause an allergic reaction in nearly 85 percent of the population. Poison Ivy can be found in forests, fields, wetlands and along streams, road sides, and even in urban environments, such as, parks and backyards. Poison Ivy has two forms. One form grows low to the ground. It is usually found in groups of many plants and looks like weeds growing from 6 to 30 inches high. The other form is a “hairy” vine that grows up a tree. Both have stems with 3 leaves. The old saying “Leaves of three, Let it be” is a helpful reminder for identifying poison ivy.

How to Treat a Poison Ivy Rash

Urushiol can bond to your skin within minutes. If you think that you’ve come in contact with poison ivy, immediately rinse your skin with rubbing alcohol, specialized poison plant washes, de-greasing soap (such as dish-washing soap) or detergent, and lots of water. This may help to get some of the oil off your skin. Products that contain solvents such as mineral oil (brand names: Technu, Zanfel) also may help to remove Urushiol from your skin. Because urushiol can remain active for a long time, be sure to wash your clothes, shoes, tools or anything else that may have touched the plant (like camping, sporting, fishing or hunting gear).

Poison Ivy Treatment:

When to call a doctor:

  • You have fever over 100 degrees
  • The poison ivy rash covers large areas of your body
  • The rash is in your eyes, mouth or on your genital area
  • There is pus coming from the blisters
  • The poison ivy rash does not get better after a few days
]]> http://survivalguru.com/outdoors/how-to-survive-poison-ivy/feed/ 0 How to Survive – Day Hikes http://survivalguru.com/outdoors/how-to-survive-day-hikes/ http://survivalguru.com/outdoors/how-to-survive-day-hikes/#comments Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:29:24 +0000 The Survival Guru http://survivalguru.com/?p=3 day-hikeThe reason most day-hikers become lost in the woods is due to a lack of preparedness and their thinking that they are just out for a quick day hike. The day-hikers account for approximately 80% of lost hikers each year in North America. How do you avoid becoming a statistic and avoid the day-hiker syndrome? Read my list of the two most important things you can do to avoid becoming a statistic.

1. Bring enough gear and the appropriate clothing in case of an emergency

Carry enough gear to take care of the “Big 5″ survival priorities: shelter, water, fire, medical, and signaling. You must be prepared with a daypack of quality survival gear to handle being stranded in the cold (or heat) for a minimum of 72 hours.

2. Leave a detailed travel plan with a dependable friend or family member

Leave a note indicating where you will park and hike. Also leave an approximate time of when you will return home, and then work out a response plan with your significant other/friend. For example, my wife and I have a two-hour window worked out. If I say that I will be back at 6 P.M. and then 8 P.M. rolls around without me returning, then she is my safety net back home who can make a call for help.

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