Things you might not know about Mosquitos(a.k.a Mozzies)

Why Mozzies Must die!
Because they buzz in our ears when we sleep, suck our blood and give us that irritating itch. A shark might bite you in half, lions can tear you limb from limb and a snake can inject you with a toxin that will leave you a quivering mass in minutes, but none is as irritating and as numerous as these pesky creatures. By the way, do you know that more people die from the bite of this lowly lower than low lifeform than all the above creatures put together. Below are just some of the diseases these scums can give:
1)Dengue fever- 50 and 100 million cases worldwide
2)Rift Valley fever - Primarily an animal disease that can cross over to humans, and can result in an inflammation of the brain and surrounding tissue or haemorrhagic fever.
3)Canine heartworm-worms deposited from mozzies enter the bloodstream where they multiply till they infest the heart or lung arteries, ultimately resulting in death if untreated.
4)Encephalitis - acute inflammation of the brain
5)Yellow fever - just know that you can die from it.Period.
6)Elephantiasis - parasites deposited by mozzies that ultimately clog up your tissues and lymphatic systems leaving one grotesquely swollen. See left.(Purposely made smaller so that your lunch is still intact.)
7)Malaria - predominantly in the tropics. Ultimately coma/death if untreated. ( needless to say)
8)Blemish - very common. You get bitten. You itch. You scratch.You get scarred.

Mosquito Hotspots to Take Note Of When You Travel (Check with your doctor the available vaccinations to take)
Did you know? Like people, mosquitoes do display dining preferences which explains why some unfortunate people get bitten more frequently than others. This is due to the unique body odour which is distinct and different for each human.
If you want to be more attractive to mosquitoes, do the following:
1)Try perspiring as much as possible. Human sweat contains volatiles such as lactic acid and ammonia which attract mosquitos.
2)Stay in a place with high humidity where you will increase your chances of being bitten.
3)Wear dark coloured clothings.
4)Make more movements than the people around you. Mosquitos will sense your movement and zoom to you.
5)Pant more (Do loads of exercise).The smell of carbon dioxide from your heavy breathing draws them to you.
6)Get pregnant or get large. Pregnant women produce a greater-than-normal amount of exhaled carbon dioxide, similar to large people.
7)Put on loads of perfume or aftershave. Generally, mosquitoes do get attracted to such stuff.
8)Go out often to mosquito infested areas during dawn or dusk. Mosquitoes are active during these times of the day.
If you want to be less attractive to mosquitoes, do the following ( in addition to doing things opposite from the above):
1)Use an insect repellent. Make sure you use according to instructions as large amounts may be harmful to health especially when ingested.Duh...Do not apply to cuts or open wounds too...Duh.
2)Plant plants that repel mosquitoes such as the following around your home. But you are travelling, so maybe you can lug around cut flowers and look like a hopeless romantic.
-Lemongrass
-Chrysanthemum
-Marigold

3)Wear insect repellent clothings. Check out http://www.insectshield.com/. With extra baggage weight being charged more by airlines and restrictions imposed on liquids, investing in these types may be a good ideas.

4)Wear long sleeves shirts and long pants. Long sleeves shirt to be tucked into the pants.
5)Use mosquito nets when sleeping.
6)Use Citronella candles or smoking coils, but you will have to stay in the plum of the smoke to stay protected. When travelling, stay downwind of the candles or coils and follow the wind direction constantly...if you can. Just joking.
7)Stay at least 1 mile radius from their breeding site as they don't like to travel further than that. I prefer to remove the breeding site though.
8)Rear a bat and bring it with you on your travels. Make sure you train it well, so that it flies back to you.
References: www.bbc.co.uk, Today Newspaper ( Singapore Print)

How to survive in the wilderness after a wreck.

You have crash landed. You survived. Just when you thought the worse was over, you looked around and see things you only get to see in National Geographic. Bred and raised in the urban jungle, just what are you going to do now? Below is a quick and dirty guide on just what you can do to increase your odds of survival.
Know thyself

Fear - For anyone faced with a wilderness emergency survival situation, fear is a normal reaction. Unless an emergency situation has been anticipated, fear is generally followed by panic then pain, cold, thirst, hunger, fatigue, boredom and loneliness. It is extremely important to calmly assess the situation and not allow these seven enemies to interfere with your survival.
Pain - Pain may often be ignored in a panic situation. Remember to deal with injuries immediately before they become even more serious.
Cold - Cold lowers the ability to think, numbing the body and reducing the will to survive. Never allow yourself to stop moving or to fall asleep unless adequately sheltered.
Thirst - Dehydration is a common enemy in an emergency situation and must not be ignored. It can dull your mind, causing you to overlook important survival information.
Hunger - Hunger is dangerous but seldom deadly. It may reduce your ability to think logically and increase your susceptibility to the effects of cold, pain and fear.
Fatigue - Fatigue is unavoidable in any situation so it is best to keep in mind that it can and will lower your mental ability. Remember that in an emergency situation this is often the bodies way of escaping a difficult situation.
Boredom & Loneliness - These enemies are quite often unanticipated and may lower the mind's ability to deal with the situation.

Practical How-Tos

Build a Fire
Building a fire is the most important task when dealing with survival in the wilderness. Be sure to build yours in a sandy or rocky area or near a supply of sand and water as to avoid forest fires. The most common mistakes made by those attempting to build a fire are: choosing poor tinder, failing to shield precious matches from the wind and smothering the flames with too large pieces of fuel.
The four most important factors when starting a fire are :spark, tinder(a readily combustible material), fuel and oxygen.

The most common ways to create spark are:
1)Waterproof, strike-anywhere matches are your best bet. Matches may be water-proofed by dipping them in nail polish. Store your matches in a waterproof container.
2)A cigarette lighter is also a good way to produce a spark, with or without fuel.
3)The flint and steel method is one of the oldest and most reliable methods in fire starting. Aim the sparks at a pile of dry tinder to produce a fire.
4)The electric spark produced from a battery will ignite a gasoline dampened rag.
5)Allow the suns rays to pass through a magnifying glass onto the tinder.

Dry grass, paper or cloth lint, gasoline-soaked rags and dry bark are all forms of tinder. Place your tinder in a small pile resembling a tepee with the driest pieces at the bottom. Gather fuel before attempting to start your fire. Dry wood burns better and wet or pitchy wood will create more smoke. Dense, dry wood will burn slow and hot. A well ventilated fire will burn best.

Build a Shelter
A small shelter which is insulated from the bottom, protected from wind and snow and contains a fire is extremely important in wilderness survival. Before building your shelter be sure that the surrounding area provides the materials needed to build a good fire, a good water source and shelter from the wind.

Wilderness shelters may include:
1. Natural shelters such as caves and overhanging cliffs. When exploring a possible shelter tie a piece of string to the outer mouth of the cave to ensure you will be able to find your way out. Keep in mind that these caves may already be occupied. If you do use a cave for shelter, build your fire near its mouth to prevent animals from entering.
2. Enlarge the natural pit under a fallen tree and line it with bark or tree branches.
3. If you are near a rocky coastal area, build a rock shelter in the shape of a U, covering the roof with driftwood and a tarp or even seaweed for protection.
4. A lean-to made with poles or fallen trees and a covering of plastic, branches, thick grasses or bark is effective to shelter you from wind, rain and snow.
5. A wigwam may be constructed using long poles. Tie the tops of the poles together and upright them in an appropriate spot. Cover the sides with a tarp, branches, raingear or other suitable materials. Build a fire in the center of the wigwam, making a draft channel in the wall and a small hole in the top to allow smoke to escape.
6. If you find yourself in open terrain, a snow cave will provide good shelter. Find a drift and burrow a tunnel into the side for about 60 cm (24 in) then build your chamber. The entrance of the tunnel should lead to the lowest level of you chamber where the cooking and storage of equipment will be. A minimum of two ventilating holes are necessary, preferably one in the roof and one in the door.

Clothing must provide warmth and offer protection from the elements. Hats are a must, as they offer protection from both the heat and cold. Water proof outer layers are necessary.
Equipment must be easily manageable and promote survival in any situation. Items to carry in your pockets may include a fire starter, waterproof matches and/or lighter, a pocket knife, goggles, compass, small first-aid kit and some sort of trail food.
Survival Kit Items for your survival kit should be packed in a waterproof container that can double as a cooking pot and water receptacle and be attached to your belt.
Backpack In addition to a survival kit, a good, comfortable backpack is mandatory. Loads of about 18 kg (40 lb.) are average. Items to include are; flashlight, extra jacket, socks and mittens, a pocket saw, gas camp stove, first aid kit, emergency food, and a tent and fly.
Check List ( For those who plan for the worst-case-scenerios)
1. A map and compass.
2. A large, bright plastic bag will be useful as a shelter, signaling device or in lieu of raingear
3. A flashlight with extra batteries.
4. Extra water and food.
5. Extra clothing such as raingear, a toque(see left) and gloves, a sweater and pants.
6. Sun protection such as sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat/cap and long sleeved clothing.
7. A sharp pocket knife.
8. Waterproof matches, a lighter and/or a flint.
9. Candles and fire starter.
10. A first aid kit.
11. A whistle, flares, a tarp(waterproof canvas).

References: www.bcadventure.com

How to survive a plane crash.Touchwood!

Did you know? A look at real-world crash stats ( based on a study by Popular Mechanics of 20 commecial jet crash accidents in the US since 1971) suggests that the farther back you sit, the better your odds of survival. Passengers near the tail of a plane are about 40 percent more likely to survive a crash than those in the first few rows up front. See below diagram for the survival rate calculations done by Popular Mechanics. ( It should be noted though that the Federal Aviation Administration's stand is that there is no safest seat.)

First/Business Class (red):49%

Ahead of the wing (yellow) :56%

Over wing (yellow):56%

Rear Cabin(green):69%Ok dude, i want to survive

1) On boarding, mentally take note of the two closest exits and count the rows between them and your seat. In the event of darkness or smoke, feel the seats and count until you reach the exit row

2)Ready for the impact. The official FAA crash position is to extend your arms, cross your hands and place them on the seat in front of you, and then place your head against the back of your hands. Tuck your feet under your seat as far as you can.

If you have no seat in front of you, bend your upper body over with your head down and wrap your arms behind your knees.

3)Wear long pants, sleeves and closed-toed shoes. This will help protect you from glass, metal and the elements.
4)If you're with your family, talk to your children about what to do in the event of an emergency. Divide the responsibility of helping your children between you and your spouse. It's easier for one parent to help a single child than for both to try to keep everyone together
5)Pay attention to the preflight instructions, as all planes are different.

6)When the oxygen mask drops, put it on yourself first before attempting to help someone else. If you fall unconscious, you have no chance of helping your travel mate.

Tips to take note of when your plane is going down(At the very least, try to...)

1)Don't panic. Panic is the reason that many passengers find themselves unable to do something as simple as releasing their seatbelt. For this reason, many crash victims are found still strapped into their seats.
­2)In the event of fire, stay as low as you can and get out as quickly as possible. The smoke and fumes from a burning plane are highly toxic and more likely to kill you than the flames.

3)If you make it out of the plane in one piece, get as far away as possible as quickly as you can and tuck behind something large in case of an explosion.
4)Think before you drink. Consuming alcohol will slow your response time and cloud your decision-making.
5)No matter what you believe can't be replaced, never attempt to take your carry-on luggage with you during an emergency exit.
6)Don't inflate your life vest until you're outside the cabin. It will restrict your movement.

References: http://www.howstuffworks.com/ , http://www.popularmechanics.com/

Treating a Migraine. The simple ways.

About two thirds of migraine sufferers cannot function at a normal level when they get a migraine attack. Below are 9 simple solutions to ease your migraine pain. (Pls note that they are not intended as substitutes for the advice of a doctor.)

The Simple Solutions

1)Get a good night's sleep. Changes in sleep patterns, changing shifts, and jet lag can trigger migraines. Try to maintain a regular schedule and get up and go to bed at the same time every day.

2)Lie down, put an ice pack wrapped in a towel or a cold compress on your throbbing head to soothe swollen, pulsing blood vessels until the pain subsides. If you don't want to put a cold compress on your head to relieve the pain, soak one or both of your hands in ice water for as long as you can tolerate it. While your hands are in the water, ball them into fists and open and close them repeatedly. It can have the same effect as a compress on your head.

3)Believe or not, caffeine works! It's a paradox of headaches: Ingest too much caffeine and you may get a headache, but take a little bit and it can help make the pain disappear.

4) Keep the room dark. Light sometimes aggravates migraine symptoms, lie down in a dark room.

5)Do not skip meals. Skipping meals can trigger a migraine attack. If you can, eat smaller meals throughout the day or be sure to eat three meals. Take note of what you eat. Certain foods triggers a migraine attack in about ten percent of migraine sufferers. It can take from 30 minutes to 12 hours for a food to cause a reaction. If you get a migraine, think back to what you ate in that time frame and try eliminating some of those foods from your diet.

6) Spice it up. The hot ingredient in red pepper, capsaicin, is a terrific painkiller and may help those who have migraines feel better during an attack. You do not need to include red pepper in all your meals. You can buy cayenne pepper capsules in health food stores.

7)Try not to sleep late on weekends. Though it might seem like a reward to relax and sleep in, giving yourself that letdown after stress is a common trigger. Waking up late can also trigger a migraine by changing your normal sleep pattern and may cause you to miss breakfast which also triggers a migraine. If you really must sleep late on the weekends, try sleeping with a tiny bit of your window open to let air in.

8)If you're prone to vomiting during migraines, keep a can of Campbell's Chicken Broth upside down in your refrigerator. Really. After you're finished in the bathroom, take out the can, turn it right-side up, open, pour out the broth (leave the fat stuck to the top), and drink it once you're able. Replaces needed electrolytes, etc., helps relieve the weakness and general malaise. Don't know why Campbell's works better than any other brand, but it does.

9) low levels of the hormone progesterone appear to increase the frequency and severity of migraines. If you are a woman, and your migraines occur more often in the 2 weeks before menses, be suspicious and ask your doctor to check your progesterone levels (note: many doctors are unaware of this link, but if your levels are found to be low, they may be willing to prescribe supplementation).

Enjoy your Travels :)

How to be a Lightweight Traveller.

It is almost always best to travel light, so that you can avoid unnecessary delays, and get to your destination most efficiently.

1)Get a small bag. The bag should be lightweight and easy to carry. It is helpful to have a bag that can be carried as a backpack, or as a shoulder bag depending on the circumstances. It is also handy if it has wheels.

2)Check the weather report of your destination, so that you know what type of clothing to bring with you. For example, If it is going to be sunny, then bring a hat, etc. Plan your wardrobe so that everything matches with everything else. A good suggestion would be to follow a minimalist approach to fashion, such as bringing single coloured clothings as these are easy to match. One skirt and a single pair of trousers can be matched with a t-shirt, a blouse or a tank top to make six different outfits--plenty of clothes for a week journey. You can get fancy with a scarf, bandanna or a cap. Also, be sure you have appropriate clothing for area you are visiting.

3)Bring enough underwear and socks so that not much laundering is needed. And, bring laundry supplies, if you are planning on doing laundry. (Note: just put enough dry detergent in a ziplock bag for as many loads as you plan to do--don't bring the whole box.). Wisely choose clothing materials that dry quickly, such as Nycott, Polyester or alternative eco material, such as Soy so you only need a few pairs. If you hate doing laundering ( like me!), consider investing in anti-microbial clothing, so you won't stink that much.

4)Bring at least two pairs of shoes that you can walk in comfortably. I also suggest bringing a fun or fancy pair of shoes, in case you want to go someplace like a club, a fancy dinner, or the opera. You never know who you may meet!

5)Consider your packing space carefully. Put items inside of other items, like putting some items in your shoes. Roll clothes into small rolls can also prevent wrinking. Invest in wrinkle resistant clothings so you can squeeze them tight into your bag without looking shabby later.

6)If you have special supplies or equipment that you need to have with you and they are heavy, a way is to have these items sent ahead of you to your hotel or home stay where you can meet them later.

7) Keep necessary items you need in the top of your bag or in a separate hand bag, because you never know what may happen when you travel. As well, carry any valuables with you in this bag .Keep your ID, money, credit cards, in a security pouch or in secret, zipped pockets of your clothings. Keep some small currency in your pocket for little purchases (rather than pulling out everything each time). Carry photocopies of your ID, visas, and credit cards with you but in a separate compartment from the real ones (the idea being that if you lose one, you still have the other). Copies can also be scanned and kept on a USB thumb drive (possibly encrypted). Consider 'buddy packing' where your travel partner keeps your important photocopies and you keep theirs.

8)Not all clothings are created equal for travelling. Some clothings are designed to be light weight. When travelling to cold places, consider warm clothes that have a high warmth to weight ratio.

Other Travel Tips
-Instead of bringing liquid based insect repellent that are heavy and subjected to air line regulatory restrictions, get those non-liquid based ones or even investing in insect repellent clothing.

- Always have extra quart size ziploc bags (for various uses) and a plastic shopping bag in case your clothes get wet and you cant dry them before you pack again.

-Carry a bag of nuts. You never know when you might be on a long train ride with ridiculously expensive food. Nuts are good for you, non perishable and they satiate your hunger.

-Avoid bringing things that you "might" need, simply because you really like them. If you know that you are going to be hiking across Central America, and camping in the outback, then you probably are not going to need that fabulous Betsy Johnson empire mini dress. Take a photo of it, and bring it with you. You can look at it while you are in the outback to remind you of more glamorous times that you will revisit when you return.

-Last but not least,if your bag feels heavy while you are carrying it out of your house, then you have too much stuff.