There is a cause for concern in the present condition of the medical system. No matter where in the world you are now, chances are that there has been a burden imposed on the system to protect you. Over-run hospitals are all taking their toll on the system, and a shortage of supplies. A simple doctor’s trip can easily become a depressing adventure in today’s world. This is particularly true in places where people rely on health care to see a doctor, such as the United States.
A breakdown of the medical system also means a collapse of health insurance coverage in these regions. A visit to the doctor will cost hundreds or thousands of dollars without coverage. If you need intensive care, never mind the costs. Currently, recent pandemic studies illustrate the health care system’s inequalities, from being under-funded to being over-run In the current global climate, a system collapse is not a far-fetched concept.
This pandemic shows us how vulnerable our healthcare system is and reminds us of why it is important to plan for the worst. Do not despair, because if the system fails, there are things you can do to plan and many ways you can take care of yourself.
Related: 10 Medical Home Emergencies and How to Treat Them
Build Yourself A First Aid Kit
It is important to have a good first aid kit. I’m not talking about the affordable kits you might purchase from the dollar store. You should have a solid prepper kit instead which includes:
- Bandages and gauze
- Paracord
- Benadryl and Imodium
- Medical Tape
- Saline eye drops
- Safety pins
- Ibuprofen
- Gloves
- Scissors or trauma sheers
- Vaseline
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Antibiotics (Bactrim or Doxycycline)
- Thermometer
- Aspirin
- A good first aid guide
Get An Advanced Supply Of Medicine
Being ready implies being prepared for something. If you actually plan ahead, it is possible for you to have the supplies you need.
If you are already taking medications, try to see the doctor or have a refill at the pharmacy a few days before your prescription expires.
Even a day or two before you run out, if you can pick up your latest prescription, then you can save a few pills at the end of the month and build an inventory over time. Saving even a few pills now means that you will have a stockpile should you need it later.
Related: 4 SHTF Over-the-Counter Painkillers To Stockpile
Make Your Own Medications
There are things that may help avoid infection or relieve discomfort, but you may not be able to access all your medications without a doctor. The list below will help you identify natural products that can be used in an emergency.
Natural Antibiotics
Garlic
Garlic is known for its preventive and curative qualities. It is an effective treatment for many types of bacteria and is used for treating open wounds or infections.
For example, by putting a cut clove on the infected area and leaving it there to help dig out the infection, garlic can be used when you have an abscess tooth.
For a look at a study that reviewed the therapeutic effects of garlic, click here.
Honey
People have turned to honey as a well-known natural antibiotic to help heal their wounds and remove infections for centuries. Doctors use honey dressings to treat the wounds of patients with burns even today.
Related: 23 Survival Uses for Honey that You Didn’t Know About
Echinacea
Traditional healers have used echinacea to heal wounds and treat infections. Echinacea has been shown to kill many types of bacteria and is readily available at health stores or online.
Natural Painkillers
Turmeric
Turmeric, the spice used in curry, contains a compound that can help with pain, indigestion, or other ailments called curcumin, a known antioxidant.
It is used to treat conditions such as discomfort from indigestion, ulcers, sore stomach, psoriasis and arthritis.
Turmeric tea, turmeric smoothies, or golden milk are some choices for using turmeric.
Willow bark
Willow bark helps treat inflammatory pain. It contains salicin, which is like most pain drugs that are over-the-counter. Although people chew the bark occasionally, you can buy it in a dried form and brew tea to assist with pain and discomfort. However, willow bark comes with threats. Possible side effects include an upset stomach, diminished function of the kidney, and excessive bleeding. It is dangerous to kids as well.
Related: 26 Ancient Remedies That We Lost to History
Cloves
Cloves are contained in the form of a pill, powder, or oil. To treat a broad variety of illnesses, you may use cloves. They are intended to help alleviate nausea, cure colds and treat infections. Cloves are also used as a topical pain reliever and have been used to alleviate the pain associated with headaches, arthritis, or tooth aches.
They have a natural ingredient that is used in some OTC pain rubs as well, so it’s a nice all-natural choice and should certainly be part of your preparedness kit.
Heat and Ice
Heat and ice will help when everything else fails. It reduces swelling by adding ice, and heat reduces stiffness. An ice pack on your head will reduce your headache, and arthritis is improved by heat. Keep those things still on hand.
For treating common ailments, there are a lot of options available. Study is your best defense. Start looking for ways of treating some of the more common illnesses naturally and go from there. If you know that you have a particular illness or are likely to end up with a particular injury, if the need arises, you must arm yourself with information so that you are ready.
The occurrence of a collapse of the medical system may have been an unlikely possibility at one time, but it is a plausible case today. The burden of the current pandemic and the unstable state of our present system mean that some kind of breakdown will inevitably occur. For the worst-case situation, it is better to be prepared so that the actual incidents don’t catch you off guard.
