Tag Archives: Vlog

Posted in Roy on Rescue

3 Rules To A Healthy Lunch Made Easy!

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3 Rules to Eating A Healthy Lunch On The Run

And welcome back rescue fans!

So you’ve taken the plunge into eating a vegetarian or vegan diet and maybe even have seen that you’ve got to limit your wheat intake.  Now, you’re hungry, you’re at work and have no idea where to eat, what to eat or where to begin?  Well stay tuned to this episode of RoyOnHealth because I have some ideas for you!  Full transcript to follow under video window.

Continued Transcript To Follow:

So I finished my workout, and on my way to the ProTrainings offices, I knew I needed to grab some food for lunch.  Now keep in mind, I’ve changed my diet and my exercise routine a lot over the last 10 years but nothing like I’ve done in the past 12 months.  I could probably be pretty accurately described as a Vegan Hybrid.  Well, as I was moving my way through the vegetable section and had my arms filled with my top 4-5 products I noticed another patron that seemed a bit lost.  They would first look at the salads, then they would look at the fruit section, then they would go back to the whole vegetables only to end up back at the banana section of the fruit area.  It was then that I thought, you know, I wonder how many healthy diets are failed because it’s just too confusing or difficult to do?  Well, I’ve got a couple of ideas for you.

First, let’s set some ground rules that I use for my own diet.  What kind of diet to I eat you ask?  I’m a Veganvegetarian Hybrid

What’s a veganvegetarian hybrid you ask?  Well, it’s it’s a made up name for when I will eat meat when set before me by friends and family but when on my own, is not consumed.  I do from time to time have dairy products but for the most part, I prefer a vegan diet as it’s what makes me feel the best most of the time.  The reason I eat this way is based on some pretty hard science that proves that animal protein is probably the leading reason we have inflammatory, cardio vascular and cancer problems.  More on that later but that’s the reason I eat the way I eat.

Now, If you’ve ever tried to eat whole, plant based foods that are not made of animal products or anything that contains gluten, you know that it can be a bit of a challenge and so I thought I’d share some help.

Now, I’m going to let it rip starting right here!  And this is in order to develop a healthy life style that is sustainable, manageable, and effective.  If you don’t care about your health, stop watching already.  But if you do, and you’ve had this frustration, keep watching.

Number 1 Rule:   Don’t be in love with the taste of food as much as you love the results of a healthy lifestyle.  This is a precursor to making my dietary hints work.  If you’re picky, if you can’t eat anything that you don’t absolutely love…then, this is not for you.  Or at least until you master your tastebuds.

Number 2.  Diversify your foods enough to get a mix of nutrition but don’t worry so much…it’s only lunch!  You can get crazy with the balance of your meals at home when you’re in your own kitchen and have a refrigerator.

Number 3.  Think simple:   We only need between 250-50 calories per meal and Liquid, Fiber, Fruit and/ or protein adds up fast.  It’s not about feeling full, it’s about knowing that you’ve eaten what you need to be healthy.

For example,

Banana’s (105 cal per).  Good potassium for post workout but high in sugar, almost 28 grams per.  it also contains Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Manganese, and is a very good source of Vitamin B6.

I look at a Banana like a candy bar.  Healthier but still loaded with sugar.  But, if I’m running short on time, I can spread a little peanut butter on the banana and Vala!  I have a smooth, tasty and nutritious protein bar on the go.

Celery sticks are becoming  a staple for me.  They’re loaded with water, are a good source of vitamin A and Magnesium as well as they are alkolotic and help digestion. Because they’re so full of water, they really help the peanut butter go down.  Now, I like to spread peanut butter on them to round out the vegetable and protein combination which keeps me going through out the day but if you’re allergic to PB, you may be able to try humous.  Very good too.  It’s high in plant protein but doesn’t have any peanut allergy risk.

I fall back on Peanut Butter quite a bit but be careful. It’s calorie count adds up fast.  almost 190 calories in just 2 tablespoons! That amount only has 3 gm of sugar but carries a whopping 7gm of protein.

Maybe you want something that tastes like wheat or grain but you have a Gluten sensitivity or cilia disease.  More and more food producers are making GF products and here is a really delicious GF granola that i tried today.  KIND healthy grains is GF but tastes very good.  At 130 calories for a 1/3 cup it’s low on suer at 6g and at 3G of protein it’s not a bad source to replace the peanut butter. You’d have to have almost 2/3 of a cup to get as much protein as 2 tbspn of peanut butter but hey. We’re not freaking out about this.

Of course, there’s always a variety of nuts to eat.  My favorites are Almond, ideally raw but I know, it can be hard sometimes.  Walnuts, Pecans and seeds like sunflower, pumpkin and pine.

So, next time you’re hungry but don’t want to fall of the wagon, go to your local grocery store and look for these items.  They’re nutritious, they’re animal protein free and they taste good too!   Oh sure, your colleagues will look at you funny while they’re wolfing down they’re two for one wendy’s chilly or their big mac, but hey!  It’s kind of fun being out of the ordinary isn’t it?

From RoyOn Health…

Here’s to your health!

Posted in Roy on Rescue • RoyOnRescue Updates

Back To Business Summer Update

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Hello Rescue Fans!

I wanted to get a video update out before the long Holiday weekend. I’ve had an incredibly busy summer but am excited to get the RoyOnRescue series updated and back on track. Make sure you reach out to me with questions and comments using email and twitter.

Have a great Holiday!

Roy

Posted in Roy on Rescue • Drownings

What Does An Actual Drowning Look Like And How Do We Help?

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As in all accidental deaths, the more we know about how to prevent them, the better off we will all be. In this episode, I answer an email that asked if I could combine training with some more realistic visuals about how a person may actually look when they’re drowning vs. the hollywood melodramatic look. The rescue fan was concerned that many people may not even realize that a drowning victim could be very quiet and not really even yell for help.

I hope this training helps us all have a much safer summer of fun!

Posted in Roy on Rescue • Environmental • Hazards • Illness • Outdoor Emergencies • Poisoning

Why Is Smog So Dangerous In Los Angeles In the Summer?

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A rescue fan wrote in and asked, “Why is smog worse in the summer in Los Angeles?”Smog in Los Angeles

I did a little research and found the following.  I hope it helps.

SMOG, nicknamed in the 19th century for the “smoke” and “Fog” found in London due to coal burning fireplaces and furnaces and low hanging fog can be a real problem with increased pollution.  One of the reasons smog is so dangerous is due to the fact that many times higher than the safe level of pollution particles hangs in the air like a nebulizer mist.  when inhaled, this polution can get into our blood stream and effect our whole body and vital organs.  There has been a lot of concern about this especially in China.  Over 8000 deaths have been attributed to SMOG in China and I’m sure that long term affects are even worse.
In an article by the “The Daily Green”, it stated that, “ozone needs heat and sunlight to form from its precursor chemicals. That’s why you hear warnings about air pollution most often on hot sunny summer days. But be aware: Ozone persists for hours after forming, so unhealthy conditions often last well into the evening, after the sun has gone down. Also be aware that ozone isn’t the only pollutant out there. Another major cause for concern are fine particulates — dust and soot, but also tiny chemical droplets. Particulates can cause air pollution problems year round, especially since furnaces and wood-burning stoves can produce unhealthy levels in the winter.”(http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/ozone-air-pollution-smog-0706)china smog

China too has hit an all time high in air pollution and a complication with Smog.(http://www.cnbc.com/id/100456949)  It is said that High levels of air pollution in China’s cities leads to 350,000-400,000 premature deaths.(http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6265098.stm)

So what can be done if you find yourself “socked in” by a cloud of toxic particulate?  Well, depending on the chemicals in the air, we could walk around with particulate filtering masks designed with the appropriate micron filter.  But this is not sustainable.  It is helpful however, if you find yourself in such a slichenituation.  It would be wise to view it like any hazardous environment and try to escape as soon as possible.  One should be aware that some of these chemicals can enter our bodies via  eyes, nose, mouth, food, water and in some cases the skin or breaks in the skin.  So, the next time you go outside and can take a deep breath of fresh air and view the nice minty green lichen growing on the north side of your trees, be sure to thank God that you don’t have to deal with terrible conditions of these very polluted locations.  Oh, but remember, air moves smogmaskeverywhere and it eventually affects us all.  So, don’t forget to call your government reps and let them know you’re thinking about them and the anti pollution policies their voting on.  Here, and everywhere else too!

Here’s a News Video About The China Smog.

Posted in Roy on Rescue • Weather Related • Environmental • Lightning Strikes • Burns • CPR for Instructors • CPR for Providers

Can A Person Be Struck By Lightning On A Porch?

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In this episode, we take a look at what areas are safe to watch a thunderstorm from.  A question was asked about the safety of watching lightning from under a porch attached to a house.  They wondered if it was grounded just like the porch.  After researching a bit, I found that it is no more safe than being in a tent, a shed, or under a tree.  Take a look at this vlog and find out why it’s not safe to be outside when you hear the roar of thunder.

Posted in Roy on Rescue • Head Injuries

What Is Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis?

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Hello Rescuers!

I received an email from a RoyOnRescue friend who had suffered a head injury while playing a sport.  After being seen by the doctor he was diagnosed with Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis or (CVST).  He had asked me if I would give my explanation of what it is and if it was something he should be worried about.  His doctor had exCSVTplained it but he was still a bit foggy regarding the diagnosis.  Well, after looking into it from the clinical perspective, I realized that it was a pretty big deal and in some cases may be fatal.  I researched multiple sources to gather credible information and when it all came down to brass tacks, I found that the Wikipedia explanation had done a pretty dog-gone good job of summarizing CSVT.  So, with all credit given to them for most of this article and a link back to their website, here it is.

I have personally responded and treated many different types of head injuries as a paramedic but had not researched this problem to this level.  Then, shortly after receiving this question, I read that  Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton was diagnosed and hospitalized with the very same problem secondary to her head injury!  Ironic.   So, I thought to myself, if two people experienced this problem secondary to a common traumatic head injury(concussion), there may be more with the same question.

Here’s my trimmed-down version of what it is, what it’s symptoms are, how to determine if it is truly CSVT and then what a person may want to do if they think they may be suffering from such a complication.  So let’s dig into some of the questions you may have!  P.S.  You’ll notice there are more links then usual in this article.  The topic is so complex and has so many different facets I thought it wise to allow you to do some of your own information mining and hope the links make it easier.

Q:  What is a cerebral venous sinus thrombosis anyway?

A:  A CVST is the presence of thrombosis (a blood clot) in the dural venous sinuses, which drain blood from the brain. 

Q:  What causes a CVST?

A:  There can be many causes of CVST.  Here is a few I included:

Q:  How might I know if I have a CVST?

A: Headache that may worsen over the period of several days, but may also develop suddenly.  Strangely the headache may be the only symptom of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.  Stroke, 40% of all patients have seizures, Common symptoms in the elderly with this condition are otherwise unexplained changes in mental status and a depressed level of consciousness.  The pressure around the brain may rise, causing papilledema (swelling of the optic disc) which may be experienced as visual problems.  In severely raised intracranial pressure, the level of consciousness is decreased, the blood pressure rises, the heart rate falls.  This is a common symptom found in closed head injuries which makes sense as the mechanism is very similar.

Q:  How will the doctor know if this is what I have?

A:  The most commonly used tests are computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), both using various types of radiocontrast to perform a venogram and  visualise the veins around the brain

Q:  How is a CVST treated and cured?

A: Treatment is with anticoagulants (medication that suppresses blood clotting), and rarely thrombolysis (enzymatic destruction of the blood clot). Given that there is usually an underlying cause for the disease, tests may be performed to look for these. The disease may be complicated by raised intracranial pressure, which may warrant surgical intervention such as the placement of a shunt.

AmbulanceQ:  Can this be serious?

A:  Yes.  Like any illness or injury that causes a problem with the circulation of oxygenated blood to our tissues, this type of problem can be very dangerous if left untreated.  It also runs a risk of complication in that it raises the intracranial pressures which can act similar to a closed head injury and this too can cause severe injury or death.  If a person has any of the symptoms listed above, they should be seen as soon as possible to rule out this potentially life threatening disorder.  If a person is reacting with decreased level of consciousness, or any type of life threatening complications, activation of Emergency Medical Services or 911 should be immediate with life saving or time buying intervention given.

 

I hope this helps and keep well!

See Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebral_venous_sinus_thrombosis

http://neurology.jwatch.org/cgi/content/full/2007/515/2

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/705510_3

 

 

Posted in Roy on Rescue • Weather Related • Cold Related • Environmental • Dehydration • Outdoor Emergencies

Could You Survive Stranded In A Snow Storm?

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After hearing about a couple getting stranded in a mountain pass off-roading and the driver dying while seeking help, I thought I should talk about key elements around surviving out in the cold.  People are often overcome by the cold simply due to lack of pre-planning, proper equipment and an adequate plan for survival until rescue help arrives.  If you’ve ever wondered what you would do if you were lost, stranded or overcome by the winter elements, be sure to watch this episode of RoyOnRescue.
In the meantime, remember at least these important points:

1.   Let people know where you are going and what route you’ll be taking…then stick to it!
2.   Dress with layers of clothing or have extra clothing available
3.   Bring warming agents like hand and pocket warmers along with extra blankets
4.   Bring extra food that can handle getting cold or even freezing like granola, nuts etc.
5.   Eat snow for hydration
6.   Bring GPS
7.   Bring Flare Gun
8.   Never drive with low gas tank
9.   If the roads are dangerous, maybe stay home or extend your vacation
10. Repeat steps 1 thru 9

Peace,

Roy, RoyOnRescue.com

Posted in Roy on Rescue • Child Emergencies • CPR for Instructors • CPR for Providers • Seizures

My Baby Is Having A Seizure, What Do I Do?

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Hello Everyone!

I received a question regarding infants having seizures and the proper treatment for them.  

The person asked if  it’s proper to handle the patient the same as an adult?  This is a great question and one I wanted to address a little more in depth than a simple reply by email.

First, it’s important to understand what a seizure is.  The following is a quote by  physician, Dr. Fawn Leigh from Duke Health who did a great job describing the two different categories of seizures and how they manifest themselves.

Click here to see the complete article located at:  http://www.dukehealth.org/health_library/advice_from_doctors/your_childs_health/childhoodseizures

“Seizures are divided into two major categories (based on 1981 international classification):

  • Generalized seizures affect the whole brain or both hemispheres of the brain
  • Partial seizures, also known as focal seizures, affect one part or one side of the brain

Generalized Seizures

Generalized seizures are divided into convulsive and nonconvulsive. Convulsive means that there is muscle movement such as stiffening (also known as tonic) or jerking (clonic) activity. When these movements are combined it may be called “grand mal.”

Other types of convulsive seizure activity include myoclonic and atonic seizure activity. Myoclonus is usually characterized by sudden, single jerks. Atonic seizure activity is typically characterized by dropping quickly to the floor as if suddenly asleep or paralyzed. The child then quickly recovers.

These two latter convulsive seizure types can both be difficult to diagnose and treat because often they are the manifestation of a mixed seizure disorder. In infants these seizures may be called infantile spasms.

Nonconvulsive means that there is alteration of consciousness without muscle movement. This form of seizure activity was formerly called “petit mal,” and is now commonly referred to as “absence.”

Absence seizures are unique in that typically they are characterized by an abrupt onset of staring and end just as abruptly with no confused state following the events. Parents usually report that the child looks like they are “spacing out.” (Teenagers who look like this often are not having seizures — they are simply bored.)

Partial Seizures

Partial seizures can be simple or complex. Simple partial seizures are focal seizures that involve movement or sensation on one side of the body without altered consciousness. Simple partial seizures are commonly localized to areas in the brain called the motor or sensory strip.

Partial seizures may be with or without aura, which involves associated states such as fear, or changes in heart rate, flushing, or abdominal discomfort.

Complex partial seizures commonly originate from the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain where there are many complex interconnections, resulting in alteration of conscious. Typical complex partial seizures manifest as sudden change in level of alertness with or without aura, blank stare, confusional state, or aimless movements such as wandering around or repetitive behavior.”

DukeHealth.org (http://www.dukehealth.org/health_library/advice_from_doctors/your_childs_health/childhoodseizures)

 

Second, it’s important to understand what the main cuases of seizures are:

  • Fever
  • Infection such as meningitis
  • Trauma
  • Hemorrhage
  • Brain malformations
  • Brain dysmaturity
  • Genetic disorder

Thirdly, when it comes to treating an infant compared to an adult, it’s a bit easier, though not any less intense especially if it’s your child.  It’s physically easier because baby is smaller and easier to manage.

If this seizure is with a child who has never had a seizure before, 911 or Emergency Medical Services should be activated.  The rescuer is going to  follow National and International guidelines for treating a seizure patient.  Protect the baby from hurting itself while seizing.  If it’s in a bath tub, drain the bath tub of water so as to reduce the risk of drowning and then protect the child from hurting itself while seizing.  Nothing should be put into it’s mouth which is old school for seizure management in trying to prevent “swallowing the tongue” or biting the tongue off.  It is also important that we not try and prevent the baby’s body from convulsing by holding it still or wrapping them tightly.  Simply protect it’s head and other parts of it’s body from hitting anything during the convulsive stage of the seizure.  After the seizure is over, the baby will usually go into a post seizure phase called the “postictal” phase, and there may be some frothy sputum(spit) around the baby’s mouth or in its nose. A bulb syringe normally used for suctioning mucous or sinus congestion could be used to suction or clear the baby’s nasal passage but it is probably not as necessary as we’d like to think.  As a general rule, baby’s have a great gag reflex and if they have any mucous or sputum in their upper airway, it will probably be coughed clear.  If the baby begins to breath after the seizure, it could be irregular with some grunting for a short time and then increasingly get more normal.  Skin color if it has changed during the seizure to a dusky, purple or blue color should improve as the baby begins breathing more normal and it is perfectly acceptable to comfort the baby in a natural position while maintaining a neutral airway in order for it to recover from the seizure.

If it does not begin breathing, begin basic cardiac life support according to the latest ECC/ILCOR and American Heart Association guidelines. Courtesy of ProFirstAid.com, a Free Online infant CPR training video is available by clicking here!

As many as 2-5% of all children will experience at least one seizure related to a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit.  The seizure itself is usually harmless and does not cause brain damage nor lead to epilepsy.

Seizures in any age patient can be very scary, and the causes of a seizure are many.  Therefore, if it’s the first seizure the person has ever had, we should plan for the worst and hope for the best.  This can be done by calling the emergency medical services or 911 depending on your area.  Support the patient with basic first aid procedures while waiting for rescuers to arrive and then follow up with your pediatrician after the baby is stable.

If your baby is having a high fever and your afraid that it may cause a febrile seizure, there are some basic steps to help lower your baby’s temperature.  Click here to read an article about how to lower a body temperature from a fever.

 

Well,  I hope this helps and I appreciate the great questions so many of you have been asking.  Keep them coming and while your waiting for a response, keep on saving lives!

 

Best Wishes,

Roy

RoyOnRescue.com

royonrescue@gmail.com

 

Posted in Roy on Rescue • CPR for Providers

Does CPR Save Lives?

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Roy Shaw, Paramedic and Trainer explains how CPR works in detail and how it can help save lives. Many people think that CPR saves lives by keeping people alive artificially. Roy helps to clarify what is really happening when you begin CPR.

Many people think that if I keep doing cpr the person will stay alive. The fact is, the person is already dead if they need CPR and even cpr done less than by the book will give the person a better chance at survival. In this video Blog, Roy explains that people don’t die from poorly done cpr, people die because CPR is never started. If you don’t want to be another one of those people who misunderstands how CPR works and how you can make a difference by trying to help, you may want to watch the video now!