| How to Save Money on Canned Food Posted: 06 Jul 2017 05:00 PM PDT There are many ways to save money on canned food. The easiest ways are to look for deals as advertised by your local grocery mart and clip coupons you can use to obtain canned food for even less. Buying in bulk is generally a good way to save money on canned food, too. And if you buy canned food out of season, you'll be able to get it at a lower price. EditChasing Deals - Buy in bulk. Certain stores like Sam's Club enable you to save money by selling goods – including canned food – in bulk. You might have to buy a whole box of, for instance, canned peas, but the cost per can will be lower than it would be if you shopped at a regular grocery.[1]
- You can often get bulk deals on a smaller scale at regular grocery stores. For instance, if you buy three cans of peas, you might pay one dollar per can, for a total of three dollars. But if you buy just one can of peas, you might pay $1.50 for a single can.
- Check the prices of canned goods as you shop, with an eye toward canned food that declines in price as you buy more.
- Use coupons. Many grocery stores issue coupon sheets to local residents. You may also be able to obtain coupons by visiting your local grocery store and looking for a coupon sheet available near the front of the store.[2]
- Sign up for the "Shopper's Club," "Rewards Club," or similar program at all your local grocery stores to ensure you receive the most up-to-date advertisement sheets in the mail or email.[3]
- You might also be able to find useful coupons to save money on canned food through sites like Groupon.
- Look for sales. If you see canned foods you're interested in on sale, buy them. Taking advantage of sales is a great way to save on canned food. Some stores have special sections where discounted goods are available.[4]
- Pay attention to sales advertised on television and in your local paper to identify sales where you could save money on canned food.
- Buy canned foods out of season. Just like fresh foods, canned foods have peak selling seasons. Cranberry sauce, for instance, will cost more around Thanksgiving and Christmas. To save money, avoid buying canned foods that are in-season.[5]
- Buy only store brands. Store brands – as opposed to name brands – are always cheaper. But when it comes to quality, there is rarely any difference. Check the lower shelves to locate store-brand canned food.[6]
- Store brand canned food is often obtained from the same producer that name brands use. Both the store brand and the name brand just slap their own labels on the products and charge different prices.
- Buy a family-size can. Family-size cans are larger than regular cans, but are less expensive per unit of weight. Buying family-size cans, therefore, can save you money.[7]
- Invest in a set of sturdy plastic storage containers so you can store your leftovers easily, especially, if you won't be using your entire family-size canned food at once.
EditPlanning Ahead - Mark your canned goods. If your canned goods expire, you'll have to discard them. Throwing away food is like throwing money in the bin. Take action to prevent waste by labeling your canned food with expiration dates.[8]
- Write the expiration date on the front of your canned foods with a marker. That way, when you open your pantry, you'll be able to quickly see which canned goods are closest to expiring.
- Organize your pantry. Once you've labeled your canned food by writing the expiration date in bold lettering on the front, order your canned foods based on their expiration dates. Place canned foods closest to expiration toward the front, and canned foods that expire further in the future toward the back. This will help you use items that are closer to expiration first.[9]
- Shop wisely. Even though it is a good idea to stockpile your canned food and buy in bulk, you should still set reasonable limits to how many canned goods you store. For instance, do not buy more canned food than you can fit in your pantry.[10]
- Check your pantry before heading to the store. If you see that you're stocked up on canned food, do not purchase additional canned food.
- Don't buy prepared canned food. Prepared canned food – chili, soup, and sauces – tends to be relatively expensive. But raw canned ingredients – fruits, veggies, meats, and legumes – are more affordable.[11]
- Instead of buying prepared canned food, buy the ingredients to make it yourself, then freeze the dish in small batches that can easily be thawed and reheated.
EditCanning Food Yourself - Choose your method. There are two canning techniques. One uses a pressure canner, a device that subjects canned food to high pressures to create high temperatures. The other method is to use a boiling-water canner, a device in which canned food is submerged in boiling water.[12]
- When canning meat, seafood, poultry, and vegetables, pressure canning is the only canning method recognized as safe by the USDA.[13]
- Assemble your materials. In addition to a canning device, canning at home requires a glass jar (a Mason jar, typically) and, of course, the food that you wish to can. If you grow your own produce, you could save even more money on your canning materials.[14]
- You can often assemble canning materials – including a canning machine – for free on digital marketplaces like Craigslist.
- Try to get a set of canning jars for free or at a discount rate (but be sure to sterilize them by boiling them in water before use).
- If you have a community garden in your area, you might be able to lease a small plot for yourself to grow the veggies you want to can.
- Can your food. There are two standard canning methods. One is known as "hot packing." This involves blanching your food (usually vegetables), then loading it tightly into canning jars along with some of the water they were blanched in. The other is known as "raw packing." This involves placing raw food into a canning jar and pouring very hot water over it.
- If you have a boiling-water canner, you should raw-pack your canned food. If you have a pressure canner, you should hot-pack your canned food.
- After hot packing, seal the jar with a metal lid, and follow the directions that came with your canning device to determine your next steps. The amount of time your canned food will need to spend in the canning device depends on how much you have and what sort of food it is.
- The only additional cost when canning is your time. Pressure canners work faster than boiling-water canners.
- Determine expiration dates. Once you've canned your own foods, you'll need to assign each can an expiration date so that it can be incorporated into your pantry system. Generally, home-canned food is best eaten within one year.[15]
- Do not buy dented or damaged canned food.
- Canning food yourself costs about half as much as buying canned food at your grocery mart.
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| How to Survive Being Bitten by a Venomous Snake Posted: 06 Jul 2017 09:00 AM PDT The key to surviving a venomous snake bite is to stay calm and seek medical attention immediately. When venomous snakes bite, they inject venom (poison) into the victim. If untreated, the bites can be deadly. But if the victim quickly receives antivenom, it can prevent or reverse serious harm.[1] EditResponding Quickly and Calmly - Call emergency responders immediately. This is 911 in the US, 999 in the United Kingdom, and 000 in Australia. The key to surviving a venomous snake bite is to get an antivenom as soon as possible.
- Call the emergency responders even if you are not sure whether the snake was venomous. Do not wait to see if symptoms develop. If the snake turns out to be a danger, then the venom may spread while you are waiting.
- The emergency responder on the telephone will decide whether to send an ambulance/helicopter to get you or whether you should go yourself to the nearest emergency room.
- If you go yourself to the emergency room, have someone drive you. Do not drive yourself. As the venom kicks in, it may cause symptoms like blurred vision, difficulty breathing, fainting, and paralysis that could impair your ability to drive.
- While you are waiting, it is important to stay calm. The faster your heart beats, the faster the venom will spread throughout your body. Do not attempt to suck out the venom from the bite; this will not help, it is already spreading. [2]
- Describe the snake to the emergency responders. When you call for help, describe the snake to the emergency responders. This may help them to prepare the right antivenom and have it ready for you, but medical staff in the emergency department may also consult Poison Control experts to choose the best treatment. If you or someone with you can safely get a clear photo, this can help a lot. [3] Give as much information as you can about the snake's characteristics. [4]
- How long was the snake?
- How thick was the snake?
- What color(s) did the snake have on it?
- What patterns or distinct markings did it have?
- What was the shape of the snake's head? Was it triangular?
- What was the shape of the snake's pupils? Were they round or vertical slits?
- If you have a friend with you that can quickly take a picture of the snake while you are on the phone calling the emergency responders, bring the photo with you.
- Do not try to kill the snake to bring it with you. This is very dangerous because you risk being bitten again, you are wasting precious time before getting an antivenom, and the more you move and exert yourself, the faster the venom will spread through your body.[5]
- Some antivenom is polyvalent – that is, it is effective against multiple types of venom.
- Stay calm. Try your best to stay calm, still and quiet while traveling to the hospital or waiting for an ambulance. The faster your heart beats the more you increase the blood flow to the bitten area, increasing the spread of the venom.[6]
- The bitten area is likely to begin swelling. Quickly remove any jewelry or restrictive clothing.
- Keep the bitten area below your heart to reduce circulation of the venom to the rest of your body.
- If you were bitten on an arm or leg, splint it to restrict your movement. This will prevent you from moving it without realizing it. You do not want to increase the circulation in the bitten area.
- If you know someone who is strong enough to carry you, let them carry you so that you won't increase your circulation by walking.
- If you have to walk, reduce your physical exertion by not carrying anything (like a hiking backpack).
- Allow the wound to bleed. More blood will come out at first because there are typically anticoagulants in the venom. If a snake bite is deep enough to cause spurting blood (i.e. the strike hit a major artery and you are losing blood fast), immediately apply pressure to the wound.
- While some sources say washing the wound or near it with soap and water is ok, others advise against it saying that traces of venom found in or around the wound may help the medical professionals identify what kind of snake bit you and determine which antivenom to give you.[7][8]
- Cover the bite with a clean, unmedicated bandage.[9]
- Watch for symptoms of a venomous bite. The symptoms vary by what kind of snake it was, the severity of the bite, and the amount of venom injected into the wound. Symptoms may include:[10][11]
- Redness, discoloration and/or swelling around the bite
- Great pain or a burning sensation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness or fainting
- Difficulty breathing
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Salivation
- Sweating, fever, and thirst
- Numbness or tingling in the face or limbs
- Loss of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Swelling of the tongue and throat
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness
- Rapid pulse
- Convulsions
- Shock
- Paralysis
- Vertigo
- Weigh your options if you are far from medical treatment. These days most cell phones have GPS capabilities making it possible for rescue workers and medical teams to find you even if you are hiking in remote areas, so always call emergency responders to discuss your options. Remember, the only effective treatment is an antivenom. Without it, the bite could be fatal or cause permanent injuries. If you cannot contact emergency responders, your options include:
 - Hiking out until you reach an area where you can call help. If you do this, try to be as quick as possible, but also minimize the exertion. If you have a friend with you, ask them to carry your backpack.
- If hiking out is not an option, wash the wound with soap and water to reduce your chances of infection.
- Wrap a bandage around the limb two to four inches above the bite to restrict, but not cut off, the circulation. You should be able to still get a finger under the bandage. This will slow the spread of venom without damaging the limb.[12]
- If you have a snake bite first aid kit with a suction pump, use it according to the manufacturers directions. Many sources say that this is inefficient at removing the venom and a waste of precious time, but if you will not be receiving an antivenom, it is worth a try. Do not attempt to use your mouth.[13]
- Rest and try to stay calm. Keep the bitten area below your heart to slow the spread of the venom. Snakes do not always inject venom when they bite and when they do, they do not always inject large amounts. You might be lucky.
EditKnowing What Not To Do - Skip cold compresses or ice packs. Applying cold compresses or ice packs will reduce circulation, concentrate the venom in your tissues, and this may make tissue damage more likely.[14]
- Leave the wound intact. Do not cut across the wound. This is often done prior to applying suction, but it increases your chances of infection.[15]
- Because snake fangs are curved, the venom is unlikely to have been injected where you expect.[16]
- The venom will have already begun spreading.
- Do not try to suck the venom out using your mouth.[17] Transferring the venom to your mouth is dangerous because you could absorb the venom through the membranes of your mouth. And, in the process you will transfer bacteria from your mouth into the wound, increasing the chances of infection.
- Most of the venom will remain in your body, making it a better use of time to get medical help as soon as possible.
- While some sources recommend using a pump suction device[18] others argue that it is ineffective.[19]
- Take only prescribed medications. Do not take any medications or painkillers unless directed to do so by a doctor. Medications are not a substitute for an antivenom.[20]
- Do not apply an electric shock or stun gun to the wound. This may harm you and has not been shown to be effective.[21]
- Skip the tourniquet. Reducing the circulation will concentrate the venom in that limb, making tissue damage due to the venom more likely and cutting off the circulation entirely could permanently damage the limb.[22]
- You may consider applying a pressure bandage two to four inches above the bite to slow the spread of the venom if you are far from medical help.[23] However, this is also likely to concentrate the venom in that limb, increasing the danger to the limb.
- Do not completely cut off blood flow to the limb.
EditPreventing Snake Bites - Leave snakes alone. If you see a snake, walk around it giving it a very wide berth. Snakes can move fast when striking.
- If you hear the distinctive rattle of a rattlesnake, move away immediately.
- Most snakes will avoid you if given the chance. They are more afraid of you than you are of it.
- Do not attempt to harass or poke a snake with a stick.
- Do not try to pick up snakes.
- Wear thick leather boots and snake leggings. Snake leggings are leather chaps that you can strap on over your boots, which will protect your legs from a snake bite. They are heavy to hike in and hot, but worth it if they save you from a snake bite. You can also purchase snake boots that are specifically designed to prevent snakebites.[24]
- Protective footwear and snake leggings are especially important if you are hiking at night when you could step on a snake without seeing it.
- Avoid tall grass. Tall grass makes it hard to tell where you are stepping or if you are near a snake. If you must hike through tall grass where there could be snakes hiding, use a long stick to sweep the grass out of your way in front of you. The stick will move the grass away so you can see the snake and likely scare it away.
- Leave rocks and logs unturned. Don't turn over rocks and logs where snakes might be hiding underneath. If you must do so, use a long stick and keep your hands out of any hole where you can't see into it.
- If you are landscaping or gardening in an area with poisonous snakes, wear thick leather gloves to protect your hands. It is best if the leather gloves also have long arms to protect more than just your hands.
- Learn to identify and avoid poisonous snakes in your area. To protect yourself, find out what the poisonous snakes in your area look like and be extra careful to avoid them if you see them. Also remember to be alert and listen for the distinctive rattle of a rattlesnake. If you hear rattling, back away as quickly as possible!
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| How to Overcome Personal Crisis Posted: 06 Jul 2017 01:00 AM PDT Life tends to throw curveballs, and you may feel completely unprepared when they come your way. Whether you are facing difficulties in life related to your health, relationships, finances or any other area, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to move forward. By managing the issue, practicing self-care, and developing a plan, you can work to overcome crises that will arise in your life. EditManaging a Crisis - Set a schedule. One of the first ways that you can begin to manage an issue that crops up in your life is to set a schedule and follow it diligently. You may feel that things are in disarray, but a schedule and routine will help to restore order into your life. You may be unsure of the outcome of the crisis, but at least you can find some comfort in establishing a pattern.[1]
- Consider either using an online calendar to document all of your appointments and meetings or using a paper calendar.
- Talk to your boss and coworkers. During this time, you may need a bit of a respite from work or just need more support from your coworkers in general. Communicate with your team about this. You do not need to get into the nitty gritty details of the issue unless it is work-related, but you should share enough so that they understand your need to step back a bit.[2]
- You might say something like "I wanted to let you all know that I am dealing with some issues at home. I will work to ensure that these issues do not affect my work, but I may need a bit of extra support during this time."
- Delegate, if possible. If you are in the position to, delegate some tasks to others. If you are feeling overwhelmed at work, assign some of your tasks to coworkers or interns. If you have a subordinate or supervisee who is looking for more experience, they will likely be a great resource to you during this time.
- Try assigning some basic level tasks to them first to assess how they perform. If they do well, you can give them assignments that are progressively more difficult until your crisis abates.
- You might also ask your boss to delegate some of your tasks to others, particularly to those who are your equals in rank in the office.
- Don't take on new projects. During a time of personal crisis, it is unwise to take on new assignments at work. Rather than giving yourself more work, focus instead on being a good steward of the work you are currently tasked with.[3]
- Consider taking some time off. You may want to take a bit of time away from the office. Getting some space from work can be very helpful in clearing your head and rejuvenating your spirits in the midst of a crisis. The length of time you stay away will be up to your discretion, but remain mindful that the longer you stay away from work, it may be increasingly more difficult to get back into the routine of things.
- Check and see how much vacation time you have and make a decision based on that. Perhaps you will want to take no more than half of that time.
- Talk to your family and friends. During a time of personal crisis, you will need to rely on your friends and family. Communicate with them regularly and keep them updated, especially if the crisis will affect them. Have conversations about how to move forward as well as about how they can help you during this time.[4]
- You might say something like "I know that I've told you about my health issues, but I wanted to let you know that things have gotten a bit worse. I've been to the doctor a few times and may have to have surgery. But I want you to know that I will keep you updated at every step."
- Learn to say no. During a time of crisis, you may need to be a bit selfish at times. Remember it is necessary to maintain healthy boundaries, and saying no is often a part of that. For example, if you always host an annual cookout for Memorial Day but are not feeling up to it this year, remind yourself that it is okay to say no.[5]
- Suggest to friends or family members that they take over the task instead, if they are willing and able.
- Be kind. Your family may be undergoing this crisis with you. Show great empathy and care for them during this time. Though you should be taking care of yourself, don't forget the people who love you and who you love. Do little acts of kindness for them and don't neglect your responsibilities to them, as much as is possible.[6]
- For instance, if you have children, they still rely on you and will need you. Remain as present as possible by being involved in their school, bedtime rituals, etc.
- Accept and grieve the situation. This personal crisis may be one of the most difficult situations that you have ever encountered. However, you must accept it as reality. Don't stop yourself from crying and feeling the range of emotions that you are experiencing; research shows that holding back tears can actually be more harmful in the long run.
- Don't wallow in the situation, either. Instead, begin thinking about taking action to improve your circumstances.
- Schedule time every day to grieve, and try to limit your grief to those specific times. Many counselors suggest this so that their patients do not get caught up in endless sessions of sadness.
EditDeveloping a Plan - Develop a list of options. While you should continue to cope and take care of yourself, you will also want to begin thinking of ways to abate your crisis and solve it effectively. Begin working out some potential solutions to your crisis and considering ways to move forward.[7]
- For instance, if you have recently found out that your spouse cheated, you might consider divorce, reconciliation, counseling, or a trial separation.
- Write out a list of pros and cons. Upon consideration of your options, write out a list of pros and cons of taking either approach. This will help you to more concretely choose a plan that works best for you and to begin developing a path to execute.
- For instance, if you have recently gone bankrupt, you might consider getting a part time job, which would mean more money. But if you have children, you will also need to consider childcare, which may not be available to you.
- Make a decision and create a to-do list. Once you have chosen the more preferable solution for you, make a to-do list on how to enact this plan. Set goals for yourself and work to meet them. With each step that you complete, you will be closer and closer to being crisis-free.[8]
- For instance, if you have chosen to sell your home after a divorce, you might include tasks like finding a realtor, listing your home online, setting a price, etc.
- Prioritize. Recognize that some tasks should take precedence over others. Assign priority levels to assess importance and to help you determine which items to complete first in crisis management.[9]
- For instance, if you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, you might prioritize changing your diet first and exercising as second.
- Enlist the help of others. Humans are designed to be interdependent. Though you may be completely capable of handling this crisis, there is strength in numbers. Remember also that you do not know everything and that others may have had similar experiences that will allow them to give you good advice. Ask others for help and for assistance in keeping you accountable to your plan.[10]
- Practice self-soothing techniques. Though at times the stress may feel like too much to handle, remember that you are in control of yourself and your emotions. Though you cannot control others, you can regulate your own responses. Practice self-soothing techniques like deep breathing and positive self-talk to combat stress.[11]
- Breathe in deeply and slowly through your nose. Exhale through your mouth. Repeat until you feel calm.
- Use self talk by repeating phrases like "It will all be okay" to yourself when you begin to feel upset.
- Listen to music, take a walk, or have a snack. Get your mind off of the issue, if only temporarily.
- Release as many stressors as possible. Though there are certain responsibilities that you may be unable to get out of, like work, there are many others that you do not necessarily have to attend to during this time. Let go of anything that is stressful for you that you do not need in your life. Work to alleviate any other stressors that you cannot get rid of.[12]
- For example, if you volunteer each week and the experience is stressful or you feel like you don't have enough hours in the day, then consider dropping this for a while.
- Or if at home you are feeling stressed because it is your primary responsibility to care for the dog, ask a relative or friend to care for your animal for a while, if possible.
- Get away for a bit. Plan a vacation, either for yourself or with family or friends, even if it's only for one day. A trip is a great way to provide some respite for yourself from the crisis. It is also a great way to experience some positivity in spite of your troubles.[13]
- If your personal crisis is financial, then you might want to consider a 'staycation,' instead. This entails planning activities at home that will provide enjoyment and fun.
- Remember also that a vacation will not solve your issues and that you will have to face them when you return.
- Avoid alcohol or drugs. When facing a crisis, it can be tempting to turn to certain substances that will take your mind off things completely and allow you a temporary escape. Be mindful that increased drug and alcohol use will only intensify your crisis and may even lead to addiction, which will be an entirely new battle.[14]
- Try to have less alcohol during this time so that you don't make decisions rashly.
- Avoid being around others who are using drugs or alcohol.
- Maintain your health. Make sure that during this time you do not forget to take care of your body. Make sure that you are eating well and regularly, exercising two to three times per week, and getting at least seven hours of sleep per night (preferably eight to 10).
- Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables and decrease sugar intake.
- Join a gym or do some workouts from home.
- Set a sleep schedule and adhere to it.
- See a counselor. Sometimes, a crisis may be too much for you to cope with alone. If you are feeling very overwhelmed or like your situation is worsening, consider seeing a therapist. Feelings of anxiety, depression, nervousness, or panic may be helped by some sessions with a counselor. Remember that there is no stigma in supporting your mental health. A counselor will help you work through your issues constructively.[15]
- In some cases, a medication such as an antidepressant might be appropriate. Talk to your primary practitioner or a psychiatrist about whether or not this is a good option to help you through this difficult time.
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