Well, that was quite a storm. Thanks to the magic of a backup generator and a MiFi WiFi hotspot, I am able to sit here and type this. How dependent we’ve become on the internet, for sure, but light and heat are also nice things.
Which brings me to my point: absent this recent reminder from mother nature, is your household prepared to be without power for several days in a row? A gas stove is a help, just be sure to have a few lighters, or matches, around. But if your kitchen is electric, then a backup plan is all the more important. Some go big, and you can have a backup generator installed to power your whole house, much like a hospital has a backup generator. Our neighbor down the road gets a bit of flicker when watching Housewives of Beverly Hills when the power goes out, but that’s it. For the rest of us, there are some smaller backup options. I have a small Honda generator (EU2200i) which does the trick. It runs outside (NOT inside), and an extension cord ends in a powerstrip at the dining room table. Phones, laptops, a desk light, and a space heater are all plugged in. For a couple of hours a day, we plug in the refrigerator to keep things cold. If the generator is going to sit for some time without being used it is best to use a synthetic fuel rather than normal gasoline as the latter, if let sitting, can clog up the works. I’ve been running TruFuel, which does not degrade or oxidize like typical gasoline.
I was a bit surprised to learn that if you power up your home router and wifi system, the internet often remains available even during a power outage. The internet is just waiting for you at the end of your coaxial or fiber cable which comes to your home or office.
Lastly, and speaking of technology, batteries have gotten better and better, so another backup power option is a battery pack. These are smaller, lighter, and do not need a fuel source, but also have limitations in terms of duration of use. There are lots of “it depends” of course, if you’re looking to just charge your phone or watch movies on your iPad then a backup battery pack will do nicely. But if you’re going to try and power up the home office, and if your power is out for more than a day (we’re rolling into day 5 here), then you have to consider other factors. Another interesting piece of tech is that some of the better battery pack manufacturers also offer purpose built solar panels. So you can recharge during the day and have ample power after hours. Camping anyone? If this calls to your adventurous spirit, have a look at Jackery portable power solutions.
Yours in light, warmth, and connectivity,
Eric Weiss, MD, February 19, 2024
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THERMOMETERS: FINDING ACCURACY AMIDST SKEPTICISM
Are you one of the many parents feeling frustrated and skeptical about which thermometer to trust when your child falls ill? You’re not alone. As a pediatrician, I’ve listened to countless families express their concerns about the reliability of the various thermometer options available. But fear not, because in this article, I’m going to break down the different types of thermometers and provide guidance on which ones are most accurate for different age groups. Plus, I’ll share why I recommend steering clear of ear thermometers for pediatric use. Keep reading to make informed decisions about your child’s health.
HAPPY 100 TO THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION: CONSIDER A 3-MONTH CHALLENGE TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF HEART DISEASE TODAY
February is American Heart Month, and 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the American Heart Association. For those interested in the history of medicine, it’s worth taking a look at this article commemorating the work that has been done by the American Heart Association over the last century.
5 TIPS TO MINIMIZE ENVIRONMENTAL TOXIN EXPOSURE
With microplastics being flagged in the news these days, some folks are starting to take note more of environmental toxin exposures and their impacts on health, including increasing cancer risk and endocrine disruption. Here are a few ways you can help keep your environment cleaner and safer for you and your family.
We often speak about the relationship between SLEEP and mental health and well being, so I am delighted today to share that my friends, doctors, Tony Masri, and Britney Blair have launched Helyx Health. Rather than just being a sleep clinic, or a group of psychologists sharing an office, Drs. Masri and Blair have assembled a team of sleep medicine doctors, psychiatrists, and psychologists who work together as a team under their leadership. In Dr. Masri’s words;
At Helyx Health, we specialize in providing effective, innovative, and evidence-based care for emotional and mental wellbeing. We prioritize a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach, encompassing evidence-based psychotherapy, family and couples therapy, and/or medication management.
Our dedicated psychology and psychiatry team treats children, adolescents, and adults suffering from a spectrum of mental health challenges, including depression/mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, stress, burn out, trauma, sexual problems, and relationship concerns.
Our sleep doctors address a wide range of sleep conditions including sleep apnea, chronic and acute insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, narcolepsy, and parasomnias. We offer home sleep studies, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medication management.
Congratulations, Helyx Health, we look forward to working together!
Again, TVD Newsletter is a labor of love. If you enjoy reading this, please share widely! Was this forwarded to you by a friend? Please subscribe here.
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Yours, in health and resilience,
Eric and the TVD MD team…
