Last night I watched Netflix's three-episode documentary "Aftershock: Everest and the Nepal Earthquake". Many times I held my breath. It is like a movie with a scriptwriter behind, but it's real. It really happened -- shocking, keeping me awake for some hours.
With many bad news around, I really feel scared with what is going on. There are some missile tests and nuclear war threats, not to mention the coronavirus and other health challenges to humanity.
With many bad news around, I really feel scared with what is going on. There are some missile tests and nuclear war threats, not to mention the coronavirus and other health challenges to humanity.
Am I overthinking? Just living alone without the immediate family in a foreign land is very tough. Focus is on daily survival. When the day ends, I gather all strength remaining for another day. Of all, emotional strength matters, and at the core of it, my faith in God. Hope -- always hope -- is a propeller that keeps me going and believe that things will get better.
The priorities of many of us is survival -- how to get through each single day for self and for the families if there are dependents. My heart goes to single breadwinners of the families, because I experienced how difficult it was.
With that in mind, survival day-in, day-out in mind, here's the question that we must ask ourselves, the community and the government -- "How prepared are we in case of disasters?"
The first to be prepared is the emotional intelligence -- to keep it intact and functioning. We must have the so-called 'acclimatization' process. It means adjusting our minds to get accustomed to a new climate or new conditions. We must feed our brains with the nutrients they need every single day and avoid stressful scenarios to protect our mental health.
Second is our physical strength. Motion is life, so keep moving. Eat the right foods and drink the right beverages. Wholesome and natural ones would greatly help as processed ones contribute to body decline. We must not limit this care to ourselves but we must extend to those around us, particularly family members. When survival issue in case of emergency needs an urgent decision, we do not want ourselves nor our family members to be a 'variable' that would just be left behind, just because we feel helpless due to ill health condition. In an urban setting where spaces are limited, it will be good if there will be some no-entry-fee 'pocket' parks with equipment for exercises, accessible to the community.
With that in mind, survival day-in, day-out in mind, here's the question that we must ask ourselves, the community and the government -- "How prepared are we in case of disasters?"
The first to be prepared is the emotional intelligence -- to keep it intact and functioning. We must have the so-called 'acclimatization' process. It means adjusting our minds to get accustomed to a new climate or new conditions. We must feed our brains with the nutrients they need every single day and avoid stressful scenarios to protect our mental health.
Second is our physical strength. Motion is life, so keep moving. Eat the right foods and drink the right beverages. Wholesome and natural ones would greatly help as processed ones contribute to body decline. We must not limit this care to ourselves but we must extend to those around us, particularly family members. When survival issue in case of emergency needs an urgent decision, we do not want ourselves nor our family members to be a 'variable' that would just be left behind, just because we feel helpless due to ill health condition. In an urban setting where spaces are limited, it will be good if there will be some no-entry-fee 'pocket' parks with equipment for exercises, accessible to the community.
Third is our knowledge and skills in emergency situation. We must know the terms that the authorities use, the maps, where to go in case of emergencies -- base camps or whatever they call it, and what to do. How many of us know how to do CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a 'life saving technique that's useful in many emergencies, such as heart attack or near-drowning, in which someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped'? Watching some online video documentaries / movies related to emergency situation will be of help. The government must offer free courses on disaster management.
Fourth is our stock of the necessities. We must always have the grab-it bag, mobile phone with GPS, with recharged battery and extra one, mobile phone load credits if on a prepaid plan, powerbank, flash light and first-aid kit. The foods, beverages and clothes must also be packed. (Here's a sample emergency go-bag checklist.)
Fifth and above all, is our faith. We must never forget to call God to ask for His mercy and compassion, after thanking Him for what we got here.
At this point, it is a real talk. How is our family? Who will be there for us, for them -- in case an unexpected thing happens? Life is life, but at least if we have preparedness, there will be a difference, hopefully.
At this point, it is a real talk. How is our family? Who will be there for us, for them -- in case an unexpected thing happens? Life is life, but at least if we have preparedness, there will be a difference, hopefully.
I felt devastated watching that documentary, even if it happened many years ago. Who will not be? I cannot explain the pains I absorbed.
I have to passionately muster my remaining strength and change some plans.
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Image credits: Pixabay / Tumisu
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