Own the same Saddleback Leather Company briefcase that Dr. K carries in the field!

The classic briefcase in "dark coffee brown" is the first Saddleback Leather Company product I ever ordered.  It is also the company's most popular one.

I call mine "The Beast!" It's massive, sturdy, and commands attention upon entering a room.  It is made of thick leather, tough stitching, and manly buckles.  No whimpy zippers on the thing at all!

Personally, I have found that leather acts as an excellent insulator for keeping field medications at a more constant temperature.  The flipside is that the bag itself is heavier than other bags its size, but I dig getting a workout hauling "The Beast" around town and country.

With Saddleback's famous 100-year warranty, I can safely say that this might just be the last briefcase I ever need!

As always, share your knowledge with others in the field and remember:  When you're out there...Be there!

Your exposure to the sun may be doing more than causing acute sunburn, sun-induced skin aging, and possible skin cancers.  In addition to all of that, the sun may also be slowly damaging the corneas, lenses, and retinas of your eyes.  The good news?  You CAN take precautions to protect your “baby blues” (or greens, browns, etc.)!

To protect your priceless vision, you need to wear sunglasses every time you are outdoors.  Regardless of your outdoor activity — running, walking, fishing, golfing, biking, even swimming — you should get accustomed to wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from the damaging effects of blue light and the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.  And that potential damage is much greater than you might imagine.  Snow, cement, grass, and sand reflecting the sun’s rays thereby increasing the ocular hazards for all golfers, skiers, fishermen, beachgoers, and water-sports enthusiasts.  Over time, UV radiation causes cataracts and has been linked to macular degeneration, a treatable but incurable condition that can lead to blindness.  It can also cause pterygium and pingueculum — small growths on the sclera (the whites of your eyes) — as well as photokeratitis (a sort of conjunctival sunburn).  There are also increasing reports of eyelid skin cancers and accelerated "crowsfeet" wrinkling, which may bother you enough to want to prevent it in the first place.

Cataract

Pterygium

Crowsfeet

Sunlight’s damage to your vision is cumulative just as it is on your skin, so the lesson here is simple:  Wear sunglasses whenever outdoors and start using them early, correctly, and all the time.  Picking good sunglasses need not be difficult or expensive.  Brand names like Oakley, Ray-Ban, Nike, Sundog, Callaway, SunBuster, and Adidas can be found all over.  Other sunglasses are available that are every bit as good - sometimes even better! - and usually less expensive.  Standard prescription eyeglasses can be treated with a material that provides UV protection while retaining a clear, nontinted appearance. In fact, a friend of mine dipped sunglass lenses as a side business through high school, and he revealed that the chemical that is used costs less than $1 per pair of sunglasses!  That is a huge mark-up but your eyes are worth it!

Here are some tips for choosing the right pair to keep your eyes sun-safe:

• Look for glasses labeled with “Blocks 99-100% UVA and UVB rays."  Pass on any sunglasses that do not meet these criteria; they are not worth whatever price is being asked, and you are buying a false sense of eye-security!  Simply wearing dark, non-protective glasses is probably worse than wearing none at all since they would cause your pupils to dilate (widen) and allow more damaging UVB rays to enter your eyes, pass through your lenses, and hit your retinas.   
• Polarized lenses reduce glare but can make it harder to read cell-phones, GPS, and other liquid crystal displays.  Unless they are specifically treated with UV coating, polarized lenses don't offer UV protection.
• Photochromic lenses that darken with light exposure can reduce glare and help maintain clarity, although they may take time to adjust to different light conditions. Not all photochromic lenses offer adequate UV protection, so be sure to check the product label.
• Colored lenses may be helpful.  Glasses tinted amber, grey, or green, can help minimize color distortion—an advantage to, say, golfers and sailors because they can make distant objects easier to see, especially in low light.  Blue-blocking plastic lenses may make it difficult to discriminate the hues in traffic lights, however, and not all blue-blocking lenses offer adequate UV protection.
• Mirror-coated lenses help block visible light, but they don't necessarily block UV radiation.  Sorry, Magnum PI!
• Wrap-around lens and wide-body aviator-type lenses are more protective.  Because sunlight gets reflected, it can get to our eyes from all directions.  The more your lenses fully encase your eyes, the less UV rays that will get inside. 
• Make sure your sunglasses are comfortable and stay in place without rubbing or pinching.  You may wish to use a drawstring to keep them in place. 

• Some contact lenses also offer UV protection, but because contact lenses don't cover the entire eye it's still important to wear sunglasses for UV protection when you're outdoors.

There is much in the way of new sunglass technology.  Some of the claims are real, and some are mostly hype.  The bottom-line is that you do not have to go out and spend $400 to get an effective pair of UV-protective sunglasses.  You should, however, invest in a pair that look and feel good so that you wear them whenever you are outdoors.  Your eyes and vision are priceless gifts and worth the investment. 

As always, share your knowledge with others in the field and remember:  When you're out there...Be there!

What's 100 million volts and 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit feel like? You do NOT want to find out!

Summer is peak season for one of Nature's deadliest weather phenomena - lightning strikes!  As violent tornados and thunderstorms race across our nation almost once or twice a week this summer, weather alerts and local meteorologists repeatedly warn us about lightning and the urgency of the statement:  "When thunder roars, get indoors!”

The Statistics

Why do you want to avoid lightning?  Because each spark of lightning can reach over 5 miles in length, contains up to 100 million electrical volts, and can soar to temperatures of approximately 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit!  And with over 16 million thunderstorms and 25 million flashes of lightning from the cloud to ground every year, there is plenty of opportunity to get hit.  In fact, according to the National Weather Service Storm Data statistics, the United States has averaged 55 reported lightning fatalities per year.

• The good news: Only about 10% of people who are struck by lightning are killed.
• The bad news: The other 90% are left with some degree of disability, ranging from memory loss and attention deficits to chronic pain and muscle spasms.
• More good news: Your estimated odds of being struck by lightning in a given year in the U.S. are about 1 in 1,000,000 people.
• More bad news: Your estimated odds of being struck in your lifetime (assuming you live for 80 years) are 1 in 10,000.
• Really "shocking" news: Your odds of being affected by someone being struck by lightning are only 1 in 1,000.

The Science

Ice is pretty crucial to the formation of lightning.  In a storm, ice particles of various sizes move up and down within the storm.  Collisions of one ice particle into another can cause a separation of electrical charges, with positively-charged ice crystals rising to the top of a thunderstorm and negatively-charged ice particles falling to the lower parts.  This creates an enormous electrical differential (or charge difference) within the storm itself.

As thunderstorms sweep across the countryside, they gather up another pool of positively-charged particles from along the ground.  In fact, these positively-charged particles literally "rise up" taller objects such as houses, trees, and telephone poles.  If you are unfortunate enough to be standing in the middle of a thunderstorm, you might even notice your own hair standing up on end; this is a result of the positively-charged particles moving up you and your hair!  This is a major warning sign that you are in the wrong place at the wrong time!

Eventually, the negatively-charged, lower-portion of the storm sends out a charge to the ground; this is called a "stepped leader."  It moves in steps in less than a second toward the ground, and it is completely invisible to the naked eye.  As it nears the ground, it is attracted by all the positively-charged particles moving up objects on the ground (again; trees, telephone poles, humans, etc.).  Eventually, a channel develops, and you see the electrical transfer within this channel as lightning!

The rapid expansion of heated air (we are talking up to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit within the lightning channel!) causes a thunderclap to be heard.  Remember back to 6th grade science class?  Light travels faster than sound in the atmosphere, so you normally see the lighting well before you hear it.  The exception is if you see and hear lightning at the same time; this is a warning sign that the lightning is striking right around you!  Again, wrong place, wrong time!

According to the National Weather Service, some lightning - called "positive lightning" - does not follow this cookbook recipe.  Instead, this variety of lightning can actually originate in the cirrus "anvil" at the top of a thunderstorm, where there is a very large positive charge.  This type of lightning can be particularly dangerous for the following reasons:

• It can strike away from the rain core; that is, it frequently strikes either ahead or behind the thunderstorm
• It can reach up to 5-10 miles away from the storm (in areas that most people do not consider to be in the danger area for strike!)
• It has a longer duration, so fires are more easily ignited through prolonged contact
• It usually carries a high peak electrical current

Oh, and you ever heard the myth that lightning cannot strike the same place twice?  It is just that - a myth!  Lightning often strikes the same places repeatedly, especially if they are tall, pointy, and isolated.  For example, the Empire State Building, in New York City, gets hit by lightning nearly 100 times a year!

Prevention Outdoors

The fact of the matter is that there is little you can do to significantly reduce your risk of a lightning strike if you get caught outside in a thunderstorm.  Consequently, the only safe action you can initiate is to remember:  When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!'' In other words, get inside a safe building or vehicle as soon as possible!

Ideally, a safe building is one that is fully enclosed (roof, 4 walls, and a floor).  It should have plumbing and wiring.  Once inside, you want to stay away from showers, sinks, bath tubs, and electronic equipment (TVs, radios, corded telephones, computers, etc.).  Good examples of safe buildings include most homes, schools, churches, hotels, office buildings, and shopping centers.

Unsafe buildings include car ports, open garages, covered patios, picnic shelters, golf shelters, tents, baseball dugouts, sheds, hunting blinds, and beach pavilions.  In other words, don't stand somewhere watching nature’s light show.  The potential “price of admission” could be lethal.

And remember you pets, too!  Dog houses are NOT safe shelters.  Dogs that are chained to trees or chained to wire runners are at great risk for lightning strikes.  Play it safe and bring your pets inside!

Similarly, a safe vehicle is fully-enclosed with a metal top, such as a car, minivan, bus, or truck.  Ideally, the vehicle should be parked in a safe area - somewhere completely off the road and away from other moving vehicles.  Once inside, do not leave the vehicle during a thunderstorm, and do not use electronic devices such as radios or cell-phone chargers.  Unsafe vehicles include convertibles, golf carts, riding mowers, boats without cabins, ATVs, and open cab construction equipment.  Remember, it is not the rubber tires on a car that protects you from lightning.  Rather, t is the metal roof and metal sides that offer protection by channeling the lightning through the metal frame into the ground - instead of through you!

Risk Reduction When a Safe Location Cannot be Found

So, what if you are caught outdoors on a bicycling, hunting, fishing, or camping trip?  How about on the last hole of Augusta National to win the Masters (albeit, in your imagination)?  Remember, there is no safe place outside in a thunderstorm.  Following these suggestions may help you to slightly lessen your risk of being struck:

• First, know the local weather patterns as best as possible.  For example, in mountainous areas, thunderstorms generally develop in the early afternoon.  You can also listen to the weather forecast for the outdoor area you are visiting.  Carry a portable NOAA Weather Radio if possible.
• Know how close you are to lightning.  The sound of thunder travels about 1 mile every 5 seconds.  So, if you count the seconds between a flash of lightning and the subsequent crack of thunder and divide by 5, you will get the lightning strike's approximate distance in miles away from you.  For example, a 10 second gap between lightning and thunder means you are about 2 miles away; a 2 second gap means the lightning is less than 1/2 mile away!
• Avoid open fields, tops of hills, and ridge tops at all costs.  If you are camping, set-up camp in a valley, ravine or other low area - but be mindful of the possibility of flash-flooding!
• Stay away from tall isolated trees or other tall objects.  If you are in a forest, stay near a lower strand of trees.
• Stay away from water, wet items (such as rope!), and metal objects (like fences and poles).  Both water and metal are excellent electrical conductors, and the current from a lightning strike can travel through these materials for long distances.
• If you are in a group, spread out so there are several body lengths between each person.  Once you have put some distance between you and the next person, get into the "lightning crouch," in which you put your feet together, squat down, tuck your head, and cover your ears.  This is a tough position to hold for any length of time, so it really is a last resort.  When the immediate threat of lightning has passed, continue to the safest place possible.

The message here is, don’t wait to find (and head to) shelter.  Get to safe shelter long before the lightning comes close to you, and stay protected until you are certain lightning has left the area (wait at least 30 minutes after the storm passes to make your move!).

First-Aid for Lightning Victims

If someone is struck by lightning, they will require immediate professional medical attention. Importantly, victims do NOT carry an electrical charge and are safe to touch.  Before rushing to help, make sure that you are safe yourself.  Also, call "911" immediately.

Lightning strike deaths most commonly result from cardiac arrest and/or stopped breathing at the time of the strike.  Consequently, most medical authorities recommend that if numerous victims are involved in a lightning strike incident, you should treat the apparently dead first because there is a good chance that they can be revived.  If needed, start CPR or use an Automated External Defibrillator.  Monitor victims and check for burns and other injuries (for example, dislocations are not uncommon).  Get victims to a medical professional as soon as possible.

The Road to Recovery

Lightning Strike and Electric Shock Survivors International (LSESSI) is an organization dedicated to helping survivors, families, physicians, and other professionals.  It was started, in 1989, by a lightning victim, and it offers tremendous resources and support on a regional basis.  There is also an annual meeting where survivors can congregate for support and to learn more about the recovery process.

Lightning is, shockingly, underrated as a storm-related weather hazard.  Compared to tornados, hurricanes, and floods, lightning strikes often affect individual victims only, without catastrophic property destruction, and without the fanfare of any great media coverage.  Fortunately, the vast majority of lightning strike accidents can be prevented with education and prevention.

As always, share your knowledge with others in the field and remember:  When you're out there...Be there!

(Credits:  All graphics and images were taken from National Weather Service - Lightning Safety)

On long hikes or days at the beach, do you make sure your dog slows down and takes a drink? Do you take your dog for long runs for exercise through the city or your neighborhood? On hot days as well as humid days, be mindful that your dog is at risk of heat stroke, a life threatening condition.

Heat stroke is caused by your pet’s inability to cool itself. Dogs only have sweat gland on their paws. Not enough to help cool their body temperature down. They mainly get rid of body heat by panting. Sometimes, panting is not enough to cool themselves when they are continually active or if their environment is hot and humid. Make sure you allow your dog to take breaks to drink water to help with his cooling. If he has been running or playing without taking a rest, make them take a 10 to 15 break in the shade.

Heat stroke typically occurs when the dog’s body temperature is over 106 F (normal is 99F to 102.5F).  At such high body temperature the cells and organs in the body can no longer function, causing multi system and organ failure. The kidneys can stop making urine, the liver can stop detoxifying the body, and they can loose the ability to have normal clot formation. Obese animals and those with thick hair coats are at an increased risk. The short nosed or squish faced dog breeds (including bulldogs, pugs, shihtzus, lhasa apsos, etc.) are especially predisposed.  Their smaller nostrils, shorter noses, and other changes in their upper airway make them higher risk breeds for developing this condition. That being said, any active dog can develop this life threatening disease.

Older dogs with changes to their barks or a roaring sound to their breathing can also have a higher risk of developing heat stroke. Changes in bark and or changes to the sound of their panting can indicate a problem with their larynx, the trap door protecting their windpipe. If the larynx is unable to properly open, it diminishes the amount of hot air they can blow off.  Any changes to the bark or breathing noises in older dogs should be immediately addressed PRIOR to warmer temperatures. Dogs with laryngeal paralysis can develop heat stroke just by going outside on a hot humid day for 15 to 20 minutes in the yard.

Humidity and enclosed spaces with poor ventilation (cars without the windows down) can also increase the risk of heat stroke to your dog. Thus, a humid day, even if it is not particularly sunny, can precipitate heat stroke just as easily as a 100° sunny day. Animals shut in cars without the windows down can suffer from heat stroke even on a cool day.

Signs of heat stroke are varied and include heavy panting, increased noise while breathing (wheezing type sounds), gagging or coughing, drooling, bright red gum color, red-purple splotching on the skin or gums (petechiae), shaking, lethargy, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, collapse, shock, coma and sudden death.

If you believe your dog is exhibiting signs of heat stroke take IMMEDIATE action! Help cool your dog by hosing them down, placing a wet towel over them, or offering them water to drink if they are able to. If a vehicle is close by, place the air conditioner on high and drive safely to the nearest emergency hospital.  Unless the car has been well-ventilated don’t put your dog in a hot car. Heat stroke patients can die from being placed in a hot car that’s been parked in the sun all day. Roll down the windows, blast the AC, and get the environmental temperature down. Placing ice on your dog is not recommended due to the shock it can cause your pet. Do not delay getting your pet to an emergency hospital for IV fluid therapy and supportive care. Carry your dog to your car as quickly as possible while cooling him. This is a time sensitive emergency.

How can I avoid heat stroke in my pet?

• Remember to take frequent water breaks and rest in the shade. For large breed dogs, even a 30 minute jog in the summer can lead to heat stroke.
• If you do jog or exercise with your dog, make sure it’s early or late in the day when the outside temperature is lower
• If you own a breed with a squished face, don’t take them for hikes or jogs on warm days. Talk to your veterinarian to see if your pet has a higher risk of over heating based on his nose and throat exam.
• If you hear a change in bark or change in the sound of your dog’s pant, have a laryngeal exam prior to any activity in warm weather.
• If you are at the beach, remember that drinking ocean water (i.e., SALT water) will only make things worse for your dog. Stop him from drinking salt water and offer him fresh water. Also remember that the sand can get very HOT! Don’t take your dog to the beach if you yourself can’t walk barefoot comfortably on the sand.
• Always make sure they have shade and fresh water available.