Shows
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Victim transport, Mass Casualties, Bird Flu updateIn this episode, Joe and Amy discuss how to evaluate the victims of a mass casualty event, concentrating on your actions with each individual patient using the START and SALT protocols. They also update you on the latest in Bird Flu news, is it heading for pandemic status? Short answer: unlikely. Plus, Dr. Joe Alton talks about your options when transporting patient with a team and equipment or just by your lonesome self and with bare hands! All this and more on the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Joe and Amy Alton, aka Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy! Wishing you...2024-11-2337 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast with Dr. Joe and Nurse Amy AltonIn this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton discuss the basics of mass casualty events, where the number of casualties exceeds the available resources. What do you do in these circumstances, especially in survival settings? But it's not all mass casualties, lesser issues can affect work efficiency and make things hard for a mutual assistance group after a disaster. What do you do when someone breaks a tooth? Medically prepared people also need to be dentally prepared if they're worried about a long-term event. Plus, a discussion about tonsillitis in an off-grid s...2024-11-0135 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Hurricane Strategies, Migraines, Antiseptics, MoreIn this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse Amy Alton talk tips on how to get through the next hurricane. Hurricane Helene caused major destruction even in inland areas of North Carolina and other points south. Dr. Alton gives his thoughts on how to make the next one a bump on the road, not the end of the road, for you and your family. Also, a discussion on how to deal with migraine headaches on or off the grid. They may not kill you, but they can affect all-important work efficiency in times of trouble...2024-10-0635 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: MPox, Suturing, Sick Room Basics,MoreIn this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe and Nurse Amy Alton discuss the Monkeypox, now called Mpox, and it potential, if any, to be an issue on this continent in the future. Also, some basics about suturing in survival scenarios, including what materials are used. Plus, how to put together a reasonable sick room for epidemic infectous disease cases without getting healthy people sick. All this and more on the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Joe Alton, MD and Amy Alton, APRN! Hey, don’t forget to check out our entire line of quality medical kits and indi...2024-09-2034 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Wound Infections, Sinusitis, Listeria, Heat and PetsIn this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton discuss wound infections, how to diagnose, treat, and prevent. Also, multiple warnings by the FDA regarding contamination of meats and vegetables with the bacteria listeria monocytogenes, a common cause of food poisoning. Plus, Nurse Amy talks about sinusitis and various natural herbal remedies that can help speed recovery, and a question from a reader about beating the heat, both for you and your dog. All this and more in the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Nurse Amy and Doctor Joe Alton, aka Dr. Bones...2024-07-2852 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Riot Survival, Suture Materials, Shark Attack, MoreLately, there have been a lot of angry young people carrying flags that aren't red, white, and blue. One day you might find yourself in the midst of these unhappy folks, which is what we call "cruising for a bruising." Dr. Joe Alton tells you strategies on how to stay safe in times of civil unrest. Plus, the medic in times of trouble must have the knowledge and ability to close wounds when it's appropriate. We've talked about this subject many times, and how important it is to cultivate the judgment related to when to and when not to close...2024-07-0233 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Tornadoes, Tuberculosis, Pregnancy Off The Gird, moreIn this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse PractitionerAlton discuss the recent outbreak of tuberculosis cases on the West Coast, and how to prevent it from affecting your family in good times or bad. Don't worry, it's not an epidemic in the U.S., even though it accounted for more than a million deaths in Africa and Asia in 2022! Also, everything you need to know about tornadoes! We're in tornado season for a while yet, and much of the country has experienced the kind of weather that spawns them. Here's how to keep you family...2024-06-0340 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Bleeding Control, Biological Agents, LifeVac, MoreIn this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe and Nurse Amy Alton discuss important tips on controlling bleeding wounds (18 tips, as a matter of fact!), The cover-up (alleged) of the true origins of COVID-19 by the powers that be, biologic weapons in warfare, the pros and cons of the LifeVac dechoking device, and how to prevent lightheadedness and fainting when donating blood. All this and more on the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Hey, don’t forget to check ou...2024-04-1745 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Internal Injuries, Dressings/Bandages, Raw Honey...You know, we talk a lot about medical supplies that you have to get serious training for, like tourniquets, hemostatic dressings, decompression needles, and the like, but there are important supplies you probably have right now in your medicine cabinet that are also very important for the survival medic in long-term disaster settings. Dressings, bandages, antiseptics, and much more are discussed in this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast. Also, internal injuries: What you need to know, with Dr. Joe Alton. Also, the benefits of raw honey in wound care, but a discussion of mold and its risks and remediation. A...2024-03-2741 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Tornadoes, Medical Skills, Draining Abscesses, MoreJoe and Amy Alton's Survival Medicine Podcast discusses the start of tornado season and how to get yourself prepared, [lus basics of draining boils and abscesses off the grid. Dr. Bones takes a hard look at medical skills needed to survive, listing them out, and giving a reasoned look on how to be a successful family medic in times of trouble. Also, Dr. Alton takes a question from a listener on testosterone replacement therapy, not really a survival topic but you'll learn a lot. All this and more on the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with Joe and Amy Alton! Wishing...2024-03-1038 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Survival Realities, Frostbite, Essential Oils, DakinsIn this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy discuss hard realities regarding survival situations, and how the family medic needs a mindset adjustment to be effective in that role. Also, Dr. Joe Alton talks about cold-related extremities injuries like frostbite and immersion (trench) foot. Amy Alton, NP, discuss what you need to know about the basics of essential oils as a tool in the survival medicine cabinet, and Dr. Bones answers a question from a listener of their friend Jack Spirko's Survival Podcast about Dakin's solution, an old option for wound care that has serious...2024-02-2442 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Hypothermia, Pest Infestations, Respiratory InfectionIn this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe and Nurse Amy Alton discuss cold weather exposure and its ill effects, known as "hypothermia." Plus, the medic has to know how to deal with mundane issues as well as the sensational "prepper" problems like disaster trauma. One of these issues is lice. Dr. Alton tells you everything you need to know about lice: head lice, body lice, and public lice. Plus, scabies! Ugh! Finally, Dr. Bones discusses how viruses change from year to year, and what that means for this year's cold/flu/RSV/Covid season. All this and...2024-01-2539 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Pet Antibiotics, Winter Car Survival,Natural RemediesIn this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton lament the loss of fish and other equivalent antibiotics due to the actions of the FDA, leaving the family medic in survival settings with one less tool in the medical woodshed. Also, Dr. Bones discusses important strategies to stay safe in your vehicle this winter, even if stranded in a blizzard. Also, natural remedies for respiratory infections, with a special in-depth look by Nurse Amy at the health benefits and uses of peppermint. All this and more in the latest Survival Medicine Podcast with...2023-12-3042 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Pneumonia, Medical Barter, Prostatitis, MoreIn this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton proudly announce their first children's book, "Snowbie, the first snowman," a heartwarming story of how snowmen came to be, great Christmas bedtime reading for little ones! Reading to children helps develop listening, vocabulary, social, and other skills that last well into their teens. Check out Snowbie here: Snowbie: The First Snowman: Alton A.R.N.P., Amy, Alton M.D., Joseph, Crouthamel, Cheryl: 9781510780675: Amazon.com: Books Plus, Dr. Bones discusses pneumonia, whooping cough, epigottitis, and other respiratory infections that come out in the cold w...2023-11-3044 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Dental Issues, Arthritis, Yellow FeverDr. Joe and Nurse Amy Alton discuss dental issues, gouty arthritis, yellow fever, more in this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, broadcast from the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains! You might be ,medically prepared, but are you dentally prepared? Most family medics don't realize that, in survival scenarios, they're bound to come across dental issues with little or no knowledge or supplies. Dr. Joe Alton discusses the basics of the dental exam, tooth anatomy, dental decay, tooth abscesses and more. Also, check out our unique dental kit for off-grid settings... Experts say we're in for cases of yellow fever in...2023-11-1035 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Acid Reflux, Narcan, Wound Irrigation, Tic DisordersIn this episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe and Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton discuss a wide range of medical topics from tic disorders to acid relux to wound care. Amy gives a thorough overview of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the various treatments used, their advantages and disadvantages. Dr. Joe Alton discusses wound care and how proper irrigation of an open wound helps healing and increases survival rates. Plus, a news story out of New York City that suggests the government there is asking everyone to carry anti-overdose drugs like Narcan(r) due to an alarming death rate f...2023-10-151h 15
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: RSV, Headaches, Herbal Quality, Protective Vest, MoreIn this episode of The Survival Medicine Podcast., Dr. Joe and Amy Alton, aka Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy, discuss upcoming fall season issues like colds, flus, respiratory syncytial virus, headaches, quality control of herbal drugs, and the myth of the popular OTC drug phenylephrine as an effective nasal decongestant in cold and flu season. Also, learn about the basics of protective vests in survival scenarios with Dr. Bones. All this and more in this topic-packed episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast with Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe...2023-09-2451 minSurvival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Flesh Eating Bacteria, Mudslides, Hurricanes, moreRecent hurricanes on the West and East coast have threatened millions, and it's important for you to know what to do if one of these juggernauts is heading in your direction. Dr. Joe Alton tell you what you need to know. Last time, we talked about shark attacks, but many more people are injured by less scary critters like sting rays and jellyfish. Dr. Alton tells you what to do for these injuries, and also talks about the recent spate of cases of marine waters that harbor Vibrio vulnificus, the flesh eating bacteria that has killed several people this summer. P...2023-08-2835 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Shark Attacks, Bee and Wasp Stings, Herbal RemediesYou’d have to look far and wide for someone who hasn’t been stung by an insect at one point or another. It’s not pleasant in any situation, but bees and wasps especially can inflict some real discomfort if you run afoul of them. In a small minority of cases, allergic reactions to the venom injected can be life-threatening, a condition known as “anaphylaxis.” Find out more about wasp and bee stings with Dr. Joe Alton in this segment. Plus, a lot bigger but, thankfully, a lot rarer, is an encounter with a shark. About 25 species are known to attack h...2023-07-3133 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Dental Trauma, Malaria, Herbal RemediesIt’s true that a survival group needs someone with medical knowledge and supplies to treat heavy bleeding and orthopedic injuries. Indeed, the average survival medical kit concentrates on these issues to the exclusion of much else. Even well-prepared medics don’t realize that they’ll be faced with a quite different challenge much more often: dental problems. In this podcast, Dr. Joe Alton tells you how to deal with dental trauma off the grid. Also, Amy Alton, NP, discusses herbal remedies like tonic wines and syrups, hot-infused oils, and how to make capsules and powders, and Dr. Joe takes note o...2023-07-1347 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Heat Stroke, Cellulitis, Herbal Remedies, DehydrationIn this extended episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton discuss another wide range of topics, including how to make herbal remedies, dehydration from hot summer weather, how to diagnose, treat, and prevent heat-related emergencies, soft tissue infections like cellulitis, and much more.... Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad! Joe and Amy Alton Hey, learn more about 200 medical topics in survival settings with the two-time Book Excellence Award winner in medicine, The Survival Medicine Handbook: The Essential Guide For When Help Is NOT On The Way, available in bl...2023-06-1944 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Bleeding, Ticks, Lyme, Making Herbal/Dental Meds,In this extended episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Joe Alton, MD, FACS, FACOG, and Amy Alton APRN, CNM go into various diverse topics! Dr. Joe Alton discusses bleeding issues in honor of National Stop The Bleed Day, then pivots, as school ends, to the Great Outdoors and the ticks that inhabit it. Nurse Amy goes into making herbal meds and tells you how to put together a good herbal first aid kit, and Dr. Bones answers a listener's questions about preventing dental cavities with various products you can stockpile for times of trouble. All this and more in the...2023-05-2756 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Dental Extraction, Medicinal Gardens, OsteoarthritisIn a survival scenario, the family medic will be called on to care not only for medical issues, but dental as well. Military medics during the Vietnam War reported that they dealt with dental problems almost as often as medical. Therefore, the survival medic should expect much of the same. Dr. Joe Alton discusses a strategy that can take care of 90 percent of all dental emergencies: Extraction! Plus, Dr.Joe and Nurse Amy discuss what you need to know to have a thriving medicinal herb garden underway well in advance of the zombie apocalypse! Everything about soil, cuttings, grow zones...2023-05-0453 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Water Disinfection, Marburg, StrokesWater. You can't live without it, but in a survival scenario, bad water could be the reason you don't make it. In this episode, Dr. Joe Alton discusses various ways to deal with questionable water, including disinfection methods, filtering, getting fresh water from salt water, and much more. Also, you may want to hear about a new virus about as much as you'd like a hole in the head, but Ebola-like Marburg may be worth knowing about. Dr. Alton (Bones) tells you what you need to know in a calm, reasoned manner (In other words, don't worry, odds of it...2023-04-1231 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Chemical Emergencies, Thyme, Medical Supplies, MoreIn this episode of The Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton discuss the importance of the medic knowing their role and job description in times of trouble, plus how to decide the types and number of medical supplies should be in your storage. Also, the train derailment in Ohio last month caused a major chemical spill. Would you know what to do if 115,000 gallons of vinyl chloride were thrown at you from a train. Dr. Joe Alton tells you what you need to know. Plus, Nurse Amy discuss the medical uses of thyme as a n...2023-03-0940 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Earthquakes, Listeria, Allergy Prevention, Safe FoodsRecently, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake caused massive damage and loss of life in parts of Turkey and Syria. Over 22,000 deaths are confirmed so far, with more than 60,000 injured. Dr. Joe Alton tells you everything you need to know to increase your chances of surviving this unpredictable and devastating natural disaster. Also, Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton gives you the scoop of preventing allergies in the coming season, with a number of natural remedies to improve your quality of life. Dr. Alton returns to discuss the recent listeria outbreak that has caused 400 food brands to be recalled from the market in the last...2023-02-1142 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Altitude Sickness, Community and Survival, MoreIt's winter, and some folks are heading for ski resorts, and that means a big change in altitude for most. The National Academy of Sciences reports that 33.5% of the population lives below an elevation of 100 meters above sea level. That means that, in any major disaster, getting out of Dodge often means heading for the hills. There’s a possibility that we might have to abruptly relocate from a home at sea level to a “bug-out” location in the mountains. Many people adjust to changes of climate and altitude easily, but others don’t; the rapid change in elevation may cause a...2023-01-2235 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Dr. Joe Alton discusses dog flu, winter car survival,Winter storms like "bomb cyclones" can be life-threatening, so it's important to know how to winterize, not only your car, but yourself. In this episode, Dr. Joe Alton discusses different ways to make sure you survive that car trip out in the blizzard, including all the supplies that would make sense to keep in the car just in case. Also, dental extraction is a rare thing you'd have to do yourself these days, but in long-term survival, someone has to do it, and you're elected. How to go about it? Dr. Alton tell you in this segment. Plus, Chestnuts have...2023-01-0632 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Brain Trauma, Bee Stings, Paxlovid, Wound CareJoe Alton MD, aka Dr. Bones, covers a broad range of topic in this episode, including traumatic brain injuries like concussions and worse. Head injuries will be common in survival settings, and the medic can still be effective even with limited supplies and materials. Also, Paxlovid, the COVID therapy, has been free so far (which is good, since it costs an average of $530) but that changes in mid-2023, simply because the FDA hasn't approved it fully yet. Medicare Part D won't cover it until it does, but these things may take a while, which could put some lives at risk...2022-12-1134 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: RSV, Cellulitis, Antibiotics, Cold Water SafetyPeople in off-grid settings are often called upon to perform activities to which they’re not accustomed. In daily survival, the inexperienced will suffer mishaps that lead to injury; in situations where sanitation is questionable, these injuries carry a risk of infection, especially in unsanitary conditions. One of these is known as “cellulitis.” Dr. Joe Alton tells you what you need to know about this common problem. Also, aquarium antibiotics have been a staple for survival medics since Dr. Alton's article in survivalblog close to 15 years ago. Now, the government is tightening the screws as to how citizens can access antibi...2022-11-2831 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Wound Care, Debridement, MoreIn normal times, once you have stopped the bleeding and applied a splint or dressing, the emergency is “over.” You sit and wait for an ambulance or rescue helicopter to arrive and your part is over. In an austere setting, however, the medic must follow the status of the wound for more than a few minutes or hours. You’re in charge until the person is fully recovered. Constant, diligent wound care is your responsibility. It’s important to understand that a wound is not just a “hole”; it’s part of a person who should be informed of your plan of action...2022-09-2335 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Flooding, Constipation, MonkeypoxA world weary of one viral pandemic is now experiencing the early stages of another: In the last three months, more than 88 countries have reported a total of more than 30,000 cases of the disease called monkeypox, which was previously restricted to parts of Africa. That’s more than we saw in the 2014 Ebola epidemic, so the survival medic should know about it. Plus, flooding in Kentucky takes more than three dozen lives. Flooding is a common disaster, and anyone who doesn't live on a mountaintop should be prepared to deal with one. Flash floods, burn scars, ice jams, snowmelt, dam fa...2022-08-0734 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Saltwater Encounters, Drowning, Cellulitist’s summer, and this is the time that people head out to the shore and take in the Great Outdoors. Millions will do just that, and the vast majority of beach-goers will experience nothing but a great time. On occasion, however, a person may run afoul of a sea creature during their time in the water. It’s their home, after all, and some can get pretty aggressive when disturbed or when looking for a meal. In this podcast, we discuss everything from encounters with jellyfish to sharks. Also, we review everything you should know about preventing summer drownings ever...2022-07-1839 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Anaphylaxis, Lightning, Complementary MedicineWell, it’s summer and a lot of folks are heading out into the great outdoors. In a disaster or any other situation that knocks us off the grid, we’ll be exposed a lot more to things like insect stings and poison ivy, as well as strange food items that we aren’t accustomed to. Being in contact with all this stuff may cause Allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. When we develop an allergic reaction, it might be mild or it might be severe. If severe enough, we refer to it as anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. Dr. Joe Alton discus...2022-06-2834 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Chamomile, IV basics, Rehydration AlternativesToday Nurse Amy and Dr. Bones talk about the health benefits of chamomile. Yes, a regular MD and nurse practitioner touting the benefits of herbal tea, how about that? Hey, in times of trouble, you gotta use all the tools in the woodshed! Plus, a thorough discussion on the basics of IV therapy, with emphasis on essentials and practical tips to get fluids into a dehydrated patient. Learn how to recognize signs of dehydration and an ancient, but useful off the grid, method of rehydrating an unconscious patient: rectal rehydration. Yes, that's a thing... All this and more in the la...2022-06-1043 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Censorship, Stab Wounds, Peppermint, Leg CrampsA bill entered in California’s state legislature has gone where President Biden’s “disinformation bureau” couldn’t. Bill AB-2098 gives power to the state’s medical board to investigate and punish doctors whose advice and treatment regarding COVID-19 varies from their perceived “applicable standard of care.” The medical establishment now has “disinformation” authority over others who dare to voice alternative options to their patients or even on social media. Dr. Joe Alton, aka Dr. Bones, gives his thoughts. Also, Nurse Amy Alton tell you about peppermint oil, and its potential as a viable tool in the survival medicine cabinet. Uses and ways to pre...2022-05-3130 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Nasal Trauma, AFib, Valerian RootIt’s a rare individual who has never had a nosebleed and a lot of people have, over the course of their lives, been the recipient of a punch in the nose or other facial trauma. Dr. Joe and Nurse Amy Alton discuss nosebleeds, nasal fractures (broken noses) and foreign bodies in the nostrils of children in this episode. Also, Amy Alton, NP discusses the usefulness of valerian root off the grid for various purposes in the survival medicinal garden. Plus, a listener asks about the heart condition that causes palpitations, irregular beat, and much more: Atrial fibrillation. All this an...2022-05-0649 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Thyroid highs and lows, alcoholism, moreMore than 20 million Americans experience some form of hormonal dysfunction related to the thyroid gland, so you can bet that the off-grid medic will eventually come across someone with it. You've gott to know know how to recognize these conditions and improve them, if possible. This can be way harder off the grid than in today's modern world, but you might still be able to do something that helps. Dr. Joe and Nurse Amy explore the topic... Also, Dr. Joe Alton answers a difficult question from a person dealing with issues relating to alcohol use. How to get on the w...2022-04-2526 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Ear Issues, IBSHow long do you think you’d last when the SHTF if you can’t hear the zombies sneaking up on you muttering something about tasty, tasty brains? The ear is the organ that controls, not only hearing, but balance as well. It’s a rare parent who hasn’t had to deal with ear problems at one point or another during their life. In some cases, It could be a chronic issue that makes an otherwise healthy child (or adult) miserable. Dr. Joe Alton discusses what the medic needs to know about ear problems off the grid. Plus, a question...2022-04-0634 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Nuclear Events, Radiation, Wound ClosureSome of our friends have discouraged us from speaking about the small possibility of a nuclear event in the unstable and uncertain future, but everyone should know about them, not panic, and understand that survival is possible in many cases. Dr. Joe Alton discusses different types of nuclear weapons and meltdowns, types of radiation, percentages and radius of damage, symptoms of radiation sickness, building shelters, treating the sick, and much more. Plus, a question about suture kits from a listener leads to a discussion of why and when to close wounds, and how to developing good judgment is more important...2022-03-1237 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Medical Dishonesty, Frostbite, Clove Oil, MoreIn this topic-filled podcast, Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton discuss corruption in the medical establishment that has led to bad messaging and advice for the current pandemic, and why this happens in a highly politicized society. Also, Dr. Alton cover cold injuries like frostbite and immersion (trench) foot, and other cold exposure issues. Nurse Amy tells you all you need to know about clove bud oil, a useful item to have in long-term survival medicine cabinets, and Dr. Bones returns to discuss the significance of expiration dates and how they affect the survival medic... All this and...2022-02-0441 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Ortho injuries, Antiseptics, StrokesIn good times or bad, families may face any number of events where trauma causes injuries. In the United States alone, there are over 37 million emergency department visits annually due to some type of trauma. Off the grid, it stands to reason that activities of daily survival performed by those unaccustomed will greatly increase the number of traumatic wounds. This week, Dr. Joe Alton discusses what to do for strains and sprains. Also, the Alton discuss antiseptics, both commercial and improvised, and their use in survival scenarios to save lives. Plus, a Survival Podcast question about strokes leads Dr. Alton t...2022-01-1330 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Cold Water Safety, Gloves, Wound Infections, NursingWell, we survived our first cold wave of the year down here in South Florida, where the temperatures dived all the way down into the high fifties. We’ve heard rumors that some places get even colder in winter, so, even though they’re probably just rumors, the Altons talked last time about general hypothermia. This time, they’ll talk about cold water safety in survival settings. Plus, Dr. Bones (Joe Alton MD) discusses things you should know about medical gloves, all about wound infections, and more. Nurse practitioner Amy Alton discusses nursing care in a comprehensive way in part two of...2021-12-0857 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Hypothermia, Off-Grid Nursing, Pt. 1The environment plays a large role in your success as medic in survival settings. If you don’t take weather conditions and other factors into account, you have made the environment your enemy, and it’s a formidable one. One major issue is cold-related illness, otherwise known as hypothermia. Normally, the body core ranges from 97.5 to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit (36.5-37.5 degrees Celsius) when taken orally or rectally. Rectal temps tend to be slightly higher than oral, and oral temps slightly higher than skin readings, such as those taken in the armpit. Hypothermia begins when the body core drops below 95 degrees. Dr. Joe...2021-11-2538 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Instruments, Rats, Hair LossMany of the medical items in your storage, like instruments and some dressings, may come already sterile, but in survival, dressings are consumed and the sterile instruments become dirty. This leads to the question of how to sterilize your reusable items and produce a store of sterile supplies. Dr. Joe Alton discusses how best to disinfect reusable and even some disposable items in the aftermath of a major long-term disaster. Also, a major obstacle to good sanitation and health in survival will be infestation of retreats by rodents like rats and mice. Their droppings, urine, saliva, and nests can contaminate...2021-11-0421 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: AntiviralsAlthough science has made great progress against bacterial disease, our advances against viruses are still in their infancy. Now, potentially good news is being reported in the battle against the current pandemic: An experimental oral drug known as molnupiravir reduces the risk of hospitalization and death in phase III clinical trials. Today Joe Alton MD (aka Dr.Bones) and Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton are going to talk about two products developed by Merck Pharmaceuticals: Ivermectin and Molnupiravir, and the evidence for their effectiveness in the COVID pandemic. Plus, why is Merck pushing this new drug over ivermectin, already FDA approved f...2021-10-1028 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Hemostatic DressingsThe control of major hemorrhage (called “hemostasis”) is the territory of paramedics and trauma surgeon in normal times. In survival scenarios, however, the family medic is unlikely to be either of these. Although direct pressure on a bleeding wound may stop the bleeding, there are times when it just ain’t enough. In such cases, tourniquets are the best first course of action, but they can’t stay on there forever. While tourniquets, gauze rolls, and Israeli battle dressing will help stop bleeding, they don’t have anything special in them that specifically aids in the clotting process. In the last sever...2021-09-2425 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Radiation/Nuclear EventsFor the survival medic, increasing international tensions means that knowledge about nuclear events and the physical damage associated with them is a worthwhile topic to know about. Short of an asteroid hitting Earth or an ultra-deadly pandemic disease, we mean more deadly than COVID, no disaster has the potential to destroy society as much as a nuclear war. Even “minor” radiation accidents, such as reactor meltdowns, may cause long-standing damage to whole areas. The medic must always have a plan of action for every type of disaster to increase the chances for survival of group members. In this episode of the...2021-09-1232 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Anxiety, Depression, PTSD Off The GridIn the US, almost twenty percent of the population has problems with anxiety, which is defined as feelings of apprehension, nervousness, and unease. It might be about an imminent event, a current situation, or may be of unknown origin. For example, Israel announced that Iran will complete a nuclear weapon in 10 days, and that was 9 days ago. Also, are we going to need a vaccine passport to travel, work, go to the bathroom? Don’t be surprised. So, yeah, a lot of anxiety. And these are “normal” times. In survival scenarios, anxiety, depression, and PTSD are going to be epidemic among...2021-08-1418 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Summer Water HazardsLast week The Altons said It’s a cruel, cruel summer, like the 80s song goes, and if you live on the coast or considering a trip to the beach during the dog days, you have more than sunburn to worry about. There’s all sorts of critters in the sea that can cause trouble, even close to shore. I’m not talking about sharks, it’s shark week on Nat Geo and some of you are probably all sharked out. I’m talking about other sea creatures that don’t bite you, but sting you like jellyfish, stingrays, spined catfish, scor...2021-08-0117 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Heat Waves, Burns, Medicinal HoneyIt’s a cruel, cruel summer, like the 80s song goes, and everywhere from Oregon to Montana to New York City can experience big problems this year with blackouts taking out the AC and making homes and businesses into sweatboxes more often than ever before. In the west, wildfires have burned three times the acreage this year as compared to last year at this time. So, the family medic better be prepared to deal with heat-related illness. Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse Practitioner Amy Alton discuss heat wave safety, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, first- and second-degree burns, and sun protection. Al...2021-07-1539 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast Returns!Well, a lot of you might be wondering where we’ve been and why we took a hiatus from our podcasts and videos. It because ol' Dr. Bones had pneumonia, and recovery for me has been slow going. I have acid reflux, and it’s not just heartburn, it goes all the way up to my throat, a condition called laryngopharyngeal reflux. Laryngo means the voicebox, and pharyngeal is all about the throat. So one night I woke up coughing and gagging on a lot of acid that went all the way up and entered my airways. By the morning I had...2021-07-0727 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Tornadoes!Six people are dead in the South after at least 23 tornadoes tore through Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia last week. The damage in places like Coweta County is Georgia, well, it looks like a bomb went off there. Five people lost their lives in Calhoun County, Alabama, after the state was hit with 17 reported tornadoes. Sounds like an apocalypse movie? Nope, stuff like this happens this time a year every year, in the United States, the world’s capital for tornadoes. Now why would an old country doctor be talking about general disaster preparedness? Where the blood and gore or the ca...2021-04-0717 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Thyroid Issues, HypertensionIn this audio episode of the Survival Medicine Podcast, Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse Amy Alton discuss chronic medical problems in survival scenarios, such as thyroid issues and high blood pressure. We mentioned in a recent show that the family medic won’t have lab tests and fancy diagnostic imaging like MRIs and CT scans to help with medical issues if some disaster throws us off the grid. You, medic, will have to go by physical signs and symptoms, just like they did in the 19th century, which is just about where you’ll be thrown back to medically. This can...2021-03-1529 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Expiration Dates, Drug StorageIn a disaster, especially a long-term one, the family medic has to be able to handle a lot of different emergencies. Some of these are clearly survivable, such as a broken finger, and some are not, like a bullet to the brain. It’s important for the medic to have a realistic attitude towards the hard facts. Being realistic won’t make decision-making easier, but it might make it clearer. If you’re diligent in your role as medic you’ll accumulate various medicines that will help keep the family healthy and you’ll do it BEFORE the you-know-what hits the fan. W...2021-02-2528 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Cellulitis, AbscessesAll injuries carry a risk of infection. Various kinds of microbes can invade the body and cause Inflammation in soft tissues, also known as “cellulitis”. These infections develop when bacteria enter through a crack or break in your skin. You can imagine that, off the grid, and especially on the road or in the wilderness, that all sorts of injuries will occur that break the skin and get infected. Think of all the activities you might be doing that you don’t do a lot of now. Making a lot of campfires? Chopping a lot of wood for fuel. Doing stuff...2021-02-0937 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: New AntibioticsIt’s 2021, and over the last year, we’ve seen the most productive distributor of fish antibiotics, Thomas Labs stop manufacturing products, probably related to pressure from the FDA, who has repeatedly stated that it was increasing its “stewardship” of animal medications. This, they say, is because of antibiotic resistance issues, but reports of people using these medications without medical supervision probably had something to do with it also. As we’ve always said, these meds, even if they’re identical to human meds, aren’t candy, and shouldn’t be used in any situation where there’s a functioning modern medical sys...2021-01-2446 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Viral News, Winter Cold/Flu MythsCOVID-19 was supposed to peter out around now, but cases are peaking again, with 300,000 cases reported just on Jan. 8th. Is 2021 going to be just more of the same as 2020? With vaccines now available, can you still get the virus? Can you still give it to others? Will you still have to wear masks? Dr. Fauci says he expects some workplaces and institutions to require the vaccination, will you need to carry a COVID-Card in your wallet in the future? The Altons give their opinion (just an opinion) on what's in the future. Also, what easily available products may help...2021-01-1134 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Ivermectin, Winter DepressionWe’re coming up on the one-year anniversary of my original article “A New Pneumonia”, where I wrote about a strange new virus that had sickened 60 people in a place called Wuhan, China. That was Jan.7th, before anyone died or they even had a name for the pathogen we now know as SARS-Cov2. Now, almost into 2021, the virus will still be an issue well into 2021 and some places are at maximum lockdown. Ivermectin is considered a new option by some, is it the real thing or a flash in the pan? Dr. Joe Alton explains all you need to know...2020-12-2458 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Todd Sepulveda Interviews Dr. Bones and Nurse AmyTodd Sepulveda of the popular PrepperWebsite.com brings his podcast onto our channel for an interview with our regular hosts Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse Amy Alton, this time about pregnancy, labor, and delivery off the grid and other obstetric topics. Be aware that some of the subject matter may be graphic regarding the natural processes that occur during childbirth. Be sure to check out Todd's website and his podcast channel!! Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Alton Hey, check out Amy's latest one-of-a-kind kit, an obstetric kit that a modern hospital w...2020-11-081h 17
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Nurse Amy's Advanced OB KitIn any long term survival setting, somebody’s going to get pregnant at one point or another. Even if you daughter is 7 years old right now, a decade or so into an EMP strike that knocks us off the grid once and for all, she’s gonna be 17 and you might end up a grandparent in a world with power. You’ll need some equipment that will increase your chances of having a successful birth and a healthy mother afterward. This isn’t something to laugh at; during the era of the civil war, maternal deaths approached 1-2% per pregnancy. With women...2020-10-1842 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Cyclospora, Food Contamination and SafetyThe person that’s responsible for the health of their family isn’t just there to stop a bleeding wound or set a broken leg. Poorly cooked or contaminated food will kill more people in survival settings than gunfights at the OK corral. Infectious disease might run rampant if you’re not vigilant about food safety. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, one in six Americans will get sick from food poisoning this year alone, with over 100,000 hospitalizations nationwide. Dr. Joe Alton discusses one microbe that has sickened more than 1,100 people this quarter alone called "CYCLOSPORA". Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatme...2020-10-0331 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Burns, Author Leon PantenburgHey, today we’ve invited our old friend Leon Pantenburg of Survival Common Sense to the show. Leon Pantenburg is a wilderness enthusiast and journalist, and also the author of “Bushcraft Basics: A common sense guide to wilderness survival”. As an award-winning newspaperman for four decades covering stories about search and rescue events, Leon has seen his share of floods and forest fires, hurricane and tornadoes, earthquakes, mud slides and other natural disasters. He’s also reported on too many tragic outcomes from wilderness emergencies. It’s unfortunate that people die unnecessarily from outdoor accidents and emergency situations when simple, common sen...2020-09-1951 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Microplastics, Safe "Six"The CDC has recommended that Americans wear masks “in public”, but are vague on what to do in many situations. From the CDC website: “CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.” The Cleveland Clinic is a little more lenient: ": If you’re unlikely to be around anyone or will have the option of maintaining a safe distance from anyone you encounter, then a mask likely isn’t necessary but having one handy is a good idea just in case." What...2020-09-1132 minSurvival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Tourniquet PrinciplesRecently, Dr. Alton was asked to write an article on tourniquets for the highly popular Survivor’s Edge magazine, a great read if ever there was one. Most people know at this point how to place a tourniquet, but there are some principles you may not know about hemorrhage and how to stop it using this life-saving device. The risk of hemorrhage from traumatic injury is always a possibility, whether it’s due to a motor vehicle accident, a work mishap, civil unrest, or the zombie apocalypse. A major arterial bleed, if untreated, can cause a victim to be beyond medica...2020-09-0131 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Author Charley Hogwood, Survival Groups, moreToday on the Survival Medicine Podcast, we welcome good friend Charley Hogwood. Charley is the author of THE SURVIVAL GROUP HANDBOOK: How To Plan, Organize and Lead People for Short and Long Term Survival, the foremost guide, in the world probably, to planning, organizing and building a survival group for any situation. He's also an accomplished post-apocalyptic fiction novelist, with Book 1 of his Bound To Survive series, the Unraveling, at Amazon and Book 2, Road Trials, being released in the near future. Also, some news updates on COVID treatments Remdesivir, Beta-Interferon, and....Pepcid-AC! All this and more on this episode of t...2020-08-1931 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Alzheimers, Trials, Russian VaccineThe podcast is not going to talk just about COVID today, but it’s a good idea to keep a running update and how Dr. and Ms. Alton's views are evolving based on what seems to be happening these days. So the Altons throw a few stats at you and tell you what they mean, if they're believable, and how it affects, or should affect, peoples’ activity. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Tuesday that the country has approved a coronavirus vaccine despite not having completed crucial clinical trials to determine its efficacy and safety. What are clinical trials and why are the...2020-08-1134 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: COVID Q and AsYou know, we get dozens of questions from folks every week, and we do our darndest to answer as many as we can. You’re always welcome to send your questions to drbonespodcast@aol.com, we answer as many of them as we can. Sometimes, we answer them on the air, and that’s what we do with a few today. By the way, questions don't have to just be about COVID-19. Wishing you the best of health in good times or bad, Joe and Amy Alton Don't forget to check out Nurse Amy's entire line of medical kits and supp...2020-07-2431 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Heat Waves, Visits During Covid, Kazakhstan VirusMan, it’s hot. Summer is here with a vengeance and parts of the Midwest and Southern U.S. are experiencing record high temperatures in major heat waves. Officials predict a high-risk situation for 200 million citizens in the U.S. Joe Alton MD and Amy Alton ARNP discuss heat-related emergencies and what you can do to save lives this summer. Also, what do you do about keeping tabs on family and friends during the COVID pandemic? Dr. Alton answers some common questions that listeners are anxious about, with his own specific take on the subject. Plus, Chinese officials report 1700 deaths fr...2020-07-1441 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Near-Drowning, Spanish Flu, Next WavesMany people are concerned about what appears to be a second wave of COVID-19, the pandemic disease caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus. Indeed, some states that were relatively unaffected by the virus are now reporting high numbers of cases and people are getting concerned about hospitals’ abilities to deal with the more severe cases. Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy discuss what goes into pandemic waves and discuss a brief history of the Spanish Flu of 1918-1919. To forget history is to repeat its mistakes! Regardless of municipalities closing pubic beaches and pools, In warm weather, many folks head to the wa...2020-07-0342 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Second Waves, COVID FatigueIn the news, COVID-19 cases are again on the rise as a second wave of infections coincide with the reopening of many businesses throughout the United States. Perhaps the first thing I should mention is that a second wave occurring as society reopened is an inevitable event. Regardless of the timing or the measures taken, pandemics commonly have this pattern. Health officials and political policy can do little to stop it from happening, but do their best to lessen or delay its effect. Also, important facts about immunity, plus how something we call COVID Fatigue and mass demonstrations are fueling...2020-06-1637 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Riots, COVID, T. Blackmore of "Antigenic Shift"The Altons are happy to welcome author Terry Blackmore of the Pandemic Series, the first book of which (called "Antigenic Shift") is receiving good notices. Unlike most post-apocalyptic fiction, "Antigenic Shift" is set in Canada! Also, if we didn’t have enough reasons TO social distance as it is, now we have rioting in dozens of major cities, makes you want to live outside the city, or maybe outside the planet might be safer. Well, if you live in Minneapolis, interesting things are going on there, like the majority of the city council wanting to dismantle the police department. Interesting to...2020-06-0838 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Riot Survival, Suture ChoicesAs Free Speech advocates, we support the people’s right to protest and make their opinions heard. Unfortunately, demonstrations in the U.S. these days are becoming more frequent and violent. After a short break due to the pandemic, people are again out in the streets. Some have legitimate concerns; others, however, have bad intentions. How can you stay safe if you get caught in the middle of civil unrest? Dr. Joe Alton gives his thoughts. With the violence we’ve seen in major cities, I’m sure there are quite a few people, especially law enforcement officers, that wound up gett...2020-06-0532 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Zinc, Agendas, Societal ChangesAs we reopen, some words will have permanently entered our vocabulary: Social distancing. Telemedicine. Self-quarantine. These are all words you didn’t hear just a few months ago, but now we are all hearing and using them daily. There is no denying that the coronavirus outbreak has dramatically changed just about every facet of life around the world. Amy Alton ARNP and Joe Alton MD discuss what you can expect in part 1 of a series on permanent societal changes due to COVID-19 Also, studies on chloroquines are turning up claiming it is ineffective or perhaps even deadly, but are they mis...2020-05-2448 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Fracture Care, COVID mythsRecently, we came across an article about coronavirus myths on, guess where, the AARP website, where old folks like Dr. Joe Alton get their news (just kidding). There are quite a number of misconceptions about COVID-19 disease and the virus that causes it, SARS-CoV2. Joe and Amy Alton, aka Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy, discuss what people think about coronavirus and pets, weather, vectors, and a troubling tendency for people to avoid hospitals even if they have significant medical issues. Also, Dr. Alton talks you through what you need to know about broken bones. 6.3 million fractures are evaluated in ERs...2020-05-1741 minSurvival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Vit D and COVID-19,Remdesivir, Antibody TestsThe COVID-19 pandemic continues to steamroll populations of many countries, and drive efforts to find a treatment, cure, or vaccine. The drug most recently approved by the FDA for emergency use is Gilead Sciences’ antiviral drug Remdesivir. What is Remdesivir and why is it considered to have potential against the SARS-CoV2 virus? Dr. Joe Alton and Nurse Amy Alton tell you all about it. Vitamin D is made in the body when the sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays hit the skin. Vitamin D is important for many bodily function, including the absorption of calcium for bones, nerve conduction, and immu...2020-05-1240 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: COVID-19 origins, reinfection, moreSurvival Medicine Podcast The daily headlines are chock-full of stories about the COVID-19 pandemic. If you read them, you’re probably left with the impression that society was unready for the ravages of the SARS-CoV2 virus. Surprise, Surprise…Yet, epidemic outbreaks of viral infectious diseases are relatively common: In the last few years, we’ve seen Ebola in West Africa, Zika in South America, and Chikungunya throughout the Caribbean. Tropical countries experience yearly malarial outbreaks, just as nations in cooler climates experience influenza every winter. A contagious and, sometimes, lethal disease that infects almost every country on the planet, however, is muc...2020-05-0332 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: UV Germicidal Irradiation; Tornadoes, MoreIn the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, extreme shortages of personal protection equipment (PPE) have been a major issue for medical workers and home caregivers. Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognize the problem, publishing guidelines for the extended use and limited reuse of disposable face masks and other materials. For those who didn’t include masks in their medical preps, the government says that homemade cloth masks or bandannas are acceptable, all after first saying that they weren’t effective a while ago. In this episode, Dr. Joe Alton discusses the use of UV germicidal irradiation to battle COVID-19. Also...2020-04-2430 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Social Distancing, Lab AccidentsSurvival Medicine Podcast Are you going to survive this pandemic? If I asked America this question a month ago, I would have gotten more than 27000 people saying yes that, well, were wrong. They are no longer with us. In order to succeed in situations where everything else is failing, you gotta have training, knowledge, and supplies. You must also have a mindset that is, perhaps, the opposite of what you were taught in your first responder course: That some disaster or epidemic has overwhelmed conventional medical resources and you are now the highest medical asset left to your family. Joe Al...2020-04-1729 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Chloroquine, Food Safety, Laundry in PandemicsThe COVID-19 pandemic continues to rampage throughout the known world, killing close to 100000 and ruining the economies of whole nations. There is no proven treatment, cure, or vaccine, a common but deadly problem whenever a new virus emerges. The lack of an option leaves scientists scrambling to find a medicine that works, immediately if not sooner. Dr. Joe Alton discusses a new treatment using an old anti-malarial drug, an antibiotic, and zinc. In infectious disease outbreaks, mundane chores like food shopping may become much more exciting (but not in a good way). Yet, these activities are necessary to keep a f...2020-04-0831 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Home Care for COVID-19 Patients, MoreCOVID-19 tests are now available in larger numbers in the U.S. and the numbers of positives are jumping as a result. That means that it’s the testing that identifying the numbers that are there already, not that there are necessarily factors that are making the virus more contagious. Dr. Joe Alton and Amy Alton ARNP discuss numbers relating to cases and death rates, plus what it will take for Chloroquine, alone or in combination with other drugs or minerals, to be considered an effective remedy against the virus. Plus, a discussion of official guidelines for caring of COVID-19 pati...2020-03-2246 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Origins of Viral Research, COVID-19 UpdateWell, we’re in the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., with close to 1000 cases and 30 deaths. Other countries like Iran, Italy are a lot worse off, but the U.S. hasn’t hit its peak, and probably we can expect thousands and maybe tens of thousands more. Old folks like me are advised to stay away from crowds, and we might have to deal with more restrictions before things get better. All because of a bug that’s measured in billionths of a inch…How did we first figure out that viruses exist? Dr. Joe Alton ta...2020-03-1029 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: COVID-19In the last few weeks, we have found ourselves challenged by a new virus from a family that is known for being very unfriendly to humans: Coronaviridae. The coronavirus family mostly causes common colds, with four different strains accounting for 15% of more cases reported worldwide. Until very late 2019, there were only two other known coronavirus strains: SARS and MERS. These viruses, however, didn’t just give you a cold; they could kill you. Now, the current virus, called SARS-CoV2, is making the rounds of more than 60 countries and the disease it causes (COVID-1he9) is causing community-wide outbreaks in multiple reg...2020-03-0435 minSurvival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Coronavirus Numbers, Pet ExposureThe latest viral epidemic has been given an official new name! Instead of 2019-nCoV, it’s now COVID-19. World Health Organization officials wanted a name that doesn’t refer to a geographical location, animals, an individual or a group of people, so I guess they’ll be changing the name of the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918 one day in the name of political correctness. That’s ok, since that flu didn’t start in Spain but in Asia. Now you know there’s someone who being paid a salary to come up with catchy names for viral epidemics. There are currently 60,0...2020-02-1420 minSurvival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: CoronavirusUnless you just got back from a trip to Mars, you probably know that there’s an epidemic going on in China. I first reported on it briefly in my article on “A new pneumonia” on Jan. 7, 2020, when there were only 60 known cases of an infection of unknown origin. It turned out to be a virus. Viruses are tiny, much smaller than bacteria, and barely meet the definition of a living organism as it must enter the cells of a host to activate and reproduce. Yet, they are able to cause the downfall of organisms much more advanced and complex than t...2020-02-0321 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Norovirus, XofluzaSurvival Medicine Podcast Reports from Yosemite National Park in California reveal that at least 170 visitors and personnel have experienced a mysterious intestinal ailment. Lab studies have identified a virus called “Norovirus” as the culprit in at least two cases, with most of the rest consistent with the illness. Find out what you need to know about the most common cause of the stomach flu in the U.S. Also, Dr. Alton discusses the first new antiviral flu drug approved by the FDA in years: Xofluza. Xofluza is a one-day treatment that is meant to decrease symptoms and duration of influenza illn...2020-01-2028 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: New Pneumonias, What you should knowHealth authorities in China are reporting 60-70 cases of a previously unknown viral pneumonia that has put dozens in the hospital. Officials note that victims exhibit fever up to 105(!), difficulty breathing, and abnormal findings on chest X-rays. Nothing gets my attention like a mysterious, probably viral, pneumonia showing up in some foreign land. The word “pneumonia” is defined as a lung inflammation usually caused by bacterial or viral infection. Occasionally, fungi or parasites may give rise to it. It’s a very general term and doesn’t identify the specific microbe that’s causing the problem.In the last decade or so, kill...2020-01-0925 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Survival MedicsSurvival Medicine Podcast You know, the world isn’t getting any safer these days, and that means that, more than ever, you should be prepared for disasters, whether they be natural disasters or man-made. The family medic must assess their level of preparedness well before a disaster occurs, and now is as good a time as any. We refer to this as a "status assessment”. When performing this assessment, a number of questions must be asked and answered that clarify your job description and your level of readiness. Dr. Alton (aka Bones) and Nurse Amy discuss the survival medic's job descri...2020-01-0424 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Chronic Lung Disease in SurvivalWe often talk about trauma and infection, but less so about chronic diseases. We have to face the fact that in some settings, namely those without some of modern medicine’s miracle technology, some people will long-term issues may end up having life spans similar to those of their ancestors a hundred or more years ago. One category of patient that has less options off the grid are those with COPD, also known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis cause real damage to lung tissue from cigarettes and other reasons.Folks with these conditions may have trouble with...2019-12-2916 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Dengue Fever, PermethrinSurvival Medicine Podcast #379 Today, we talk about a mosquito-borne illness. What? It’s freezing out there, there’s no mosquitoes! Well, Down here in South Florida, we get outbreaks of tropical infections even in wintertime. A while ago, I wrote about a mosquito-borne virus that strikes warm weather regions: Dengue Fever. At that time, I reported that places as far apart from each other as Singapore, Nicaragua, and Bangladesh had reported Dengue outbreaks. Not since the beginning of the year, but on the same day! This distribution meets the WHO definition of pandemic, characterized by community level outbreaks in different region...2019-12-2722 minSurvival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Sharp Wound ManagementIn the last couple of days, we’ve read about multiple stabbing incidents, one killed a freshman at a NY college, another killed two young men, and others just seem to pop up in the news pretty much all the time. Any incident like this or any kind of natural or man-made disaster puts your people at risk for injury. When it occurs, trauma may be minor or major; penetrating trauma such as stab wounds can be life-threatening, depending on the organs and blood vessels damaged. In this episode, Joe Alton MD discusses important factors relating to stab wounds and tra...2019-12-2321 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Questions and AnswersThis episode is broadcast (poorly) from a hotel room in New Yawk City, where we are visiting one of our daughters who's, well, a city girl. Ignore the police sirens and other "technical difficulties"! Hey, from time to time, old dr. bones or the lovely nurse amy are asked to come on other podcasts, radio shows, and even TV to talk about disaster medical preparedness, and just a few days ago, our good friend Jeff Anderson from Modern Combat and Survival .com asked us to come on his show, which we’ve put on our website if you want to he...2019-12-1421 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Infectious DiseaseTHE SURVIVAL MEDICINE PODCAST #376 Hey, I’ll bet you’ve wondered from time to time if you’re medically prepared enough. Do you have the supplies to deal with the medical issues you’ll face? To know that, you need to know what medical issues you’ll face. In my research, I’ve taken the experience of those in remote locations with limited supplies as guidance. People like medical missionaries spend months at a time off the grid in communities where infections and injuries occur, and usually assume medical responsibility with very limited equipment. Joe Alton MD and Amy Alton ARNP talk abo...2019-12-1121 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Fish Oil, Guyon's SyndromeSurvival Medicine Podcast #375 In survival, the medicines eventually run out no matter how well you’ve prepared if the disaster knock you off the grid for long enough. This is especially true for drugs for which you can only stockpile a limited quantity, simply because they’re too expensive. One item that isn’t too expensive is fish oil, commonly available in supplement or in FDA-approved prescription items. The scientific data shows that they can reduce triglycerides in your blood, a factor in coronary artery disease, and perhaps help in other ways. So what is fish oil and is it of any...2019-12-0716 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Podcast: Deadly VirusesInfectious disease is of major concern in good times or bad, and the family medic must be able to identify some of the deadliest. Having just written a book about infectious diseases and the antibiotics that treat them (Alton’s Antibiotics and Infectious Disease: The Layman’s Guide to Available Antibacterials in Austere Settings), we’ve done our research on some of the worst illnesses that can occur even in countries with advanced medical systems. There are infections out there, however, that are often fatal and aren’t in our book, because they can’t be treated with antibiotics. I’m talking ab...2019-12-0421 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Hour: The Health Worker in Harm's Way (new format)After a brief hiatus, Joe and Amy Alton, aka Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy try out a new format that removes a lot of the up front "housekeeping" and get to the meat of the medical topic for the week immediately. They plan to put out more frequent shows lasting about 15-20 minutes each and stay on one topic to delve into it more deeply. This week, Dr. Alton discusses the Ebola epidemic from the standpoint of the health workers that are being killed by armed rebels in the area. Even the local population seem to hate medical personnel out...2019-12-0213 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Hour#371: Interview on Pandemics with Prepping 2.0In the midst of a break from their podcast, Joe Alton MD and Amy Alton ARNP are interviewed by good friends Glen Tate and Shelby Gallagher from the Prepping 2.0 podcast. The topic is pandemic disease, what infections can become the next major epidemic to push society to the brink, what to do to keep your family safe, and the supplies you'll need to avoid infectious disease from running rampant among your people. Keep an eye out for future podcasts with Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy, we'll be back soon! And don't forget to check out our medical kits and supplies...2019-11-241h 02
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Hour #370: Amebiasis, Nailbed Injuries, Altitude SicknessA fractured femur or a gunshot wound to the chest are major injuries that affect your chances of survival in disaster settings, but not all injuries are so extreme. “Minor” injuries can also impact the efficiency of a group member off the grid. Of these, nailbed injuries are some you’ll commonly see. You can imagine that nailbed injuries will be more common when untrained (and perhaps careless) people perform tasks to which they’re not accustomed. Joe and Amy Alton describe various types of trauma and their treatments. The journal PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences) reports that 33.5...2019-10-1950 min
Survival MedicineSurvival Medicine Hour: Blisters, Bacteria, Baking Soda, More#369 SURVIVAL MEDICINE PODCAST The world is on the brink of destruction and you have all your preps together; You’ve got water, food, you can start a campfire, you’ve got your knife or knives, and you’ve provided for the common defense. You can sterilize water, your vehicle ready for the road if you need to go and your ducks are all in a row. Duck is good eating, by the way. Well, how about some baking soda? Joe Alton MD goes solo this week to talk about just some of the medical and other uses of this versatile item...2019-10-1252 min
Survival MedicineSURVIVAL MEDICINE: SouthernPrepper1, David Kobler InterviewJoe Alton, M.D., the Disaster Doctor aka Dr. Bones and Amy Alton, A.R.N.P., aka Nurse Amy of doomandbloom.net welcome David Kobler, star of the wildly popular Southern Prepper 1 youtube channel. An army veteran of the Iraq conflict, David goes into detail about what you need to do to stay safe in times of trouble. Also, Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy discuss the first laboratory grown hamburger meat. Will Burger Lab replace Burger King? See our articles on www.DoomandBloom.net, Facebook.com/drbonesandNurseAmy, Twitter @PrepperShow, YouTube.com/DrBonesPodcast. Thanks and Be Safe!!2013-08-1059 min