Dangerous Poison Cover-Up Over Water Quality Issues - What to Do to Protect Your Health

Do you think the U.S. has water quality issues? About a week ago I was searching on the web for contaminated water sites in the U.S. and up popped this headline that says VET SAYS SKIN CANCER LINKED TO LEJEUNE WATER.

The water in this article is located at North Carolina's Camp Lejeune. The water was drunk at the base between 1981 and 1984. A woman also says she has lymphoma from drinking the same water when she lived near Lejeune while her husband was stationed there. She says water quality issues concerning contamination caused her health problems including cancers, reproductive disorders and birth defects.

For years health officials have made claims that the water was contaminated, but it posed no danger to the Marines and their families.

Now in 2009, the government is reversing those claims, saying that the evaluation of the water contained inaccuracies and omissions, and adding that over the course of thirty years three million people may have been exposed to the carcinogen benzene in their water.

Sadly this is just one if the many poisoned-water cover-ups in American history. Others in Brooklyn, Niagara Falls, Massachusetts, Hinkley (California), Woburn (Massachusetts), and Washington, D.C. have also made headlines. In all instances toxic substances were in the water supplies of American citizens.

We take for granted our water supplies are free from contaminates, or at least by the time the water gets to our faucets it is healthy for us to drink, but that is not the case. To protect yourself and your family from consuming toxins you need to install a home water filter.

Look for filters that use more than one media type to purify your water. Having a combination of filters ensure you of removing all contaminates for your water. The system I use combines a carbon filter with a sub micron and multi block filter, along with an ion exchange.

You can solve your water quality issues when you take steps to purify your water. Check out my web site listed below to find out which unit I trust.

Juanita Ruby is passionate about health. She knows our bodies contain 70% water, thus the quality of our water greatly affects our health. Visit her website at http://www.home-water-filter-site.com/ to discover which water purification system she trusts for her family's health.

Discover How You Can Drink Water From a Stream Safely With a Camping Water Filter

Did you know that you can drink water from a stream or river and not get sick? It's true. You can also fall 20,000 ft from an airplane, without a parachute, and live. Alan Magee did just that when he was blown out of his B-17 on a mission over France in 1943. What are the odds? They are way too high for me to roll the dice and take a chance. And I certainly wouldn't tell anyone I care for to go ahead and drink that water from the stream or river without using some type of camping water filter any more than I would tell them to jump out of a plane at 20,000 feet without a parachute. According to the WHO (World Health Organization) contaminated drinking water is responsible for 80% of the diseases that travelers get.

Water contains 3 groups of bad things.

1. Bacteria: like Salmonella, Cholera, and Ecoli.

2. Viruses: like Hepatitis, Norwalk, Rotovirus and Poliovirus.

3. Protozoans: like Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

You've probably heard of Salmonella, and Ecoli. The Norwalk virus is what many people call the stomach flu. Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Giardiasis is an infection of the small intestine caused by this little microsopic protozoan Giardia lamblia.Cryptosporidiosis, we just call it crypto, is a disease caused by Cryptosporidium, another protozoan that you get by drinking contaminated water, among other sources. You acquire these by drinking water from lakes or streams where animals like beavers or muscrats or any other animals happen to spend time in the water and contaminate it. Even agricultural products such as DDT have been found in mountain lakes.

Any water can be transformed into safe drinking water. And it also depends on if the water is clear of if it is cloudy, muddy, dirty etc. There are 3 ways to reduce the risk of drinking contaminated water. The best way is to boil your water. It will kill everything. The down side is that it takes some time to boil, it takes fuel, it takes a pot or container to boil the water in, and then it takes time again for the water to cool. And the higher the elevation the longer you have to boil it. The other ways are to use a camping water filter or a water purifier.

Purifiers use chemicals to treat the water and kill the bacteria and viruses. Those could be chlorine, chlorine dioxide, iodine, silver or UV treatment. These should be used in clear water. Chlorine is the most widely used. Iodine is similar to chlorine but it tastes terrible and if you only use that while camping or hiking for an extended time it can build up in your system and cause hyperthyroidism. You can use a filter of activated charcoal to get rid of the iodine after it's done it's job. Silver works slowly but is great for storing water as it prevents germ growth.

Filters will remove bacteria and protozoans. Protozoans are big, 1-15 microns but bacteria can be much smaller. To be safe I would use a filter with a pore size of.2 microns. You could get by with a pore size of .3 or .4....but why take the chance. With filters you will have to clean them out and replace the cartridges.

Whether you are going on a vacation, especially out of the country, camping or a short hike, it only makes sense to make sure you are drinking safe water. The fact is that drinking contaminated water can make you sick. Paradise can turn into a nightmare.

I love camping and hiking and you really need the right gear to protect yourself and your family. I advise everybody that one of the most important pieces you need is a camping water filter [http://camping-water-filter.org]. Learn more about the different types and brands at [http://camping-water-filter.org]

Campground Savvy

Part of planning a trip in our RV is planning which KOA campgrounds we will be staying at along the way. We know what to expect at a KOA campground and we have never been disappointed. If you have been RVing for any amount of time you already know that a big part of the camping experience is the campground experience. This month I am including a checklist that will help you get the most from your campground experience. Most of what is written in this checklist is common sense, but it helps to serve as a reminder of how to make your next stay at a KOA as pleasant and carefree as possible.

If you know where you'll be staying make campground reservations in advance, particularly during the prime travel season. This way there is always a site waiting for you when you arrive.

You should stop traveling while there is still plenty of daylight to set up and get settled in at the campground.

Make sure the electrical source is compatible with your RV's electrical system.

Make sure the site will accommodate the length of your RV.

If temperatures are hot outside, request a site that is in the shade, if possible. Try to position the RV, with the side the refrigerator is located on, in the shade to help the refrigerator work more efficiently.

Check the site for any overhead obstacles that might interfere with setting up the RV.

When you position the unit at the site make sure there is enough clearance for slide-outs and the patio awning.

Level the RV and chock the wheels before disconnecting from the tow vehicle (for towable RVs).

Test the polarity and voltage before plugging the RV into any electrical source. After you test the polarity and voltage turn the breaker off, plug the RV in, and turn the breaker back on.

Campground voltage can fluctuate depending on the demand. You should monitor the AC voltage coming into your RV, with a digital voltmeter, throughout your stay at the campground. Plug the meter into any 120-volt outlet in the RV where it will be easy to monitor the AC voltage during your camping trip. By monitoring the AC voltage you can protect thousands of dollars worth of electrical equipment and appliances in your RV. If AC voltage drops below 105-volts or goes above 130-volts you should turn electronic equipment and appliances off until the power is restored. Some digital meters have an audible alarm to warn you of high or low voltage conditions.

Keep a variety of electrical adapters on hand in case you need them. You should also have an extension cord that is compatible with the electrical system on your RV. The gauges of wire used in standard household type extension cords are not suitable for RV hook ups.

Use a water pressure regulator at the campground water source to prevent damage to your plumbing from high water pressure.

Use a white RV drinking hose to connect from the water source to the RV. Hoses not labeled safe for drinking can contribute to lead and other dangerous chemicals getting in the water. It's a good idea to have a 4-foot, 10-foot and 25-foot hose so you can always reach the campground water hook up.

You should always filter the water going into the RV with a high quality filtration system. The 4-foot or 10-foot drinking hose can be used to go from a water filter to the city water connector on the RV.

Take along a green or black garden hose for all other uses, like flushing out holding tanks or cleaning the RV.

It's a good idea to have a 10-foot and a 20-foot sewer hose available so you can always reach the campground sewer connection. Spend a little extra and get heavy-duty sewer hoses. Keep an assortment of sewer hose adapters and connectors on hand.

If you're going to be leaving the campground for more than few minutes it's a good idea to turn the water supply off until you return.

Always store the awning when you're not going to be at the campsite and leave it in the stored position at night.

Lock your RV and secure valuables when you are not physically at the campsite.

Always keep a spare set of keys for the RV and any other vehicles.

Always practice good campground etiquette and be sure to leave the campsite in the same condition you found it, or better.

If you travel with pets, respect other campers as it pertains to your pets. Always use a leash, control any barking and always clean up after your pets.
Hopefully this will help make all of your campground experiences happy memories rather than memories you would like to forget. For checklists like this and many more, be sure to get a copy of my Checklists for RVers E-book. Have a great time camping at your favorite KOA campground.

Happy Camping!

Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk, owner of RV Education 101

RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America's most highly regarded series of DVD's, videos, books, and e-books. www.rveducation101.com/

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Making Your Own Portable Water Filter

Making your own portable water filter is highly useful for if you plan on going somewhere where there may not be clean tap water available. Now, not everyone owns a manufactured water filter, and not everyone gets around to buying one even if they are going to be in places where tap water isn't completely safe. Luckily, there is a very easy solution to making your own portable water filter that you can take anywhere with you. It can also be made on-the-fly, as long as you have the few necessary items with you for making it.

The only items you'll really need for making your own portable water filter coffee filters, a couple of empty water/soda bottles, and water purification tablets. As you probably know, coffee filters and empty bottles are easy to obtain, and you may be glad to hear that purification tablets are too.

The first thing to do is to fill up one of your empty water bottles with the tap water you're going to be filtering. An empty standard soda bottle will do absolutely fine. Have a second bottle ready, of the same size or bigger. Next, use a single coffee filter on the opening of the second bottle. Pouring the water from the first bottle into this second bottle will stop bits of dirt getting through, although a lot of smaller organisms can still get through the filter. It's recommended you use a tight rubber band to securely hold the filter in place.

Be careful when pouring the water from the first bottle into the second. Do it slowly, as the water needs to gradually make its way through the filter. Doing it too fast will likely overflow the bottle pretty quickly and it can damage the filter, allowing unclean water to get past and meaning you will have to start the process over again with another filter.

Once you have carefully transferred the water from the first bottle to the second (without any overflowing or tearing of the filter), you now need to drop a water purification tablet into the water. These are highly available and cost very little. If you can't fit the tablet through the head of the bottle of the filtered water, just pour it into a larger container and then drop the tablet in. Or, you may just be able to crumble it into the bottle. This basically kills any excess germs that will likely have still made it into the second bottle of filtered water. Think of this as the second stage of your portable water filter.

When it comes to making your own portable water filter, it really is as simple as that. If you're in a city that is notorious for bad tap water, take your homemade water filter wherever you go in the city where you're going to be relying on tap water to quench your thirst - whether it be at work, at home, or at a friend or family member's house.

Are you looking for more information regarding Portable Water Filter? Visit the Camping Water Filter Site today!

5 Important Packing Tips For a Canoe Trip

The following tips are meant to keep you from becoming miserable during your Canoe Trip. Planning on the weather as well as taking measures to ensure a smooth canoe ride can make the difference between enjoying your surroundings or being miserable. Canoe trips definitely are not for everyone, but if you prepare correctly, most people will have an excellent time. If you don't prepare, you could be in for the worst vacation of your life.

#1) Avoid wearing cotton. It is extremely heavy when wet and it takes a long time to dry. If you should have a fall getting in or out of your canoe on your camping trip, you could be wet and miserable for a much longer time. Use synthetic clothing which will wick moisture away from your body and dry much faster.

#2) Bring a reliable and sturdy rain suit. It is important to plan on every weather condition, even rain. A well designed and durable rain suit will keep you dry and warm and prevent misery on your canoeing and camping trip.

#3) Bring a lot of bug spray. The last thing you want to be doing is swatting fly's off yourself when you are trying to paddle. If a horse fly manages to get hold of your skin, sudden rapid swatting movements could cause you to flip your canoe and ruin your trip. Bring more bug spray than you think you will need.

#4) Pack your items in a water tight bag. A normal suitcase is out of the question and a duffel bag is still not a great idea. A water tight bag will ensure none of your items get wet or destroyed should you drop your bag in the water or flip your canoe. Your trip could get ruined pretty fast without a water tight bag. A smaller accessory water tight bag is also great for keys / your phone / wallet / etc. It is also a good idea to throw some matches in there as well do they don't get destroyed by becoming wet.

#5) Bring a water purifier. If for some reason you become stranded, you do not want to run out of water. You can survive for quite a while without food, however that length of time is much shorter without good water. A charcoal filtering water bottle, or chemically purifying tablets are a must in emergency.

I hope these basic tips are enough to get you on the right track to an enjoyable canoe trip. Getting outfitted with the proper gear and planning ahead is key. Don't forget to take as many pictures as possible!

For more information about what you should pack as well as some great camping and canoeing getaway ideas, be sure to visit: http://www.gunflintoutfitters.com.

Portable Water Filters Are Smart Purchases

Do you own one or more portable water filters? If not, you might want to consider making a trip to the store soon. These convenient, inexpensive devices offer good value for the money and provide real benefit to their users.

It is true that these portable filter devices can't substitute for more substantial home water purification systems. They won't protect you from seriously polluted water and you can't rely on them as a primary defense against microbes, toxins, minerals and pollutants.

That doesn't make portable water filters worthless, however. They actually have a great deal of value when you understand their purposes.

First, they can serve as a handy layer of protection when you're in a new area or a place where you don't really know about the quality of water. You're probably knowledgeable about the water in your home. When you're camping, traveling or enjoying a picnic at the park, however, that usually isn't the case. In those situations, either you can make some effort to protect yourself or you can simply hope for the best. Portable filters give you an opportunity to pack some protection with you.

Second, they're a reasonable stopgap measure if you feel your tap water is "slightly off" and you haven't yet purchased or installed under-the-sink units or a whole house water purification system. You don't want to put all of your faith in these lightweight devices, but they will provide you with some protection you'd otherwise lack.

Small portable water filters can do a good job of removing larger minerals and deposits. The nicer options can even help with other toxins and microbial pollutants. They're far from perfect, but they're much better than nothing is.

And, they're incredibly inexpensive. When you consider the benefits they provide and compare that to the amount of money you'll spend on them, it becomes quite clear that they provide more than an adequate "bang for the buck". That's particularly true if you're someone who is frequently on the go and away from home. How much is it worth to avoid exposure to some toxins even if they filtration isn't flawless? Most of us would agree that we'd prefer some protection to none at all.

There are many different kinds of portable filters. Some are bottles fitted with special caps that filter the water when it's poured. Others take the form of pitchers with lids containing carbon block filtration units. Some are slightly more advanced and are great for RVs and campers.

You can't think of portable water filters as an alternative to a solid purification system. They aren't meant to fill that role. If you recognize them as an extra layer of defense and a cheap way to improve the quality of water you might drink, however, it's clear that they're a smart buy.

To learn more about portable water filters and other methods of drinking water purification, be sure to visit our website at DrinkingWaterPurification.net.

Make Your Office Cubicle an Oasis of Productivity

Office cubicles don't have to suck. No really they don't. Your state of mind is everything in this world and if your have a job where you spend more time in your 6x6 cubicle each day then you do at home you've got to make it work for you. Ideally you've got a nice space somewhere in the office and your cubicle is functional. Work is hard enough each day so you should make the space you've been given to do what you need to do enjoyable. You'll find that it is contagious. This article is just a brief and simple way to spice up your cubicle.

After a few years of being assigned to various cubicles in various companies I found it very necessary to make it my one personal space. Each company will have policies in place that will have to be adhered to but find out immediately so you know exactly what you can get away with.

One of the best things you can do is change up the chair your sitting in. Most companies don't put a lot of time, money, or effort into chairs. They buy in bulk. If you've found your dream job or even if you haven't invest in a nice chair. Your going to be sitting on your butt for the next 30 years it should feel good doing so. Get an ergonomic office chair.

One of the other ease and cheap things you can get for your office cubicle is a plant. Plants will brighten the area up, provide better air, and just make your area in the office feel a bit more like home. An other big item is the digital frame. Nothing helps get you through a stressful part of the day like one of these puppies. Dump some of your favorite vacations images, family and friends, or your dream locations on to a digital frame and look at it as often as needed to help you not stress out. Speaking of stress. When I got stressed out and didn't have time to go to the gym I had a set of dumb bells in my cubicle. If a call stressed me out I just grabbed my 20lbs dumb bells and pushed out a few reps on the shoulders and biceps to get rid of some of the stress.

Music also helps out a lot for certain people. Getting a clock radio or an ipod dock is a nice idea. However many office policies don't allow music. What works for one person may not work for the other. But if you can have music I highly recommend it. Add some art your drab cubicle walls also. Posters with motivation sayings are common place in offices or get a world map and start tacking the places you want to go. This will motivate you to produce and plan your next vacation. You can pimp out your office cubicle as much as you want. Some of my office mates had their own personal espresso machines in their office cubicles. I was indeed jealous.

Finally I suggest you get a dry erase board that functions somewhere within your cubicle to put up your personal goals each day and the things you need to get done. The day is filled with so many tasks. It is important to stay organized. Use a dry erase board to post reminders, to put up quotes of the day, or even to just brainstorm on if you need to get something out of your had quick and onto paper so to speak.

It really is a matter of imagination and creativity when it comes to making your office cubicle your own. Have fun with it. Be creative and make the space your own personal little oasis. If you feel good being there you'll be far more productive. This is a proven fact.

In Search Of The Best Cup Of Coffee

The search for the best cup of java is over. It is more than personal taste. It's a science and it is acquired. We love our Tim Hortons and Starbucks. So I was wondering what is it that makes their coffee so good? When you need to watch your budget, going out for coffee gets to be very expensive. So last summer I went on a quest to learn how to make the best cup of coffee right at home.

To start with, I needed a great coffee grinder. My research showed that grinding fresh as you go is the best. The one I got is great because you can choose the type of brew, size of grind and how many cups. Shortly after purchasing it, we went on a camping trip up north to a place called Sambaa Deh with my sister, her husband, my niece and her husband, and my nephew. Since we were only going camping, for convenience I purchased a can of Nabob. I figured it would not matter, the coffee will taste great just because we are out doors by a campfire or in the fresh air.

First morning there, I was too excited to sleep in. I had been waiting for this the whole year, to just sit outdoors with a good book and sip my coffee. I made my pot of coffee and was just settling in to my chair when I saw my niece and her husband stirring. Now, Ken and I paid our dues of sleeping on the ground, we now camp in luxury. My niece is young and they were roughing it in a tent. So I thought I would spoil them and run over with my pot of coffee. They politely refused and proceeded to make their own. That's ok. I figured they were just as anxious to go through that ritual as I was. So we visited and drank our coffee.

It didn't take long when I realized NOBODY wanted to drink my coffee. They would rather have crawled on hands and knees to the next town than drink my cheap store bought coffee.

That, my friends, is when I got serious about making the best cup of coffee. The Martha Stewart in me rose to the surface because I did not want to go down in record as serving crappy coffee.....even when camping.

I used to thoroughly enjoy my coffee until I tasted my niece's, then I could see that there is a huge difference. Once you have a great cup of coffee... there is no going back! So, how do you make a great cup of coffee?

There are many methods for brewing, and no single technique is the right one. Personal taste is the determining factor.

Kinds of coffee makers and how they work:

Automatic Drip: Is by the far the most popular. You fill a chamber with water, load your coffee into a filter basket and flick a switch to heat the water which will then drip through the filter basket into the pot. Some Automatic Drip Makers include a built in grinder where the coffee is ground first.

French Press: Presently our favourite, also called a Coffee Press. A French press requires coarser ground coffee which you pour hot water over, leave to brew for a few minutes, then you press the plunger to trap the coffee grounds at the bottom of the beaker.

Pod: These machines force water through a coffee packet called a pod that fits inside the dispenser. No measuring or spilling, very convenient.

Percolator: This is what we use in our camper. You fill with cold water, put your ground coffee in the basket which sits near the top of the of the pot, water comes to a boil and rises through the straw-like center and through the coffee. There is discussion that the coffee gets bitter because of water passing through it more than once.

Espresso: Traditionally a European beverage, this type uses steam pressure to push hot water through the ground coffee. The coffee must be very fine. Some machines include automatic grinding and then brewing, so no measuring.

Vacuum: Consists of two connectable compartments with a filter in between and the coffee is brewed by vapour pressure and vacuum, producing a clean, crisp, rich,and smooth coffee.

But no matter how you choose to brew your coffee, here are 11 tips you need to follow to get the best cup of coffee possible:

1. The equipment must be thoroughly cleaned after each use. Make sure that no grounds have been left and no build up of coffee oil. Such residue can impart a bitter, rancid flavour to future cups of coffee.


2. Purchase coffee as soon as possible after having been roasted. Fresh roasted coffee is essential to the best cup of coffee. Purchasing small amounts is ideal, enough for about 2 weeks.


3. Grind your beans as close to the brew time as possible. A burr or mill grinder is preferable because all of the coffee will be ground consistently. The size of the grind is so important because, if it is too fine the coffee will be over extracted which will make your cup bitter. If it is under-extracted the coffee will taste flat.


4. Never reuse your coffee grounds. Once brewed, the coffee flavour has been extracted and only the bitter undesirable flavour is left.


5. Be sure to use cold filtered or bottled water if your tap water has a strong odour or is high in minerals or chlorine. Do not use distilled or softened water.


6. Use the proper amount of coffee to water. A general guideline is 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every 6 ounces of water. You can adjust this to your individual taste.


7. The water temperature is important, it should be between 195 to 205°F for optimal extraction. If it is too cold your coffee will be under-extracted and flat, too hot and it burn and lose quality. For French Press, bring your water to a full boil, then let sit one minute before it hits the coffee grounds, that should be the perfect temperature.


8. The amount of time the water is in contact with the coffee is also important. The drip system should be approximately five minutes. If using a French Press, let sit about 2 to 4 minutes. Espresso is just as the name implies, the brew time is short, only 20 to 30 seconds.


9. Pour your coffee into a thermos or carafe to keep it hot after it is brewed. It is best if drank within 45 minutes. It should not be left on a burner for longer than 15 minutes, and never reheated.


10. Never refrigerate or freeze your coffee because contact with moisture causes it to deteriorate. Instead, store it in an air-tight glass or ceramic container in a dark and cool location. If you've purchased coffee in bulk, then wrap in airtight bags, and they can be stored for up to a month in the freezer. Once you have opened them, do not keep in the fridge or freezer but keep airtight, cool and dry!


11. Use a porcelain mug because it's not porous, it holds the warmth for longer which preserves the flavor, and stainless steel for a travel mug. These mugs are also reusable so they're environmentally friendly too. Wash your mug regularly. Avoid paper, plastic and styrofoam which alters the taste.

My niece's coffee was so good because she bought a dark bold bean, and ground it just before leaving. Their coffee was rich in flavour and aroma. It is too bad for them it was so good, because she was designated to provide Ken and I with our morning coffee for the rest of the trip!

Next camping trip.... I am packing freshly roasted coffee beans AND my coffee grinder because WE have a generator! The Martha Stewart is coming to the surface again!

Elvie Look: Is a "Back To Basics, Step By Step Expert Organizer" who currently is helping people get organized with her tips and suggestions. Her systems help the average person to learn the keys to organizing in simple, easy and manageable steps, as well as maintaining organization even with a busy lifestyle. She is the author of "21 Steps from Chaos to Calm." She provides organizing solutions, tips, and recipes at http://elviesessentials.com

What Is Reverse Osmosis?

Through time, people have learned the science of reverse osmosis. Some groups have invented ways to acquire potable water through this science. Campers have learned how to use this procedure to their advantage.

Reverse osmosis compels water to pass through a semi-opaque film. In this procedure, water is purged of impurities to make it safe to drink.

This means having a portable water distilling system everywhere you go. You don't have to be alarmed about not having clean water to answer your needs anywhere you are.

Even if water went through treatment to make it palatable, one can never be sure of the bacteria or virus that it picks up along the way before it reaches your faucet. So you can never feel safe enough even if a camping ground can supply tap water. The camping water filter is useful in this situation to bring clean water.

Advances in design of the camping water filter has effected to a sturdy and reliable equipment to enable to have safe water wherever you are. As water is vital to life, ensuring that you can have it should be your utmost concern. Including a camping water filter with your things if you are going somewhere is a must.

For the whole system to be effective, you have to take note of the filter. It must be change every now and then because it accumulates dirt and will not work effectively. If you are going with a big group who will rely on the filtering system to provide clean water, bring an extra filter or two to be assured of a continuous supply of potable water.

Portable filtering systems vary in prices and features. Consider your needs and zero in on the best gadget within your budget.

Before acquiring water filter, it is a good idea to make some research. The internet proves to be helpful for this. Check the different models and read reviews to give you an idea on what to expect in terms of prices, features, convenience, availability, etc.

Enhance your alertness with a well lighted room and get Bedside lamp and other lamps and lighting ideas.