Preparedness + Health = Survival

If you're looking for a simple equation to increase your chances of making it through any emergency, I have one for you.

And here it is… Preparedness + Health = Survival. That's it. I told you it was simple.

But let me give you a few examples to show it in action.

January 2001 – Mt. Rainier – Washington State – Elevation 14,410'

Several of my SEAL teammates and I had formed a group of climbers with the ultimate goal to plant the Navy flag at the top of Mt. Everest. We decided that a winter ascent of Mt. Rainier would be a great training climb, so we started up with clear blue skies and a favorable forecast.

Well, as is all too common in alpine climbing, the weather changed quickly and we were smashed by whiteout blizzard conditions at just over 11,000'. Our only option was to dig several snow caves and seek shelter until the storm passed. Fortunately, this was something we had previously trained for and were PREPARED to do. This however is no small task at 11,000' and would have been impossible had my team and I not been in great HEALTH.

May 2017 – Medicine Bow Mountains – Northern Colorado

I was in my Polaris side-by-side (a utility task vehicle) assisting in the search efforts for a lost hiker. It was late afternoon when I ended up crashing on my side after breaking through a concealed beaver dam. I spent over 3 hours working to get my vehicle out to no avail. The sun was gone, the rain began, and I was 8 miles from my cabin. I had food, water, proper clothing, compass, and a firearm (many bears in this area). I was PREPARED and arrived at my cabin several hours later because I was HEALTHY.

So again the "secret" to survival really isn't much of a secret at all. It's the combination of planning and taking care of yourself that makes the difference. For your best chances in an emergency, you must have both preparedness and health. One doesn't effectively get you out of a life-threatening situation or crisis without the other.

The emergencies you might face are many and varied. And likewise is the preparation. So, let's focus on health.

I exercise at least five days a week, mixing it up between weights, swimming, hiking, and biking. But you don't have to be a triathlete to get yourself in a healthy condition to be able to successfully deal with a survival situation. Start by walking and add distance each week. Additionally, you need to feed your body to maximize your exercise sessions, which is why I typically drink a smoothie before my workout and then one again later in the day.

Here is my recipe:

• 10 oz Almond Milk
• 2 Scoops of Patriot Power Greens
• 1 Scoop of Patriot Power Protein
• A handful of frozen berries or whatever I have on hand
• Ice

Again, it's simple. But fortifying your body supports your health, and makes staying active easier, with more energy and fewer aches and pains.

And the more exercise you get, the stronger and more prepared you are.

As we begin a new year, it's time to take stock and be honest with yourself. Are you doing all you can to support the only body you're going to get? After all, when it comes to survival tools, you're walking around in the most important one of all.

There's an old saying that goes: the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. But the second-best time is today. And today is actually a great time to plant the seeds of a healthier you, as there's still time to take advantage of Patriot Health Alliance's New Year's Event.

It's like giving yourself a clean slate. A fast way to get powerful nutrition in the form of fruits and vegetables, with Patriot Power Greens, including 2 FREE canisters. Plus, free bonuses that include a healthy weight loss plan and their best-selling Ultimate Metabolism, and a powerful immune system support formula (perfect for right now), Patriot Immune Boost.

This Event ends in 2 days, so don't wait to check it out.

And whatever you do, make getting (and staying) healthy a priority this year. It's the best way to ensure your safety, and the chance to make it through any crisis.