< PreviousThe Jesse Tree Formula for Effective Solutions An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure; or so our grandmothers told us — and they were right! Childhood and adult immunization is a great ex- ample of prevention that saves lives and keeps us healthy. Prevention includes not smoking; drinking overdoses of alcohol; following a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet; exercising. Family medical history can tell us a lot about what to watch for in our own lives; genetic links have been found for some types of breast cancer, heart disease, dia- betes and other chronic illness. Knowing your medical history helps you find out early if these are a threat to your health. Learning how to manage multiple chronic conditions is like “breaking the chains that bind”! Some people never rise above poverty, regain their health after diabetes or learn to control their obesi- ty; those who implement the following formula increase their chances of success and the likelihood of independence and self-sufficiency: • Step 1: Prevention (childhood/adult immunization — shingles, tetanus, pneumonia, flu, hepatitis, vaccinations, etc.) • Step 2: Diagnosis, prognosis, recommended treatment and prescriptions • Step 3: Education and health education (also includes learning/training) • Step 4: Daily monitoring of any/all chronic conditions • Step 5: Quarterly evaluation (Medical check-ups/evaluate social conditions) • Step 6: Support, encourage- ment and advocacy Developing a healthy, daily routine and lifestyle based on good, daily nu- trition, solid, common-sense, consistent decision making and working to address all chronic conditions that adversely affect your life will result in steady prog- ress; quarterly evaluation will determine if the plan needs tweaking or correcting and improvement; mentorship, support and encouragement will help you stay on track through the difficult days. There are always going to be difficult days, but the healthier you are and the better pre- pared the better you will handle those difficult days! The Jesse Tree Emergency, Natural Disaster/Hurricane and Pandemic Planning Checklists and Guide Chronic Medical Conditions: • Addiction/Substance Abuse/Men- tal Illness/Emotional /Psychiatric disorders? • Asthma, COPD, Tuberculosis Chronic Allergies or Respiratory Problems? • Cancer? • Chronic Infection (COVID-19, Hepatitis A, B, C, HIV, etc.)? • Diabetes? • Hypertension (High Blood Pres- sure)? • Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure) • Kidney problems, dialysis, other kidney disorders? • Obesity/severely overweight • Seizure disorder. Epilepsy? • Other chronic medical conditions? Chronic Social Conditions: In addition to chronic medical condi- tions, chronic SOCIAL conditions can pre- vent or challenge you from getting well and staying well; as in chronic medical conditions, you may be affected by one or more of the following: • Poverty? • Unemployment/Under-Employ- ment? • Lack of health insurance/poor health insurance? • Homelessness? • Self-Sabotage/Co-Dependency/ Poor decision making? Multiple Chronic Conditions Management Strategies: If you have ever been told that you have a chronic medical condition, you must consider this when planning for evacuation: A chronic medical condition is one that lasts for a long time; possibly forever and requires specific care to prevent it from getting worse. There are many chronic medical conditions and a person can suffer from more than one chronic medical condition at a time. Each must be adequate- ly diagnosed, treated and if more than one, multi-chronic conditions management lifestyle adaptations will enhance how well you recover, resume independence and self-sufficiency. If you have a history or pattern of making poor decisions — choosing abusive relationships, living with people who abuse or are addicted to substances; being overly-generous when you cannot support yourself; loan money that is never repaid, adopting pets when you cannot afford proper food or care; taking uncalculated risks; anger management issues; getting into situations that deplete you financially, emotionally, physically or spiritually — this may erode or destroy any future plans to rebuild your life, your health or your future. It can often be adequately handled with education, counseling, mentoring and practice. You can never be too nice, but you can deplete your own resources attempting to help others and diminish your ability to succeed. 2020 POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA You may be asked at what “level of poverty” you are living. This chart will help you under- stand how that is determined: PERSONS IN FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD POVERTY GUIDELINE For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $4,480 for each additional person. 1 $12,760 2 $17,240 3 $21,720 4 $26,200 5 $30,680 6 $35,160 7 $39,640 8 $44,120 Leap of Faith For people of faith or those following spiri- tual pathways, arm yourself with prayer books, literature and religious items, and seek informa- tion about where to worship during evacuation. Maintaining phone numbers of pastors, priests, imams, rabbis or spiritual directors provides another resource of support and encouragement. Yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, mindfulness, centering prayer, relaxation and many other techniques lend an additional dimension to wellness in mind, body and spirit. Spiritually based programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al-Anon and others are usually found in every community at no cost to participants. They promote the concept that a Higher Power can and will get us through difficulties, when sought. The Jesse Tree is based on the concept of mer- cy, which is understood by many in the spiritual and secular communities. It suggests practicing works of mercy by being kind to others and helping those in need — this includes kindness to ourselves! Assemble a personal application and enrollment portfolio To begin the planning process for emergencies, natural disasters and pandemics, The Jesse Tree suggests that you begin by compiling any import- ant documents you may be required to produce to show your eligibility for resources and service. They will also be valuable upon returning after a hurricane or disaster. It is highly rec- ommended that you photograph each document and save them in your phone for future reference. Documents should be kept in a plastic, water-tight contain- er or wrapped securely in plastic. If you have access to a computer and a scan- ner, they can be put on a “thumb-drive (ask your grandchild!) this is another way to keep a digital file of all of these important documents. Do you have or do you need (Yes or No?): • Current Identification or ID; Driver’s License, birth certificate, Social Security card, etc. • Medical Documents: Primary Care Clinic, medical insurance, Medicare/ Medicaid, prescriptions, etc. • Hurricane Evacuation Plan: 211 • Award letters: Social Security, SSI, VA Claim Number/Benefits, Worker’s Comp, AFDC, Food Stamps. • Child Support documents, • Paychecks, unemployment, etc. • Unemployment printout/Income veri- fication, unemployment benefits, etc. • Workforce Center printout; Work search contacts • W2 Forms; income tax records • Rent receipts/Copy of Lease/Eviction notice • Disability claim; documents from doc- tors; Diagnosis; length of disability • Utility bills • Mortgage Company contact informa- tion, documents • Property deeds, tax documents, loan documents • Bank books, check books, banking documents • Insurance policies • Attorney’s name/contact info • Referral slips for assistance • Legal documents/Parole/Probation/ Court documents Bracing for impact: How to be prepared In an era of the coronavirus pandemic, if you are a person challenged by chronic medical and social issues, the sooner and more thoroughly you prepare; and the earlier you take action, the better! TRANSPORTATION • Do you have transporta- tion? Sufficient funding for gas? Insurance? Mainte- nance? • If not, you may opt to see assistance in evacuation. • Call 211 to register for transport, as soon as pos- sible • Give full details of what’s needed (durable medical equipment, wheelchair, oxygen, etc.) • Check car maintenance, fill car and gas can with gas • Plan destination, inquire about drop-off point if going by public-supported transport • Notify family or friends of plans (consider vulnerable populations in regard to COVID-19 infection) • Maps? Directions? Contact information? Who know where to find you? ITEMS NEEDED • Water: 5-day supply 1 gallon/person/a day • Clothing: 5 days/comfort- able shoes • Cell phone and charger fully charged • Flashlight/Batteries • 5-day supply non-perish- able food, coke or juice for diabetics, if experienc- ing low blood sugar • Coolers for ice and perish- able food; small separate cooler for insulin. • Important documents (see enrollment portfolio) MEDICATION • 4 weeks supply, list of meds • List of allergies • Address and phone number of pharmacy, (try and get extra RX or use Walgreens or WalMart as they are located in most cities), give list to family member or friend. • Put meds and documents in resealable plastic bags. • Sufficient diabetes manage- ment supplies; glucometer, batteries, lancets, cotton, bandages, etc. • LIST OF EMERGENCY CONTACTS • Photograph your prescrip- tions! MISCELLANEOUS: • Hand-held can opener • Paper plates and cups • Paper towels • Toilet tissue • Weather radio, batteries, car cellphone charger • Wash cloth and towel • Soap powder • Masks, gloves, alcohol • First aid kit or any medical supplies needed • Spiritual aids or guidance materials. Common Sense Plan The Jesse Tree suggests coming up with a “com- mon sense” plan of action. Based on Maslow’s Hi- erarchy of Needs it is suggested that you consider immediate needs first, then subsequent needs. We suggest a four-tiered plan: • Immediate: Food, water, clothing, blankets, umbrella, hats, gloves, masks, etc. • Short Term: Shelter/place to stay; gas mon- ey; food for journey; medicine. • Long Term: Sufficient clothing, money, documents, medicine for three to four weeks. • The Long Haul: You develop a lifestyle that incorporates your needs and challeng- es. We refer to it as An Adherence Lifestyle: You equip yourself with information and resources; you incorporate good nutrition, exercise, medication schedules, a circle of support and anything that proves helpful in your goal to be healthy, self-sufficient and independent. Preparedness Checklist:Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the annual Empty Bowl event has been rescheduled for Friday, Sept. 25. Hopefully, by then, we can gather to enjoy the delicious soups donated by your favorite restaurants in the beautifully, hand-crafted ceramic bowls handmade by The Unitarian Unilateralist Fel- lowship of Galveston County. Tickets are available now. For more information, call 409-762-2233. Connecting, rebuilding and uplifting the community Abuse & Emergency Services 911 (for Emergency only) • 911 Emergency - If a situ- ation requires the police, an ambulance or a fire engine, it is an emergency situation and you should immediately call 911 • Domestic violence is an emergency situation: call 911 as soon as violence is expected or erupts; after allowing police to inter- vene and the situation has calmed down, call the Resource and Crisis Center at (409)763–1441 for follow-up information, possible shelter, counsel- ing and other resources. Non-emergency issues • Galveston: (409) 765-3702 • Texas City: (409) 643-5720 • La Marque: (409) 938-9269 • Hitchcock: (409) 986-5559 • Santa Fe: (409) 925-2000 • Dickinson: (281) 337-6312 • L eague City: (281) 332-2566 Abuse/Neglect • Children’s Protective Services/Adult Protective Services: (800) 252-5400 • Resource and Crisis Center: (409) 763-441 Medical/Health • Galveston County Health District: Coastal Health and Wellness: (409) 938- 2234, chronic infection (COVID-19, Hepatitis A, B, C, HIV)and dental clinic. • Mainland Medical Center: (409) 938-5000 • UTMB Information Line: (409) 772-2222 or (800) 917-8906 • Veteran’s Resources: (409) 761-3200 Addiction/Recovery /Mental Health • The Gulf Coast Center: (281) 332-3472 • Access Care Coastal Texas: (409) 763-2437 • Decedent Affairs Galveston County: (409) 935-9274 • Hospice Care Team: (409) 938-0070 Employment: • TX Employment Commission: 1 (800) 558-8321 • TX WorkForce Solutions (409) 949-9055 • Galveston Housing Authority: (409) 765-1900 Legal Resources for Advocacy/Legal Intervention, Legal, Mediation, Immigration • Gulf Coast Legal Foundation: (409) 763-0381 Online resource for ex-offenders I n the wake of a natural disas- ter, hurricane or the pandem- ic, an ex-offender may find it extremely difficult to find employment. Check out the following for support and help. Prison/Jail/Parole/ Probation: • Facebook.com/exoffend- ers • Google.com/exoffenders • YouTube/user/exoffenders • Pinterest.com/exoffenders • Exoffenders.net • Texas Offenders Rentry Initiative-Dallas: (214) 941- 1325 and(817) 496-9667 x105 (Provides assistance with housing, healthcare, jobs and education in Fort Worth for Texas residents) Resource Guide Photos courtesy of Susan Henry Photography Charlotte McLemore, Data Report Coordinator Volunteer and Prayer Warrior; New Life Fellow- ship Food Fair Distribution Pro- gram: Pastor David Gomez, Coordi- nator Linda Perez, Assistants-Frank & Minerva Alvarado and Church/ Congregation Volunteers; Senior Nutrition and Wellness Home- bound Foodbox Program: Galves- ton County Food Bank, Odelia Willams-Director of Residence Services, Tyese Sweet- Residence Services Assistant, Ray Lewis-Hol- land House Residence Council President; Beach Patrol/Survivors Support Network Team Members: Sheila Savage, Kathleen Sukiennik, Terry Rizzo, Maggie Farias, Lynn Sullivan-Winget, Thomala Walker, Carlos & Iris Guerra, Judy Glaister, Dawn McCarty, Rick Altemose, Joe Compian, Carol Bunch-Davis, Dave Delmenhorst, Rev. Ray Pinard, Rosa Salinas, Ruth Martinez, Chief Peter Davis and Beach Patrol Team. The Jesse Tree needs your support to continue reaching the vulnerable among us; please con- sider volunteering to help us and making a contribution to sustain our work. But for now, stay home, stay safe and help us at a distance: The Jesse Tree, P.O. Box 575, Galveston, TX, 77553 or find us on FaceBook or at www.jessetree.net. Exercise extra caution when returning after a natural disaster or hurricane Returning after a natural disaster can be disastrous! Some points to remember: • Do not drink water until you receive official notice it is safe to drink; use bottled water only. • Do not use food that sat in the refrigerator without electricity. • Streets will be filled with debris; debris has often been covered with sewage and may be germ-ridden. Dust, sand and decaying vegetation, molds and mildew can cause severe respiratory problems. • Masks should be worn at all times. • Driving will be dangerous and should be kept to a minimum; vehicles should be kept off the streets to allow for cleaning and emergency vehicles. • Pockets of floodwater may remain; insect and snakes may hide in these pools. • Structures and trees that were damaged during the storm may fall in the aftermath, look carefully before waking near large trees or buildings. • Loose and dangling powerlines may electrocute. • Using candles to light a home can easily cause fires; it is safer to use battery-powered lanterns and lights. • If cellphone towers are down, power may be sporadic or unavailable. Power outages may make it impossible to charge phones (have a car charger!) • Keep a battery-operated radio to listen to updates and news. • Listen to local authorities for correct after-storm information. • People with chronic medical conditions, senior citizens and small children should be extremely careful to avoid heat-related illnesses, heat exhaustion and dehydration, which are common in the aftermath of storms. The signs of these problems include heavy perspiration, paleness, muscle cramps and fatigue, weak- ness and/or dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, fainting; skin may be cool and moist; pulse rate is fast and weak; breath- ing is fast and shallow. Seek medical help immediately. • Wear light, loose clothing, use sunblock to prevent sunburn; if feeling overheated, take a cool shower, slowly drink cool, non-alcoholic beverages. • Those with known health conditions keep a close eye on your temperature, glucose level, blood pressure, etc. Special thanks to our wonderful volunteers A shoot will come up from the stem of Jesse; from his roots a branch will bear fruit (Isaiah 11:1) Next >