The psychology of survival
Four rules to live by BY GERRY GODSOE
early In THe SeConD worlD war, allied fliers who crash-landed or
a compass and whistle on a round shoelace
SPER
around your neck, and a large orange garbage
E
parachuted into the english Channel had a very high mortality rate. They seemed
bag for a makeshift shelter can make the THAN
to panic, give up and drown. In response, the allied air forces began to train their difference between an uncomfortable night in
the woods and something far worse.
/
jOHNA
fliers on what to expect if shot down and how to use their safety equipment. The
Gerry Godsoe has gained outdoors experience
.
C
OM
survival rates improved.
T
O
through Scouting, canoeing, camping, and Search
In any emergency, a sense of knowing what symbol for help. Blow your whistle, pound on and Rescue. He lives in Ottawa where he paddles
T
OCKPHO
to expect, practice, preparation and a positive a hollow log... whitewater nine months a year and is an Instructor Y

IS

B
attitude all improve our survival odds. If we use our heads, we can survive weeks with the Ottawa Canoe Camping Club. He is a
T
O
HO
when we are out in the wilds, the four without food and several days without Search Manager and Training Director with Search P
simple survival rules taught to kids in the water. However, a few snacks, a little water, and Rescue Global (www. sarglobal1.ca).
rCmP’s Hug a Tree Program make a
lot of sense.
RULE 1:
How to successfully deal with stress over the
Tell someone where you are going, when
you’ll be back and what to do if you don’t
winter months!
show up by a certain time.
RULE 2:
and the power of the açaí berry
If you find yourself in an emergency
By Catherine B. Stauffer
situation, lost or injured in the woods, take the
time to use your best survival tool – your IT IS no SeCreT to anyone that the winter brings with it some challenges that can stress us
brain. Hug a tree! Stay put. Calm down and out resulting in our bodies releasing more free radicals. and what are free radicals? In short,
think your way through the initial panic these “oxidants” are dangerous and can do a lot of harm if your body fails to combat them
reaction. remember, in most cases, it is better effectively. we also know that most of the major diseases that kill people prematurely or ruin
to stay in one place rather than try to find your their quality of life, do their damage by means of oxidants, or ‘free radicals’. They constantly grow
way. If you are in a group, stay together! inside of us forming a chain reaction attacking the body’s proteins, carbohydrates, fats and Dna
RULE 3: which, if left unchecked, can cause further potentially serious damage. Free radicals are caused
Do whatever you can to stay alive. you by pesticides, stress, medications, drugs, alcohol use, smoking, and food additives. There is no
always have options, tools and time. what way you can avoid free radicals, but there is a loT you can do to cut down the numbers that are
can you do to make things better? Zip up your produced in your body and to ensure the maximum number of those produced are neutralized.
coat, tuck in your socks, put the tuque back on So don’t fret! It is now common knowledge that making even moderate changes in diet can
your head, stay put to save energy and reduce improve your overall health. By ingesting more ‘anti’-oxidants you’re giving the required extra
sweating. Take care of injuries with whatever electron to the free radical, thus neutralizing it and leaving you a healthier person with an
you have. make any kind of shelter you can – increased amount overall energy. great for your next ski outing.
it doesn’t have to be comfortable. your goal is next question? where is the best place to get a concentration of antioxidants? In mother
to stay alive until searchers can find you. nature’s açaí berry of course. The açaí berry is a nutrient powerhouse that best selling author
Fire provides heat and psychological Dr. nicholas Perricone calls “nature’s perfect energy fruit.” He recommends it for its powerful
comfort. However, starting a fire in the anti-aging abilities. as well, the other benefits your body will gain from a properly harvested and
rain, without matches is a challenge. Try it prepared açaí Juice include: an increased number of antioxidants; an increase in your dietary
sometime and you might realize it’s smart to fibre; an increase in the number of plant sterols (proven to help lower your body’s
carry matches in a waterproof case or a lighter, cholesterol levels); an increased number of essential amino acids and trace minerals;
fire starter, and wear round shoelaces to help more essential fatty acids ratio (almost like olive oil); an increase in protein
make a fire bow. remember that paper money (as much as an ordinary egg); and for those of you watching your carbs, it possesses
in your wallet? Some of it burns. a survival kit a blood-sugar friendly glycemic score!
is a great thing, but it won’t help you if it’s Feel like you’re winning yet?
back at camp! Keep it in your pocket. and that’s a lay-person’s story of what free radicals are, how they damage
RULE 4: our body, and how you can fight back and win! For more information on
Do whatever you can to help searchers find where to get the most balanced açaí Juice out there please contact me at
you. make a big X or SoS out of branches or cathyontheriver@rogers.com. Stay healthy and enjoy the outdoors!
rocks. Three of anything is the international
26 OTTAWA >> WINTER 2008/2009 www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
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