Prescription drug costs are one of the fasted growing segments of healthcare. Have been for several years and concerns are dismissed as over-reactive and not understanding the true value of medications at reducing total healthcare costs. PHARMA is a strong lobbying group at state and federal levels and has been effective at minimizing any significant progress to reduce costs.

Taking control of your health care is an essential part of any personal resilience plan. I will be adding health care as part of my contribution to our weekly discussion. Encouraged by the focus on quality food and eating habits being shared in various diaries and comments.

Historical methods vs new technology which is better. Old methods are not necessarily better or worse than modern technology, only different. I tend to explore older methods when working on resilience projects and evaluate them with modern methods. In times of disruptions due to climate, economy or wars the supply lines we use today may not be available.

Climate change is drying out the planet's already dry areas. And agricorps have worked diligently to worsen the soil and destroy ecosystems for more profits. The climate news can be most depressing. April was another record-breaking month, the 7th in a row. Yikes. If you live in a drying area, you might be interested in permaculture's practical lessons for greening the desert. More below.

The massive wildfire driving the inhabitants of Fort McMurray, Alberta, and surroundings reminded me of the issue of fire protection, both urban and rural.
Here is some permaculture advice on fire protection in rural areas, from Bill Mollison, the Australian permaculture pioneer. If you're new to the miracles of permaculture, I included two short video clips. More below.