During a recent phone interview with a mom who had just moved to Colorado, the conversation turned to disaster planning." I am standing here looking out of the window at the smoke from wildfires," she told me, "and have absolutely no idea what we will do if the wind shifts our way." Fortunately, the fire was put out, saving her home. Making a disaster plan isn't something anyone does for fun. But being caught without one in a time of need is worse. Emergency management officials say too few families have a disaster plan ,even in areas that have been hit hard by hurricanes or flooding. I have prepared food, water, flashlights, candles, a battery-powered radio and firewood since our family was hit years ago by a hurricane that blocked off streets and knocked out our power for more than a week. Still we lack the medications, emergency contacts, and emergency-meeting and pet-care plans we should also have .Officials in my state of Oregon have warned us that one of us is really ready for the major disaster which is very likely to hit here---- a big earthquake. Working parents need to coordinate their disaster plans with their children's schools or child-care centers. Many parents in the 2003 New York blackout weren't able to get home to their children because public traffic was stopped and lights were out. After that, many parents made detailed plans with child-care providers about where to meet in emergencies, an whom to contact if unable to reach each other. Good emergency planning and training helped teachers at a child-care center in the World Trade Center successfully move children to a safe place during the 2001 terrorist attacks. Do you have an emergency plan for your home? If not, you know what to do. Which of the following things has the writer NOT prepared for disasters? A) food B) Candles C) A radio D) Medicine
D
After three military tours in Iraq and three in Afghanistan, Dennis Swols gets angry easily. He is unable to really talk about his time on the battlefield. But as Swols sits in a clinic at Fort Bragg, his hand drops to the furry head beside him. His mood brightens. Sitting at his feet, Lexy , a 5-year-old German shepherd, gives Swols a few moments of distraction . It's her job. And, according to Swols, she is good at it. "I have a hard time talking to people about my battlefield experiences and everything," says Swols, who took part in several wars. Now he's been suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder . "I just pet Lexy. Or I'm sitting here and we won't talk about military things. We'll just talk about the dog. My day is better every time I come in." For Doctor Christine Rumayor, Lexy is a partner and a living, breathing medical tool. The dog can calm a patient and make a therapy appointment a little more enjoyable. Animal therapy is used in only a few other army medical centers. A small number of dogs like Lexy are being used almost as co-therapists. The army is struggling to address stress disorders and mental health problems brought by more than ten years of war. One of the big difficulties is getting soldiers to seek treatment. Lexy, it turns out, is particularly good at that. Rumayor , who uses Lexy in her practice, said there was a resistance at first. "You don't expect everyone to think they can just bring their dog to work," she said. Walking around the base, she uses Lexy to attract soldiers, and then draws them into conversation. "There's nothing better than coming to an appointment where you get to have a warm furry thing that you get to pet all the time. People don't want to come in the door. When they see Lexy coming in, it makes them want to come in the door." What would be the best title for the passage? A) Dennis Swols' post-war life B) Treatment for soldiers to overcome stress C) Animal therapy is widely used in the world D) Therapy dog helps soldiers deal with stress
D
Q: I am a vegetarian . Many people are quick to think of vegetarianism as strange behavior. I treasure our Earth, and since we only have one, we should protect it and the wildlife that lives on it. But that's only one of the reasons to be a vegetarian. Vegetarians may live longer, healthier lives. There is a connection between red meat consumption and various diseases. From an economic standpoint, it requires less land, money and energy to produce foods for a vegetarian diet. While there are many benefits to being a vegetarian, only a handful of those who attempt to adopt this lifestyle succeed. The most important quality required to be a vegetarian is firmness since surrounded by the _ of meat, we tend to give up vegetarianism easily. Creativity is almost as important as commitment. It's easy to tire of eating nothing but salad. But with a little creativity and some soy products, almost any meal can become vegetarian-friendly. Not everyone wants to be vegetarian. Accepting this is part of being a vegetarian with style. Forcing your beliefs on others is disrespectful. Stylish vegetarians should also be able to turn down a meaty dish politely without annoying their hosts. Being a successful vegetarian has been easy for me, but it may not be so for others. A common mistake is quitting before your body has adjusted to the change. It can be difficult to keep the lifestyle in the beginning because of temptation. However, it fades over time. Another common mistake is quitting because you've been misinformed about the nutritional wisdom of being a vegetarian. That's why it is vital to be educated. Countless people will tell you that it's impossible to obtain the nutrients and protein your body requires without meat, but they are incorrect. People actually need only 44-55 grams of protein a day, and that is easily found in a vegetarian diet. Many meat eaters are consuming three times that amount, which is not beneficial. It leads to diseases. Vegetables can also supply all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients your body... Which of the following is NOT true? A) Many people give up before their bodies can adjust to the transition. B) Many people quit because they're poorly educated about nutrition. C) Consuming 150 grams protein a day can be harmful. D) Vegetarians need multi-vitamins to keep healthy.
A: D
*Question*
Getting away for a short time always seems like a great idea--until you have to pack. The rule is: pack light. Here are some tips to help you pack. Organize Yourself Make a list. Think of what you need from your head to your toes. When you've done this once, it'll be easier next time. Start Small Consider buying small-size samples of shampoo, toothpaste, and other items at your local store. Make sure they are all sealed tightly. In an emergency, you can purchase them at your destination. But remember that the time you spend buying things at your destination will reduce your visiting time. The Clothing Dilemma Choosing which clothes to bring is probably the hardest packing decision to make. Think once again from head to toe -- hat, shirts, jeans, sneakers, etc. Once you've picked out what you want to bring, think carefully. Do you really need that extra pair of jeans? If so, fine. Don't try to fool yourself. You are the one who will be left holding the bag. Weather is an important factor in your packing. If it's cold, you could wear a jacket, a sweater, a regular shirt, and a T-shirt. Layering up will keep you warm and it will leave more room in your bag. Roll up your casual clothes instead of folding and laying them flat. This leaves more room to pack other things, and keeps your clothes fairly wrinkle-free. Remember how much easier it will be to carry your bag! What should one plan to do if going somewhere in the winter? A) Pack an extra sweater for the trip. B) Put on several layers of clothing. C) Mix and match clothing outfits. D) Roll jackets so they fit in the bag.
**Answer**
B