SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, is one of the most horrible and heartbreaking losses a family can endure. Striking an otherwise healthy baby of between 1 month and one year old, SIDS is the diagnosis given when a child of this age dies suddenly and an exact cause can’t be found even after a full medical and legal investigation. And while amazing strides have been made in cutting the risk of SIDS, about 2,500 infants continue to die suddenly in the United States each year.

Because Anthrax is easily treated if caught early, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services plans to use volunteer, government mail carriers to deliver emergency antibiotics to areas affected by anthrax attack. According to the plan, mail carriers will have advance supplies of antibiotics to protect themselves and their families; and they’ll be escorted by local police as they deliver several days’ worth of antibiotics and an anthrax fact sheet to residences. After the initial delivery public health authorities will set up re-supply centers. Considering anthrax-laced letters killed 5 people - including 2 postal workers - in 2001, the government didn’t think very far outside the envelope for this plan.

When you’re out taking pictures, and a problem crops up, it isn’t always easy to solve it. There’s a better way of doing things however! As football fans are fond of saying, “The best defense is a good offense.” And the best offense here is to avoid problems with your digital camera in the first place.

That’s not to say things aren’t going to happen that are unexpected and unavoidable. However, many of the common problems photographers have when out shooting pictures are easily remedied with just a little prior planning.

Dead Batteries