6 Ways to Keep Your Health Fears

1. Turn off the TV. News channels tend to cover the same stories during the day, often giving a false sense of importance to minor issues. Wait a few days and see if the story continues to get coverage or if it was just the “press release of the day.” 
2. Call your doctor if you’re worried. Don’t call in a panic at 3 A.M., but it’s fine to call during normal business hours and ask if there’s anything to be concerned about.
3. Don’t start stockpiling the latest hyped-up cure. Not only does this add to the mania, but it will almost certainly waste your money and time and might even be dangerous.
4. Get the facts. It can be hard to find reliable information amidst all the hysteria. Look for articles or Internet sites authored by reputable, unbiased sources. The Daily Tattler may not be your best source of health information despite their crack reporting on two-headed alien babies.
5. Consider your actual odds. Put your risk in perspective. Your odds of encountering anthrax are about a zillion to one (not a real statistic). Your odds of getting injured in an automobile accident are 1 in 75. The risk of an accident doesn’t stop you from getting into your car—you just try to drive safely. Well, some people do. Not the people where I drive, but some people. Don’t let the media-reported “risks” keep you from living your  life.
6. Take positive action where it counts. Being afraid without doing anything is just wasting your emotions.
   For example, if you are afraid of catching the flu, washing your hands more often is a simple thing you can do to reduce your risk and, hopefully, your fear.

Posted in: Health, health tips