Comments on: Killer Fear

By: Resolve to Pursue Happiness in 2010 « New Urban Habitat

Resolve to Pursue Happiness in 2010 « New Urban Habitat — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:42:55 +0000

[...] In “Killer Fear,” Peggy O’Mara, the editor of Mothering Magazine writes, “Not only is fear bad for our health, it colors our perception of reality.” She explains what fear does to the brain, and offers several antidotes here. [...]

By: Rational Mom

Rational Mom — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:43:45 +0000

What about the irrational fear of vaccines causing autism?? An Epidemic of Fear: How Panicked Parents Skipping Shots Endangers Us All MYTH 1: Vaccines cause autism.
FACT:Until 2001, some childhood vaccines included thimerosal, a preservative containing ethylmercury. (Thimerosal isn’t gone from all vaccines — it’s still present in some influenza formulations. But none of the vaccines routinely required for school admission contains thimerosal as a preservative.)1 Mercury, of course, can cause neurological damage. But there’s scientific consensus that the amount once used in vaccines — around 50 micrograms per 0.5-ml dose — was far short of toxic. And autism rates have continued to climb, suggesting that there’s either a different cause or, more likely, that a better understanding of the condition has increased diagnoses. A comprehensive review of the research, conducted in 2004 by the prestigious Institute of Medicine, found no evidence of a connection between vaccines and autism. None. MYTH 2: Vaccines are no longer necessary, because the diseases are no longer a threat.
FACT: The opposite is true. Because of vaccines, diseases that once killed millions are now invisible. But if only a few families stop vaccinating, the illnesses could reemerge in a community. And the diseases are horrible — mumps and Haemophilus influenzae type b cause meningitis, which can lead to deafness, epilepsy, and cognitive impairment. Measles can lead to encephalitis, blindness, and death.

By: Veda's mom

Veda's mom — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:19:27 +0000

This was a truly inspirational and well-written article. I have been raised in a culture of fear and only recently have I realized it’s negative impact on my life. My mother suffers from liver disorders and high blood pressure because of her fears and constant worrying. My siblings also have high blood pressure probably due to the same condition of thinking. Thank you so much for your eloquent words and helpful solutions. I am definitely going to use your advice for overcoming fear, for I do not want to pass this way of thinking onto my own child.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:52:21 +0000

Thank You.

By: Endora

Endora — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:38:46 +0000

Thank you for making me realize I have held onto fear too tightly as of late.

By: Stefanie

Stefanie — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:37:10 +0000

Thank you Peggy, wonderful and encouraging words as always, I could not have needed your advice more than in this moment!

By: Jennifer Margulis

Jennifer Margulis — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:00:55 +0000

My husband read this Quiet Place twice in the print magazine, he found it so calming and useful and wise.

By: Mommy Bridget

Mommy Bridget — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:16:17 +0000

What a great article! I hope many read this and can put the power of the media into perspective! I have posted other articles on my blog about this very subject and hope it has helped other mothers.
Thanks you,
Bridget

By: Amanda

Amanda — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:46:03 +0000

A beautiful statement. Bless you, Peggy. Peace and fear cannot co-exist.

By: Kara

Kara — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:49:04 +0000

As I sat here thinking about the swine flu and if I made the right decision not to vaccinate my children, I came across your article. It was very empowering and just what I needed. One line really stood out to me, Self-acceptance is an antidote to fear.” A light bulb went on after this and I realized that I know what is best and I shouldn’t worry about others opinions! Thank you for this!