Fear and Bio-terrorism..newsletter from "Dear Karen"

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Dear Karen..." Advice for Women on Living Life Simply, Safely and Securely in the Year 2000 and Beyond, By Karen Anderson (c) Copyright 1998-2001 Karen Anderson

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Issue #96 October 11, 2001

Topic: Fear and Bio-Terrorism

Dear Karen, I have the basics for a Y2K disaster, but what about chemical or biological attacks? What do I need and where do I get it at affordable prices? My husband travels; I would like him to have a gas mask. My children are small; what antibiotics should I have on hand? How do I protect our home water supply from agents? Thank you and God bless you for the role you have played in creating direction out of panic. Kathy

Dear Friends,

I've got so much running through my head right now, I don't even know where to start. So let me just take a deep breath and plunge in.

It was just a month ago that our world changed forever. I have to admit that sometimes the world seems almost surreal... the sun is out, the leaves on the autumn trees are glorious and yet, we are at war -- a war unlike anything we have seen before. It seems like in the midst of mundane chores of daily living -- like kids, car pool and grocery shopping, everybody is talking about weird things like Anthrax, gas masks and bio-terrorism. The world is a different place.

So how do we live in this different world? Well, that's what we're all trying to figure out right now, but I'd like to give you a few suggestions (and get your feedback as well, as you'll see at the end of my letter).

Let's tackle some of the big picture questions first, like how do we live without fear taking over our lives? Remember, fear is both positive and negative: fear that keeps you from doing stupid things, like walking out in front of a moving car, is reasonable. Fear that keeps you awake all night so you (or your family) can't even do what needs to be done, is immobilizing.

The paper is reporting that in the past month, sales of prescription and OTC drugs has dramatically increased, indicating that there are a lot of people who are having trouble dealing with their fears and anxieties (please, don't take anything I say as casting blame: many people have legitimate reasons to feel the way they do and I'm not knocking medication when it is necessary). However, the question for most of us is simply: what are appropriate ways to deal with anxiety so it doesn't ruin your life? I believe there are three basic ways to handle fear: communicate, take action and have faith.

By communicate, I mean take time to talk to someone (and take time to listen as well!). Sometimes, by voicing our concerns, it diminishes the fear. It's kind of like turning on a bright light in a shadowy room -- things aren't nearly as frightening in the light. Get to know your neighbors and watch for friends who don't seem to be handling things well. Sometimes people just need a shoulder to cry on as they deal with grief, sadness and loss. And be patient. When stressed we often snap at the ones we love even though we know it isn't right. Sometimes it just happens. Be quick to forgive; whether it's the kids spilling milk or the guy who cuts you off on the highway (in my opinion, the harder of the two!).

Taking action means to find simple things to do to prepare for an emergency... just in case. For example, one of the simplest things you can do is to buy common household bleach and spray bottles to use as an incredibly effective disinfectant (one part bleach to ten parts water) that is used by military and emergency decontamination teams. Whether it's anthrax, the flu or the common cold, combating germs is still a good idea. (I'm also getting you information on how to create a "safe room" in your house and I hope to have it in the next letter.)

Knowing what's going on in the world and being aware is your first line of defense. Yet, the news can be terrorizing in and of itself! For those who are getting more and more anxious, something simple you can do is switch from watching TV (the visual imagery is profound) to listening to the radio. You'll still get the information; you just won't have those pictures floating around in your head all the time.

And remember; take time to take care of yourself. If you are trying to take care of everybody else at your own expense, you may end up not doing anybody any good. Even if it means sitting down for a cup of coffee with a friend, or taking time for a bubble bath, we have a responsibility to our families to take care of ourselves.

And lastly (and most importantly) have faith. If you talk to an older person about the trials and tribulations they have lived through, you'll often find them saying that they are very aware of how God sustains during difficult times. The Bible says, "All things work together for good, to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

Does that mean all things are good? No, it doesn't say that. It says, "All things work together for good..." We can trust that whatever our circumstances, God will work it for good, when we love Him and are called according to His purpose. What incredible comfort in times of uncertainty!

I know I haven't answered all the things in Kathy's letter, but I am in the process of researching and pulling together the information. Please be patient with me as I try to get you the most helpful information available!

Now, I have a favor to ask of you.

Given the many letters I have received, I have decided to write a new book called: "Women Coping with Crisis: How to Survive and Thrive In An Out of Control World." The purpose of this book is three-fold, to help women cope physically, emotionally, and spiritually with what has been happening in today's difficult times. However, I think the point is really broader: how we cope with any crisis. (I will probably self-publish this in order to get it out fast but that's another story! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to victim relief as well.)

Since this book is about women helping women, here's what I would ask of you. If you have specific suggestions of things that are helping you now (from stories of the bombings or how you may have handled losing a job or a friend from the attacks) or how you have coped with crisis in the past (anything from loss of a spouse, loss of a job, to abuse or rape) please send me an email at Karen@y2kwomen.com with the word "coping" in the subject line.

Please be as detailed as possible and tell me the things you have done that are or were most helpful to you. (I need actual things that have happened to you with details that would be most helpful to others.) I'd love to include stories of real world examples that have worked to help women cope with difficult situations. Hearing how others have survived and grown is always encouraging. I'll include those stories on my website and also here in the newsletter -- I know that they will be uplifting and helpful to many.

Finally, I have a recommendation for you, but I need you to read the warning first (it will make sense after you read it!).

Please know that I am here for you.

Blessings, Karen

Recommendation: Bio-Terrorism Manual: "Secrets for Surviving the Coming Terrorist Germ Warfare Attack on US Cities" by Duncan Long. I have arranged for you to get a discounted price of $47, plus $3.95 s&h (mention you heard about this from "Dear Karen..." and your confirmation number is B-DK-1 to get the discount price). http://www.y2kwomen.com/bioterrorism.html

PMC PO Box 84900, B-DK-1 Phoenix, AZ 85029 (800) 528-0559

WARNING: Personally, reading this kind of information gives me the willies -- it is so hard to think about. That's why I normally wouldn't recommend a manual like this, but with all that the media is reporting about bio-terrorism (i.e., Anthrax in Florida) I thought you should know of this resource. On the other hand, there are real risks now. I am trying to gather information on combating bio-terrorism in order to bring you the information in as non-threatening, practical and easy to understand way as possible. However, until that is done, you need to know there are some useful resources out there, albeit, many are hard to find right now. I talked with the publisher of this manual and he told me that there are people who have stolen old, and outdated, versions of this manual and are selling them on Amazon (needless to say, this tragedy has also brought out the worst in some people). But I know this information is legitimate and accurate. It also includes current resource information to give you the kinds of specifics you need.

Please read the publisher's letter describing what's in this manual -- and don't be put off by the hard-hitting nature of it. Also, be aware going into it, because of the nature of the subject matter, it is not fun to read. But I'm convinced that the information in this manual may save lives if we face a terrorist biological (germ warfare) attack. http://www.y2kwomen.com/bioterrorism.html

-- Anonymous, October 12, 2001

Answers

Karen Anderson! Yet another blast from the y2k past heard from. Hope she's well.

-- Anonymous, October 12, 2001

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