The Only Thing to Fear is Fear Itself.

This is not a pro or anti vaccination post. But I am going to use them as an example. There are so many emotions that surround vaccines. To a point, that I put them on a short list of being aware of who you are talking to when discussing them. If you're interested the other things are politics, gun control and money. Highly charged topics that pretty much everyone is unwilling to discuss or actively listen to a different view point. 

Missoula is in the midst of a whooping cough outbreak. If you could call it that. The news reported 169 cases in the Missoula county, which has a population of just shy of 110,000 (according to google). As a percentage that makes 0.15% of the population, hardly the definition of an outbreak, which is a violent or sudden start of something unwelcome.

Why am I talking about this? Because, in my opinion, reporting of this nature is designed to spread fear. When we are taught to fear diseases, as a whole we don't do the research we need to make an actual informed choice (I'm completely generalizing here). This in turn creates heightened emotions surrounding the topic, to a point where it's hard to have a discussion with somebody who doesn't share our viewpoint. Members of our community get ostracized because they might choose differently for their family. I know this is not what the Missoula community wants. I see it on a daily basis. Sentiments to spread love, not hate; messages of inclusivity and powerful statements from individuals and businesses for oneness. 

Whether you choose to vaccinate or not is not my point. Again, I have chosen to use this example because it is a perfect example of when we make decisions out fear we lose our power. I implore you, when you do make decisions health based or otherwise, to do so from your power, not because you're scared. 

Peace, Love and Wellness

Dr. Liz