As a Reflexologist and Relaxation Therapist I have a deeper understanding of stress than the common person. Through my studies I learned that if a person has lots of knowledge about a harmful subject, even if there is nothing that can be done about the situation, they are less stressed about it. A good example was when I was diagnosed with Cancer. Of course I freaked and went through all the common emotions, but after I had a chance to study it and look at my options, my stress level went way down. After 21 days of hell and torture (tests the docs think up),I ended up walking out of the hospital with the cancer gone. A miracle? A mis-diagnosis? I will never know. What I do know is I managed the stress by learning everything I could about my cancer. I knew I had options.

In a simular way our society is has been given the word that it has an addiction. Alot of folks are in denial about it, others are planning for the chaos and some are even looking to after the SHTF (manure hits the fan)events.I have been one step ahead of the curve. I have done my homework. I continue to prepare as much as I can. I try and help others prepare. When I looked at the acronym I was not sure if that was done on purpose or not, but it is fitting. We need to cope with what is on our plate today and then deal with what may be on our plate tommorrow if we have time. Remember not to panic. This is our hitch-hikers guide to the galaxy; remember it said in large, friendly letters DON'T PANIC!

Michael J. Kaer