This is when I hope media outlets can act responsibly. I hope they can put sensationalism on hold and act like responsible citizens. And I hope individuals will jump in to help too. I am talking about global media outlets and I am talking about us, people who are safe in our American or European homes devouring everything that media throws at us.

I am only writing this because I was shocked when my mother started emailing me panicky messages related to the radiation leaks in Japan. She saw something on Romanian TV, panicked and has been emailing me repeatedly to tell me to take iodine and hide. I understand the fear, since I was part of the Chernobyl generation and I did have to stay indoors and take iodine.

But let's just be clear on three things:

1. Radiation was found 18 miles outside of Japan plant. The danger zone is considered at this point to be within a 50 mile radius. I'm 6,299 miles from said plant.

2. Don't believe everything you hear on the news. Do we really need to talk about this idea?

3. I am not in danger, but many people in Japan are.  

We shouldn't hide, we should help.

Instead of panicking I chose to make a donation today. I went with Direct Relief International based on their great reputation. If you'd like to donate, click on the image below. Or choose one of the many ways to help. So let's not hide, let's do what we can to help.