Tough cookie. That would be an accurate description of me – most of the time. Scoot a little closer. I’m spilling the tea. You see, I’m not always so tough. Truth be told, I’m more of a marshmallow, the kind you use with s’mores. You know, charred and tough on the outside, but squishy on the inside. Now we are both craving a fireside treat or two, but I digress. Here’s the deal: I don’t like needles. I don’t like medical procedures. I don’t like sitting in waiting rooms. Did I mention I don’t like needles? Come to find out, I’m not alone as almost 25% of adults have a fear of needles and significant needle anxiety. Chances are if you are reading this, you do too. That’s okay, we’ll work through this together.
This post is made possible with support from the Meg Foundation. All opinions are my own.
Fear of Needles? Combat it with Proven Techniques
You know it’s been quite the year when I was practically giddy over the prospect of a vaccine. Giddy when actually finding appointments for the adults in my household. GIDDY. Yet that was not the word I would use to describe me when I approached the first responders.
Looking back, I realize that one of my earliest memories has to do with needles. I needed to have blood drawn before surgery. The experience was a lot different than the first time my own daughter headed to the hospital. Still, I wouldn’t say she’s a fan of needles.
Oh, if only there was a way to get a shot without needles. Can someone invent this, please?
My “Why”
It’s ironic that I could be so scared about something I want. I wanted this vaccine, this shot. Two shots, if truth be told. For me, it was something I could do, while my cousin could not. He was on a ventilator in ICU fighting this virus when I scheduled my first vaccine appointment. He would not be alive by the time my second appointment came. I needed to push through so many fears. I was determined.
The Meg Foundation: Simple Solutions for Adults and Children
Sometimes we need to work through our fears, but that doesn’t mean we have to do it alone or without help. I’ve discovered simple solutions from the Meg Foundation that you and I can both use and share with those in our lives who might secretly fear needles (or medical procedures) too.
The Meg Foundation actually provides resources for both adults and children. If you are like me, you know a kid or two who dreads those certain well-checks. I think year FOUR was the worst. So many pediatric shots. If you have a child, these resources are invaluable. In all practicality, the techniques you will learn about will help you throughout your life – not just in 2021. For you. Your children. Your loved ones and friends.
Let’s Hack the Vax with these techniques. In fact, there’s a Vax Plan Builder which will guide you to create a customized plan just for you. The team at The Meg Foundation is built by top pain and anxiety experts, and I am impressed. Their goals are lofty and their solutions are simple yet effective. From breathing techniques to numbing the arm or even using a pain-reducing and vibrating Buzzy® Bee, there are so many tasks where you can be in control of this experience. Fun Fact: I met the creator of the Buzzy® Bee in Turks and Caicos, where she explained the brilliant concept behind the product. There are so many experts willing to help us.
Think, plan, and go get your shot without fear, and pass on these techniques because you never know when someone else is feeling nervous.