DEAR ABBY: With all of the racial tensions going on, and an attack on the local police force, there doesn't seem to be much escape. My husband thinks that watching the news is my "duty," and I have been doing it to the point of having anxiety attacks. Is it our duty to surround ourselves with the negative so much that we forget the fun part of life? -- NEWS OVERLOAD IN TEXAS
DEAR NEWS OVERLOAD: If the news is having a negative effect on your health, you need to ration it or take a short break. Rather than inform, I'm sad to say, the television news has degenerated into the equivalent of a series of brutal spectator sports events. If you would rather not submerge yourself in the blood and tears, you have my permission not to watch. Instead, make sure to schedule activities that bring you pleasure and joy for balance -- i.e. ones that involve music, exercise, friends or the outdoors.