Fear is a major motivator for all people. We worry that an airplane crash, outbreak of West Nile virus, terrorist attack, deadly snake bite, or vicious shark attack is just around the corner. Because the media serves up images and news stories that feed into our fears, the real-life risks can sometimes get blown out of proportion.

Fear is a major motivator for all people. We worry that an airplane crash, outbreak of West Nile virus, terrorist attack, deadly snake bite, or vicious shark attack is just around the corner. Because the media serves up images and news stories that feed into our fears, the real-life risks can sometimes get blown out of proportion.