Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Post #25- Risk Communication During Disease Crises

"Improved Risk Communication During Infectious Disease Crises" 
Author Unknown
eHealth News
Oct. 31, 2014

http://www.ehealthnews.eu/development/4115-improved-risk-communication-during-infectious-disease-crises

Summary: During disease crises the media coverage can foster terror and embarrassment, which then can lead to harmful consequences for the communities involved. Strategic communication methods that maximize opportunities and minimize risks are essential.

Relevance: If and when a disease problem occurs, our agency must be prepared to communicate strategically with our audience. We have to be sensitive yet honest while delivering vital information because their health and livelihood is what matters to us.

Post #24- eHealth Lessons in Italy

"eHealth Lessons for High School Students in the Veneto Region, Italy"
Author Unknown
eHealth News
Nov. 24, 2014

http://www.ehealthnews.eu/development/4141-ehealth-lessons-for-high-school-students-in-the-veneto-region-italy

Summary: Students in the Veneto Region are becoming involved in the innovation of healthcare practices. The students are encouraged to become conscious users and promoters of eHealth services.

Relevance: Our agency is striving to create very similar projects as this one in Italy. We want the youth to be informed about the variety of health services available and we hope that the younger generation can become more involved in the process of identifying appropriate healthcare.

Post #23- Reduce Suicidal Thoughts

"Talk Therapy to Reduce Suicidal Thoughts" 
Author Unknown
Healthcare Asia Daily
Nov. 25, 2014

http://www.healthcareasia.org/2014/talk-therapy-to-reduce-suicidal-thoughts/

Summary: Talk therapy may help to decrease suicidal thoughts and actions. This type of therapy could become an alternative to medication.

Relevance: We could provide talk therapy sessions to the youth and adults, in order to comfort them and keep them on a positive, healthy path.

Post #22- Sports Injuries

"Phil Hughes: Injury a Reminder of Cricket's Dangers"
By Jonathan Agnew
BBC News
Nov. 25, 2014

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/cricket/30194915

Summary: Phil Hughes suffered a very serious injury to his skull while playing cricket.

Relevance: As the article stated, this injury is a reminder of the dangers of playing cricket. For the purposes of our agency, this article is a reminder of the injuries that can occur while playing many sports. At our launch event in Seattle, professional athletes will be speaking to audience members about important injury prevention methods.

Post #21- Dementia Weak Spot Found

"Brain's Dementia Weak Spot Identified"
By Michelle Roberts
BBC News
Nov. 24, 2014

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-30180804

Summary: UK scientists have located a weak spot in the brain which is prone to Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.

Relevance: We don't only focus on bringing health awareness to children, but our non-profit also focuses on their guardians and the older generation. We should stay updated with this study so that we can inform our older audience of possible Alzheimer's and schizophrenia prevention methods.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Post #20- Texting Puts Pressure on the Spine

"Texting Can Put More than 50 Pounds of Pressure on Your Spine"
By Meredith Engel
New York Daily News
Nov. 17, 2014

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/texting-puts-pounds-pressure-spine-study-article-1.2013885

Summary: This is an interesting piece that explains how texting can put an immense amount of pressure onto your spine, leading to early wear and tear, as well as possible surgeries.

Relevance: Even at-risk family members own cellphones and text consistently, therefore it could be useful to inform them on the health risks that can occur from spending hours a day texting.

Post #19- Good Fats vs. Bad Fats

"Which Fats are Good and Which Fats are Bad?"
By Ellie Krieger
The Washington Post
Nov. 7, 2014

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/which-fats-are-good-and-which-fats-are-bad/2014/11/06/1712bb00-65ed-11e4-bb14-4cfea1e742d5_story.html

Summary: This article briefly explains why some fats are good for you and others are bad.

Relevance: It is important for our agency to inform families on which fatty foods to avoid, as well as which fatty foods are perfectly fine to consume. We can provide this information at our health fair.

Post #18- Possible Anti-Smoking Town

"Firestorm Erupts in Anti-Smoking Massachusetts Town"
By Katharine Q. Seelye
The New York Times
Nov. 17, 2014

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/18/us/disgusted-by-smoking-outraged-by-a-plan-to-ban-tobacco.html?ref=health&_r=0

Summary: In Westminster, Mass. the local Board of Health is trying to stop the sale of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco. Locals are upset over their rights being tampered with and the negative effects that this ban could have on local businesses selling tobacco products.

Relevance: Our agency might collaborate in the future with the Board of Health in Seattle and we could tackle the production and sale of cigarettes, being that cigarette use has been linked to deathly diseases. However, we would have to take into consideration the effects of banning such a lucrative and popular product.

Post #17- Healthier Food Bank Donations

"Food Banks Ask Donors to Think Healthful Before Giving"
By Mary MacVean
Chicago Tribune
Nov. 14, 2014

http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/health/la-he-food-relief-20141115-story.html

Summary: Food bank organizers are hoping to receive healthier foods from donors. Organizers have observed that many food products received are very unhealthy.

Relevance: During the holidays of 2015, we could plan a food bank. Being that our mission is to promote all-around health education, our food bank would encourage folks to give healthier donations instead of highly processed, canned goods.

Post #16- Cost of Affordable Care Act Coverage Increasing

"Cost of Coverage Under Affordable Care Act to Increase in 2015"
By Robert Pear, Reed Abelson and Agustin Armendariz
The New York Times
Nov. 14, 2014

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/15/us/politics/cost-of-coverage-under-affordable-care-act-to-increase-in-2015.html?ref=health

Summary: The Obama administration revealed that those with health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, could see prices increase in 2015. To avoid paying more for coverage, users will have to switch health care plans.

Relevance: We want to help at-risk families receive proper health care that is affordable. With this new data, we might have to guide families in another direction regarding health coverage that they can afford.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Post #15- Ebola FAQ

"Ebola Virus Disease FAQ"
By King 5 Staff
King 5 News
October 9, 2014

http://www.king5.com/story/news/health/2014/09/30/ebola-virus-disease-faq/16505693/

Summary: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published facts regarding ebola. This article includes straightforward information about early symptoms and how the disease spreads.

Relevance: Ebola is discussed consistently among families today, making information about solid facts extremely important. Our at-risk families are entitled to this information and it is our job to educate them.

Post #14- Your Child's Cough

"To Treat or Not To Treat Your Child's Cough - That is the Question"
By Marina Rockinger
Komo News
October 28, 2014

http://www.komonews.com/news/health/To-treat-or-not-to-treat-your-childs-cough---that-is-the-question-280542012.html

Summary: Pediatrician Dr. Deb Lonzer discusses the importance of educating parents on the fact that not everything needs to be treated. Unnecessary treatment can negatively affect diseases that are already being treated with antibiotics.

Relevance: This article ties directly into health education. We can provide information about unnecessary treatments in our bimonthly newsletters as well as at the health fair.

Post #13- Goodbye Sugary Cereals

"Sugar for Breakfast? Not So Fast Say Pediatric Dietitians"
By Marina Rockinger
Komo News
October 24, 2014

http://www.komonews.com/news/health/Sugar-for-breakfast-Not-so-fast-say-pediatric-dieticians-280205602.html

Summary: Dietitians recommend purchasing cereals that are low in sugar and high in fiber. They also recommend avoiding cereals with corn syrup, brown sugar and glucose.

Relevance: Simple and straightforward information like this will be easy to give to our at-risk families. We could reach out to a healthy, organic cereal company and collaborate with them in hopes of providing families with free boxes of cereal.

Post #12- Stay Active with Roller Skates

"Skating: Just Roll With It"
By Nicole Tsong
The Seattle Times
October 31, 2014

http://seattletimes.com/html/pacificnw/2024785357_1102fitforlifexml.html

Summary: Nicole Tsong documents her experience roller skating, which turned out to be challenging and fun. She found the activity exciting, one that could be done with family and friends.

Relevance: Tsong's experience showcases the work out that exists within a fun, family activity of roller skating. Our non-profit can create another community event in which families gather at a skating rink. This event would allow for consistent activity and fun, once again showcasing that exercise can be enjoyed.

Post #11- Exercise Shouldn't Stop

"Why You Need to Keep Exercising Past Age 50"
By Kelly Turner
The Seattle Times
October 26, 2014

http://seattletimes.com/html/healthyliving/2024845733_onfitnessagingxml.html

Summary: The American College of Sports Medicine declared that adults 65 and older should strive to exercise four to five days a week for about 20 to 45 minutes.

Relevance: During our community health fair we plan on hosting a workshop or seminar for the adults participating. We can share with them the importance of consistent exercise and activity, even as they age past 50.

Monday, October 20, 2014

Post #10- Facts about Ebola

"Ebola: #FactsNotFear"
By King 5 Staff and USA Today
King 5 News
Date Unknown

http://www.king5.com/longform/news/health/2014/10/15/ebola-facts-not-fear/17268449/

Summary: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is teaming up with other groups to debunk myths surrounding Ebola. They are focused on revealing only the facts regarding this disease in hopes of calming down unnecessary fears.

Relevance: If the fears about Ebola are still consistent when Healthy Families, Happy Families launches, it will be necessary for each chapter to dedicate some time to spreading awareness about this disease through stable facts and no unproven myths. Our non-profit will not spread lies or cause unnecessary chaos surrounding a very serious matter.

Post #9- Understanding Insurance


"Understanding Insurance and Obamacare"
Author Unknown
Kiro 7 News
October 9, 2014

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/understanding-insurance-and-obamacare/nhf6C/

Summary: Health insurance can be complex. This article provides tips on how to easily understand the process and navigate through the options.

Relevance: At-risk families obviously include those without health insurance. Information within this article can help to provide struggling adults with guidance as to the specific health insurance companies that will cater to families and individuals with limited incomes.

Post #8- Stay Fit with Video Games

"Video Games can Entice You into Action"
By Nicole Tsong
The Seattle Times
October 17, 2014

http://seattletimes.com/html/pacificnw/2024675360_1019fitforlifexml.html

Summary: Today's video game consoles and programs allow you to have fun while you work out and stay active.

Relevance: Video games are a perfect way to reach the children in our non-profit's target audience. Through games that involve dancing, boxing and fitness training, we will be able to promote the importance of staying active. Healthy Families, Happy Families is dedicated to providing fun options for working out.

Post #7- Medicare Advantage

"Medicare Advantage, Drug Plan Enrollments Start Oct. 15"
By Lisa Stiffler
The Seattle Times
October 13, 2014

http://blogs.seattletimes.com/healthcarecheckup/2014/10/13/medicare-advantage-drug-plan-enrollments-start-oct-15/

Summary: Open enrollment for prescription drug coverage and Medicare Advantage plans began on Oct. 15 and will remain open until Dec. 7. This enrollment period provides the public with the opportunity to search for a plan that best fits their needs.

Relevance: Those with limited incomes can easily get involved in searching for a plan by getting free assistance in signing up from Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors. Also, Medicare Advantage caters to those who need help purchasing prescription drugs through Medicare's "Extra Help" program. Just like our non-profit, Medicare aims to assist and educate families in need.

Post #6- Disease Prevention

"Prevent Millions of Diseases by Doing This One Thing"
By Marina Rockinger
Komo News
October 14, 2014

http://www.komonews.com/news/health/Prevent-MILLIONS-of-diseases-by-doing-this-one-thing-279025111.html

Summary: A new study completed by the Food and Drug Administration shows that millions of diseases can be prevented by not smoking.

Relevance: The Seattle chapter of Healthy Families, Happy Families can use information from this study to further reiterate the dangers of smoking during health education activities for the at-risk family members.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Post #5- "Meatless Mondays"

"Seattle Mom Pushing for 'Meatless Mondays' in Schools"
By Mark Miller
Komo News
June 11, 2014

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Seattle-mom-pushing-for-Meatless-Mondays-in-schools-262807301.html

Summary: A mother in Seattle is encouraging public schools to eradicate meat from the lunch menu every Monday. "Meatless Mondays" is an actual movement supported by the Humane League.

Relevance: Organizers of the movement believe that cutting meat out once a week can help to reduce obesity and chronic diseases. We can research whether or not this method is effective, which will help us to determine if "Meatless Mondays" is a movement in which our non-profit should support and team up with.

Post #4- The Improvement of Hepatitis C Treatment

"$6 Million Grant Awarded for King County Hepatitis C Treatment"
By Paige Cornwell
The Seattle Times
September 16, 2014

http://blogs.seattletimes.com/today/2014/09/6-million-grant-awarded-for-king-county-hepatitis-c-treatment/

Summary: This grant will span over the course of four years and will fund the Hepatitis C Test and Cure Project. From 2000-2011, 69,459 cases of chronic hepatitis C were reported in Washington and 28 percent of those cases were found in King County.

Relevance: Hepatitis C is clearly a health issue in our Seattle chapter, therefore it will be an important predicament for us to tackle and focus on. We can team up with the Hepatitis C Test and Cure Project in order to spread awareness and make sure that people get tested.

Post #3- New School Year Brings Healthier Food

"New School Year Brings Healthier Food Choices for Kent Students"
Author Unknown
Kent Reporter
August 28, 2014

http://www.kentreporter.com/news/273054751.html#

Summary: Students in Kent and King County will be provided with healthier food options this year. Changes include, more local produce in the cafeterias as well as healthier choices provided in vending machines.

Relevance: Our non-profit can possibly team up with the program Farm to School, just as schools in Kent have, in order to promote the use and benefits of local produce within cafeterias.

Post #2- Healthier Food in Schools

"New Rules Mandate Healthier Food in Schools"
By Elizabeth Dinh
Komo News
September 6, 2012

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/New-rules-mandate-healthier-food-in-schools-168849676.html

Summary: New federal rules have been implemented in schools regarding healthier food choices for children. Although these healthy options are now available, not every child will choose to eat what is offered.

Relevance: This article showcases the effort made in Seattle schools concerning a healthier diet for children. Our non-profit can now investigate and analyze the success of these new rules to figure out if we should create programs that follow similar guidelines or instead build our own, completely new plan that targets the same issue.

Monday, October 6, 2014

Post #1- Seattle Seahawks' PLAY 60 Program

"Seahawks Come To Spokane For Play 60 #12Tour"
 By Josh Ouellette
 KHQ Local News
 July 17, 2014

http://www.khq.com/story/26048667/seahawks-coming-to-spokane-for-play-60-12tour

Summary: The Seattle Seahawks visit Spokane, WA to promote and participate in the NFL's Play 60 program.

Relevance: The Play 60 program tackles childhood obesity and encourages young people to stay active. This program serves as a foundation and inspiration toward our mission for a new non-profit initiative that promotes health education for at-risk families.