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.