When it comes to their health, nearly 90 percent of Americans lack the literacy skills to understand basic medical information and instruction. Low literacy has been linked to poor health outcomes such as higher rates of hospitalization and less frequent use of preventive services. A few quick minutes with a physician is not sufficient for most of us to understand a complex or chronic medical condition and how we can manage it. But new research indicates that video storytelling can be an effective way to educate people about health conditions - and watching others share their health stories can empower people to take control of their own health.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/besmartbewell/50819/
As many as one in five U.S. teens suffers from disabling mental illness. Throughout Mental Health Awareness Month in May, BeSmartBeWell.com highlights the issue of mental illness in teens and tells the stories of two teens who moved from diagnosis through treatment and recovery.
What does mental illness look like in teens? It looks like Colleen, who’s battled depression and anxiety since she was 13, and Katie, who struggled with addiction in her early teens. Mental illness in teens looks just like the kid next door – studies show nearly half of all youth will experience a mental disorder at some point in their lives.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/besmartbewell/50033/
Nearly 10 percent of U.S. high schoolers report being hit, slapped or physically hurt by their boyfriend or girlfriend in the past year, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control. And nearly one in four have been victimized through technology, according to a nationwide survey by Liz Claiborne Inc. and the Family Prevention Fund.
To help raise awareness of teen dating violence and the dangers of digital abuse, BeSmartBeWell.com shares the story of Kari, a high school girl who went from an ambitious achiever to a tragic victim of teen dating violence.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/besmartbewell/50820/
Vikes, Dance Fever, French Fries. The names might not be familiar to you, but chances are good your kids have heard of them. These are the street names for prescription drugs, and more and more teens are using them to get high.
Each year, nearly 2 million teens abuse prescription drugs. The new parent’s Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drug Guide from BeSmartBeWell.com and The Partnership at Drugfree.org breaks down the most commonly abused prescription and over-the-counter drugs in a simple-to-understand and interactive web page. Learn drugs’ “street” names, how kids are using them (inject, inhale, etc.), why they're dangerous and the warning signs of abuse.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/besmartbewell/50821/
Each year, more than 4 million women and one in 10 men are harmed by their partners, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Tragically, the most dangerous time for victims of domestic violence is when they try to leave.
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, BeSmartBeWell.com, in collaboration with the National Domestic Violence Hotline, shares the story of Bessie, a domestic violence survivor, and provides practical tips and resources to help people break free from abusive relationships.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/besmartbewell/50824/
They’ve been dubbed the “Sandwich Generation”–middle-aged people caring for aging parents while still taking care of their own children. Pulled in many directions, these family jugglers are at risk for stress, depression and other health problems. Older adults are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population; 10,000 people turn 65 every day. This will continue for nearly 20 years, and that means more and more people will find themselves aiding their aging parents.
Throughout November, which is National Family Caregiver Month, BeSmartBeWell.com sheds light on the challenges of caregiving and the particular issues facing the Sandwich Generation. At BeSmartBeWell.com, siblings Chris and Ann share their story of juggling jobs, family and caring for elderly parents.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/caregivingparents/50827/
Whether you're entertaining at home, celebrating at a restaurant or attending a potluck party, the holidays are a time for friends and family to gather and eat. Don't let food poisoning spoil your holiday plans. At BeSmartBeWell.com, meet Chef Kang, a Le Cordon Bleu chef, and Ellen, a real mom who has some things to learn about food safety. They will show you how to keep your kitchen and holiday menu safe.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/foodsafety/50828/
Adults aren’t the only ones who should be thinking heart smart this February, as heart disease is a concern for an increasing number of children, too. Research shows that overweight kids are more likely to develop heart disease as adults. And many overweight children already have conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which puts them at risk for heart disease now.
The good news is that most kids can address these risks with changes in diet and exercise. Throughout February, which is American Heart Month, BeSmartBeWell.com highlights the heart risks facing overweight kids and provides advice for how to manage them.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/childhoodobesity/50830/
With about one out of every three children in this country obese or overweight, it’s more important than ever to focus on healthy choices and changes that families can make together. Throughout March, which is National Nutrition Month, BeSmartBeWell.com shares stories of real families like Cindy and her children, who got healthier by cutting out junk food and exercising more.
“We lost over 200 pounds together as a family,” says Cindy in a video on Be Smart. Be Well. “After going back through and looking at pictures of where we were to where we’ve come, it’s just absolutely amazing!”
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/childhoodobesity/50831
Today marks the official start of summer, but for most teens, summer vacation is already in high gear. That means that the season known as the 100 Deadliest Days for teen drivers — Memorial Day to Labor Day — has begun.
To bring attention to safe teen driving this summer, BeSmartBeWell.com is inviting the 15,000+ members of our Facebook community to make today, June 20th, Safe Teen Driving Day. On the Safe Teen Driving Day event page, BeSmartBeWell friends are invited to join the Safe Teen Driving movement, interact with experts and share ideas on how they will stay safe today, and every other day of the year.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/50834-be-smart-be-well-safe-teen-driving-day-facebook-event
Backyard barbecues, coolers packed for picnics, al fresco dining and hot summer days are all the ingredients for a bad case of food poisoning if you’re not careful.
Cases of foodborne illness peak during the summer months, according to the USDA. But taking a few precautions can help you avoid food poisoning, say experts featured on BeSmartBeWell.com/Food-Safety in a series of videos produced by the health and wellness website. Learn more about summertime risks and get tips to stay safe this summer—and all year long.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to https://www.multivu.com/mnr/50835-be-smart-be-well-avoid-illness-food-poisoning-this-summer
Fall sports are gearing up, and kids and teens across the country are suiting up for football, soccer and other activities. This season, parents and coaches can help keep young athletes safe by recognizing the signs of a concussion and understanding what to do for a concussion, say experts featured in a new video on BeSmartBeWell.com.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/50836-be-smart-be-well-keep-kids-safe-recognize-concussion-signs-young-athletes
