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/
With the help of a compassionate fitness club owner and a personal trainer, Susan managed to lose 75 pounds over several months. The club owner, Kitty Williams of Anytime Fitness in Loveland, celebrated Susan’s success by featuring her “before and after” photos in a local newspaper ad.
Susan’s pride at being featured in the ad turned to horror, however, when Tonight Show host Jay Leno mocked Susan’s accomplishments during one of his weekly “Headlines” segments. Leno held up the advertisement in front of a camera and said, “Susan, all you did was change your shirt.” The studio audience burst out laughing and Leno repeated the taunt, “All she did was change her shirt.”
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/anytimefitness/45924/
Pregnancy is an exciting time filled with hopeful anticipation, and most pregnancies are uneventful and result in healthy babies. Pregnancy, however, is not entirely without risk, leading some expectant parents to worry about birth defects and whether they’ll give birth to a healthy baby.
Many birth defects are minor and easily treated. But about one in every 33 babies is born with a major birth defect, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Major birth defects may have a serious impact on development, functional ability and overall health. Throughout January, which is Birth Defects Prevention Month, BeSmartBeWell.com highlights pregnancy risks and preventable birth defects. At BeSmartBeWell.com medical experts, and real-life expectant moms, like Sharon, share information to help lower the risk for birth defects.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/birthdefects/50829/
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/
The National Meningitis Association (NMA) today announced the launch of a new educational initiative in collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, about the importance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) recommended second dose of the meningococcal meningitis vaccine (MenACWY) for adolescents at age 16. The 16 Vaccine (The16Vaccine.org) aims to educate parents about the importance of this critical second dose of MenACWY, which helps protect teens against meningococcal meningitis during the period when they are at increased risk.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8385951-national-meningitis-association-the-16-vaccine/
Drugs are everywhere. The use of prescription painkillers has increased dramatically in recent years, and prescription drug abuse is now the nation’s fastest-growing drug problem. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 5 million Americans misuse painkillers each month. Opioid painkillers—a class of very powerful and potentially addicting pain relievers—are the most common source of drug overdose deaths, resulting in more unintentional deaths than cocaine and heroin combined.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prescriptiondrugabuse/50825/
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/
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/
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
Childhood obesity is a nationwide epidemic, but the Hispanic community is particularly affected. Children of Hispanic descent are significantly more likely to be overweight and obese than non-Hispanic Caucasian kids, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
For 11-year-old Alejandra and her parents, food was an expression of love. But overeating and other unhealthy habits led this young girl to become overweight. Today, Alejandra knows that you can eat right and still eat well. At BeSmartBeWell.com , Alejandra and her parents show how they've changed their ways without sacrificing their culture or love of food.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/besmartbewell/50822/
Rescue pets can reach their full potential if just given the opportunity. Four rescue pets have been selected as finalists in the “Tales of Greatness” Purina® Pro Plan® 2012 Rally to Rescue® Story Contest, proving that even in the face of challenging beginnings all pets can make a positive difference. Purina® Pro Plan® is now inviting pet lovers to share in the celebration of these remarkable stories of achievement by voting in the nationwide contest.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58333-purina-pro-plan-rally-to-rescue-tales-of-greatness-pet-story-contest
Some pet rescue stories drive people to tears; others end with smiles from ear to ear. Then there are those amazing stories that lead to both. Ten such stories represent the tales of some extraordinary dogs and cats that make up the finalists in the Purina� Pro Plan� Rally to Rescue�
