Week 10: Advertising, Public Relations, & Media Advocacy

Before our introduction to public relations, the words that came to mind when I heard that term was networking and exposure. Hopefully, if I understand it correctly, my thinking wasn't completely off? Like Amanda and a couple of others my understanding of it - especially the end product (paperwork and what will be done with the paperwork by the press) is still a bit foggy.

Honestly, I didn't find this topic as interesting as the other topics but I think I should get interested and understand it soon bc ppl are really using it. I was just talking to someone from the County of San Diego HHSA and she (unsolicited, I must add) said that she uses press releases. I was surprised and when asked if they really use that she said, "Oh, yeah."

I guess what's made it hardest for me to understand press releases, and our projects too, is that I don't truly understand the end product...nevertheless, it should be interesting to see what we all come up with...ciao...

Week 13: O...squared

Like pretty much everyone else, I especially enjoyed this week's topics. I guess the things that stood out the most for me was the discussion about the source and message. I think it was Tiffany who first commented on being careful about who you decide to be the source of the message and I couldn't agree more. I remember watching something on VH1 about how how the former first lady, Nancy Reagan, employed then teen heart throbs Corey Feldman and Corey 'something' to be the face of the, "Just Say No!" anti-drug campaign. However, in the midst of this campaign these boys ended up using drugs themselves and had to do some damage control. This definitely compromised the integrity of the message and not to mention the source. I guess for the same reasons that's why Oprah had the author of a "A Million Little Pieces" back on her show. She had become a reputable source to whom her viewers had learned to trust, but when it was revealed that the book she said was non-fiction was in fact partially fabricated she did the best she could to restore her image, which I think worked. Which is a good thing for Obama, because Oprah is endorsing his presidential candidacy - so who knows how many votes she will bring him.

Week 14

Like everyone else, I enjoyed the presentations this week. It was interesting to see what hard work we all have put in to our projects over the course of the semester. I also appreciated the fact that Dr. E gave us feedback right away about the projects. However, one thing that he mentioned that I have problems accepting was his comment about having one objective for our two segments. If I understood (and remember) correctly, he didn't agree with having only one objective for the two segments as it defeated the purpose of doing segmentation in the first place. But, in our situation (the food stamp group) the one objective is relevant to both segments as it is in the pathway to reaching our goal which is utilizing food stamps to increase "access to food and a more healthy diet." There is no distinct phone number that the WIC people should call compared to the Non-WIC recipients. In essence, it is a one way street when one of the biggest factors preventing these families (both WIC and Non-WIC) from calling and making an appointment is the lack of knowledge about eligibility and the FSP in general. In conclusion, no our segmentation didn't lead us to two different objectives but it did allow us to identify the language and message that would work best with the two groups.

Well, I can't wait to get our group's mini-project 2 back!

Week 9:

Before our introduction to public relations, the words that came to mind when I heard that term was networking and exposure. Hopefully, if I understand it correctly, my thinking wasn't completely off? Like Amanda and a couple of others my understanding of it - especially the end product (paperwork and what will be done with the paperwork by the press) is still a bit foggy.

Honestly, I didn't find this topic as interesting as the other topics but I think I should get interested and understand it soon bc ppl are really using it. I was just talking to someone from the County of San Diego HHSA and she (unsolicited, I must add) said that she uses press releases. I was surprised and when asked if they really use that she said, "Oh, yeah."

I guess what's made it hardest for me to understand press releases, and our projects too, is that I don't truly understand the end product...nevertheless, it should be interesting to see what we all come up with...ciao...

Week 8: Firestorm

I am just so blessed to not have been directly affected by the fires. My very pregnant friend and her husband had to evacuate bc they lived in San Marcos. I didn't even know San Marcos was affected until I saw it on the news and by then she had already fled to Oceanside. Luckily, the fire there was 100% contained earlier on. I cannot even begin to understand how ppl cope(d) with fleeing from their houses knowing that they may/may not return to a home, but my hope and prayers go out to each and everyone of them. In regards to Amanda's question, I did not see Larry Himmel report on his own home burning, but I did see two interviews that have remained with me. The first being this guy who had a family and who like many others had to flee with his kids, wife and few possessions. They then showed him returning to house that was no more and to see him trying to hold in his tears while his voice cracked and his nose lit up - was heartbreaking. Then there was this couple, I think they were from Rancho Bernardo, they were being interviewed by Matt Laurer (sp?) from the Today show. They had just recently purchased a a fireproof safe and put their marriage license among other items in it. When they returned to their home they had found it had been destroyed. Later we find out they didn't even have homeowner's insurance...my response = YIKES! However, throughout the entire interview - they were lighthearted about their loss that DIDN'T include their marriage license as their fireproof safe was the only thing that survived. The only explanation I could give myself was that they were just so blessed they still had each other and the paperwork that represented their union, as they realized the outcome could have been much more worse...Yes, there was a lot of news coverage these few days but it allowed us to stay up to date on areas affected as well as teach us different ways that ppl are coping with their loss. el fin.

Week 7 Response: What is health literacy to you?

Yes, as we've learned and as many have already commented on with their own experiences, health literacy is definitely a problem. However, I think the medical community has already conquered one of the biggest obstacles to solving this problem, which is identifying that it is a problem. After watching the stories of those ppl who compromised their health due to low health literacy, all I could think of was that I'm blessed my reading comprehension of health related materials has never put me in that situation. And, honestly, like the video said, just being college educated doesn't necessarily mean health literacy; which is something we in public health must be careful of when tailoring campaigns to this or equivalent populations.
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Another thing that I stood out for me was the definition of health literacy, which more or less is: obtaining, understanding, interpreting health related material. So, when working with unique populations, its important to not only to "dumb down" (what's a better term, I'm not sure I saw one in other blogs nor do I remember one from class) language , but make sure it is relevant to that pop.

So have you ever done something for the "wrong reason"?

Hey all,

So one thing that we have been talking about in my health communications class is using the "wrong reason" to motivate ppl to about something, particularly a health related topic. For example, if you read the story about my nephew Isaiah below, you'd see that the way I got him to drink his milk. I promised that he would (more or less) become bigger. That is the secondary/superficial reason to get him to drink his milk. The true/primary reason would be to build healthy bones, which may or may not lead to long bones.

So, my question to you is: Have you ever convinced someone to do something for the wrong reason? Health related or not.

I would be interested to read any responses.

*ciao

Week 6 Response

I would like to start off like Crystal and comment on Rocio's project. I took PH 666 (Health Promotion planning, implementing, etc) with her and its so great to see how in this project for PH 663 she incorporated materials from both classes...this is why I am so excited for this project, although it may require a lot of sleepless nights.

One thing about her project that I particularly appreciated was the fact that her group piloted some ads to their tgt population. This reminded me of my experience as an intern with the County of Orange - where I created flyers for the elderly and asked for their comments/suggestions while visiting various senior centers. Although the majority of time I spoke with them about things not directly related to the flyers, I really enjoyed the experience.

To address Crystal's comment about the US being so interested putting people into categories, I suppose perhaps its because we are such a diverse country who shares no one religion, ethnic culture, etc. - we are always trying to find the easiest way to define ourselves. Doesn't this remind you of those standardized tests growing up when one question would ask you to select the ONE race you more closely relate with? What about the bi-/multi-racial ppl? How can you make them choose just one? Being bi-racial, my parents told us to never answer that question. I know they've gotten better lately bc I've seen categories for multi-racial or the option to 'choose all that apply', or other.

ciao.

Week 4 Response

The two things that remain in my mind from Monday's class and that from the comments posted so far, seem to be on the minds of others are the "wrong reason" and presentations.

**My experience with the "wrong reason" way of thinking cracks me up til today. Last December I was taking care of my then barely 4-year-old nephew, Isaiah at my friend's house. My friend has a brother who is 6'1" -ish who he looks up to. So, when my nephew wasn't drinking his milk, the first thing that came to my mind was, "You better drink your milk so you can be tall like Ibrahima." Oh, did he drink that milk fast or what...but the story doesn't end there.

The next morning he woke up and started crying and I asked he why he was crying. He looked down at his little legs and arms in the oversized t-shirt and said, "Ah, man. I'm not big like Ibrahima!" I couldn't help laughing bc I didn't expect this kid to remember the "wrong reason" why he should drink his milk.**

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In regards to the presentations, I agree that some professors should revive their lectures with some of the tips that Dr. E presented in class on Monday. I know if I were ever in the position to lead a discussion, focus group, or class I know some of the info I have gained from this class would definitely be incorporated.

This part of the lecture made me get excited about ideas on how I would present my thesis!

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BTW, who's excited about our group projects? I know I am bc of the real world connection - awesome idea! Ciao...

Per Ansley's Request

I am changing my profile pic since Ansley was so unhappy with it...Do you approve, Ansley?

Week 3 Response

Although all group presentations were well done given the limited amount of time given, the one group campaign that stood out the most for me was the one proposing the use of Hannah Montana's celebrity.

The reason being they were able to apply one benefit/cue, etc. so that it would involve the target audience. At the same time, the campaign was unique enough to utilize more or less the same resources to pass 2 separate messages for 2 different groups - thus, potentially reserving costs.

I also found it interesting how many groups utilized the power of celebrity to convey within their campaigns....

Week 1 Response

I definitely found the video about 50 years of Health Communication very interesting. One thing that I mentioned in class (and still remains with me now) is the power of 'celebrity'/entertainment stars. I'm putting 'celebrity' in quotation marks bc that word is definitely open to interpretation, esp. today. In the video we saw how this power/influence could have both a negative and positive effect on the behaviors of their target audiences. For example, Lucy and her husband, Ricky (or Desi) - no se - were seen promoting a product (cigs) which could have persuaded some to start an unhealthy habit. Whereas, on the other side, we saw the ailing Yul Brenner and his anti-tobacco ad decades later. To see a star that ppl may have idolized has the possibility to make someone change their smoking behavior.

In these same two examples, though, what is also apparent is that they occurred in 2 different times. Lucy and Ricky/Desi were promoting the use of a product which I'm sure in that day didn't have as much research as now (or even in the Yul Brenner's ad's epoch) that showed how the use of tobacco products is overwhelmingly associated with cancer and other underlying diseases. So, it makes me question, if Lucy had known what we know now (or, again in Yul's last days) back when she did the cig add would she have done it......doubt it bc America is falling out of love with cigs and pushing anything associated with cigs to the margin. So how would one become popular in mainstream America when they promote/associate with something that mainstream America doesn't agree with.

One last thing. This is in response to Danette's blog about the type of tv advertisements being tailored for the particular/likely audience. THAT IS SO TRUE. I was watching Sex and the City and I was like - daaaang -bc I had never seen so many monistat/pad ads grouped together like that.

I think I've made it...

This is my 3rd attempt at creating a blog - hopefully it works bc I really don't want to get docked any points. I'm kind of excited about this whole blog situation, especially if I become a pro at the end of the semester