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?