sâmbătă, 8 decembrie 2007
joi, 6 decembrie 2007
Week 15....Final Countdown!
Laura...Dr M or Dr E? :) It's funny how all our classes start to blend together like some melty ball of crayons...I would really like to spend time coloring because that would mean I don't have anything else to do which is not the case right now...Can anyone empathize?
I had a good time playing The Game with my fellow 3s!. It was interesting to listen to everyone's different take on why one option is better than another. I must admit I felt a little dejected when Dr E thought we were copping out by trying to hire someone to do the evaluation for us...Um, now that I write this it does kind of sound like copping out, but I haven't had evil 666 yet!
It is interesting to note how certain things we learn permeate into other classes...e.g. Laura using segmentation in her mock thesis defense yesterday and a group working two different theories as well as segmentation into their HSA presentation today.
Dr. E also made me realize how I need to organize and put into words what I am good at, i.e. what I can do for an employer or organization. Usually I just think of it in terms of what I like to do and will it pay the bills and do I have to dress up every day. Now I need to grow up a bit and actually use the tools I have gathered from my time in school, work and internships to promote what I can bring to a job...As I am starting a mini-job hunt it is overwhelming, yet exciting to see how many different jobs are out there in health communication and in the general public health field.
Oh, and I promise to read the newspaper every single day during the break--especially the editorials as they are a hoot-and-a-half in Utah!
Good luck next week!
I had a good time playing The Game with my fellow 3s!. It was interesting to listen to everyone's different take on why one option is better than another. I must admit I felt a little dejected when Dr E thought we were copping out by trying to hire someone to do the evaluation for us...Um, now that I write this it does kind of sound like copping out, but I haven't had evil 666 yet!
It is interesting to note how certain things we learn permeate into other classes...e.g. Laura using segmentation in her mock thesis defense yesterday and a group working two different theories as well as segmentation into their HSA presentation today.
Dr. E also made me realize how I need to organize and put into words what I am good at, i.e. what I can do for an employer or organization. Usually I just think of it in terms of what I like to do and will it pay the bills and do I have to dress up every day. Now I need to grow up a bit and actually use the tools I have gathered from my time in school, work and internships to promote what I can bring to a job...As I am starting a mini-job hunt it is overwhelming, yet exciting to see how many different jobs are out there in health communication and in the general public health field.
Oh, and I promise to read the newspaper every single day during the break--especially the editorials as they are a hoot-and-a-half in Utah!
Good luck next week!
joi, 29 noiembrie 2007
Little Middle Schoolers Prove Hillarious!
Hee, hee, I must have an itchy trigger finger...
Yeah for us (as a class) and the good job on our presentations!! Ditto on Crystal's comment regarding the vaccination ads--they looked great (though the snow family picture threw me for a loop at first.) It has been interesting to learn what middle school kids and their parents think these days. I realize middle school was years ago, but I still was somewhat operating under the impression that I knew what middle schoolers like/don't like, etc, because I don't feel nor act 28. It was VERY entertaining to read through the sometimes hilarious answers of my mom's Utah students: "they think kids who get drove to school are fat", "CORNYness to the MAX", "If I lived in sunny San Diego, I'd walk, but I live in Utah", etc. These kids provided plenty of brutal honesty and much-needed laughs.
Good news! Found out today that FINALLY we will be able to have real-live access to our target audience, the MMS kids! On Monday we will pilot our posters to them and hopefully receive some earth-shattering commentary! As Sarah said this morning, better late than never! Wish us luck!
So, I couldn't sleep last night and started flipping through the San Diego Trib (the actual paper version.) I came across an interesting and timely article for the environmental group about the future of transportation in San Diego county. Go to: http://www.signonsandiego.com/ and search for the "long-term transportation" article written in Tuesday's paper. It has some interesting stuff as well as information regarding a meeting on Friday at 9am-the 2030 Regional Transportation plan. It might be something you environmental folks could use...either way, it's pretty eye-opening.
Yeah for us (as a class) and the good job on our presentations!! Ditto on Crystal's comment regarding the vaccination ads--they looked great (though the snow family picture threw me for a loop at first.) It has been interesting to learn what middle school kids and their parents think these days. I realize middle school was years ago, but I still was somewhat operating under the impression that I knew what middle schoolers like/don't like, etc, because I don't feel nor act 28. It was VERY entertaining to read through the sometimes hilarious answers of my mom's Utah students: "they think kids who get drove to school are fat", "CORNYness to the MAX", "If I lived in sunny San Diego, I'd walk, but I live in Utah", etc. These kids provided plenty of brutal honesty and much-needed laughs.
Good news! Found out today that FINALLY we will be able to have real-live access to our target audience, the MMS kids! On Monday we will pilot our posters to them and hopefully receive some earth-shattering commentary! As Sarah said this morning, better late than never! Wish us luck!
So, I couldn't sleep last night and started flipping through the San Diego Trib (the actual paper version.) I came across an interesting and timely article for the environmental group about the future of transportation in San Diego county. Go to: http://www.signonsandiego.com/ and search for the "long-term transportation" article written in Tuesday's paper. It has some interesting stuff as well as information regarding a meeting on Friday at 9am-the 2030 Regional Transportation plan. It might be something you environmental folks could use...either way, it's pretty eye-opening.
duminică, 25 noiembrie 2007
Ahhh...Saved By The Bell....Good Times!
Howdy all! Because I don't watch much TV (except for the weather channel and ESPN) I realize I am missing out on a plethora of subtle (and not-so-subtle) health communication messages. However, I did learn something about concussions while watching the Hawaii-Boise State game. I learned that it's probably a good idea to not play the quarterback who got a concussion a week earlier---the effects of getting hit again post-concussion greatly diminish in seriousness after 10 days-2 weeks. Good stuff...
And, yes, Jennie, I do remember Jessie's over-acting after popping some prescription no-doze. It made me start thinking how a modern day teeny-bopper show could promote the dangers of over-caffination. But, with our luck as health promoters, companies like Red Bull and Rockstar probably are sponsors of such shows...
As for the anti-binge drinking video, I kind of felt like I was back in 8th grade in a class called "Positive Lifestyles." It was a good class, and like the video, it portrayed the dangers and downsides of drugs, alcohol, unprotected sex, etc. But I am of the opinion, that when it comes down to doing a certain behavior (or abstaining from one) the fact that I watched a video probably won't sway my decision. I know that sounds pessimistic, but I believe we live in a culture of instant gratification which is why our job as health edutainers is quite challenging and thus necessitates us to be uber-creative in our mode and medium of health campaign delivery.
And, yes, Jennie, I do remember Jessie's over-acting after popping some prescription no-doze. It made me start thinking how a modern day teeny-bopper show could promote the dangers of over-caffination. But, with our luck as health promoters, companies like Red Bull and Rockstar probably are sponsors of such shows...
As for the anti-binge drinking video, I kind of felt like I was back in 8th grade in a class called "Positive Lifestyles." It was a good class, and like the video, it portrayed the dangers and downsides of drugs, alcohol, unprotected sex, etc. But I am of the opinion, that when it comes down to doing a certain behavior (or abstaining from one) the fact that I watched a video probably won't sway my decision. I know that sounds pessimistic, but I believe we live in a culture of instant gratification which is why our job as health edutainers is quite challenging and thus necessitates us to be uber-creative in our mode and medium of health campaign delivery.
luni, 12 noiembrie 2007
A Mouse Is Not Always A Mouse...in Moldova
Howdy all! I second Josie's comment on phonebooks--for the majority of people, I am guessing they mostly end up in the trash can. I wonder what phone book making companies think about that! I do keep one in my car in case I need a quick bit o' information--my car is not yet wired for internet! In 668 we were also talking about the days when people had to write a thesis on a typewriter! Our teacher said many a person had a mental breakdown (or two.)
One more example--how were races timed before the invention of the racing chip? I ran a race yesterday which was chip timed and the system screwed up a bit. The results were delayed and people got a little peeved--how we love our technology!
Anyway, the video on was quite interesting and thought-provoking. The internet has changed (almost) everything in one way or another whether we like it or not. The internet is pretty darn simple yet so complicated. I read somewhere that "trying to explain what Heaven is like would be similar to trying to explain what the internet is to an ant." Granted the book was about religion, but the "ant" reference reminded me of the extent of knowledge about the internet of my fellow villagers in Moldova. How do you explain what the internet is to someone who doesn't have a phone? A car? Indoor plumbing? Where do you begin? I had the frustrating experience of teaching three of my students (who were 17) how to search for stuff on the internet. Granted we were looking for information on the United Nations in Romanian (which is scarce), but I first had to teach them HOW to use the mouse, navigate a web page, and, of all things, to TYPE! They are not stupid people, they just didn't grow up with a wireless Internet laptop in their little hands.
I agree with Sarah. Yes, technology is great, but who are we to think that everyone wants it and/or needs it? Somehow I think that could introduce more difficulties that it could alleviate.
One more example--how were races timed before the invention of the racing chip? I ran a race yesterday which was chip timed and the system screwed up a bit. The results were delayed and people got a little peeved--how we love our technology!
Anyway, the video on was quite interesting and thought-provoking. The internet has changed (almost) everything in one way or another whether we like it or not. The internet is pretty darn simple yet so complicated. I read somewhere that "trying to explain what Heaven is like would be similar to trying to explain what the internet is to an ant." Granted the book was about religion, but the "ant" reference reminded me of the extent of knowledge about the internet of my fellow villagers in Moldova. How do you explain what the internet is to someone who doesn't have a phone? A car? Indoor plumbing? Where do you begin? I had the frustrating experience of teaching three of my students (who were 17) how to search for stuff on the internet. Granted we were looking for information on the United Nations in Romanian (which is scarce), but I first had to teach them HOW to use the mouse, navigate a web page, and, of all things, to TYPE! They are not stupid people, they just didn't grow up with a wireless Internet laptop in their little hands.
I agree with Sarah. Yes, technology is great, but who are we to think that everyone wants it and/or needs it? Somehow I think that could introduce more difficulties that it could alleviate.
duminică, 4 noiembrie 2007
FEMA..what's FEMA?
Howdy! It's funny, but I usually have a hard time staying awake in most classes except for Health Comm and I think it's because
I appreciate everyone's honesty regarding the guest speaker. I temporarily felt like a jack a$$ not knowing about the FEMA shenanigan. Here's my (perhaps small-minded) view on her comment that we should know everything about everything at every moment in the news--I don't agree. While in Moldova for 2.5 years, I was for the most part cut off from American media except for the Newsweek magazines Peace Corps admin occasionally sent to us at our villages. At first it was hard not knowing what was happening in the world, but then I realized that things keep happening, the world keeps turning regardless if I have heard about it or not-amazing! It was apathetically peaceful for a time to not be bombarded with the latest news, deemed "important" by someone else. This may seem like a horrible attitude to some of you (sorry Dr. E) but while it's good to be informed and up to date, there's something to be said for stepping back and reconnecting with the world in other ways.
Although I procure the newspaper, I don't have time everyday to read it. Luckily it doesn't go to waste as my roommates also snag sections through which to glance. Do I feel bad? Not really--there is only so much time in the day. I have learned that, for me, it makes more sense to pick and choose. I seek out information which I find personally relevant and really dive in as opposed to skimming the surface on every single topic (about many of which I do not care.) I don't like business and (although important) I really can't stand politics. I choose to inform myself about issues in which I can have an impact in my field as well as reading the funnies.
Well, anyway, let me hop down from my soap box. Food stamps--great job! I just might look in to signing up until I get out out of grad school and get a real job that pays more than my rent. I like the idea of directly addressing stigmas and stereotypes--I think that's the best way to make changes!
I appreciate everyone's honesty regarding the guest speaker. I temporarily felt like a jack a$$ not knowing about the FEMA shenanigan. Here's my (perhaps small-minded) view on her comment that we should know everything about everything at every moment in the news--I don't agree. While in Moldova for 2.5 years, I was for the most part cut off from American media except for the Newsweek magazines Peace Corps admin occasionally sent to us at our villages. At first it was hard not knowing what was happening in the world, but then I realized that things keep happening, the world keeps turning regardless if I have heard about it or not-amazing! It was apathetically peaceful for a time to not be bombarded with the latest news, deemed "important" by someone else. This may seem like a horrible attitude to some of you (sorry Dr. E) but while it's good to be informed and up to date, there's something to be said for stepping back and reconnecting with the world in other ways.
Although I procure the newspaper, I don't have time everyday to read it. Luckily it doesn't go to waste as my roommates also snag sections through which to glance. Do I feel bad? Not really--there is only so much time in the day. I have learned that, for me, it makes more sense to pick and choose. I seek out information which I find personally relevant and really dive in as opposed to skimming the surface on every single topic (about many of which I do not care.) I don't like business and (although important) I really can't stand politics. I choose to inform myself about issues in which I can have an impact in my field as well as reading the funnies.
Well, anyway, let me hop down from my soap box. Food stamps--great job! I just might look in to signing up until I get out out of grad school and get a real job that pays more than my rent. I like the idea of directly addressing stigmas and stereotypes--I think that's the best way to make changes!
vineri, 19 octombrie 2007
AFLAC!!!
Happy Friday morning! Congrats to those who survived midterms and good luck to those who still have a few to go!
It feels good to have the first mini-project done--although we still need to nail down our segments. We have a function this weekend and hopefully we will have access to our target audience folks.
It was interesting to hear about everyone else's projects. I am still thinking about the immunization group and wondering what is "right"....filling a quota for a mass vaccination drill or ensuring that people are vaccinated against the flu. I realize the point of their campaign is not to advertise for Student Health Services, but to me it seems a bit off to tell students (who are already on campus) that they should go somewhere else to get the flu shot. I recognize the importance of the goal of the mass vaccination trial, but still, I am furrowing my brow at the cognitive dissonance created with in me because I am a huge proponent of SHS.
Anyway, thinking of fear and funny....I don't know about you guys...but I can start a giggle session just thinking about the Aflac commercials with the duck! I don't need insurance, but out of all the companies out there, Aflac is on the forefront of my mind simply because of a funny duck (and that goat!) I must have seen the ads about 17 times during an NFL Sunday night game.
Another campaign that has stuck with me is the childhood obesity one where the kids are asking for "more diabetes, please" and "a shorter life" etc. It's humorous and sickening at the same time. I wonder what Americans outside of the realm of Public Health think about that campaign....
Reference point---I know it's our job to motivate behavior change, but it seems a bit sneaky to think of ways to frame things in order to achieve our communication goal. I know, I know, I know...this is the entire point of this class--to put them in the middle, wrong reason. etc, but it kind of got to me when we were talking about "saving 200" versus "killing 400." Maybe it's the fact that I felt stupid when Dr. E came up with the "save $10" example--that is exactly how I think. Or maybe it's the fact that Nebraska lost at home to Oklahoma State last week or that it has already snowed in Salt Lake City and I'm stuck in Pleasantville...Who knows...just glad it's Friday!
It feels good to have the first mini-project done--although we still need to nail down our segments. We have a function this weekend and hopefully we will have access to our target audience folks.
It was interesting to hear about everyone else's projects. I am still thinking about the immunization group and wondering what is "right"....filling a quota for a mass vaccination drill or ensuring that people are vaccinated against the flu. I realize the point of their campaign is not to advertise for Student Health Services, but to me it seems a bit off to tell students (who are already on campus) that they should go somewhere else to get the flu shot. I recognize the importance of the goal of the mass vaccination trial, but still, I am furrowing my brow at the cognitive dissonance created with in me because I am a huge proponent of SHS.
Anyway, thinking of fear and funny....I don't know about you guys...but I can start a giggle session just thinking about the Aflac commercials with the duck! I don't need insurance, but out of all the companies out there, Aflac is on the forefront of my mind simply because of a funny duck (and that goat!) I must have seen the ads about 17 times during an NFL Sunday night game.
Another campaign that has stuck with me is the childhood obesity one where the kids are asking for "more diabetes, please" and "a shorter life" etc. It's humorous and sickening at the same time. I wonder what Americans outside of the realm of Public Health think about that campaign....
Reference point---I know it's our job to motivate behavior change, but it seems a bit sneaky to think of ways to frame things in order to achieve our communication goal. I know, I know, I know...this is the entire point of this class--to put them in the middle, wrong reason. etc, but it kind of got to me when we were talking about "saving 200" versus "killing 400." Maybe it's the fact that I felt stupid when Dr. E came up with the "save $10" example--that is exactly how I think. Or maybe it's the fact that Nebraska lost at home to Oklahoma State last week or that it has already snowed in Salt Lake City and I'm stuck in Pleasantville...Who knows...just glad it's Friday!
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