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by Donald B. Ardell, Ph. D.
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Wellness in the Headlines
(Don's Report to the World)

A Call to Action Worth Heeding

Tuesday March 26, 2002

Yesterday I discussed the "call to action" from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) designed to reduce deaths from heart attacks. I went on a rant about how the good folks at NHLBI had misplaced their call. I challenged the focus on treating problems in the management of heart attacks AFTER the fact via more training of doctors and other personal. I did not think it wise of them to overlook the promotion of wellness strategies that would prevent the problems in the first place.

Well, shortly after I shared my concerns with high mucky mucks at the NHLBI, I heard from Win Morgan, marketing director for the Institute's "Health Information Network Project." Instead of calling me a moron or explaining why my position was ridiculous, unpatriotic and likely to give aid and comfort to the enemy, he said he agreed with my commentary, kind of. Specifically, he wrote, "Thanks for suggesting that we put that kind of energy into strategies to help people act so as not to have heart attacks in the first place." Furthermore, and this was really amazing, Win outlined a wellness strategy that NHLBI decided to include in their call for action -- and all because of me! Well, not really, but he was kind enough to imply that the NHLBI folks were doing wellness-friendly things in my honor! This man is a marketing genius.

Here is a summary of NHLBI initiatives for promoting wellness as well as improving the situation for those who do suffer heart attacks. Win wrote that we (meaning NHLBI) have:

Implemented an outreach campaign to increase awareness among hypertensive older Americans, the general public, high-risk minority groups and health professionals about the striking benefits of lowering blood pressure.
Expanded our Obesity Education Initiative of which just a small part is the "Aim for a Healthy Weight" site.
Upgraded our cholesterol education campaign, called "Live Healthier, Live Longer" and disseminated cholesterol education materials nationwide.
Launched a national Hearts N' Parks campaign to raise awareness and increase understanding regarding the need for children, adolescents, and adults to gain skills related to increased physical activity and heart-healthy eating and to implement appropriate programs through regional park and recreation departments and other community partners.
Awarded a contract to the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) to encourage increased public speaking activities by members of the National Physicians' Network (NPN)
Win added, "We share your passion for prevention as well, and thank you for your support. We greatly appreciate your suggestions and hope that these types of activities are what you had in mind. We're doing more every day, so please visit check our progress."

Well, I was pretty impressed. Aren't you?

How best can a person heed the "call to action?" According to my new buddy Win, you can join the NHLBI Health Information Network. This will give you access to a continuing steam of tips and resources for heart disease prevention AND treatment. The Network is a digital information connection between NHLBI and health professionals who work to promote cardiovascular health and wellness in communities throughout the nation. The goal is to provide updates on research discoveries, programs and publications, as well as learning and networking opportunities.

To join, go to the NHLBI website. This site has many interesting features, including a list of health information specialists who will provide assistance, if requested. Contacts for the NHLBI Health Information Center are as follows:

TTY:(240) 629-3255
Fax:(301) 592-8563
Email: nhlbiinfo@rover.nhlbi.nih.gov
Online Catalog
Phone: (301) 592-8573 (9 a.m.-5 p.m., EST, M-F)

In conclusion, I recommend that you, too, heed the call to action. In addition to the actions Win recommends, I have one more call to action, namely, always look on the bright side of life.

Domain: mental
Subdomain: effective decisions

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