by: Caity Dekker and Heather Gehlert
posted on Monday, December 30, 2013
The way the media portray an issue influences how we think about and act on it. Throughout the year, advocates have used memorable media bites to help shape the news, challenge people to think about problems from a public health perspective, and come up with creative solutions. Here are 10 of our favorites.
Tags: media advocacy, media bites, public health
by: Heather Gehlert
posted on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Most expectant mothers enter the hospital wanting to breastfeed their babies but leave not doing so. A new California bill would help remove some of the obstacles that are making it hard for many moms to carry out their plans.
Tags: breastfeeding, health equity, public health, SB 402
by: Heather Gehlert
posted on Wednesday, January 02, 2013
2012 was a big year for public health. We saw advances in everything from nutrition to violence prevention to the media’s coverage of these issues. What progress will we see in 2013?
Tags: child sexual abuse, Jerry Sandusky, media analysis, new year's resolutions, public health, Sandy Hook, soda tax, violence prevention
by: Ingrid Daffner Krasnow and Heather Gehlert
posted on Friday, December 21, 2012
Will the nation’s grief and outrage over the Newtown, Conn., shooting finally translate into action to prevent future violence? Or will momentum fade as it did following similar tragedies? A trend emerging from recent media coverage gives us reason for hope.
Tags: Connecticut shooting, gun control, gun violence, mental health, Newtown, public health, Sandy Hook, violence prevention
by: Heather Gehlert
posted on Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Many of public health’s greatest advances — and the struggles it took to achieve them — are easy to take for granted. As I reflect this holiday season on all the things I have to be thankful for, I’m reminded of the important role the field plays in my life and the lives of so many others.
Tags: auto safety, cancer prevention, childhood lead poisoning, chronic disease, food environment, public health, sanitation, soda, tobacco control, vaccines, water, women's health
by: Heather Gehlert
posted on Monday, August 13, 2012
Language matters. It affects not only how people view an issue but also how they act on it. When it comes to discussing food policy, a couple of language pitfalls may be thwarting advocates’ efforts at change.
Tags: food, framing, language, obesity, public health, regulation
by: Heather Gehlert
posted on Monday, July 30, 2012
Following New York City’s public hearing on Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proposal to cap soda sizes at 16 ounces, critics pushed back, saying the proposal “restricts choice.” The trouble is, those critics don’t explain whose choice is being restricted. And that’s because the answer is soda companies’.
Tags: Bloomberg, choice, framing, language, regulation, soda
by: Heather Gehlert
posted on Monday, June 11, 2012
Critics of public health measures often use the phrase “nanny state” to evoke fears about the U.S. government exerting too much control over people’s lives. But what’s really behind the words? And what do public health advocates lose when they repeat it?
Tags: Bloomberg, framing, gender, language, nanny state, public health, sexism, soda
by: Heather Gehlert
posted on Monday, May 14, 2012
Obesity is a symptom of a much bigger problem. Yet many of the groups working to improve health equity have placed responsibility for the country’s growing waistlines and related health issues squarely on the shoulders of individuals. And the food industry is reaping the benefits.
Tags: chronic disease, obesity, public health, weight of the nation
by: Heather Gehlert
posted on Thursday, December 01, 2011
McDonald’s has found a way to skirt a San Francisco ordinance requiring restaurants offering toys to make sure the food that comes with them meets certain nutrition standards. Instead of making its Happy Meals healthier, McDonald’s is now charging for toys. But even if the fast feeder is complying with the law, they are hardly off the hook.
Tags: food marketing, Happy Meals, McDonald's, obesity, public health, San Francisco
