Shorter Messages Greater Impact

I am going to follow through on an idea I contemplated about a year ago - micro blogging. The main reason for this switch is that I need to concentrate on completing my dissertation (both the data analysis and the writing).  In addition, it makes sense to use shorter messages that are direct and useful.  There is such a thing as losing the reader in too many details, or so I am told by my adviser (:)).

Therefore, I am switching my health education to Twitter.  If you are unfamiliar with Twitter, it allows only 140 characters(letters) to be sent at one time.  

Here is an example of a 'tweet' I sent today:

Food Labels: The terms Healthy and All Natural do not mean low calorie. Often they don't mean healthy or natural either! Read your NFPs.

Tweets can also be in the form of pictures.  I sometimes send out pictures of low energy dense meals or baked goods.
In order to get these messages you have to sign up for a Twitter account if you don't already have one.  After you do this, you can choose other people or companies to follow as well.  For instance, I follow Yale's RUDD Center, Harvard Public Health and Boyd Swinburn.  You can choose how to have the tweets delivered to you.  I opt for an email once a week.  It lets me know if the people/groups I am following have posted anything. 
I am providing two step by step instruction guides for you.  One is in print, click here and the other is a You Tube video, click here.  Take your time setting up your account and remember you can change your preferences or cancel your account any time.  Oh, and then don't forget to follow me!

The Best Pledge We Can Make

   I was at the school rec center last week when a few people were registering as guests. I overheard the staff person as he was asking them to sign a liability waiver. He said, 

"This just means that you are taking responsibility for your body."

    I smiled when I heard it and I have thought about it ever since.  What an awesome concept. What if every person, better yet, every middle school child, signed a pledge committing to take care of their body.

   This commitment could be similar to those kids make about not smoking or doing drugs.  DARE to be healthy, if you will.

   Even better, it could be something required of us, before we get health insurance. 

 I hereby agree to take care of my body.  I will eat well, exercise daily and avoid all forms (active and passive) of tobacco smoke.  I will consume alcohol responsibly and protect myself from environmental toxins/radiation (e.g., sun, xrays, pollution, coal emissions). 

(The government needs to help us out with the last few). 

 I do these things in order to prevent disease and to promote my healthy active life.  

   Now if we can find away to 'police' that... ok, enforce .. ok encourage... though my radical, nanny self wants to add, 

and if I willingly break this vow, I will be responsible for my own health care bills and or higher insurance premiums and copays!

   Seriously, I do pledge to do every thing in my power to live a healthy life and if by no fault of my own, I get sick.. I hope someone will take care of me :)  Ok - even if its my 'fault'... I hope someone will take care of me... just saying.