Are You a Safe Shoveler?

When the snow falls you see lots of news coverage of the white stuff. In fact, it’s not supposed to snow here again until Tuesday but it is already the focus of every newscast and one local school system has cancelled all classes. There are stories about business closings, road conditions, accidents and even the shortage or surplus of salt, sand, shovels and snowblowers. And every year, there are also stories about death by shoveling.

We all know snow is heavy and moving it is hard work. But it needs to be done and many of us dig in without giving thought to the danger the strenuous activity can pose. That’s why Lindsey Meyers of the Avera Heart Hospital (South Dakota) tried something new last year.  Something that worked so well, it’s back!

Lindsey approached her local ABC affiliate and a local hardware chain to see if they would help her create “smart shovelers” throughout her service area. She provides medical content and experts and her partners distribute safe shoveling information throughout the months of January and February.

Special shovels were designed and highlight the potential warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack on the handles while the scoop reminds people heart attack is a medical emergency. Each Friday, a shovel is given away and their mere presence in stores is enough to capture attention and get people thinking — and talking. This year, the hardware partner is also offering an in-store drawing for a free snow blower so one lucky person can stop shoveling altogether.

This project is a great example of a low budget tactic unique enough to create a buzz. It’s also proof that there is an endless supply of new and interesting ways to tell our story — even one that gets told year, after year, and year.

And since the snow is coming to Wisconsin (and they say it’s the biggest storm in a decade), I will leave you with the warning signs of heart attack  – something we all should know but too many cannot recall:

• chest discomfort that lasts a few minutes, or goes away and comes back
• pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
• shortness of breath
• light-headedness
• cold sweat
• nausea along with chest discomfort. 

 

It’s Time to Change the Conversation.

Women know they need mammograms but they still are not getting them. It’s time we stop simply focusing on hope and tell the truth with love — women die of breast cancer. What is crucial is the rest of the story — mammography saves lives.

With the plethora of “pink” in October and the number of great organizations raising awareness and funds for research and eradication of the disease, awareness is not the problem.  We need to know why women do not get screened and take an emotional approach to move them to action. The facts and figures just aren’t working.

Why aren’t women getting screened? Secondary research shows fear often tops the list. It comes in two forms:  (1) fear of an actual cancer diagnosis and (2) fear of pain associated with the compression. Come on ladies, I have only experienced two thus far in my life but given the options I’ll have a mammogram any day.

Next on the list is time. So providers, take note. Night and weekend hours do go a long way for working women, particularly working moms. And mobile mammgraphy offered at the workplace may not be a bad idea either.

Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, CA, had good success attracting first time mammography patients by using an emotional appeal and a campaign titled “Men.” In an interesting twist, the men most important in our lives — fathers, husbands and sons – were used to tell the sobering fact that women still die of breast cancer and an annual mammogram is a woman’s best defense.

In just two months, the campaign which used an emotional cable spot, posters on bus shelters and buses, banner ads and a landing page featuring online registration, resulted in a 19% increase in mammograms, over 1 million banner ad impressions, 1,540 banner ad click-throughs to a landing page with online registration, dozens of online, print and broadcast stories and most importantly, 180 new patient encounters.

 

Documentary Co-produced by a Wisconsin Hospice Worker Debuts Locally February 5.

A former colleague and all-around great guy has put his heart and soul in to the production of a documentary on end of life decisions and care in America. Described as powerful, moving and always thought-provoking, this film will bring one of the most important subjects of everyone’s life, into new focus. and features medical experts from across the nation.

You can catch it locally during its debut Saturday, February 5 from 7:00-9:30 pm at the Oconomowoc Arts Center. Tickets are $8. A panel of experts will be on hand immediately after the film for an engaging discussion on the subject.

Consider the Conversation reminds us that thinking and talking about life’s final chapter well in advance can help prevent unnecessary physical, emotional, spiritual and financial suffering. Hats off to you Michael Bernhagen!