Childhood Obesity

Our next class project is to prepare a number of press releases on our topic; in my case, childhood obesity.  To prepare ourselves for this assignment we read excerpts from Judith Welsh’s How to Write Powerful Press Releases.  In the text she gives helpful hints and important do’s and don’ts to successful writing.  It is important for a press release to be written with a specific goal in mind.  Limiting it to only one purpose helps to keep things focused and to the point.

Here are three situations regarding childhood obesity which could be addressed in a press release:

1. To inform/educate the public:  Many people seem to be unaware of the serious risks involved with childhood obesity.  Statistics show that its rates have been on the rise for the past several decades.  I believe that making the public more aware of the health consequences of being overweight will help people begin to take steps in the right direction — towards a healthier America.  Using  public press to inform people of the facts and statistics is likely to grab their attention.  It will be important to relate the problems/risks to the publics’ personal life, in order to get them emotionally invested in the issue.

2. To educate the public:  Another major area in which a press release could be used is to educate the public about possible solutions to the growing childhood obesity epidemic.  Without information on how to do so, the public is unlikely to take action.  A campaign focusing on the simple, everyday changes that can be done would be most effective.  This press release could aim to education people not only on the importance of a healthy diet and regular exercise for children, but also how to achieve one.

3. To promote an event:  A press release could be used to promote a healthy food/cooking presentation or conference.  Holding an event open to the public could help to further educate people on healthy eating habits.  A presentation could be held where a local chef demonstrates quick and easy meals  which can be prepared at home.  At the presentation suggested recipes (and cookbooks) could be handed out.  These can include many simple recipes which can easily fit into a family’s busy lifestyle.

Of the many possible topics for a risk communication, these three ideas seemed most relevant to my project.  In the next week I will be working to expand upon these, as well as develop a few more.  Addressing the public is the most important part of my risk communication project, and I foresee press releases being a helpful way to get information out there.