Health -- Fun is the way

Thanks to Helen Perry for introducing me to the site  the fun theory

They say "This site is dedicated to the thought that something as simple as fun is the easiest way to change people’s behaviour for the better. Be it for yourself, for the environment, or for something entirely different, the only thing that matters is that it’s change for the better"

Hallaluah and Here Here... there are so many ways that fun is health promoting and creative fun, well it is probably twice as good for us.

In the behavior change challenge presented here there is a set of stairs, with a moving escalator next to it .... both of which lead to the same spot on the floor of the upper level.  Given the choice of the two nearly 97% of the people took the escalator which is pretty typical.   Then a group of engineers got together, and decided they wanted to reverse the percentage. 
Notice what these scientists did. Clever huh?  Now, 66% more people take the stairs, than ride the escalator.

Length: 1:47

Enjoy the short video -- it really speaks for itself and then check out their site to see more challenges and solutions.  Would that we could see public health programs like this.



I will admit I didn't know what they were going to do and was charmed with the design. It has made me look at my every day environment differently.  Any suggestions for ways you would like to see fun added to your world?

Cheers!

Congratulations Gib Parrish -- On top 20 list of most read articles for 2010

R. Gib Parrish

Congratulations Dr. R. Gib Parrish!  2010 Year in Research Nominee

Every year, the prestigious foundation- Robert Woods Johnson (RWJF) reviews the research they have funded and they select the most influential research articles for the year.  These nominations and the Research award provide the Foundation an opportunity to recognize the excellent work of these scientists grantees.  The top 20 articles nominated for 2010 represent not only excellent research and scholarship but, were also the most frequently viewed research articles on RWJF.org in the past year."

The title of the paper was:  Measuring Population Health Outcomes

By: Parrish RG

In: Preventing Chronic Disease: Public Health Research, Practice, and Policy, 7(4)

Publisher: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Published: July 2010 
 

Next?  They hope to narrow down the list from 20  to the top 5 articles.  The Foundations says, "We need your help to select those articles that most that influenced policy and practice, shaped our thinking about health and health care or stood out in other ways. Using the voting buttons in the link below, please select your top 5.  See the  Twenty most viewed articles 2010- Robert Woods Johnson
All are available online and, if you want , cast your ballot for up to five.
Polls are open until December 23 and results will be published in early January, so please vote now!"

We are this pleased and proud. (photo Michael Jermyn)

Join us-- send Gib kudos and drop him a line or give a call
Email:  Gib.parrish@gmailcom
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Summary of nominated 2010 Research Paper"Measuring Population Health Outcomes" 

by R. G. Parrish

An ideal population health outcome metric should reflect a population’s dynamic state of physical, mental and social well-being. Positive health outcomes include being alive; functioning well mentally, physically and socially; and having a sense of well-being. Negative outcomes include death, loss of function, and lack of well-being. In contrast to these health outcomes, diseases and injuries are intermediate factors that influence the likelihood of achieving a state of health.

On the basis of a review of outcomes metrics currently in use and the availability of data for at least some U.S. counties, the author recommends the following metrics for population health outcomes:

1. Life expectancy from birth, or age-adjusted mortality rate;
2. Condition-specific changes in life expectancy, or condition-specific or age-specific mortality rates; and
3. Self-reported level of health, functional status, and experiential status.

When reported, outcome metrics should present both the overall level of health of a population and the distribution of health among different geographic, economic and demographic groups in the population.

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Best wishes to all of you in these cold winter days as the solstice approaches and many festivities begin.
Peace
Sharon