Dr KK Aggarwal
Communication, as we know, is how we acquire information,
how we disseminate information. Effective health communication is crucial for
health promotion.
Health journalists have an important role to play in
health promotion by increasing health literacy. The reach of the media, whether
print, radio, television and/or internet is phenomenal.
In our country, people usually visit their doctors only
when they fall sick. News reports on health and medicine are thus their major
sources of information and influence health-related behaviors and attitudes.
Health journalists increase the level of awareness and knowledge of the general
public about any health issue and in this process, they often dispel myths and
misconceptions prevalent in the society. It is via news reports that we come to
know of the latest advances in medicine, be it drugs, devices, techniques etc.
Particularly during times of outbreaks or epidemics,
journalists can help to quickly deliver important health-related messages to
the public about the disease in question, the Dos and Don’ts, so that people
can take adequate measures to stay safe or when they should seek a doctor’s
help.
Diseases such as type 2 diabetes, once considered to be a
disease of the affluent countries are now a major cause of morbidity and
mortality in developing countries. India, as we know, has the second highest
population of people with type 2 diabetes in the world. As diabetes is a
lifestyle disorder, it is important that people are aware of the risk factors
and how they can be modified. Health journalists can educate the general public
about the need to adopt a healthy lifestyle to check the rising prevalence of the
disease.
When reporting stories related to health, journalists
should ensure that the message should be clear, accurate, complete, factual and
relevant as people often make important health care decisions based on what
they read or see. The message has to be tailored to the needs of the public.
Health journalists are an important link between the
patient and the doctor. As health care communicators, they can be considered as
health workers and therefore an integral part of health care delivery.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this write up are
entirely my own.
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