National Respiratory Care Week is coming up, October 25-31, and hospitals and healthcare facilities across the nation will be ramping up their communications programs to urge their communities to take a closer look at their respiratory health.

National Respiratory Care Week is celebrated on an annual basis during the last full week of October to bring lung health issues to the attention of the public. There are many different kinds of diseases that affect the respiratory system. Lung disease is the number one cancer killer in the U.S. because we often overlook the symptoms and preventative measures. Many healthcare providers promote health awareness weeks, such as this one, because it is important to build awareness about diseases and conditions that adversely affect one of the critical organ systems in our body.

Respiratory complications can be caused by a number of known diseases including alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, sleep apnea, and tuberculosis.

Health professionals agree that of all the precautions we can take to help prevent respiratory illnesses, not smoking tops them all. Statistics show that smoking-related healthcare issues continue to skyrocket each year, especially in women. Recent research shows that smoking-related deaths in women now exceed breast cancer and heart disease combined. Symptoms of a respiratory illness include shortness of breath, chest pains, persistent coughing, and difficulty breathing or sleeping, you could be suffering from a respiratory illness.

Referrals are always important, especially in today’s world.  With that said, if you know someone in the healthcare industry who can use assistance with their marketing communications program, please send them my way (214-528-5775).  SRJ Marketing Communications specializes in rural and community healthcare marketing.

As with any industry, continuous and consistent messaging are important to greatly increase the awareness of your brand in the marketplace. Public relations can go a long way, but when combined with an integrated communications program that leverages other tools in the communications toolbox, that’s where progress begins.

P.S. If you smoke, STOP! :o)

Summer is now in full swing, and if you live in North Texas, you are already feeling it! Many people will be spending more time outdoors and under the sun. Often times we forget about protecting ourselves from the sun’s heat and ultraviolet rays, leading to heat exhaustion and skin damage.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Fortunately, there are many precautions we can take to protect ourselves from the harmful UV rays.

People of all ages can protect their skin from the summer sun by applying a liberal amount of sunscreen at least 20 minutes before exposure to the sun. Sunscreen is a simple way to keep your skin looking great and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Always choose sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. If you’re like me, get something like SPF 70. I recently found the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunblock to be awesome. Check it out and remember to re-apply every couple of hours. See the directions on the product you use for more information.

To further protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays, you should cover up exposed skin by seeking shade as much as possible during the late mornings and afternoons. (Or, like me, just stay out of the sun period during these times.) People should also wear light-colored cotton clothing. This covers your skin and allows your body to breathe easier. Hats with large brims can also protect your head, ears and neck.

Remember to wear sunglasses when outdoors. Choose lenses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB type rays. Sunglasses with gray-colored lenses also reduce light intensity and provide a more natural vision.

Long exposure to the sun or extensive activities in the heat can easily lead a person to heat exhaustion. Sweating acts as a coolant system for your body. This system brings your body temperature down, but it also results in the loss of large amounts of body fluids, leading to dehydration. Consuming water or sports drinks can help combat exhaustion and keep your body hydrated.

Water is a better means of hydrating your body when outdoors for small increments of time. Sports drinks work best for longer sessions as they contain ingredients that will both hydrate your body and provide the energy needed to continue your activities.

You should stay away from beverages such as soft drinks, coffee and alcohol. I know, I know… These types of drinks as super awesome, but they can actually cause your body to excrete extra fluids, causing you to dehydrate at a faster rate.

In conclusion, I recommend that people to stay out of the sun and heat as much as possible between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays and the temperature can do the most damage. By promoting safe fun under the sun this summer, we can reduce the risk of skin cancer and heat-related injuries.

Fireworks, food and fun are how many Americans will be celebrating Fourth of July this year. Some may even celebrate by recovering from injuries as the Independence Day holiday ranks second next to New Year’s Eve for alcohol related traffic accidents.

Too many lives are being shattered and lost because people still don’t understand how much alcohol impairs their ability to drive. That is why it’s important for everyone to refrain from drinking and driving this Fourth of July.

Research conducted over the years consistently indicates a higher prevalence of driving under the influence in rural versus urban areas. Nationwide, fatality rates of automobile accidents for both teens and adults were twice as high in rural areas.

The rate of teen vehicle accidents significantly increases during the summer months. Experts cite factors such as distractions from cell phones and mobile devices, excessive speed and failure to fasten seat belts.

A study by the National Highway and Safety Administration revealed 68 percent of drivers and passengers between the ages of 16 and 20 were killed in car crashes at night because seat belts were not buckled.

In a study of the 2006 Fourth of July holiday, 27 percent of all drivers involved in traffic accidents were over the legal blood alcohol concentration limit. Coupled with the higher rate of vehicle accidents in rural communities, the holiday creates a specific concern for local law enforcement officers.

I want people to celebrate Independence Day safely. That is why I am asking everybody to abstain from alcohol and other drugs, use designated drivers or plan for alternative transportation.

Spotting drivers under the influence is easy. Erratic driving, saddling lanes, weaving in and out of traffic, driving without headlights, delayed reactions to traffic signals are all signs of intoxicated drivers. Stay as far away from them as possible and call 911 immediately. By doing so, you could save a life or many.

National surveys reveal that American men make 30 percent fewer trips to doctors compared to women. Men’s Health Week (June 15– 21) was established in 1994 as the week leading up to Father’s Day. Its goal is to raise the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

According to the Men’s Health Network, a non-profit educational organization, Men’s Health Week is an opportunity for doctors, public policy makers, the media, and individuals to encourage males to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.

I think this is a really great idea to encourage men to go get a checkup or physical. Compared to women, more men die from heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes. Each of these diseases can be detected and treated before it’s too late if men would just seek medical care.

Aside from encouraging men to be screened for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and other at-risk illnesses, men often overlook screening for male cancers.

Nine out of 10 cases of testicular cancer occur in men ages 20 through 54, according to the American Cancer Society. Main risk factors include white males who have had an undescended testicle or a family history of testicular cancer. Most testicular cancers can be found at an early stage through frequent self examinations of the testicles for unusual lumps, swelling or aching.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer killer in men next to lung cancer. Men above the age of 50 are at high risk for developing the possibly deadly disease. It can be detected and treated, however, through a number of screenings.

Prostate cancer can often be detected early by testing the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. Digital rectal exams are also another common method. This type of exam allows doctors to feel if there are any bumps or hard places on the prostate.

In addition, colorectal and skin cancers are two other common cancers in males, both treatable if detected at an early stage. As with all cancers, following a prescribed screening timeline is pertinent to good health.

Men just don’t take particularly good care of themselves when it comes to health. I know, I’m a guy too! As we take a day to honor our fathers, let’s also remind them the importance of maintaining good health so we can continue to appreciate their existence for many more years to come.

Social media has definately changed the way marketers and public relations professionals communicate with target markets. More importantly, social media is a pretty cost-effective way to promote your brand and/or event. With that said, if you know of a nonprofit organization who has limited marketing dollars, they may be interested in learning more about how they can leverage social media to accomplish their goals.

The Precise Agency by SRJ has announced a special seminar scheduled for October 21 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. that is designed to educate nonprofit organizations on the basics of how to integrate social networking into their existing marketing communications program.

“How to Attract Supporters using Online Social Networking” will demonstrate how nonprofit organizations can leverage social media to efficiently build support, gain volunteers, raise capital, and improve brand awareness.

“We’re experiencing an exciting change in communications and ignoring emergent technologies like social media is no longer an option,” said Michael Hendrix, CEO of The Precise Agency. “Business and organizations are beginning to see just how important social media is becoming. They need to understand not only how to leverage it, but to become participants as well.”

Based on industry experience, Hendrix and his team will reveal how Web sites, e-mail campaigns, online social networks, visual social communities, and online forums can help create buzz around your organization.

“How to Attract Supporters using Online Social Networking” will introduce presidents, CEOs and directors of nonprofit organizations to an entry-level understanding of social media and how to integrate it as part of existing communications strategies. Topics of the seminar will include:

• An overview of social media
• Developing a social media strategy
• Selecting social networks to reach your target audience
• Gaining supporters and building relationships
• Promoting events through social networks
• Integrating social media into existing marketing communications initiatives
• Turning social media networks into additional revenue streams
• And more

“How to Attract Supporters using Online Social Networking” will be held on October 21, 2008 at the Josephine S. Leiser Opera Center from 10 a.m. through 1 p.m. in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Seating is available at $117 per person or $97 per person for groups of two or more. Reservations can be made online by visiting www.thepreciseagency.net/seminar or by calling 214-528-5775.