Week 11 Blog Post - Health risk warning on vitamins

By: Kate Hagan, published on the Sydney Morning Herald Website (Diet and Fitness) on the 12^th October 2011.

http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/health-risk-warning-on-vitamins-20111011-1lj3u.html

The article, Health risk warning on vitamins indicates that commonly used dietary supplements may increase the risk of death.  Vitamins including iron, folic acid, vitamin B6, magnesium and zinc were among the vitamins causing higher mortality risk among women in the US.  Although stating that it was possible that the increased mortality rate could have been caused by underlying illnesses, the article failed to highlight a variety of reasons why the study may suggest vitamin intake and correlated health risk.  For example there is a know effort  by international pharmacutical companies to discredit people from taking supplements and other alternative type medications in order to further benefit and obtain profit for thmeselves.  There is speculation which suggests studies like these are a ploy to keep big drug companies profiting whilst growing the sickness industry.  Further research suggests that in a world where our food supply is becoming increasingly toxic and less nutrient rich, our body not only requires a diet rich in healthy foods but also supplements to make up for the lack of nutrients which we once obtained from the soil and foods we ate. 

The article quotes Nutritionist Rosemary Stanton who highlights that people need to know what they are doing before taking supplements, and that supplements should only be taken for a reason.  In this case, if the women in the study were only taking supplements for needed reason, there should be no cause for any risk or counter reaction and certainly no risk of mortality.  The article finished with Professor Mark Wahlqvist, founding director of the Asia Pacific Health and Nutrition Centre at the Monash University suggesting that the safest way to achieve the best nutrient intake is from maintaining a diverse diet.  I thought this was a weak ending, especially using the word ‘diverse’.  Perhaps he could have strengthened his argument by suggesting a healthy, balanced diet and included some important foods to have in our everyday diets.  I enjoyed reading this article because there are a lot of issues that are worthy of discussion, which are not noticed at first glance.      

An apple a day keeps the doctor away?

Good health and longevity isn't quite a simple as as the old adage an apple a day. But there's no denying a diet rich in fruit and vegetables can contribute significantly to overall health.

Apples have a big part to play in this, not just because of the vitamins and minerals they contain, but also because as a population we eat so many of them.

So what's so good about them? Follow this link to find out more!

http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/an-apple-a-day-for-good-health-20111007-1ld16.html#ixzz1aY9l3y7e

Week 10 Blog Post - Super-broccoli a 'fantastic achievement'

By: Unknown author, published on the Sydney Morning Herald Website (Diet and Fitness). On the 5th October 2011.


http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/superbroccoli-a-fantastic-achievement-20111005-1l8i2.html

The article, Super Broccoli a ‘fantastic achievement’ is about the development of a broccoli that has gone on sale in the UK, claiming to contain boosted levels of nutrients.   This is a well written article and keeps the reader engaged throughout.   It explains the bio chemistry of the broccoli in a coherent way, and doesn’t assume scientific or nutrition knowledge from the reader. The experts quoted were appropriate including; a member from the research group, a science minister and a nutritionist.  Although the content of the article is more appropriate to people living in the UK (as this is where the broccoli is now for sale), the issue regarding the modification of foods is still worthy of debate within any country.  As we look towards a changing future of journalism as highlighted in week 12’s readings, we can also see vast changes to our future within other sectors of our world.  The power and influence of technology in regards to our future conjures many questions and ethical debates.   

It would be interesting for this article to be followed up with an investigation into the reasons why people aren’t getting their needed nutritional intake in the first place, and thus the need/place of technological enhancements to counter this phenomenon.  A study into the prevention of nutrient related diseases/conditions as opposed to technology which must then cure such occurrences would be an interesting way to view the topic.  Also linking an article regarding genetically modified foods such as the ABC’s Catalysts’ report on the future of GM foods http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/s2062724.htm on webpage would be a clever way of educating the public on the issue, and creating debate within the community.        



UNSW UPDATE

(Email sent by Professor Joan Cooper Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Students) and Registrar)

Next week is Mental Health Awareness Week at UNSW, 4 – 7 October.  As you are aware UNSW offers a number of services (free and confidential) that you can access if you have concerns about yourself or others.  These services include:

• Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) - 9385 5418
• Student Participation Advisors - 9385 9635
• Health Service - 9385 5425
• Disability Officers - 9385 4734

Mental Health Awareness Week aims to promote social and emotional wellbeing by encouraging students to maximise their health and increase mental health literacy. There will be a number of events run by UNSW and Arc Student Representative Council (SRC) at UNSW Kensington to promote this important cause.

Tuesday 4 October 1.00pm – 2.00pm       
Outside the hairdressers (On Kampus Hairdressing) at lower campus (near the Arc Office)
Terry Davies, Corporate Manager of Australian Rotary Health will address students and talk about the importance of mental health research.
Free BBQ:  Sausages and vegetarian burgers.

Wednesday 5 October 10.30am
Free Morning Tea in the Hub, LG, Morven Brown Building, aimed at promoting awareness for students to take some time out of their daily routine to unwind and relax from the stresses of uni life.

12.15pm-1.30pm
CAPs counsellors in conjunction with ARC will be on hand to talk with students about mental health issues and stress reduction. CAPS and Arc will have stalls set up in the Quadrangle with brochures on mental health issues and freebies including free fruit.

Thursday 6 October 1.00-2.00pm
Free Yoga Session, Morven Brown lawn, to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining health and well being as you progress with your students.

1.00pm – 2.00pm
Walk for wellness - Meet outside the Blockhouse, lower campus and join the SRC and Arc for a walk around the campus to promote relaxation and fitness.

For further information on Arc activities please contact:
Kathy Martin at k.martin@arc.unsw.edu.auor phone 0409 665 777; or
Mat Rodney at m.rodney@arc.unsw.edu.auor phone 9385 7634.

News story about keeping teenage girls active

Week 8 Blog Post - Cash bonus lifts the rate of sexual health tests

By: Melissa Davey. Published on the Sydney Morning Herald website (Health). On the 25^th September 2011.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/health/cash-bonus-lifts-the-rate-of-sexual-health-tests-20110924-1kqh3.html

This article discussed how much money it takes to persuade young people to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STI).  The study explored indicates that a $10 cash incentive is enough for people aged 16 – 30 years of age to get tested.   I enjoyed the angle of this article.  Instead of the author concentrating only on the prevalence and health risks relating to STI, the article focused on the cash bonus incentive of participating in sexual health testing.  In this way the story is appropriate and relates nicely to the concern of the current economic and financial situations of the country, in light of the GFC and the desire to obtain money in any which way possible.  The article displays proximal news vales as the research is conducted locally, and applies to Australian youth.  The article did not detail whether the cash bonus would continue to be a part of the STI testing process, I believe this would have rounded off the story quite well and given a clean conclusion.  The article is very timely as STI cases in Australia are on the increase.  According to the Governmental STI health website (http://www.sti.health.gov.au) there were around 70, 000 reported cases of STI’s in Australia in 2008, an increase of 13% from 2007. 

The article also links with the Governmental campaign launched by the Australian Government in 2007-08 of a national prevention program to raise awareness of STI’s and encourage behavioural changes that will help reduce the spread of STI’s.  This very topical issue was articulated well throughout the article, and included appropriate facts and statistics.   However there was only one professional quoted; Rhian Parker, ANU Associate Professor of Medicine and one of the researchers.  I think the article could have been enhanced by including the opinions of other sexual health professionals, and also a person who partook in the study to learn more about what they thought of the idea of a bonus.

For further information about the research, including detailed descriptions of methodology, results and conclusions regarding the National Prevention Program, download the research reports using the following links:

Formative Research for the National Sexually Transmitted Infections(including HIV / AIDS) Prevention Program (PDF 235 KB)

Quantitative Research Report: Measuring awareness and attitudes among young Australians towards STIs,including HIV/AIDS (PDF 2019 KB)

Holiday Reading Blog Post 2 - Real bodies to reap rewards

By Michelle Griffin. Published on the Sydney Morning Herald website (Diet & Fitness). On September 9^th, 2011.

http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/real-bodies-to-reap-rewards-20110908-1jzx6.html

This article is extremely simple yet includes topical, human interest and current news values.  The story is straightforward and easy to read, the author includes only hard facts and minimal quotes.  The story concerns the Federal Government’s decision to allow companies which use images heavily such as magazines, websites and advertising campaigns to compete for the Positive Image Awards.  Helen McCabe the editor of the Australian Woman’s Weekly magazine is quoted in support of the Awards.  The story links in relevant information regarding past attempts to promote more realistic image of women in media images.   The issue regarding the truthful representation of women within the media is further conveyed in the article through linking with other overseas magazines also encouraging curvier women to be pictured. This highlights the timeliness of the issue.  A quote by award panel member Karen Webster is used; however the author has not indicated her credentials to specify why she is entitled to be a part of the panel. 

I believe the article could have been improved by the inclusion of expert opinion such as a psychologist, media images expert, women’s health professional and/or opinion of a plus sized female or generally a female of the public.  This would have added more scope and depth to the story.  Furthermore, the author could have chosen to write the article from a different angle.  For example Griffin could have addressed the topic by looking at the political and governmental interests of the new-found Awards.  Also, an angle relating to the coined term “Real Women” could have been explored.  For example it could be argued that by using the word “real” is harmful to women’s body image and that perhaps the word “natural” should be used instead?  I believe that by framing the story in a more creative way would have brought the content of the article to life and made it more relevant to readers, making it a more interesting and appealing read.

Holiday Reading Blog Post - Booze and babies

Author unknown from AAP. Published on the Sydney Morning Herald website.  (Life & Style). On September 9^th, 2011.

http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life/booze-and-babies-20110909-1k0so.html

This is a very well written and easy to read article.  The issue is current and worthy of investigation, and appropriately includes the opinions of an expectant mother.  The article begins with a colour introduction, explaining one lady’s (Ruth Cosgrove) experience of dealing with conflicting alcohol consumption advice for pregnant woman.   This is cleverly done so that instead of the article focusing only on facts and research, a human interest touch is added making it easier for audiences (especially in particularly demographics; mothers, family members, scientists) to relate to the content and easier for the author to further convey the information.   The story delves into Ruth Cosgrove’s beliefs about drinking whilst pregnant, which includes quotes and nicely ties in with current research and studies to show both sides of the argument. 

The article highlights the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne which is launching a major study regarding what levels of safe / unsafe alcohol can be consumed by pregnant women.  This shows the authors intention of including ‘timely’ news value to her story.  The article includes quotes from the lead research professor Jane Halliday who addresses the issue of conflicting evidence from differing schools of thought on the topic.  The article appropriately follows on with information from the latest study from the University of Newcastle, to show the reality of the issue which indicates a very high percentage of women drink during pregnancy (80%).  This is a very well chosen statistic as it backs up the opinion of Ruth Cosgrove, which shows a real life example of the evidence.   The article is nicely and cleanly summed up with a quote from Jane Halliday stating the need for more research and that her project is underway to provide it.  The photo included at the top of the article is of pregnant Ruth Cosgrove holding a glass of red wine.  I believe this is a very effective graphic as it is quite confronting, and interests the reader to find out if she supports or opposes drinking whilst pregnant.     

Week 7 Blog Post - Children's diet book leaves bad taste

By Max Mason. Published on the Sydney Morning Herald website (Lifestyle) on August 23^rd, 2011.

http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/childrens-diet-book-leaves-bad-taste-20110823-1j7x4.html

Mason’s article is easy to read and very informative.  The arguments are well balanced and unbiased and the flow of the story is appropriate and comprehendible. The article starts with a very effective opening paragraph expressing the controversy and scrutiny over the children’s book which promotes weight loss for children.    The article then logically delves into facts regarding the author, about where he’s from, his passions for writing and topics which he likes to write about.  This information is then followed by an explanation of the content of the book.  Mason includes the professional opinions of Dr Sloan Madden a child and adolescent psychiatrist and head of the department of psychological medicine as well as the co director of the eating disorder program at Westmead Children’s Hospital.  As well as expert quotes from Christine Morgan CEO of the Butterfly Foundation which helps support sufferers of eating disorders.  Both experts express their concern about the methods used to communicate the message within the book. 

I found the quotes used from these two sources extremely fitting and appropriately placed within the centre of the article.  Richard Lowe from the National Book Network who is dealing with the sales of the book was also quoted as supporting the book. I didn’t find this to be a very relevant source and didn’t feel like he was credible enough to back the opposing side of the argument.  The article finishes with Kramer’s response to his critics to further balance the argument.  Mason cleverly added his statement at the end of the article, giving Kramer the last say. However it is also likely that readers will skip reading the end of an article as suggested by the ‘ice-cream cone’ model of story writing. 

Furthermore, Meikle, 2009 in Interpreting News found in week two of the course reader points out that it is not only through the audience’s interaction with digital media outlets that provide information, but also important to note the importance of delivery through differing voices, different types of storytelling and other kinds of news that also have valid claims on audience attention.  In this way the children’s novel conveys its message in a tangible way through the use of pictures and simple text.  By the information being expressed through a book as opposed to online, it is likely to be more accessible to younger aged children who are not yet computer literate.  This suggests that for younger children hardcopy books still proves to provide a powerful medium through which messages and stories are expressed.

Week 6 Blog Post - Study links coffee with warding off cancer

No author. Published on the Sydney Morning Herald website. (Diet & Fitness). August 17th, 2011. 

http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/study-links-coffee-with-warding-off-cancer-20110816-1iwft.html

The article Study links coffee with warding off cancer at first gives the reader the impression that the article will provide ground breaking news concerning a cure for cancer. However the article proceeds to explain that actually the research undertaken proves that eventually all the mice tested develop cancer in the end. The author gives false pretence about the issue, which is effective to some extent as the audience will be intrigued to start reading in the first place however I believe the way in which the topic is written and described is done so in a weak way.


There is no author identified which links in with week 5’s readings on trust and authority online. The absence of an author indicates a lack of credibility and accountability and therefore affects the overall validity of the articles content. Also, it seems the article has been taken from a US publication and as such all facts and linking background information about cancer relates purely to American cancer statistics. As cancer is such a prominent concern to the Australian public I think the article could have benefited from the inclusion of Australian statistics and the comparison to similar Australian research projects.

Additionally the author uses scientific acronyms to explain the effects of coffee on cancer cells, for the everyday reader it is important to explain what the acronyms stand for so that they can fully understand and comprehend the information provided. Only one source was quoted who was one of the authors from the original coffee/cancer study. I believe the article could have been improved with the inclusion of further backup opinions from science and/or cancer experts, perhaps specialist whom had conducted studies in Australia. The end of the article finishes with various facts about the most commonly diagnosed and treatable types of cancer which I think is an appropriate way to conclude the article.

Week 5 Blog Post - Middle-aged single parents at higher risk of work stress

By Kelly Burke. Published of the Sydney Morning Herald Website (Health) on August 9th, 2011.

http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/middleage-single-parents-at-highest-risk-of-work-stress-20110808-1ij8b.html

I found this article on mental health quite disjointed. The story is packed with statistics from the National Survey conducted by a suicide prevention group called “R U OK”, however failed to refer to any previous any current and/or relevant studies undertaken by other organisations. Although the statistics are informative, it only shows results from a singular survey specific to suicide prevention. The article does not tie together the notion that work stress may increase the risk of suicide; it merely indicates that stress can cause illness. However this article is effective in the way that it draws attention to a serious health issue, and to the fact that vulnerable workers are failing to be recognised and looked after. This conjures up food for thought regarding managerial responsibility and workers supervision.

The ‘expert’ source used within the article is the Director of the Suicide Prevention group R U OK. I believe his quotes were appropriate to the story, however I think the article could have been improved by the inclusion of a mental health professional specialising in work place health, such as an organisational psychologist.  The article could have also included a person who had suffered from depression as a result of a high stress work environment, to add relevance and depth of the story. About ¾ of the way down the article the story suddenly changes from information about the National Survey, to a story of lady (Rachael Robertson) who worked only for a year as a manger at Australia’s Davis Station in Antarctica. I found this a really irrelevant source to incorporate within the article, especially as the source attributes irritable behaviour and change in attitude to the winter months where the temperature is sub-zero. These conditions are not representative of ‘most’ working environments throughout Australia.

The inclusion of the phone numbers for life line and The Suicide Call Back service at the end of the article, I thought was suitable and appropriately added. The photo taken is of an extremely smiley Rachael Robertson, on some rocks next to a beach. I don’t think this is a very suitable choice of imagery. Firstly there is an implicit association between rocks, cliffs and the ocean as being related to suicide. Secondly I feel it is slightly insensitive and unfitting for Rachael to be portrayed as being very happy when the article is addressing suicide concern.

Week 4 Bolg Post - Paramedics deliver baby zoomer generation

By Amy Corderoy. Published on The Sydney Morning Herald Website (Health) on August 3rd 2011.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/health/paramedics-deliver-baby-zoomer-generation-20110802-1i9y9.html

 

The article is a colour news story, including a descriptive first two paragraphs which reveals a true life event followed by factual information about unplanned home births. The exemplar story is woven throughout the article to add further human interest value. The story is also timely as the around 200 phone calls have been made to request paramedic assistance to potentially deliver babies since the 18th of July until today. The story is primarily aimed at family readers, in particular mothers. The use of the real life story adds to the impact of the article and enhances the relevance to the ‘parent audience’ who may have encountered such a predicament.

 

The story is also of concern to those who work in the health field. Such information regarding this increasing trend may prove beneficial to them. There were only two sources interviewed, including a paramedic and a spokesperson from the Australian College of Midwives. I believe the article could have been improved by conducting an interview with a senior paramedic to draw further information about the sort of midwife training they undertake, and perhaps also the inclusion of a quote of a personal experience.

The article includes statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Report. I though this added to the credibility of the story and gave appropriate backup to the theme of the article. The article finished with a description of symptoms of giving birth. This was appropriately added to the end of the article; following the funnel design of article writing – being the less important/relevant content. The picture taken is very appealing, showing a mother and her two children happily lying on cushions together. One of the children is the baby which is featured throughout the story, helping to further convey meaning and substance to the story.

Week 3 Blog Post - Pathologists urge earlier tests for prostate cancer

http://www.elliottmidnews.com.au/news/lifestyle/style/wellbeing/pathologists-urge-earlier-tests-for-prostate-cancer/2245056.aspx

The article entitled; Pathologists urge earlier tests for prostate cancer from the Sydney Morning Herald August 2nd by Amy Corderoy outlines the debate for and against a prostate specific antigen test and digital rectal examination for men 40 years and over. The hard news story is well balanced with no bias and includes an appropriate amount of ‘conflict’ from both sides of the argument; including opinions from five experts in the field of prostate health and public health who either agree or disagree with the prostate tests.

News values include, proximity as the story is relative to Australians and human interest regarding the wellbeing of a family man. The story includes a punchy and catchy beginning paragraph incorporating the; who, when, where and why’s of the story. In a more contextual sense, the Sydney Morning Herald has published six online articles regarding prostate cancer this year and seems to value the issues appropriateness to Australians as it is the most common cancer in Australian for men, and the second most common cause of cancer deaths in men. Also September is International Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, so there is additional value of timeliness for the publication of this article.

The visual photo used is extremely affective and is cleverly used to evoke an emotional reaction from readers. The visual of the father and his two sons laughing relates to a family demographic as well as those concerned for the welfare of others. I believe that the story used too much scientific terminology as well as medical termed acronyms, for example “PSA”. Also, a quote from the Professor of Public Health at Bond University states; “most people that get it [prostate cancer] don’t die from it.” However statistics on the Cancer Council website states otherwise. This conjures up credibility issues in regards to the source used. The article cleverly ties together a hard news story and a human interest story of a real life prostate cancer survivor. This is a clever way of attracting attention to the issue, and delivers the story in a way that the public can relate to. Overall I found it an interesting and educational story.