Healthfinder.org Resources Which E-Card Category Did You

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Which e-card category did you choose? For example, Great American Smokeout, etc.

The card chosen for this analysis was from the Holiday Celebrations category, titled Holiday Stress?! The content of the card was oriented towards tips on how to overcome the feeling of being overwhelmed in the middle of the holiday season. The three bullets on the first page mentioned taking a few slow, deep breaths, taking a hot shower or bath, or going for a walk with a friend.

Describe the card. Does it catch your eye because of color, message, graphics?

The front of the care explodes with red and white colors and is very attractive and speaks directly to a person who feels they have stress in their lives. It is well-down from a graphics standpoint. The image of the coffee cup in the interior exudes warmth and calm, and invites the reader to slow down and read the card.

What is the main message inside the card?

The totality of the card says it is OK to slow down and enjoy catching your breath when you need to. The card implies it is also perfectly fine for a person to be content with just being -- not having to be all things to all people all the time. Holidays, from personal observation, are packed with expectations and no shortage of emotional baggage from years of sub-optimal relationships. Often when families get together all of these factors collide together and create an amazingly tense and potentially conflict-laden situation. The pamphlet or e-card tells the reader to disengage and get on with their life from a deeper meaning standpoint, not just react to every nuance or concern over time. It is very effective from a communications standpoint.

4. Do you think it would be effective? If so, for what audience? Who might you send it to?

Yes, the card would be very effective for anyone who is stressed out from the holidays. It would be ideal for women who are often the "glue" that hold these events together. Mothers, grandmothers and new brides would especially be good to get this. As the expectations on them to make everything "perfect" whatever that is for everyone involved, can and often is overwhelming.

5. Which of the 3 strategies for promoting health does it address?

To get perspective and distance on the challenges and conflict-laden aspects of situations like the holidays, when relatives often gather and tension goes sky high. The stress of trying to meet or exceed everyone's expectations can be daunting. This e-card tells the reader that it is OK to let that stress go.

6. How can health educators help assure the messages that health professionals convey to consumers are appropriate? Think about that in terms of health promotion settings and strategies discussed in this module.