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About the Show
All people have some ability to manage their health and the health of those they care for. However, with the increasing complexity of health information and health care settings, most people need additional information and skills to meet their health needs. This is why health news reporting is important – broadcast, print and digital media sources are where most of us first hear about the latest research, interventions, devices, drugs, surgical techniques and risks. It can influence us to change our attitudes and behaviors, or give thought to issues we never knew much about.
HealthyPeople 2020 has identified the use of health communication strategies and health information technology as a way to positively impact health, health care and healthequity in the United States. They assert that, “disparities in access to health information, services, and technology can result in lower usage rates of preventative services, less knowledge of chronic disease management, higher rates of hospitalization, and poorer reported health status.” PBS39’s Health Check-Up is able to break down the barriers in access to health information because our viewership does not need a cable subscription to view our channel, we are a premiere source of unbiased news, and we actively seek to engage both rural and urban populations surrounding our station. No other organization has the capacity or expertise to create relevant content and disseminate this content through a variety of platforms, reaching over 7 million people.