Health & Media: A Recipe for Disaster?

Maplewood and South Orange health and media professionals conducted an experiment this week at the Orange Lawn Tennis Club. On Thursday, May 14, members of the Health & Wellness Professional Network (HWPN) met with members of Professionals In Media (PIM) to see how health professionals and the media can work together.

The discussion was moderated by HWPN Founder Risa Olinksky and PIM leaders Jackie Herships and author/journalist, Michele Hollow. Termed an experiment by co-organizer Jackie Herships, the talk had the two groups trying to work out a common language.

“As a wellness coach, my clients are believing everything they see, read or hear,” said Olinsky. “I constantly hear ‘they said.’ Who are they?” she asked.

She stressed that people need to find out the source of what they are reading. “Do your research and find out who wrote the article,” she said. “What studies are they citing?”

Ellen Goldman, a Certified Wellness Coach and Certified Personal Trainer, said that with so much material out there, consumers are getting confused.

“My clients feel overwhelmed with the amount of information that is presented and then the information changes rapidly. One day they are told they should work out 3 days a week and the next they are told they need daily exercise,’ said Goldman. “The media really need to make sure they are employing professionals,” urged Goldman.

Another asked that the writers relay the information in layman’s terms, so the average person could understand what they were reading.

One challenge that the group discussed was finding media venues that are willing to publish information on alternative medicine. Maidenberg,  the founder and owner of Mindful Living, said the topics can seem “kooky and weird” to some.

“You need to have scientific evidence to back your claims,” said Michele Hollow. “It also helps if you have written a book.” Jodi Godfrey, MS, RD who is a health and medical writer and editor agreed. “Testimonials are a dime a dozen. We need clinical studies.”

Even though the group did not come reach conclusions, all agreed it was a wonderful meeting. Olinksky and Herships thanked all the members for attending the discussion. “This is why we are here,’ said Olinsky. “We are helping the community and we are making connections.”

For more information on the Health & Wellness Professional Network, check out their site. For more information on Professionals In Media, contact Jackie Herships at Jacqueline@jacquelineherships.com or Michele Hollow at mchollow@verizon.net