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Health Literacy: TAKE ACTION PACK

Published on September 15, 2008

Twelve Months, Twelve Films, Twelve Issues.

Here at MediaRights.org and the Media That Matters Film Festival, we decided to crew up and give you a fresh, focused, all-in-one package of brand new short films, background information, resources, tips and activities on each of the topics covered in the eighth annual Media That Matters Film Festival.

The mission of the festival is to take the concept of “audience” a step further and use short-form, big issue media as a tool to educate and inspire activism.

This month’s theme focuses on the importance of access to proper health and health communication for everyone. Check out Diana, a film focusing on young women dealing with HIV, and read on to find out more ways to take action in your community.

The Issue

Over the years, discussions of health and wellness have shifted with the political tides. Changes in what is acceptable to talk about, the availability of services and medications, and the development of new treatments often turns previous information into misinformation. Issues such as safe sex, diabetes, caring for the elderly and cancer move to the forefront of public consciousness at varying times and for various reasons. Access to proper information can be confusing and frustrating! Health Literacy Month, celebrated each October, is a time especially dedicated to promoting the importance of understandable health information, when health literacy advocates around the world call attention to health education subjects that are often avoided or miscommunicated.

According to the Global Fund, an estimated 10.3 million young people ages 15-24 are living with HIV/AIDS. Half of all new HIV infections - almost 6,000 infections per day - occur among young people. AIDS not only affects the individual, but entire societies and economies in countries that lack the resources to educate new generations to fight this epidemic. Cultural and religious differences make sensitive issues such as AIDS and HIV difficult topics to discuss. It is important for educators, community leaders and parents to provide an environment where young people feel comfortable and safe to talk about their health concerns. Being able to get honest answers without embarrassment can help dispel taboos that contribute to ignorance and prevent people from getting the health information that they need.

The Film

Diana

In this year’s eighth annual Media That Matters Film Festival, Diana - the winner of the Empowerment Award - discusses the issue of HIV and AIDS. Diana is a young mother of two, a powerful advocate and activist, a sister, friend and fighter for people’s rights. Her story is one of many in a world where HIV has been a reality for most of her life. She urges people to not be ashamed of who they are and stresses the importance of an open dialogue about illnesses such as HIV. Diana is an inspiration to anyone living with HIV or AIDS, and a role model for those who aspire to be strong advocates for health and sex education.

Remember, you can always order a curated DVD by emailing us at festival@artsengine.net, or hold out for our eighth annual Media That Matters collection featuring Diana and an exclusive interview with the filmmaker ...... PLUS watch out for our Discussion Guide that will be released this fall!

The Action!

Educators

Use media such as Diana and other short films focused on HEALTH - in your classroom, after-school group or community organization as a means of opening up dialogue about these pressing issues. The more comfortable and familiar people are with talking, the more comfortable they will be to get involved with each issue.
Get acquainted with the latest in disease prevention and how different diseases and wellness activities affect different people at thebody.com. This site lists topics ranging from disease prevention to treatment and encourages activism at the ground level.
Learn techniques on teaching health literacy in an engaging way with the El Paso Collaborative Health Literacy curriculum.
Take action at the school level and find ways to improve your school’s health education curriculum to today’s standards. Check out TeachingSexualHealth.ca for lesson plans and activities in the classroom and improve everyone’s health awareness.

Youth Activists

Are you a leader in your community but have questions that are still unanswered? Check out Columbia University’s Go Ask Alice website, which features questions asked by young people ranging from topics of safe sex to pregnancy to sexually transmitted diseases. Help others who share the same questions and concerns by posting to their forum and learning from what others have posted.
Check out Advocates for Youth and follow other youth perspectives on the global movement of AIDS prevention and education. Jump into the Youth Lounge and find resources on health and well-being that speaks to you.
Inspired to share your story? Start a blog that brings together other youth affected by similar health issues. Respect others opinions but know the power of sharing your story just like Diana, rather than keeping quiet in silence.
Want to be an advocate for safe sex? Start by visiting the STD awareness website to find places and get tested yourself. You can also find resources and pamphlets to share with your peers to help promote safe sex and health education.

Family activities

Finding it difficult to talk with your family about certain health issues? Learn all the facts first and check out the latest reports and literature at Health.gov.
Keep it fun and engaging by including facts and activities when talking about the importance of health education in the family. Download this Health Education Guide and keep the lines of communication open in the family.

Other ways to get involved

Organize an AIDS walk and/or find out what walks are going on around your area.

In Conclusion

We hope that these resources will supplement your use of film in the classroom. Beyond Media That Matters, we invite you to search around MediaRights to find others films, organizations and to read articles about other important health literacy issues.

Good luck, and let us know what you are doing to encourage health literacy! Publish an announcement on MediaRights to encourage others to join you, or send us an email!

This article is available for noncommercial use under a Creative Commons license. It was originally published on MediaRights.org, a project of Arts Engine, Inc. This notice must accompany the article at all times.