ABSTRACT
Health-related messages are in every kind of media one might use in a typical day. The breakfast cereal is advertised as “heart-healthy,” the margarine and toast “trans-fat free.” The morning newspaper contains stories about the latest medical research, presidential candidates’ health care reform proposals, and the nationwide obesity epidemic. The songs on the radio include explicit, even degrading sexual lyrics. Magazines offer weight loss advice, images of physical ideals and advertising for alcohol, cigarettes, and numerous health-related products. In Fall 2007, the evening TV lineup included ABC’s “Fat March,” a reality show featuring 12 obese individuals attempting to walk 575 miles in 10 weeks; “Nip/Tuck,” an FX Networks drama about plastic surgeons; and Fox’s “House, M.D.,” about an antisocial medical genius who always succeeds in pinpointing his patients’ mysterious illnesses. And almost anything about health can be found on the Internet-medical advice, support groups, health blogs, and even the opportunity to purchase prescription or non-prescription drugs.
