Water is a limited resource that is continuously stretched to meet increasing global demand. The water we consume today is the same water that we will have in 2050. Taking control of the situation becomes something vital. Nowadays every little action towards water protection and conservation adds up to a common goal: assure water for future generations.

Mexico is among nations that are facing a rapidly diminishing supply of fresh water. According to Juan Javier Carrillo, member of the Water Net (Red del Agua) from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), in 2050 Mexico will have less than one-third the amount of fresh water per capita that it has today. As healthcare public relations professionals, we have the responsibility to increase the public’s awareness and understanding of some of the key health issues they face today. Conservation and protection of water and its relationship to public health are examples of these key issues.

At PRP we handle strategic communications for Rotoplas, a Mexican company that provides integrated solutions in storage, handling and improvement of water in order to prioritize water conservation. Together via editorials and other communications tactics, we emphasize the role of education in boosting awareness of water management issues, as well as health benefits of drinking water.

For example:

Raising awareness of the importance of drinking safe water…

1. Prevents gastrointestinal diseases.
2. Prevents dehydration.
3. Helps digestion and prevents constipation.
4. Helps prevent diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and kidney issues.

Tips for safe water consumption…

1. Drink at least two liters of water daily.
2. Have purified water available at all times – at home or office.
3. For children, always select beverages without carbonation or sugar, as this helps prevent childhood obesity.

In order to maximize the positioning of the key messages we make sure to include, in every targeted media communication, useful tips or ideas that help our audience make little changes for water conservation.

Raising awareness of water protection and conservation…

1. Avoid wasting water by constantly reviewing your home and office pipes in order to detect on time possible pipe leaks.
2. Take short showers.
3. Do not dump oil or other substances down the drain.
4. Use a glass of water while brushing your teeth.
5. Use recycled water to clean the house or for plants and gardens.
6. Use a low-water washing machine.
7. Do not defrost fruit, vegetables or meat in water.

So, what are you doing to improve your health and preserve our planet?

Reference:

1.Corcoran, E., C. Nellemann, E. Baker, R. Bos, D. Osborn, H. Savelli (eds). Sick Water? The central role of wastewater management in sustainable development. A Rapid Response Assessment. United Nations Environment Programme, 2010., UN-HABITAT, GRID. www.grida.no  ISBN: 978-82-7701-075-5

The post Bridging Conservation, Public Health and Industry Through Communication appeared first on GLOBALHealthPR.

Pink ball being used in a Mexican League game last month

Throughout the month of October, countries around the world joined together to raise awareness about the importance of routine screening and early diagnosis for breast cancer.

In Mexico, the PR Partners team led an awareness campaign called “Pink Victory” that successfully reached a sizeable percentage of the population.  The campaign was spurred by a joint effort between Pfizer, the Mexican Soccer Federation and Voit. The campaign consisted of all Mexican Soccer League games playing with a pink soccer ball. Additionally, in some cities, there were information booths and the opportunity to perform mammograms outside the stadium.

Since 1980, the mortality rate due to breast cancer has been on the rise in Mexico, surpassing that of cervical cancer deaths. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women from 30 to 54 years old, and the leading cause of cancer deaths in women in general.¹

Rapid urbanization combined with changes in reproductive behavior and life styles² have resulted in the tendency for women to postpone the onset of motherhood, lower birth rates and decreased willingness to breastfeed. These tendencies, along with sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and poor nutrition, increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

Reducing risk factors and promoting early detection play an important role in controlling the disease and decreasing breast cancer’s mortality rate. There are three habits that could really make a huge difference:  self-examination, clinical examination and mammography.

Dr. Sandhya Pruthi, principal investigator at Mayo Clinic, recommends that women whose relatives were diagnosed with breast cancer have annual mammograms 10 years before the age that their relative was diagnosed. For instance, if the mother was diagnosed at 48 years old, the daughter should start at 38. She recommends that all women, even those without a family history of breast cancer, schedule their first mammogram by the time they turn forty.

The primary aim of our campaign is to educate women on the importance of these practices so that they become a habit in every Mexican woman’s life. The fight against breast cancer must be a permanent one, and must involve the cooperation of authorities, NGO’s, the medical community and media. PR Partners is proud to play a part in this collaboration.

References:

1. Dr. Gabriela Torres, Dr. Angelica Angeles, Dr. Eduardo Lazcano, Editorial. Breast cancer prevention culture population and professionalization of its detection and control. Public Health of Mexico Vol 53, no. 5, September-October 2011
2.  Julio Frenk, Editorial. Awareness, early detection and fighting prejudice. Key in the fight against breast cancer. Public Health of Mexico Vol 51, Supplement 2, 2009.

The post Mexico Sports Pink in October to Support Breast Cancer Awareness appeared first on GLOBALHealthPR.