Television as a Source of Health Information - Essay Example

Television as a source of health information Man has come a long way in the process of inventing and introducing new forms of technology. Ever sincethe start of the industrial age, the pace of innovation has been very fast. Amidst all the things that have been invented, arguably nothing has had a greater impact on the society than television. Television has revolutionized the society in countless ways. It has made people challenge the values, trends, beliefs, and traditions they have held for centuries in the most humble and decent way.

Alongside, television has combined the power of audio with visual images to have a magnanimous impact on the masses at large. For all these reasons, television is a good source of health information.There has been a remarkable reduction in diseases and an overarching improvement in the living standards of people all over the world in general and in the advanced countries in particular ever since the introduction of television in the society. “Among the nations that receive the greatest amounts of international assistance in health, education, child rights, ecology and the environment, many now contain 20 to 40 million or more individuals who regularly see TV” (Palmer).

Television has helped raise awareness about behaviors and practices that are unhygienic. The programs, television shows, and documentaries shown on television not only educate people on the factors causing diseases, but also create awareness about the measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of contracting diseases. Television has promoted health information on a variety of levels. People are educated not only through shows and documentaries, but also the ads supporting those shows create a wealth of information for the audience.

Even a milk ad starts with how bones need calcium, how bones lose strength with age, and what nutrients are essential for the bones to maintain their density and strength as one ages. Then the ad suggests the consumption of milk of a certain brand because it contains those essential minerals and nutrients that bones need. Many ads also refer to reliable research results in an attempt to support their claims. Some of the best sources of health information are exercise and yoga practices that are described in the television shows.

People can follow the trainers without having to pay them or leave their homes to join a training center. This makes it very convenient as well as cost-effective for them to do exercise daily. Such shows have a huge impact on the audiences’ perceptions of health and fitness because they can see real models that have changed their physique and improved their health by doing those exercises. Government and healthcare industry uses television fundamentally as a medium to promote health information.

People are educated on new vaccines, new discoveries about treatment of diseases that have been considered untreatable for a long time, and where they can get those treatments through television. Many programs share details with the audience to provide them with an opportunity to give charity to healthcare organizations. People, motivated by the shows, openly contribute to the healthcare of the society in general and the underprivileged in particular. Works Cited:Palmer, Ed. “Television for Learning: Our Foremost Tool in the 21st Century.” N.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2014. .