ICAA Heart Month support package
With so much publicity about the risks of cardiovascular disease during February, your prevention programs aimed at older adults are sure to touch their hearts. Lifestyle interventions are a primary means to both prevent and control cardiovascular diseases. Your messages that encourage physical activity and healthy eating are important contributors to health and well-being.
Use this ICAA support package to create your special outreach to older adults. There are links to resources for planning and executing a campaign to reach elders, lifestyle messages that lead to change, consumer education materials, free downloadable posters and materials for a Valentine's Day campaign.
Marketing tools
ICAA educational tools
Resources
Scientific publications
Useful websites
Here are a few tips to help you work with your local media:
- Determine your target audience. Find out which local media outlets reach that audience and would be most receptive to and interested in your story.
- Develop a list of contacts at local media outlets and keep it current. Include local religious organizations, hospitals, community service groups, and sports leagues. Let them know that you are available, what your role is, what kind of information you can provide, and how to contact you.
- Identify the procedures for getting event information into newspaper and calendar listings.
- Watch for national or local events related to your topic and use them to create a story with a local angle.
- Develop a newsworthy story idea! Make sure it is current and accurate and includes audience appeal. Here are some examples:
- Results for a state or local study
- Research grant your organization has received
- Special heart-related event or guest speaker
- Be prepared to speak with reporters and editors about your topic and all current events related to it. Be concise, accurate, and honest.
- Most important, be professional, friendly, and creative!
Source: The National Diabetes Education Program
866.335.9777 
