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Jennifer,

In 2011, the CDC put up a blog post called, “Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse,” which made the case that if you could protect yourself from the living dead, you could also survive a fire or earthquake.

Within minutes of its publication, the CDC’s website crashed as it went so viral. The post trended on Twitter worldwide. News organizations even covered it in the news. It became a case study for public communication because the CDC had tried a crazy approach, humor, to solving a serious problem: emergency preparedness.

This use of humor certainly raised awareness—at least about the campaign.

And here’s where the conversation gets interesting.

When Julia Fraustino, a strategic communication and public relations scholar at West Virginia University, studied whether it actually inspired anyone to take action, her research suggested a surprising finding.

Fraustino looked at whether a humorous - ENTERTAINING - campaign like the CDC’s could change behavior, so she designed a study to see whether campaigns that used humor to get people’s attention and increased awareness would also get them to act, which was really the all-important question.

Fraustino discovered what she called “a zombie dilemma.” In her research she found that people exposed to similarly humorous messages were less likely to get prepared than those who saw messages that weren’t funny. Fraustino speculated that was due to the very reason the campaign went so viral: comedy. She believes that the zombie messaging actually led people to take disaster preparedness less seriously. Hence the “zombie dilemma”: The very humor that made the campaign popular may also have diluted its effectiveness.

How does this story apply to taking care of ourselves?

It doesn’t matter how cool the information seems to be in the moment. It doesn't matter how funny or entertaining it is. What matters is …. will you take action on the information to take care of yourself!

Our bodies need care - no matter what health situation you're in - good health or in a health crisis.

We all are getting so much information from so many places.

Maybe it's YouTube videos, TicTocs you're saving, Recipes on Pinterest, health topics and POV reels on Instagram. We are surrounded by information - and much of it is entertaining or packaged as the newest, coolest thing. And so we save it and we add it to our Mount Everest of "new" information we should take action on or or new health tasks we should do. (For more on the blizzard of health tasks surrounding us and what to do about it, tune in to Episode 46). This comes at a cost.

Care, true care, requires taking action.

We have our own saved post pile. We're the first to admit it is easy to save information and much harder to make a plan to take action on it.

Simply saving or consuming content without a clear plan for action can lead to information overload and a sense of frustration at the lack of progress towards our health goals.

So let's make a pact, right here and now. Let's break the cycle of accumulating information without acting on it.

Let's acknowledge that while entertainment and knowledge are valuable, they're only as good as the actions - and changes - they inspire.

The CDC's humorous approach to emergency preparedness taught us a valuable lesson: sometimes, humor and entertainment can inadvertently detract from the seriousness of a message. And our health is serious!

We must recognize that the allure of entertainment or the promise of novelty can distract us from the true purpose of information—to empower us to take meaningful action to take care of ourselves. So, we implore you, don't just save those videos, recipes, or health tips for later consumption. Instead, take a moment to reflect on how you can integrate them into your life to improve your well-being.

By asking three powerful questions about the new information you encounter, you'll be able to determine its relevance, feasibility, and potential impact on your health journey.

RELEVANCE:

1. Is this information directly relevant to my current health goals or challenges?

- Does it address a specific need or concern I have regarding my well-being?

FEASIBILITY:

2. Can I realistically integrate this information into my daily life.

- Do I have the necessary resources (time, energy, access) to implement the recommendations or strategies suggested?

IMPACT:

3. What potential benefits do I expect to gain from applying this information?

- How likely is it that taking action based on this information will lead to meaningful improvements in my health and well-being, tackling a primary health issue?

This week, let's challenge ourselves to do more than just accumulate knowledge. Let's ask the three questions and then craft tangible plans for action, turning information into transformation. Let's break free from the cycle of information overload and the subtle sense of failure it can bring. Together, let's prioritize our health by prioritizing action. Are you with us?

Taking action is what changes everything.

Be well,

Heather & Jennifer

P.S. – As always, we are here to help you take care of yourself in a new way, so hit reply if you have any questions! Or leave us a voicemail 😊

What to Make This Week:

Seasonal, High-Protein, Nutrient-Dense Recipes for a nourishing week!

Seasonal favorites included in this week's recipes: radishes and strawberries!

As we dive into another week, let's explore the delightful flavors of spring with a lineup of recipes featuring two seasonal gems: radishes and strawberries. These vibrant and nutritious ingredients not only add the red color to our plates but also offer a plethora of health benefits. Learn more of the benefits inside the recipe packet!

Note: Shopping list included!

Are there any recipes you'd like to see more of? 

What to Read This Week

Natural Solutions for Joint Pain: 17 Scientifically-Backed Ways to Soothe Inflammation and Restore Mobility

Joint pain and inflammation are common conditions that can affect people of all ages. I see it in my practice all the time. Joint pain can occur due to a variety of reasons, including injury, aging, or underlying medical conditions. But I also see chronic inflammation driving joint pain. While inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection, chronic inflammation can cause pain and damage to joints over time.

Most of my clients have used conventional treatments for joint pain and inflammation, often involve the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other medications, but these come with their own side effects. Everyone is unique as to what will make the biggest differences, however, these are effective natural treatments I use to reduce joint pain and inflammation and some of the research behind them. You can explore them to see which might be a good fit for you to bring up with your care team.

JOINT PAIN AND INFLAMMATION: EFFECTIVE NATURAL TREATMENTS

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, flaxseed, and walnuts, have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. (1) Another study published in the journal Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids found that consuming fish oil, which is high in omega-3s, reduced the production of inflammatory markers in the body. (2)

TURMERIC

A review of several studies published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that turmeric, a spice commonly used in Indian cuisine, was effective in reducing pain and inflammation in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). (3)

What To Listen To This Week

New Episodes and What You May Have Missed

We are so excited about this week's podcast releases. Yes! Plural! We are dropping a two-part episode on Tuesday and Thursday with Vinny Crispino, the founder of Pain Academy. It's an honest, inspiring conversation we can't wait for you to hear. It will change everything about how you think about pain.

Make sure you are subscribed to get the episodes. 

#51: The Importance of Protein for Fat Loss, Preventing Muscle Loss, and Pro-Aging

We cover protein's essential functions, the importance of adequate intake for various lifestyles, and clear up misinformation regarding high-protein diets. Tune in and learn the impact of protein on muscle building, fat loss, and the some of the differences between animal and plant-based protein sources. You'll be armed with actionable tips and strategies for incorporating more protein into your diet.

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What to Explore This Week

Things we're loving for Spring & you might too!

Share the Goodness with a Friend!

If you found the content of this email helpful and valuable, why not spread the love? 💙 Share it with a friend or loved one who you think could benefit from the same insights and information. Together, we can make a positive impact and support each other on our journey changing the way we take care of ourselves and making meaningful change.