New Media Expo: Using Social Media Methods for Health Changing Conversations

By Crystal Petrello

Las Vegas Informer

Wellness professionals from aromatherapists to dietitians strive to help others succeed in their health goals. These goals cannot be attained without behavior change. Very few can succeed on a diet unless the healthier choices become integrated into their lifestyle. Many health practitioners utilize a specific communication tool to encourage change in the client. That tool is the Stage of (Behavior) Change Model.

The recent New Media Expo (NMX) was a reminder that the purpose of social media is to create a conversation. Since the goal of the Behavior Change communication tool is to motivate a client to positive health behaviors, a wellness professional can utilize social media methods to create these health changing conversations.

Gadgets showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and the software seen at NMX can help as additional tools to create and maintain these conversations. Smartphones and tablets provide a world of tools at our fingertips such as Twitter, private Facebook pages, podcasts, blogs, YouTube, Pinterest and email lists serves to name a few.

Some of the benefits of using social media tools as a practitioner are that they are inexpensive, they can utilize our time more efficiently and effectively, and we can make more of an impact by reaching a larger population at the press of a button. Listed below are some of the programs that were highlighted at NMX that can help get your message heard and ultimately create conversations! Remember, social media is about DIALOGUE, not monologue.

New Products

Twyxt

TicTalking

Blog

WordPress

Jetpack

overblog

Podcast

Libsyn

Auphonic

Audicity

Social Media Management and/or Marketing

Raven

UberVU

Sysomos

blogfrog

SocialRadius

Infographics

Avalaunch

Lemonly

Crystal Petrello

Crystal Petrello, MS, RD, completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Dietetics and internship program at The Ohio State University. She served in the Air National Guard while completing her Bachelor’s degree. She earned her Master’s Degree in Community Nutrition and Health at Ohio University where she conducted research in the associations with fruit and vegetable consumption, perception of health and food security.

Crystal is the Physicians’ Committee for Responsible Medicine’s spokesperson for Las Vegas and the Nevada Dietetic Association. She co-authored, But I’m Hungry, a book about the body’s response to hunger and how to lose weight without depriving yourself.  Crystal blogs about health and wellness in Las Vegas at Vegas Vitality Nutrition. She owns Crystal Clear Wellness and Nutrition (www.CrystalClearNutrition.com) a private consulting firm specializing in helping small businesses with wellness programs, private dietary consultations, nutrition evaluation of recipes and menus, and product development. 

With her love for the community and passion for food security, Crystal volunteers her time at Las Vegas Rescue Mission. Crystal has created a training and menu guidance system.  The system has assisted volunteers and residents offer optimal nutrition in an ever changing food pantry supply.