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American Heart Association Uses Humorous Cartoon to Educate on High Blood Pressure
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PrintHigh blood pressure is a silent, deadly, and frankly, unsexy disease. Millions of Americans have the condition, but few pay significant attention to the disease or are aware of its many risk factors. In an effort to attract renewed attention to high blood pressure, the American Heart Association launched a new educational initiative featuring a obnoxious cartoon character named Hiram "Hi" B. Presher.
According to a press release, the American Heart Association launched an interactive educational Website with the following components (HBP = high blood pressure):
- HBP Quiz: "Can You Escape the Silent Killer?"
- Blood Pressure Risk Calculator
- Heart Profilers: A decision support tool that "helps patients become more involved in
their own care by reviewing treatment options, possible side effects, success rates and questions to ask your
healthcare provider." - HBP E-newsletter
- H.B.P." Animation: An animated short film featuring Hi B. Presher
The campaign launched in November 2009, so it is too early to tell whether the campaign effectively reached people with high blood pressure and/or prompted them to change their behaviors.
- American Heart Association High Blood Pressure Website, http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=2114
- HBP Doesn't Wait for an Invitation, American Heart Association High Blood Pressure Campaign
- Campaign Facebook Page, http://www.facebook.com/HBPescapees
- Campaign Twitter Account, www.twitter.com/AmHeartHighBP
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