How to Use a Poster as a Health Communication Tool

Health is an important topic that is a primary concern in business and academia. For example, employees who maintain healthy lifestyles feel better and are more productive. Many businesses realize the importance of health education and have established a quality wellness program. Employees regard a corporate concern of their health as an attribute of a quality work environment. Students of all ages benefit from learning about healthy practices. Posters provide an effective method for communicating health issues to students and workers. It is possible to start a quality health program using inexpensive or free visual aids.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Printer
• Paper, 8.5 x 11 inch or 11 x 17 inch
• Color markers

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Instructions

• 1

  Assess the goals of the health program. A good assessment should consider the audience level and the program goals. Communicating proper eating habits, such as the importance of fruits and vegetables, would be a good topic for elementary school children. High school students could learn about health as it relates to the maturing process. Factories could focus on work safety and a healthy lifestyle as they relate to eating and exercise.

• 2

  Locate high traffic areas for mounting health-related posters. Hallways, stairs and dining areas provide a good location where individuals could see the posters, placed at eye level.

• 3

  Select posters that meet established goals. There are a number of sources that provide free health-related posters. Posters do not need to be expensive to communicate health information to employees or students.

• 4

  Design posters that communicate health. PowerPoint and other presentation software are good tools for designing posters. Posters can be printed on any size paper (within the capability of the printer). Posters can be professionally printed, too, at an office supply store. The type font used for the poster should be large and easy to read from a four-foot distance.

• 5

  Involve students and employees in designing posters. It could be created as a fun activity or contest where each person designs a poster. This presents an opportunity to include each person's input. People appreciate that their contribution matters.