But honestly, most people who have spent a night lying on the bathroom floor don’t need to be reminded of how awful it was. And despite that, it’s pretty rare to find someone who has only suffered a single hangover in their life – we just keep making the same bad decisions over and over again.

That’s why we are oddly drawn to another recent anti-drinking campaign – a smartphone app called Drinking Mirror that lets you visualize the long-term effects of drinking on your LOOKS. Ack.

Maybe this doesn’t have quite the withering effect on men as it does for women, but the idea of watching your own face morph until you’re guaranteed to never get carded again is enough for us to take pause before ordering that second cocktail.

Aside from its intense appeal to vanity, this app also has the benefit of being something you can whip out at any time – in the bar, at a party – as a real-time reminder of the damage you’re about to do to your future self. And of course, compare your journey to hag-dom to your friends’ progress.

But let’s think about it…even more interesting (and more inspiring) might be a visualization of how much BETTER we’d look if we made smarter decisions about our health – like how we might look 30 pounds lighter, or without the smoking habit, or if our skin had the healthy glow associated with well-controlled diabetes.

So here’s a proposal: the next time you’re tempted to make a not-so-great health decision, whip out a mirror – a real mirror – take a look at that beautiful self you see today, wink… and promise to do whatever you can to keep on loving what you see.

But despite all that, the stats we’ve seen suggest that fewer than half of American adults are registered organ donors.

There are some great campaigns out there aimed at increasing this rate. Some pull at the heartstrings by featuring people who are desperate for a transplant, some rely on statistics, and some – like this billboard recently spotted in a NYC subway station – offer riders a guilt trip with their train fare.

It’s hard to argue with the fact that waiting for a transplant can literally be a killer, and that any one of us generally healthy folks waiting on the platform has a chance to save someone’s life. But we have to wonder, as we stifle our gag reflex, is this morbid message really the most effective way to convince someone to register as an organ donor?

We like how this message pokes fun at New Yorkers’ reputation for being antsy. What if we took that in a lighter direction by acknowledging their generosity when it comes to, say, flipping off strangers?

Or maybe tap the city’s red-velvet rope vibe by suggesting that every one of us can be a celebrity of sorts, long remembered for our good deeds?

Of course, for a real game-changing approach, there’s always the case study in behavior economics showing that in countries where the organ donor form at the DMV is positioned as an “opt-out” (as opposed to the “opt-in” approach used in the US), the vast majority of people simply accept the default and end up becoming donors.

Until we have such systematic change in place, though, we applaud the work of organizations like the New York Organ Donor Network for advancing the conversation around organ donation, and for making it easier for people to register and subsequently save lives.

We just wish it wouldn’t take images of toe tags to inspire action.

According to their product page, Help is committed to using less drugs (focusing instead on using a single active ingredient), less dyes, and less confusion.  It’s this direct problem/solution approach that’s so appealing to us. You’re hurt? Try this. No white coats, no wild stallions, no BS.

For some of their healthcare products, like bandages, Help has upped the ante by including a marrow registry kit to people who have accidentally cut themselves – just swab the cut and send it back in the envelope provided.

Pretty smart way to take hold of a teachable moment to drive an altruistic health behavior that most of us wouldn’t otherwise take the time to do.

They also offer a healthy dose of outrageousness when it comes to addressing ills that drug companies have long promised to cure – including those insecurities we just can’t seem to kick. We dare you to click on the “help, I’m horny” link  (don’t worry, it’s PG-13).

The punch line to this approach, the way we see it, is that often it’s simply the stuff of daily life that can help us out when we need it the most – whether in the form of a laugh, a friend, or a movement that’s bigger than any one of us alone.

And if you still have a headache after all that, well, there’s a fairly simple solution to that, too.

Despite the controversy over whether or not the screening is even valuable (which, based on our belief in pointing out the blue elephant in the corner, we’d recommend owning upfront in our own communications), we’ve been seeing some great exceptions to the “how we talk about prostate cancer” rule lately.

For example, the folks at the Prostate Cancer Foundation are taking advantage of the snickering that’s already inherent in this awkward situation. They’re using humor to break through the noise and encourage men to get checked.

One approach – “The Prostrate Czech” video – has gone viral and perfectly captures the reluctance that so many men have around the screening, based on how it’s been “sold” to them over the years.

There are other examples of healthcare communications around prostate cancer that use humor to appeal to different segments of the target population – some with a higher gross-out factor than others.

Humor also introduces other common-yet-uncomfortable-to-think-about screenings, like this promotional piece for suicide prevention for men that starts out as good as any good comedy skit.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – there’s nothing funny about a scary health issue like cancer or clinical depression.

Organizations like the Prostate Cancer Foundation do a great job of providing solid information for people at every stage, from prevention to treatment and beyond.

But when it comes to that initial effort of breaking through the noise, those of us in health promotion could take a hint from the bro in the corner.

Fact is, sometimes we need to have a good laugh at something before we can take it seriously.

Meanwhile, another international comparison caught our attention – the way one weight loss company leverages cultural norms to keep people engaged in a diet plan. Surely there are cross cultural insights we might gain and apply in our national fight against obesity.

This recent article profiles how Jenny Craig operates in the U.S. compared to its operations in France. Each approach in diet plan design and marketing is carefully developed to speak to the traditions our respective cultures hold dear, for right or wrong.

For example, the American version of the diet plan emphasizes generous portion sizes, the promise of freedom in meal plans, and low-cal versions of sinful American favorites. It’s all positioned in a way suggesting that participants hardly need to change their lifestyle and eating habits at all – you can still eat what you want, when you want it, and you’ll nevertheless shed those extra pounds. There’s even that sweet sensation of getting away with something – after all, how could it be possible to have a chocolate bar on a diet plan?

On the other hand, the French version of the diet plan works hard to respect elements of their culinary traditions, such as holding sacred the idea of a communal meal and a suspicion of random snacking. There’s no chocolate and peanut butter “Anytime Bar” on the Jenny Craig menu in Paris.

So what could we Americans in pursuit of maintaining a healthy weight learn from the French Jenny Craig approach? We love the concept of social reinforcement of healthy dining habits, which make pig-out sessions seem embarrassing. We also like the idea of enforcing eating as an event rather than something you do on your way to someplace or something else. Plus there are the little things like making the meal packaging feel classy and presentable, making this move towards a healthier diet fit into our otherwise style-conscious lives. And perhaps one of the best ideas we’d like to see cribbed from France is this slogan from Weight Watchers France: “Stop the diets. Relearn how to eat.” Sage wisdom no matter which side of the Atlantic you’re on.

What might the French learn from the American approach, now that Jennie Craig and other American weight loss exports have found a market there? For one, they’re proving that systems can become part of a person’s lifestyle and force good habits to take root.

The American approach also offers a sense of optimism and a plucky “can-do” attitude, making dieting seem like a way to wrangle a sense of control over a busy, demanding lifestyle that is often to blame for those extra pounds. Oh, and we can’t help but point out a minor detail in this article that has huge health implications – the French still out-smoke Americans by a significant margin.

These are all ideas worth chewing over, especially for those of us in the business of encouraging people to make tough changes to one of the most fundamental parts of our respective cultures – the way we eat.

Bon appetite!

While BJ has practically made his own religion out of the concept of tiny habits – meaning that baby steps rather than big leaps are the key to successful interventions – we thought it might be interesting to flip that concept on its head and think about the power of religion to drive habits.

After all, we do things like check our text messages or apply eye cream or follow our favorite teams “religiously” – could just invoking this sense of doing something faithfully make us more likely to actually follow through on things that we might not otherwise do?

Science says yes. According to recently published research in Psychological Science, people are better able to resist their desires when thinking about God. That notion of “giving it up” for something that is bigger than ourselves can have the same impact, even for those who self-identify as atheists.

Part of it is about not getting caught and punished, no doubt. But part of it may also be about keeping true to an internal moral compass – and about keeping the promises we make to ourselves and to our loved ones. That’s the driver behind the concept of the pledge to drive healthier behaviors – when people have made a public commitment to do something, like get a recommended colorectal cancer screening, they are more likely to follow through on their actions.

Of course, there’s plenty of research out there that shows that having a sense of spirituality acts as a buffer to the things that drag down health and productivity. Plus there is plenty of research that’s been done to try to explain why people with a religious bent often have better health than those who don’t (theories range from the physical act of getting out of the house for services to a enjoying a healthy social network – no word on the power of the potluck dinner).

We’re not suggesting that religion is the answer, but there are certain mindful activities that can help curb the often careless, sometimes reckless behaviors that can have a negative effect on our health and wellbeing. Simple gestures, like quietly counting to 10 before blowing your top in anger, or dropping a few coins in the swear jar as needed, or just being grateful for what we have instead of overindulging may have a big impact.

And while you’re at it, it wouldn’t hurt to put in a divine request for a sunny weekend (and maybe a better a*s).

From the reveille bugle call to a slobbering dog jumping on the bed to the birdies singing outside to…a pre-recorded message that says “thank you for calling our hotel; an operator will be with you shortly”?!?

That last example isn’t an exaggeration.

Being on the road can be pretty stressful, and it sure doesn’t help to start the day with something so cold and uninspiring ….even aggravating. It got us thinking about ways to do this better – especially since so many of us in the healthcare industry understand the value of a good night’s sleep (check out this post-daylight savings time report on the perils of a messed-up sleep schedule).

That’s to say nothing of the value of a good mood and positive attitude on health and wellbeing.

So what are some ways we could re-imagine a wake-up call that really gets you going in a good way? For some, it might be a rousing snippet of a cool single from a local musician. Or a hearty round of applause. For others, it may be a saucy voice hinting at the great things that await you today.

“Hey, time to get up — the whole world is hot for you.”

“Ever wondered what it’s like to make scores of beautiful people swoon over you? Today just might be the day you find out.”

“I just can’t wait to get you OUT of bed.”

Whatever the approach, the wakeup call is a loaded moment in the customer experience that can either leave you feeling worse, or SO MUCH BETTER, all day long.

We know from our health outreach that simply adding an unexpected touch of joy to someone’s day lifts the outcome – whether it’s higher clinical measures or brand building. In short, it’s a low-cost, high impact way to change a mood, a day, or even a life – for the better.

Rise and shine!

Maybe you’re really into solving tough equations. Or making up parodies of top 40 hits. Whatever it is, we’re willing to bet that even the most banal of us get off on something more than just “snacking.” But by wrapping this napkin around your poor excuse for a meal, you’ve announced to the world that you and your buttery chin are in your natural habitat. This is what you do.

Think about it – what amazing things about yourself would you want to tell the world? What would you want the other people sharing this little corner of the earth to share with you? What can we say to make a connection and really bring out the best in each other?

And if you insist about announcing your guilty pleasures, that issue of Star magazine poking out of your bag has you covered.

The good news is that getting the flu shot seems easier than ever now – no more waiting in line in crowded auditoriums for hours only to find out they ran out of the vaccination ten people before you. In fact, drugstores, public libraries, and health clinics all seem to be advertising the availability of the flu shot this year.

It’s just that some of the come-ons are serious turn-offs. For example, we’d guess that a huge hypodermic needle is typically something most folks would run away from, not towards.

No doubt, there’s still a need for education around the topic – there’s no harm in being reminded to wash our hands frequently, or to stay scarce if we start feeling fluish. In fact, there’s still some confusion about the shot itself – a recent public opinion survey found that 46% of respondents think the flu shot can cause the flu…and 49% of respondents said they’re concerned about flu vaccine safety.

So how to effectively persuade folks who are on the fence (or even vehemently opposed) that the flu shot is a good idea? There are plenty of fear-based approaches, and those may have their merit if you’re a fan of anthropomorphic germs.

But one thing that we’ve learned about Americans in particular is that once we have our grip on something (whether love, money, or fame), we don’t like it taken away from us.

Which brings us to our re-imagined public service announcement – displaying a luscious activity that anyone who already has access to wouldn’t likely want to lose. Give up this kind of romance for the inconvenience of filling out an insurance form?

Sorry sweetheart, not this season.

Seems almost more fitting than usual this year, the year of making change happen. 2011 gave us the Arab Spring, people on the ground using social media to organize a real political revolution. And now, love it or hate it – it’s the Occupy Wall Street movement that’s got people talking.

Smart people (like our good friend Susannah Fox) have made the point that unlike those political and economic movements, our mission isn’t an issue we need to raise our fists about – it’s an issue we have the luxury of being able to hold hands about.

It’s a mission that’s driven by all the personal stories we’ve heard of people who’ve seen their loved ones suffer unnecessarily at the end of their lives.

It’s driven by that ripping-off-the-band-aid feeling of relief you get when you’ve finally broached the subject of end of life wishes with your family, free from the burden of just not knowing what they’d want for themselves, and knowing you could advocate for these wishes if your loved one weren’t able to speak up for themselves.

And it’s driven by knowing that this is a conversation that needs to happen early, and often. One of the greatest gifts you can give the ones you love is making sure you’re all on the same page. In the words of the amazing Atul Gawande, you only die once! Die the way you want. Make sure your loved ones get that same gift. And there is a way to engage in this topic with grace!

Here are the five questions, read them, consider them, answer them (you can securely save your answers on the Engage with Grace site), share your answers with your loved ones. It doesn’t matter what your answers are, it just matters that you know them for yourself, and for your loved ones. And they for you.

We all know the power of a group that decides to assemble. In fact, we recently spent an amazing couple of days with the members of the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care, or C-TAC, working together to channel so much of the extraordinary work that organizations are already doing to improve the quality of care for our country’s sickest and most vulnerable.

Noted journalist Eleanor Clift gave an amazing talk, finding a way to weave humor and joy into her telling of the story she shared in this Health Affairs article. She elegantly sums up (as only she can) the reason that we have this blog rally every year:

“For too many physicians, that conversation is hard to have, and families, too, are reluctant to initiate a discussion about what Mom or Dad might want until they’re in a crisis, which isn’t the best time to make these kinds of decisions. Ideally, that conversation should begin at the kitchen table with family members, rather than in a doctor’s office.”

It’s a conversation you need to have wherever and whenever you can, and the more people you can rope into it, the better! Make this conversation a part of your Thanksgiving weekend, there will be a right moment, you just might not realize how right it was until you begin the conversation.

This is a time to be inspired, informed – to tackle our challenges in real, substantive, and scalable ways. Participating in this blog rally is just one small, yet huge, way that we can each keep that fire burning in our bellies, long after the turkey dinner is gone.

Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season. Let’s Engage with Grace together.

To learn more please go to www.engagewithgrace.org.This post was developed by Alexandra Drane and the Engage With Grace team.