[ A Public Health Crisis ]

"How Americans Are Killing Themselves"

When I used to work for a large ad agency in mid-town Manhattan handling one of the country's largest brand of consumer goods, we had a set mandate never to position the client's message alongside anything that can be perceived as negative or controversial.

And as I now start to draft the message I plan of distributing out to the masses, I can't help but to give myself pause a chance to possibly edit myself. To not be so fanatical in the language of my writing. Then I remember an instance in which a dear friend of mine asked me if he could conduct an interview with a large consumer goods company that also happened to be a holding company for one of the leading brands of ciggarettes: "Can I also ask them why they're killing us?" (even if they were one of our advertisers).

My quick assurance was "Of course, I want to raise eyebrows - so we can initiate a much needed discussion."

Over 50% of diagnoses by medical professionals in this country is wrong. 1 out of 3 prescribed treatments are incorrect - the United States is experiencing a growing public health crisis.

I never wanted to become involved with healthcare. The world of financial services, telecommunications and media were very exciting for me. Then one day, at the age of 30, my wife was diagnosed with advanced stage breast cancer. My involvement with healthcare happened overnight...

I began to see the challenges people deal with for their treatment. I started to learn the industry from the outside barging in. And after over 200 physician engagements as part of a study I initiated 2 years ago, I began to understand both sides of the situation.

This blog will share information I gather - in collaboration with my physician and media colleagues - as we begin the foundation to a brand new health information network.

Thank you for your interest. Please visit www.FTV360.com and click on HEALTH360 to learn more.

Sincerely,

Kyle Virina