AAFP Taps YouTube to Reach Consumers With Men's Health Message

For the first time, users of the Internet phenomenon YouTube can learn a little about men's health, the personal medical home and the Academy's consumer site familydoctor.org -- thanks to an AAFP video clip posted recently on YouTube and other video-sharing Web sites.

In the clip, AAFP President Rick Kellerman, M.D., of Wichita, Kan., discusses findings from a men's health survey conducted recently by Harris Interactive on behalf of the AAFP. Kellerman also encourages viewers to visit familydoctor.org for accurate health information. The clip was recorded as part of an AAFP "satellite media tour" focusing on release of the survey results. The media tour was part of the Academy's strategic outreach surrounding Men's Health Month.

"We made the bold move of posting the clip on YouTube, Google Video and YourUpdate.TV because these video-sharing sites are popular with millions of people who might not use traditional media," said Cynthia Stapp, AAFP's public relations senior manager. "We're exploring additional uses of these next-generation media to help young people grasp the value of family medicine."

Each month, an estimated 20 million individuals visit YouTube, according to the site. YouTube includes movie and TV clips, music videos, and amateur content such as short original videos.

Similar content is posted on Google Video and YourUpdate.TV.