M
uch like the spa and medical field partnership that is seen forging today,
there’s a seemingly strong bond between generosity and health. Many
willingly give when the social cause being championed relates to health
issues, such as cancer, obesity or heart disease. In fact, based on
Dynamics of Cause Engagement (see sidebar on page 26), a study conducted by Ogilvy Public
Relations Worldwide and Georgetown University’s Center for Social Impact Communication,
breast cancer, heart disease and diabetes rank high in the social causes Americans have wide
knowledge of and are involved in.
On a global scale, these health issues affect a majority of the population. In a report published
on globalissues.org, 36 million deaths each year are reportedly caused by noncommunicable
diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic lung diseases (a quarter
of these take place before the age of 60).
It is not surprising then for the spa industry, given its commitment to spread the message of a healthy lifestyle, to support a
cause that is closest to its heart—health.
December 2011
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