Celebrity Health Narratives and the Public Health

"We follow celebrities on Twitter and Facebook, watch them on television and read about them in supermarket checkout lines. Offering the first extensive look at celebrity health sagas, this book examines the ways in which their stories become our stories, influencing public perception and framing dialog about wellness, disease and death"--

Christina S. Beck is a professor in the School of Communication Studies at Ohio University. First vice president of the National Communication Association, she has published four award-winning books in the areas of health communication and gender. She lives in Athens, Ohio. Stellina M.A. Chapman works online with a diverse population of students as an adjunct professor for Ohio University and SUNY New Paltz. She has a strong background in health education and behavior modification. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri. Nathaniel Simmons is a communication faculty member within the General Education Department at Western Governors University. His research primarily explores public-private negotiations within health and intercultural contexts. He lives in Columbus, Ohio. Kelly E. Tenzek is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Communication at SUNY Buffalo, where she researches and teaches content related to difficult conversations. She lives in Williamsville, New York. Stephanie M. Ruhl is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Clemson University. Her research interest is in the communicative experiences of health and healing. She lives in Clemson, South Carolina.