The director of the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) today announced that the department has added webcasts on its Web site in an effort to further communicate its health message to Michigan residents.

"We want to continue to use innovative ways to connect with all Michigan residents and this new feature will help us accomplish this goal," said MDCH Director Janet Olszewski. "Our webcasts will be in line with our overall mission of promoting health. It is important to reach residents using all avenues of communication and this tool will enhance our outreach."

Webcast, a form of broadcasting on the Internet using streaming media technology, will be available for Web site visitors to view to help keep current with Michigan health events and issues. The webcasts will feature tips and information on various topics such as the benefits of maintaining a healthy heart, Alzheimer's disease, Holiday Safety and the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The webcasts will complement the podcasts, which were added to the Web site in February. Both tools will be updated regularly to accompany various events and news related to health issues in Michigan. To view the webcasts, listen to the podcasts and learn more about MDCH's initiatives, please visit the Web site at www.michigan.gov/mdch.