Robin Roberts to Host First Annual WebMD Health Hero Awards Event - Michael J. Fox to Receive Hall of Fame Award

WebMD Health Corp. (NASDAQ: WBMD), the leading source of health information, today announced that Good Morning America co-anchor, Robin Roberts will host the first annual WebMD Health Hero Awards in New York City on November 6, 2014, and that Michael J. Fox will receive WebMD’s first Health Hero Hall of Fame Award.  WebMD’s Health Hero Awards are presented to a group of accomplished and inspiring individuals who have helped change the healthcare landscape by meeting a health challenge and giving back to others.  In addition to honoring Fox, WebMD will also honor Health Hero Award winners in the following categories: Activist, Philanthropist, Prodigy, Scientist, and People’s Choice.

“WebMD is proud to honor Michael J. Fox with our first Hall of Fame award for galvanizing the research community around finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease, and for his tireless advocacy on behalf of patients everywhere,” said David Schlanger, Chief Executive Officer, WebMD.  “We are also excited that Robin Roberts, a real hero in her own right and a source of inspiration to many, will help us celebrate all six of this year’s Health Heroes during what promises to be a very special evening devoted to those who are improving the health of the nation.”   

In addition to this year’s Hall of Fame Award Winner, WebMD’s editorial team, comprised of board-certified healthcare professionals and award-winning journalists has selected health heroes in the following four categories:

• Activist: Someone who makes a difference in the community, whether that means a city, state, nation, or a group of people who all have the same disease or the same health goal.
• Scientist: A doctor, researcher, or other bright mind that is thinking outside the box to find a wow-factor answer to a complex medical problem.
• Prodigy:  Whether by spreading the word about a worthy issue; helping others boost their wellness; or coming up with a way to improve care, this young person -- under 21 -- is changing the game.
• Philanthropist: Charitable giving at this level is about more than handing out funds. This person, family, or nonprofit takes a leadership role, raises the bar, and draws eyes to a cause on a major scale.

In conjunction with the 10th anniversary of WebMD Magazine, WebMD will also recognize a People’s Choice award winner this year.  WebMD’s editors chose 10 celebrities who had previously appeared on the cover of WebMD Magazine, and invited the public to vote for its choice.  At the time WebMD ran his or her story, each celebrity was passionately involved in an important health cause. Today, each continues to do good work to better the health and wellness of many people.

WebMD’s Health Heroes will each receive a $10,000 donation from WebMD to his or her cause, and be featured in the November/ December issue ofWebMD Magazine.  You can read more about past WebMD Health Heroes and this year’s People’s Choice finalists at: www.webmd.com/healthheroes.  WebMD will announce the names of the remaining 2014 Health Hero Awards winners on October 21. 

Highlights from Consumer Reports' November issue

Highlights from Consumer Reports' November issue, the first issue as part of the revamp, will feature: 

COVER STORY: How America Shops Now (pg. 26): After seven years of cutting back, consumers are finally opening their wallets again. But the recession has changed the country's buying habits—big-time. Consumer Reports recently asked shoppers from around the country for insights on how they spend in the new normal. And many of the answers were surprising.

The Debut of Your ADVOCATE (pg. 7): This eight-page section contains new and expanded editorial features, including:

• CEO Q&A: Features the head of a major brand answering readers' questions. This month, General Motors CEO Mary Barra covers topics ranging from the recent GM recalls to the future of the Cadillac.
• Problem Solver: Each month, Consumer Reports solves an individual reader's problem, with a takeaway that all readers can benefit from. The November issue reports on how a recent Verizon service "bargain" really wasn't such a great deal—until Consumer Reports stepped in.
• Reader Roundtable: Consumer Reports experts chat live on Facebook with readers. The best tips appear in the magazine. In the November issue, senior electronics editor Jim Wilcox offers advice on upgrading your TV this holiday season.
• Gripe-O-Meter: Consumer Reports' exclusive polls take America's temperature on everything from travel to TV—and Gripe-O-Meter displays the findings in a compelling, full-page graphic. In November, Gripe-O-Meter tackles the topic of holiday travel, and why it's so awful.
• The Empowered Consumer: Offers insider tips on a specific industry. This month, the report reveals the inside secrets of frequent flyer programs.
• Heroes and Watchdogs: Highlights ordinary people who have done extraordinary acts.
• Get Involved: Provides specific, practical ways that consumers can take action.

The issue also debuts the expanded Road Report, Consumer Reports' auto coverage that now includes monthly articles on how to maintain your car, and improved product reviews which include easier-to-read ratings charts and buying information tailored to different buyers' needs. There's also the useful and fun-to-readBest and Worst of 2014, as well as in-depth look at the outrageous costs of healthcare—and what you can do about it.

"The November issue is the start of a new conversation with our readers. Based on the feedback we get from them, we'll be making more changes in the coming months," said Ms. Kampinsky. But despite how the magazine changes, she says, "we'll remain unbiased and unbought. And we promise never, ever to put the Kardashians on the cover."

SOURCE: Consumer Reports