Health Literacy Out Loud Podcast

Narrative Journalism: Stories to Make Points Clear and Compelling (HLOL #265)

[https://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Seegert-head-150x150.jpg]Liz Seegert is an award-winning, independent journalist. Liz has written about health for more than 30 years. Her main beats include aging, women’s health, social determinants of health, and health policy. Liz’s articles have appeared in dozens of national and local media outlets including Scientific American, TIME, The American Journal of Nursing, and Web MD/Medscape. Liz is the contributing editor on aging and health equity for the Association of Healthcare Journalists (AHCJ). She also co-directs two fellowship programs–mentoring and training emerging journalists in aging and in health reporting. Listen as Liz Seegert talks with Helen Osborne about: * Narrative Journalism. What it is and how narrative journalism uses real-life stories to make points clear and compelling. * Ways to include elements of narrative journalism in messages about health, public health, and health advocacy. * Recommendations from a journalist. These include tips for working with sources who let you share their stories. And examples of ways to respond when editors, lawyers, and others comment on your writing. More ways to learn: * Liz Seegert: Health Journalist/Writer [https://www.lizseegert.com/] * Liz Seegert on LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/in/lizseegert] * Liz Seegert on Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/lizseegert.bsky.social] * Association of Health Care Journalists Age Beat [https://healthjournalism.org/topic/aging/] Health Literacy from A to Z: Practical Ways to Communicate Your Health Message, Third Edition [https://healthliteracy.com/health-literacy-from-a-to-z-third-edition-practical-ways-to-communicate-your-health-message/], by Helen Osborne. The chapter “General Public: Traditional Media” is especially relevant to this podcast Read a transcript of this podcast. [https://healthliteracy.com/2025/11/03/narrative-journalism-stories-to-make-points-clear-and-compelling-hlol-265-2/] The post Narrative Journalism: Stories to Make Points Clear and Compelling (HLOL #265) [https://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com/2025/11/01/narrative-journalism-stories-to-make-points-clear-and-compelling-hlol-265/] appeared first on Health Literacy Out Loud Podcast [https://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com].

U.S. Health Literacy Association: From Silos to Synergy (HLOL #264)

[https://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/KK_Headshot2-150x150.jpeg][https://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Monique-Headshot-150x150.jpeg]Today’s two guests are leaders of the new United States Health Literacy Association (USHLA). * Karen Komondor, RN, BSN, CCRN, is the co-founder and president of USHLA. Recognized for her ongoing leadership and expertise in health literacy, Karen’s passion for this topic comes from knowing why, both personally and professionally, understandable health communication matters so much. Karen is Founder and President of Health Literacy 360, LLC, a consulting and training firm that focuses on enhancing healthcare communication practices. In all her work, Karen builds on collaboration to expand the boundaries of health literacy. * Monique Hill, MSW, is the Secretary of USHLA. She also is the Founder and Lead Consultant of HELP Solutions, a health equity consulting firm launched in 2022. Prior to this, Monique served as an Associate Professor and Health Literacy and Partnership Engagement Advisor for the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Region 2. Monique’s ongoing mission is to ensure that every community has the tools, understanding, and support to take charge of their health. Helen Osborne talks with Karen Komondor and Monique Hill about: * United States Health Literacy Association (USHLA) is a national, grassroots, non-profit organization. Its focus is to be “policy-powered” and “advocacy-driven.” * USHLA is designed as a dynamic forum where individuals and organizations can connect, collaborate, take action, and share resources to advance health literacy. It is about building synergy, rather than remaining in silos. * Opportunities and encouragement to get involved with USHLA. More ways to learn: * United States Health Literacy Association (USHLA) [https://www.ushla.org/] * Health Literacy 360, LLC [https://www.healthlit360.com/] (Karen Komondor) * Health Equity & Literacy Partnership (HELP) Solutions [https://www.linkedin.com/in/helpsolutions/] (Monique Hill) * Health Literacy definitions in Healthy People 2030 [https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/health-literacy-healthy-people-2030] * “The Value of Knowing Why Health Literacy Matters,” [https://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com/2023/05/01/the-value-of-knowing-why-health-literacy-matters-hlol-235/] HLOL podcast interview with Karen Komondor * “Learning and Teaching about Health & Insurance,” [https://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com/2014/09/16/learning-and-teaching-about-health-insurance-hlol-121/] HLOL podcast interview with Bonnie Braun Health Literacy from A to Z: Practical Ways to Communicate Your Health Message, Third Edition [https://healthliteracy.com/health-literacy-from-a-to-z-third-edition-practical-ways-to-communicate-your-health-message/], by Helen Osborne. The chapter “Organizations: Health Literacy Across Programs, Companies, Communities, and Countries” is especially relevant to this podcast. Read a transcript of this podcast. [https://healthliteracy.com/2025/10/01/u-s-health-literacy-association-from-silos-to-synergy-hlol-264-2/] The post U.S. Health Literacy Association: From Silos to Synergy (HLOL #264) [https://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com/2025/10/01/u-s-health-literacy-association-from-silos-to-synergy-hlol-264/] appeared first on Health Literacy Out Loud Podcast [https://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com].

Re-Airing: Health in the Context of People’s Lives (HLOL #263)

[https://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/CAPT-REED-8X10--150x150.jpeg]Helen is taking a break to recover from back surgery, so we’re re-running some classic episodes. Here’s one from 2024. Rear Admiral (RDML) Paul Reed, MD is the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health, the Director of the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, a pediatrician, and a senior U.S. Public Health Service Officer. His primary responsibility is to advise the Assistant Secretary for Health on disease prevention and health promotion programs and policies. Additionally, RDML Reed provides direction and oversight for national health initiatives such as Healthy People 2030, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, and the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition. In this podcast, RDML Paul Reed talks with Helen Osborne about: * Finding health in context of people’s lives including in the environments where they live, work, play, grow, and age. * Reframing health in terms of vital conditions for well-being and justice. * Building resilience within communities and encouraging citizens to flex their “civic muscles” so as to help everyone reach their full potential. More ways to Learn: * Health.gov [https://health.gov/our-work/national-health-initiatives/health-literacy]. Includes important links to health literacy information and resources. From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. * Health Literacy in Healthy People 2030 [https://health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/health-literacy-healthy-people-2030]. Includes the health literacy definitions and objectives in this U.S. public health initiative. From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. * Vital Conditions for Health and Well-Being Framework [https://health.gov/our-work/national-health-initiatives/equitable-long-term-recovery-and-resilience/framework], from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. * “Health and Well-Being Begin with Health Literacy”, [https://health.gov/news/202110/health-and-well-being-begin-health-literacy] a blog post by RDML Paul Reed, October 12, 2021 * “Organizations Have an Opportunity to Enhance Health Literacy”, [https://health.gov/news/202110/health-and-well-being-begin-health-literacy] a blog post by RDML Paul Reed, October 25, 2022. * “Living Artful Lives to Enhance Health and Well-Being”, [https://health.gov/news/202303/living-artful-lives-enhance-health-and-well-being] a blog post by RDML Paul Reed, March 28, 2023. * “Establishing Equitable Resilience Requires Shared Stewardship”, [https://health.gov/news/202301/establishing-equitable-resilience-requires-shared-stewardship] a blog post by RDML Paul Reed, January 30, 2023 * “Akron-Summit County Public Library and Healthy People: Prioritizing Educational Opportunities for Community Members”, [https://health.gov/news/202212/akron-summit-county-public-library-and-healthy-people-prioritizing-educational-opportunities-community-members] a blog post that is part of Healthy People 2020 in Review, December 5, 2022 * “Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry and Healthy People: Repairing Homes to Help Ensure Safety and Independence”, [https://health.gov/news/202211/wilmington-area-rebuilding-ministry-and-healthy-people-repairing-homes-help-ensure-safety-and-independence] a blog post that is part of Healthy People 2020 in Review, November 9, 2022. * “Sacramento Public Library and Healthy People: Prioritizing Health Literacy to Meet Community Members’ Needs”, [https://health.gov/news/202210/sacramento-public-library-and-healthy-people-prioritizing-health-literacy-meet-community-members-needs] a blog post that is part of Healthy People 2020 in Review, October 26, 2022. Health Literacy from A to Z: Practical Ways to Communicate Your Health Message, Third Edition [https://healthliteracy.com/health-literacy-from-a-to-z-third-edition-practical-ways-to-communicate-your-health-message/], by Helen Osborne. Especially relevant to this podcast are the chapters, “Community Connections,” “Health Equity in the Context of Health Literacy,” and “Organizations: Health Literacy Across Programs, Companies, Communities, and Countries.” Read a transcript of this podcast. [https://healthliteracy.com/2024/02/13/health-in-context-of-peoples-lives-hlol-244-2/] The post Re-Airing: Health in the Context of People’s Lives (HLOL #263) [https://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com/2025/09/01/re-airing-health-in-the-context-of-peoples-lives-hlol-263/] appeared first on Health Literacy Out Loud Podcast [https://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com].

Re-Airing: When Patients Create Their Own Medical Binders: A Powerful Way to Get Organized and Feel More in Control (HLOL #262)

[/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Gaglio-photo-150x150.jpg]Helen is taking a break to recover from back surgery, so we’re re-running some classic episodes. Here’s one from 2019. Bridget Gaglio PhD, MPH is a Senior Program Officer for the Clinical Effectiveness and Decision Science program at the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). She works to improve communication and dissemination of evidence-based information among patients and their healthcare providers. Gaglio has published papers on patient-centered communication, health literacy, and dissemination and implementation of health interventions. But this podcast isn’t about that. Rather, it’s about experiences and lessons Bridget and Helen each learned as patients. In this podcast, Helen Osborne talks with Bridget Gaglio about: * Becoming a patient can happen in a moment, whether from an accident or unexpected diagnosis. Some reasons that communication can be very hard, even for patients who are good readers and savvy about health. * Why to create your own medical binder and what to include. How such binders (on paper, electronic, or both) can help patients feel empowered and more in control. * Tips, suggestions, and lessons learned for patients and providers, alike. More Ways to Learn: * PCORI’s Advisory Panel on Clinical Effectiveness and Decision Science [https://www.pcori.org/engagement/engage-us/pcoris-advisory-panels/advisory-panel-clinical-effectiveness-and-decision-0]. * “Health Literacy—An Important Element in Patient-Centered Outcomes Research,” [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10810730.2016.1184359#aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGFuZGZvbmxpbmUuY29tL2RvaS9wZGYvMTAuMTA4MC8xMDgxMDczMC4yMDE2LjExODQzNTk/bmVlZEFjY2Vzcz10cnVlQEBAMA==]by Bridget Gaglio, published in The Journal of Health Communication, September 26, 2016. * “Health Literacy Out Loud podcast, “After Visit Summaries (HLOL #152).” [/2016/07/01/after-visit-summaries-hlol-152/]An interview with Alex Federman, MD, MPH. July 1, 2016. Health Literacy from A to Z: Practical Ways to Communicate Your Health Message, Second Edition (updated 2018), [https://www.amazon.com/Health-Literacy-Practical-Communicate-Message/dp/1947937138/ref=dp_ob_title_bk]by Helen Osborne. Chapter 5 is especially relevant to this podcast, “Communicating When Patients Feel Scared, Sick, and Overwhelmed.” Read the transcript of this podcast. [https://healthliteracy.com/2019/09/01/when-patients-create-their-own-medical-binders-a-powerful-way-to-get-organized-and-feel-more-in-control-hlol-190/] The post Re-Airing: When Patients Create Their Own Medical Binders: A Powerful Way to Get Organized and Feel More in Control (HLOL #262) [https://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com/2025/08/01/re-airing-when-patients-create-their-own-medical-binders-a-powerful-way-to-get-organized-and-feel-more-in-control-hlol-262/] appeared first on Health Literacy Out Loud Podcast [https://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com].

Age-Friendly Health Systems (HLOL #261)

[https://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/L_PeltonHeadshot2_forwebsite-150x150.jpeg]Leslie J. Pelton, MPA is a senior program officer at The John A. Hartford Foundation, where she oversees grants that are transforming care for older adults and family caregivers through the Age-Friendly Health Systems movement. Prior to this, Leslie was vice president at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, where she collaborated with funders, national partners and leading health systems to design and spread Age-Friendly Health Systems. As of May 2025, more than 5,200 hospitals, medical practices, nursing homes, clinics, and home health care agencies, this movement is committed to delivering evidence-based care to reduce harm and align with what matters to older patients and their caregivers. Listen as Leslie Pelton talks with Helen Osborne about: * Age-Friendly Health Systems. What these systems are, where they happen, why they matter throughout the continuum of care * The essential 4Ms of Age-Friendly Health Systems: 1) What Matters 2) Medication 3) Mentation 4) Mobility * How clinicians, older adults, family caregivers, healthcare facilities, community organizations and others can routinely use the 4Ms of age-friendly care More ways to learn: * Age-Friendly Health Systems [https://www.ihi.org/networks/initiatives/age-friendly-health-systems] * My Health Checklist [https://www.ihi.org/my-health-checklist] * The John A. Hartford Foundation [https://www.johnahartford.org/] * IHI (Institute for Healthcare Improvement) [https://www.ihi.org/] * Care Compare: Doctors and Clinicians Initiative [https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/physician-compare-initiative] (CMS) Health Literacy from A to Z: Practical Ways to Communicate Your Health Message, Third Edition [https://healthliteracy.com/health-literacy-from-a-to-z-third-edition-practical-ways-to-communicate-your-health-message/], by Helen Osborne. The chapter “Know Your Audience: Older Adults” is especially relevant to this podcast. Read a transcript of this podcast. [https://healthliteracy.com/2025/07/07/age-friendly-health-systems-hlol-261-2/] The post Age-Friendly Health Systems (HLOL #261) [https://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com/2025/07/01/age-friendly-health-systems-hlol-261/] appeared first on Health Literacy Out Loud Podcast [https://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com].