Category: Healthcare

In the context of health equity and equality the word intersection refers to the many different aspects/characteristics in one’s life that cross over or intersect that identify the individual’s current state. It is important when providing care the provider meets the patient at that intersection or at least recognize they are there. It’s important because…

Health literacy thought leaders are sounding the alarm to increase health literacy levels for organizations and individuals. Some refer to low health literacy levels as a silent epidemic, a conclusion resulting from reports that 80 million American have limited or low health literacy levels. The word “silent” applies simply because a number of health organizations…

I’m not sure who coined that phrase. I was witness to this truth as an employer terminated over 150 people without warning. We think we have time. We think we have stability and some control. When it comes to healthcare decisions, we may not have control and we may not have warning. So prepare your…

What will the second part of this year bring? I am thinking about what that will look like. I always find it amazing to look back a year and see the unexpected changes that occurred. So now I’m trying to be intentional every six months in breaking down what has happened and what I would…

Everyone can be distracted. We know within the context of healthcare , two or more people (ex. doctor and patient) exchange information at each encounter. Multiple reasons to be distracted. But during this important exchange of information, communication is lost when our minds drift off to “What’s for dinner?”; or “I gotta call her.” ;…

I was talking to my mother about a problem she is having with her shoulder. Upon inspection I noticed a lump. I asked her if she had any fatty cyst removed before ? She said no but then explained she had this lump on her back removed a few years ago. I remarked, that’s what…

More than 100,000 people die each year from taking the wrong medicine Another 46% make mistakes, according to a report from the Institute of Medicine. This can be corrected using improvement processes and educational programs. Patients, caregivers, and family members- empowered yourself by asking: What am I taking? Why am I taking this medication? How…

That was the Word last night from Pastor Nikki. She was generally saying, you show up and God will do the work. I’m thinking in terms of providing services in healthcare- show up! Don’t talk to a patient /family half paying attention , half listening, half judging, half way in the room and half way…

Companion planting involves growing different species close together to offer benefits. Sometimes the benefits are mutual and sometimes the benefits are one-sided. HealthSpeak can be your companion in navigating health literacy. You share your experience and goals, in return HealthSpeak will provide education to grow your ability to understand health information. The fruits of understanding…

Health inequality can be hidden in front of your eyes. This week a practitioner used the phrase “those people probably”. That’s a dangerous clause. And when you have power and influence to spread your stereotyped convictions, you have a systemic, metastatic condition called health inequity and inequality. The scary part is physicians give advice ,…