Better Conversations, Better Health

   Why do personal stories matter? Personal narratives move people on a different level that facts can not. Whether it is managing stress, trying to quit a nasty habit, or getting vaccinated, people want a sense of community. Storytelling takes hard to absorb health information into relatable experiences, which can inspire change.      Storytelling isn't just a form of art, it is a science. Stories activate several different areas of the brain, including regions associated with emotions and memory. Additionally, our brains try and replicate the experiences we hear about. This allows for empathy, which is a key motivator for behavior change. The more we are pulled into a story, the more likely we are to take action or shift our current beliefs.      In recent years, there has been many examples of real life experiences. One of the most powerful storytelling campaign was #ThisIsMyShot, which was in reference to Covid-19 vaccine shots. This movement ...

  Messages surrounding mental health often oversimplify the journey mental health care takes. While the common phrase "get help" is well intentioned, it can unintentionally come across judgemental and tone deaf. In order to have effective mental health communication, we must acknowledge the diverse emotional, cultural, and financial barriers that individual's may face.  Why is saying "just get help" not enough? While on the surface this saying can seem like good advice. However, this saying can increase the oversimplification of mental health illnesses.     Additionally, this phrase assumes that everyone has access. In reality, access to mental health isn't always easy. Therapy and counseling services can be quite expensive, and not all those in need can afford it. In addition, many mental health providers have extensive wait times.      Even if therapy, is accessible to the patients, this phrase can ignore the emotional strain surrounding seeking...

      As we age, we are faced with a numerous of unique health challenges. From chronic illnesses to managing their Medicare, the elderly needs support. While information is often discussed to elderly patients, oftentimes the information can go over there head due to poor choice of words or inproper tone.      Why is language so important when discussing health with seniors? Seniors tend to respond better to clear and concise language. Limiting the usage of jargon can allow for clearly communication. A crucial idea to remember when talking to the elderly, is to explain the situation plainly, but avoid talking down to them. Additionally, breaking down complex instructions into step-by-step instructions is helpful. Using positive language is also beneficial, the idea is to focus on their independence not reduce it.      Tone is important to maintain trust as well as reassurance for patients. The key to tone when dealing with older patients is s...

                In today's society healthcare is a very fast-paced environment. Technology and efficiency often times take the front stage in this field. While efficiency is a prime concern in healthcare, empathy is still just as important. Empathy is the ability to understand and feel another's emotions. What does empathy mean in healthcare? Well in healthcare, empathy is necessary in recognizing a patient's emotions as well as responding in a compassionate and caring way.           Empathy goes beyond the clinical scope of the medical field. It is about making patients feel heard, understood, and cared about. Empathy can have several benefits healthcare, such as better treatment and improved patient outcomes. A small act such as keeping eye contact or using actively listening can make a huge impact on patient satisfaction. When patients feel understood, they are more likely to share all of their symptoms and pa...