Izzy Gesell M.ED, CSP knows a lot about the healing power of humor and play. With degrees in psychology and education, Izzy brings energy and joy to all he does – whether he’s working as a special education teacher, a stand-up comic, or an organizational consultant.

Izzy not only is funny in his own right but also teaches others how to use humor and play. He is the author of numerous publications including Playing Along: Group Learning Activities Borrowed From Improvisation Theater and Cancer and the Healing Power of Play.

In this podcast, Izzy talks with Helen Osborne about:

• How humor & play can add positive energy, build bridges, and create bonds.
• Knowing when, and when not, to use humor in health communication.
• Being humorous, even when you think you’re not funny.

More Ways to Learn:

• To contact Izzy Gesell and access his many resources, go to Izzy’s website at www.izzyg.com
• Osborne, H. “In Other Words…Adding A Dose of Humor to Your Patient Teaching,” On Call Magazine, July/August 2003. Available at http://www.healthliteracy.com/article.asp?PageID=3797
• Health Literacy Out Loud Podcast #5: Jan Potter Talks about Using Humor & Graphics to Convey Health Information. Available at http://www.healthliteracyoutloud.com/2008/11/17/jan-potter-talks-about-using-humor-graphics-to-convey-health-information/
• Martin, Steve (2007). Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life. Available in print and as an audio book.

Donald Rubin, PhD is Emeritus Professor of Speech Communication, of Language & Literacy Education, and of Linguistics at the University of Georgia. He is also senior researcher at that institution’s Center for Health and Risk Communication.

Much of Dr. Rubin’s work focuses on assessment, training, and analysis of oral communication, including listenability. His current research looks at 1) health literacy and health communication message design, 2) public health workforce development in communication to reduce health disparities, and 3) assessment of language proficiency among non-native speakers of English.

In this podcast, Dr. Rubin talks with Helen Osborne about:

• Interactive health literacy. How do written and spoken communication differ?
• The communication environment. How physical and linguistic aspects affect communication.
• Older adults. A research study about their distinct communication needs.
• Practical strategies. How all health professionals can invite patients/consumers to participate verbally in their health care encounters.

More ways to learn:

• You can email Dr. Rubin directly at drubin@uga.edu
• Check out work on interactive health literacy being conducted at the University of Georgia’s Center for Health and Risk Communication. See especially http://www.chrc.uga.edu/research/healthliteracy.html
• Rubin, D.L. (2008, September). “Readability is Just for Starters in Health Literacy.” Newsletter of the National Public Health Information Coalition, Volume 19, No. 5, p. 4. Available at http://www.nphic.org/news/newsletters.html?start=5
• Rubin, D.L., Hafer, T., & Arata, K.  (2000).  “Reading and Listening to Oral-Based Versus Literate-Based Discourse.” Communication Education, Volume 49, 121-134.
• Osborne, H. “Communicating When Naked: My Perspective as a Patient.” On Call magazine, May/June 2006. Available at http://www.healthliteracy.com/article.asp?PageID=4221
• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. “Quick Tips—When Talking With Your Doctor.”  Available at http://www.ahrq.gov/CONSUMER/quicktips/doctalk.htm
• American Association of Retired Persons. “How to Talk to Your Doctor.” Available at http://www.aarp.org/health/staying_healthy/prevention/a2003-03-13-talkdr.html

Click here for a transcript of this episode: (more…)