HealthEd 4 Everyone
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healthed4everyone.bsky.social
HealthEd 4 Everyone
@healthed4everyone.bsky.social
110 followers 440 following 180 posts
Reviewed by doctors. Designed for everyone. No medical jargon. 501c3 located in Michigan
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healthed4everyone.bsky.social
Writing down what you want to talk about helps your provider know what's going on and not miss anything.

Share your full list, but let them know which concerns matter most to you. You can put them at the top, put a star next to them, or mark them however works for you.

Read more: buff.ly/6glBjEy
Handwritten list titled "Concerns for my appointment" with starred priorities including back pain, new headache, and blood pressure medicine, each with details. Additional items without stars: trouble sleeping, swelling in ankles, taking care of mom, need a referral.
February 3, 2026 at 12:58 AM
healthed4everyone.bsky.social
Ever think about how you're breathing right now? Wait, now you are. Your lungs have been working this whole time!

Your lungs bring oxygen into your body and kick out the waste gas (carbon dioxide). If you have too much carbon dioxide in your body, you feel short of breath and breathe faster.
Cartoon lungs with faces holding hands. Text reads "We're Inspiring" and "Even when you forget about us - Your lungs"
February 1, 2026 at 3:42 PM
healthed4everyone.bsky.social
If you bring a list of concerns to your appointment, it can help to let your provider know how you'd like them to use it.

Don't worry if you forget some of it. Even if you just hand them your list, they should help you figure out what to focus on.

Read the full post: buff.ly/6glBjEy
Patient and doctor in conversation. Speech bubble with text: "Have a list of concerns for your doctor? Here's one way to share it" followed by an example of what to say.
January 31, 2026 at 3:33 PM
healthed4everyone.bsky.social
A lot of first-session anxiety comes from not knowing what to expect. So here's the short version: it's mostly a conversation.

Your therapist will ask some questions, you can ask some too, and you'll start to figure out if it's a good fit.

Learn more: healthed4everyone.org/mental-healt...
Illustration of a therapy session with two people sitting in chairs facing each other. The therapist has a calm spiral in their speech bubble while the client has a tangled scribble, hands covering their face. Text reads: "What happens in your first therapy session?" Text reads: "It's mostly about getting to know each other. You will usually talk about: what brought you to therapy, your goals, what type of help might work best, what to expect." Text reads: "You can ask questions too. You may want to ask: How do sessions usually work? What experience do you have with [what I'm dealing with]? How would you help me with what I'm facing?" Text reads: "It's okay if you can't explain why you're there. It's okay to say something like 'I'm not sure why I'm here' or 'I don't know what's wrong.' Your therapist can help you figure it out."
January 27, 2026 at 12:58 AM
healthed4everyone.bsky.social
Your gallbladder stores bile, which helps break down fats. Pretty helpful, right?

But sometimes it makes you little presents: gallstones. Most people don't know they have them. But sometimes they can cause a lot of pain.

Thankfully, you can live without your gallbladder if it's too troublesome.
Cartoon gallbladder shaped like a pear with arms and a smile. Text reads "I thought you'd like this Love, your gallbladder"
January 25, 2026 at 3:42 PM
healthed4everyone.bsky.social
When you share all of your concerns upfront, you and your provider can:
- Find connections between symptoms you didn't realize were related
- Decide what needs attention sooner
- Make a plan for anything you can't cover today

buff.ly/6glBjEy
Patient and provider talking in an exam room. Text: "Share your concerns at the beginning of your appointment. Don't wait until the end."
January 24, 2026 at 3:33 PM
healthed4everyone.bsky.social
Not sure what to bring up at your next appointment? We made a list to help you brainstorm. If something's on your mind that's not on this list, write it down anyway.

Read our 5-minute prep guide: healthed4everyone.org/2026/01/16/d...
Notepad and pen with title "Preparing for Your Appointment?" and a list of topics: New Problem, Old Problem, Medicines, Stress at home or work, Personal Concern, Form or Referral.
January 20, 2026 at 12:58 AM
healthed4everyone.bsky.social
Going to your first therapy appointment? One less thing to worry about — you don't need to bring much. ID, insurance card if you have one, and any paperwork they sent you.

Learn more at buff.ly/cHobIMb

#startingtherapy #therapy #mentalhealthmatters #therapytips
Illustration of a person in a green shirt with a confused expression and hands raised in a shrug. Text reads: "What do I bring to my first therapy appointment?" Text reads: "Bring: ID, Insurance card (if you have one), Any paperwork they sent you. Fill out as much as you can. You can always ask for help. That's it. That's the list." Text reads: "If you want to prepare, you can also bring: a list of current medications, questions you want to ask, notes on what's been bothering you. But none of this is required."
January 18, 2026 at 3:42 PM
healthed4everyone.bsky.social
Nervous about sharing your concerns in person? Send them through your patient portal before your appointment.

Your provider should see it beforehand. Still bring a copy in case they didn't get to it.

Learn more about bringing up your concerns: buff.ly/6glBjEy
Email draft interface addressed to Care Team with a sample message about sharing concerns before an appointment.
January 17, 2026 at 3:33 PM
healthed4everyone.bsky.social
Your heart loves when you move. Yes, it loves to run. BUT it also loves when you move throughout the day! Even just getting up for 5 minutes every hour helps your heart.

Tag someone who needs a reminder that movement during the day is important
Cartoon heart with arms and legs running on a treadmill. Text reads "I thrive on heart-core workouts"
January 14, 2026 at 2:25 AM
healthed4everyone.bsky.social
We all know sleep is important. But did you know your brain is cleaned while you sleep? A fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) washes away any waste products that built up during the day. It's like taking out the trash.
Cartoon brain relaxing under a shower with "Z" letters floating above. Text reads "I need 8 hours of braintenance"
January 11, 2026 at 2:30 PM
healthed4everyone.bsky.social
Nervous before your therapy appointment? Here are some things that can help.

And if none of this helps? Let your therapist know. They can help you figure out what works for you.

Read our whole post on managing healthcare anxiety - healthed4everyone.org/managing-med...
Illustration of a person in a green shirt with hands on their head looking anxious. Text reads: "Feeling anxious before your therapy appointment? Here are a few things that can help." Text reads: "Temperature Change. Splash cold water on your face or hold something cold. This brings your attention back to your body. If you want something warm, bring a hand warmer. This works when the temperature first changes. So, don't hold it the whole time." Text reads: "Grounding Exercise. Notice: 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch or feel, 3 sounds, 2 smells, 1 taste (or think about something you like to taste)." Text reads: "Bring Something for Your Hands. A fidget toy, a stress ball, or even just a pen. You can use it in the waiting room or during the session. This helps focus some of your energy and attention."
January 10, 2026 at 2:06 PM
healthed4everyone.bsky.social
Your bladder can stretch so you might be able to finish the movie. Might. No promises if you got the large drink.

#bodyeducation #funfacts #healthliteracy
Cartoon bladder sitting in a movie theater seat holding a drink. Thought bubble says "I always forget I have a small bladder"
January 10, 2026 at 1:12 AM
healthed4everyone.bsky.social
This year's flu vaccine isn't a perfect match, but it still helps. Our January newsletter breaks down what that means and how to protect yourself this season.

healthed4everyone.org/2026/01/06/j...

#FluSeason #FluVaccine #HealthLiteracy #PublicHealth #HealthEducation
Blue envelope with letter showing "Monthly Newsletter" and text: "This year's flu vaccine isn't a perfect match. Here's why it still helps."
January 6, 2026 at 3:25 PM
healthed4everyone.bsky.social
What if I don't know what to say in therapy?

If you've ever frozen up, gone blank, or been too overwhelmed to find words, you're not alone.

Here are some phrases for those moments 🧵

healthed4everyone.org/2025/12/11/f...
Illustration of a person in a yellow sweater with a worried expression, hand on chin, surrounded by question marks. Text reads: "What if I don't know what to say in therapy?" Text reads: "This is common! You might worry you'll: say the wrong thing, look silly or dramatic, not 'do therapy right,' have to talk about things before you're ready." Text reads: "It's okay to be quiet or not know what to say. But, if you want to say something, these phrases can help." A button says "Swipe for ideas."
January 4, 2026 at 2:30 PM
healthed4everyone.bsky.social
Your spleen doesn't get much credit, but it's out here fighting for you.

The spleen is part of your immune system that lives on your left side, tucked under your ribs. It stops some serious bacteria from making you sick. You can live without a spleen thanks to vaccines.
Cartoon spleen wearing boxing gloves with knocked out bacteria at its feet. Text reads "I'm espleenly tough - Your Spleen"
January 3, 2026 at 2:06 PM
healthed4everyone.bsky.social
One of the most common questions about therapy: is everything confidential?

Short answer: yes. Most therapy conversations are private. Your therapist usually needs your written permission to talk to anyone about you.

🧵 About therapy & confidentiality 👇🏼
Text reads: "Is everything confidential in therapy? Yes, most therapy conversations are private." A button says "Learn More." Text reads: "Your therapist usually needs permission. Most of the time, you need to give written permission for your therapist to talk to anyone about you."
January 3, 2026 at 1:12 AM
healthed4everyone.bsky.social
That tiny butterfly-shaped gland in your neck called the thyroid? It's the conductor of your body's orchestra. It tells most of your body to do more or less.

It can change your heart rate, how awake you feel, how quickly you digest food, and more. When your thyroid slows down, everything slows down
Cartoon thyroid shaped like a butterfly conducting an orchestra. Text reads "If I slow down, everyone slows down - your thyroid"
December 20, 2025 at 1:12 AM
healthed4everyone.bsky.social
Nervous about your first therapy appointment? That doesn't mean therapy isn't right for you. It means you're about to do something hard.

A good therapist gets this. You can be anxious, awkward, or unsure.

Read the whole post: healthed4everyone.org/2025/12/11/f...
Illustration of a woman in a coral shirt with her hands on her temples looking stressed, with squiggly lines above her head. Text reads: "Is it normal to be nervous before your first therapy session?" Text reads: "Yes, this is normal and common. Many people feel: worried they'll cry, scared they won't know what to say, embarrassed about needing help, nervous about opening up." Text reads: "A good therapist understands how hard therapy can be. Their job is to help you through this. All you have to do is show up."
December 17, 2025 at 2:25 AM
healthed4everyone.bsky.social
Meet the pancreas, the organ that controls the sugar in your body.

Eat a meal? Your pancreas releases insulin to send sugar into your cells.

Blood sugar getting low? It tells your body to send sugar into your blood.

Your pancreas is running the sugar supply all day long. The ultimate boss move.
Cartoon pancreas behind a desk with jars of sugar and candy. Arms raised like a boss. Text reads "Want sugar? Ask the pancreboss"
December 15, 2025 at 10:39 PM
healthed4everyone.bsky.social
You don't need to be distressed or in crisis to go to therapy.

You could go to understand yourself better, improve your relationships, get support through a challenging time, or build coping skills.
Illustration of a person in a yellow shirt with hand on chin in a thinking pose, with a question mark beside them. Text reads: "Can I go to therapy if you feel fine?" Text reads: "Absolutely! Therapy isn't just for a crisis. Some reasons people go include: Understand themselves better, Improve relationships, Build coping skills, Work on personal growth, Get support through a challenging situation."
December 13, 2025 at 2:06 PM
healthed4everyone.bsky.social
Your stomach has acid in it. Seriously strong acid that kills bacteria and breaks down our food.

How does the stomach protect itself? It makes a thick layer of mucus (you have a different kind of mucus in your nose). This protects the wall of the stomach.

Pretty wild, right?
Cartoon stomach wearing goggles and holding a bottle labeled "DANGER ACID" and pizza. Text reads "I Can Stomach Anything"
December 13, 2025 at 1:12 AM
healthed4everyone.bsky.social
Lab results are confusing! They're displayed like they're good or bad. But most blood tests need to be looked at based on your other tests and health to know what they mean. And sometimes they're flagged "abnormal" but are okay.

Learn more: healthed4everyone.org/2025/12/01/a...

#MedSky
Why "Abnormal" Lab Results Don't Always Mean Something Is Wrong
Saw an "abnormal" flag on your lab results? Don't panic. Learn why healthy people get flagged, what reference ranges really mean, and when to call your doctor.
healthed4everyone.org
December 8, 2025 at 10:39 PM
healthed4everyone.bsky.social
The small intestine has a complaint: nobody gives it credit. In fact, many people don't even know it exists!

But the small intestine is where most of the nutrients from food are absorbed into your body. It's the section between your stomach and your large intestine, quietly doing the heavy lifting.
Cartoon small intestine looking frustrated with speech bubble saying "But I do all the work!" Text reads "I may be small, but I'm mighty"
December 7, 2025 at 2:30 PM
healthed4everyone.bsky.social
Ever see an abnormal alert on your lab results and panic? Even healthy people have abnormal results. Labs set "normal" using 95% of healthy people tested, so 5% fall outside it. With 20 blood tests, there's a 38% chance one comes back high or low.

#MedSky
Why "Abnormal" Lab Results Don't Always Mean Something Is Wrong
Saw an "abnormal" flag on your lab results? Don't panic. Learn why healthy people get flagged, what reference ranges really mean, and when to call your doctor.
healthed4everyone.org
December 6, 2025 at 1:12 AM