What I learned from Dr. Oz

Dr. Mehmet Oz, "America's Doctor," was kind enough to have a video conference with my class last week. I'd seen him on Opera in the past and was curious as to what this acclaimed doctor would talk about.

The lasting message made my day: Journalists do make a difference.

Oz told us that it was our patriotic duty to improve health care in America. He spoke about the need for journalist to report accurate, fun health stories.

The two ways he suggested to improve health writing were 1) using humor. People love to laugh and humor makes a story even about a dry topic enjoyable. 2) Busting myths. People love to hear about myths and if they're fact or fiction. It's a tried and true story and it works.

Throughout the questions and answer period, Oz gave insightful answers on a number of different topics from possible pregnancy to journalists role in health and continually gave more tips as to how to get health messages to the public through writing.

Metaphors work great, he said. Almost everyone thinks in metaphors.

Lastly, how do you know if you're a good health writer? When someone shares your information with someone else you've done your job.

Thanks Dr. Oz